How to restart a Xiaomi smartphone without a power button: from simple ways to technical life hacks

A broken power button on Xiaomi is a problem that many smartphone owners of the brand know about: it can become numb after a fall, when it gets moisture, or just wears out over time. But what if the phone freezes, doesn't respond to touch, and the physical power button doesn't work? Forced reboot is the only way to bring the device back to life.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible Xiaomi reboot methods (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) without using the power button, from basic keyboard shortcuts to advanced technical techniques with ADB and service commands. Importantly, some methods require pre-preparedness (such as USB debugging enabled), so read carefully.

If your smartphone is completely discharged or is not showing signs of life, check the charging first — connect it to the network for 10-15 minutes. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved by a banal lack of power to start. But if the charging indicator is on and the screen remains black, go to the methods below.

1. Keyboard shortcuts for emergency reboot

The fastest way to reboot Xiaomi without the power button is to use hardware keyboard shortcuts, which work even on a locked screen if the sensor responds to touch. Try these combinations in order:

• 🔄 Hold the volume button. + The volume button is reduced simultaneously for 10-15 seconds on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) It triggers the reboot menu.
• 📱 Press the volume button. + volume-cut + Home button (if it's physical, like on the Mi) 5s). Hold until the vibration or appearance of the Mi logo.
• ⚡ Connect the charger and press both volume buttons at the same time (MIUI 12+) It works like a forced reset.

If the pairings didn’t work, don’t despair — maybe your model uses a different algorithm, for example, on Black Shark, you need to hold the volume button + touch button of game mode (if you have one) to reboot.

Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some keyboard shortcuts may be disabled by default due to security policy, in which case only connecting to a PC or disassembling the case (more on this below) will help.

2.Reboot via Recovery menu (if screen is running)

If the smartphone is turned on but the power button is not responding, you can restart it via Recovery mode, which is suitable for devices with a desktop screen and a sensor.

1. Turn off your phone via the menu (if possible) or wait for the battery to drain before it turns off.
2. Connect the charger and immediately press the volume button + power button (yes, even if it is broken, sometimes mechanical circuiting works).
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume button until you see the Recovery menu.
4. In the menu, select Reboot → Reboot to System (control is done by volume buttons, confirmation by power button or touch if the sensor is working).

If the power button is completely faulty, try an alternative way to log in to Recovery:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge.
• 🔊 Press the volume button and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This causes a forced entry into the Recovery.

Make sure the battery is at least 20% charged

Connect the original charger

Know the key combination for your model

Do not interrupt the process until the menu appears-->

Warning: Do not click on Wipe Data or Factory Reset on the Recovery menu unless you want to lose data!

3. Use of ADB (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has previously enabled USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to activate developer mode), you can reboot it using your computer and ADB utility. This method works even with a completely broken power button.

Here's what we need to do:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd C:\platform-tools

Next, enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is recognized (its serial number will appear in the list), follow the reboot command:

adb reboot

If the phone doesn’t respond, try the forced reboot via Fastboot:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot reboot

Attention. ⚠️ If you've never used it ADB, This method may seem complicated, so you'd better go to a service center to avoid making the problem worse.

Forced reboot through the charger

Little-known life hack: Some Xiaomi models (especially on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors) can be rebooted by manipulating the charger. This method works ~40% of the time and does not require disassembling the phone.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to charge and wait until it starts charging (the indicator should burn).
2. Disconnect the charger from the socket, but leave the cable connected to the phone.
3. Press the volume button and, without letting it go, connect the charger to the outlet again.
4. Hold the volume button for another 10 to 15 seconds, and if this works, the phone vibrates and starts to reboot.

This trick is based on the features of Xiaomi's power circuit: when the voltage changes dramatically, the power controller can initiate a reboot. It does not work on models with MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9C, POCO C31).

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If the phone doesn’t respond to charging manipulation, try using a Quick Charge charger (like the original one from Xiaomi on 18W or 33W).

Disassembly of the hull and closure of contacts (extreme case)

If all previous methods failed, mechanical rebooting through disassembly of the phone is only suitable for users with experience in electronic repair, as it requires accuracy and understanding of the device of the smartphone.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator for opening the body.
• 🔨 Small cross screwdriver (usually) PH00 or PH0).
• 🧲 Thin metal object (clip, tweezers) for closing contacts.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it still works) and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Carefully tuck the back cover with a plastic blade. On most Xiaomi, it is mounted on latches, but some models (Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 4 Pro) may require a hairdryer.
3. Unscrew the screws that fix the metal screen (if any).
4. Find on the motherboard contacts signed as PWR_KEY, KCOL or POWER_SW. They are usually located next to the battery connector.
5. Shortly close these contacts with a metal object (as if you pressed the power button).The phone should vibrate and start rebooting.

Attention. ⚠️ Incorrectly closing contacts can short circuit and the phone will fail. If you are not sure of your skills, you should contact the service center. Also remember that disassembling the phone gives you no warranty (if it is still valid).

6. Alternative methods: service codes and applications

If the power button is still partially working (e.g., the phone is switched on but not turned off), you can use service codes or third-party apps to reboot, methods that don't require disassembly, but need a desktop screen.

Service codes for rebooting:

• 📞 Enter the dial number: ##732864## (works on the MIUI 12–14).
• 🔄 Alternative code: ##0673## or ##0000## (for hardware button testing).

If the codes don’t work, try installing a reboot app (root rights required):

• 📱 Quick Reboot (from Google Play) – lets you reboot your phone via a widget or notification.
• 🔧 Button Remapper – Reassigns button functions (for example, you can make a long press on the volume button to turn off the phone).

Limitations:

• Service codes do not work on all firmware (especially on custom ones).
• Applications require root rights or enabled debugging over USB.
• On the latest MIUI versions, some codes may be blocked for security reasons.

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If the phone is responsive to touch, but the power button is broken, the best option is to use reboot apps or service codes, which is safer than disassembling or manipulating charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot without power button