Reset the lock button on Xiaomi: how to enable and configure the function

Resetting an incoming call with a lock button is one of the most popular features on Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to quickly reject a call without unlocking the screen, especially when you need to interrupt a conversation or when the phone is on the table and it is not easy to get it out, but not all users know that this option can be flexible, from a standard one-time press to a combination with holding the key.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a lock button reset on different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including features for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi 13/14 flagship lines. You will also learn how to return the function if it disappeared after a firmware update, and what alternative methods of resetting the call exist.

Why does the lock button not reset the default call?

Many Xiaomi users find that after buying a smartphone or updating the firmware, the lock button stops resetting calls, this is due to the MIUI policy: in the latest versions of the shell, the function is disabled by default due to the risk of accidental clicks. The manufacturer believes that it is better to give the user a choice - activate it manually or use alternative methods (for example, swipe on the screen).

In addition, on some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the feature may be hidden in deep settings or not at all due to regional limitations, in which case it can be returned through Settings → Special Features or using hidden MIUI commands.

• 🔍 Reason. 1: The function is disabled in the default settings (typical for MIUI 13-14).
• 📱 Reason 2: Regional restrictions (in some models for Europe/India, the function is hidden).
• 🔄 Reason 3: Conflict with other gestures (e.g. double tapping for camera).
• 🛠️ Reason 4: Failure after firmware update (reset gesture settings required).

If you can't find an option on the standard menu, don't be too upset. In the following sections, we'll show you how to turn it on through alternative paths, including engineering menus and third-party apps.

Method 1: Standard settings via Settings (MIUI 12-14)

The easiest way to activate a lock button reset is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The instruction is suitable for most modern models, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 11 Pro and POCO X5. Importantly, the path to the option may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

Open the Settings app and follow the path:

Settings → All settings → Screen lock and password → Additional settings → Lock button reset

If there is no such item, try an alternative route:

Settings → Special features → Physical buttons → Lock button → Resetting a call

• ✅ Step 1: Turn on the switch next to the option “Reset the Lock Button Call».
• ⚙️ Step 2: Select the type of press: Single press or Double press (recommended single press for convenience).
• 🔒 Step 3: Save the changes and check the function with a test call.

☑️ Verification of the function

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If the option is not on the menu, move on to the next method. Also note that on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the function can be tied to holding the lock button for 1-2 seconds.

Method 2: Activate through the Engineering Menu (for hidden options)

If the standard path didn’t work, you can try to enable a call reset via the MIUI engineering menu.This method is suitable for power users and requires caution, as incorrect changes can lead to malfunctions of the phone.

To open the engineering menu, enter the following code in the Phone application:

##4636##

After that:

1. Select Usage Statistics (Usage Statistics).
2. Go to the Hardware Testing tab.
3. Find the Key Test section and select the Power Key.
4. Activate the option End call with power key.

Once activated, restart your smartphone and check the function. Note that changes to the engineering menu may reset after the firmware update, so you will have to repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in methods don’t work, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play, such as the Power Button to End Call or Button Mapper app, which allows you to reassign the actions of the lock button, including call reset. These programs work on most Xiaomi models, but require special permissions.

Instructions for Button Mapper:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Give it ADB rights (instructions will appear at the first start).
3. Select Power Button from the list of available buttons.
4. Set the End Call action for single or double pressing.
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

The advantage of third-party apps is that they often offer additional features, such as double-pressing or button-holding resets. However, beware: some utilities may conflict with MIUI system processes, so read reviews before installing.

💡

If the function doesn’t work after installing the application, try disabling battery optimization for it in the MIUI settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Utility Name] → Battery → No Limits.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the lock button reset may not work, and consider the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Note: If you use a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), it can block the power button from working. Try removing the case or calibrate the Hall sensor in the accessories settings.

• 🔋 Problem: The function is unstable (resets the call again).
• 📲 Problem: Options are missing after firmware update.
• 🔒 Problem: The lock button only works when the screen is unlocked.

If none of the methods worked, your Xiaomi model might not support this feature at the software level, so you can only use alternative methods of resetting a call (e.g., swipe on the screen or voice commands).

Alternative ways to reset the challenge on Xiaomi

If you can’t set up the lock button, consider other options for quickly ending the call:

• 📱 Screen swipe: On most Xiaomi models, you can reset the challenge by swiping your finger left or right on the lock screen (configured in Settings). → Lock screen → Gestures).
• 🎤 Voice commands: Activate Google Assistant or Mi AI and set the command "Discard the call" or "Discard the call».
• 🔕 Do Not Disturb Mode: Quickly turning on this mode via the notification panel will automatically reset the current call.
• 📞 Third-party apps: For example, Truecaller or Call Recorder offer their own call-drop mechanisms.

For owners of smartphones with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F4 GT), it is convenient to use a double-touch gesture on the screen.

Settings → Always on screen → Gestures → Double touch to reset a call

These methods are not as convenient as the lock button, but can be a good alternative if the basic method is not available.

Security: How to Avoid Accidental Call Drops

Activating a lock button reset makes life easier, but can cause important calls to be accidentally shut down. To avoid this, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Set up the delay: In some firmware MIUI You can set a minimum button retention time (e.g., 1 second) to avoid false positives.
• 📵 Use the whitelist: In the settings Phone → Reset: Add important contacts to exceptions – their calls won’t be reset with a button.
• 🔄 Turn off the function in your pocket: Activate the option to Lock buttons in your pocket in Settings → Lock screen → Additionally.

⚠️ Note: On models with infrared proximity sensor (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The lock button can work when you're carrying your phone in your chest pocket. To avoid this, calibrate the sensor in the engineering menu or turn off the call reset function when the screen is closed.

On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later, the default lock button reset feature is tied to holding the key for 1.5 seconds - this helps avoid accidental taps, but requires getting used to. If you're uncomfortable, change the type of tap in the settings or use third-party apps to fine-tune.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a call reset