The lock button on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most discutable elements of the MIUI interface. For some users, it becomes a source of random clicks (especially on models with a notch under the screen), for others β an extra step when unlocking. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to disable the lock button on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden settings and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
Itβs important to understand that removing the lock button completely from the screen is not just a cosmetic change, but an interference with system processes. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Turbo), this can affect the operation of Always-On Display or navigation gestures. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 and indicate where you need to unlock the bootloader or root rights.
If youβre looking for a way to get rid of random locks while playing games or watching videos, start with the first method (the safest one). For advanced users willing to take risks, there are solutions with modifying system files (Section 4). We will also uncover the myths of βhidden developer modeβ to disable the button β this method stopped working after the update. MIUI 14.0.5.0.
Method 1: Disable the lock button through screen settings
The easiest and most official way is to use the built-in MIUI options.It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 12T. The main limitation is that the button will not disappear completely, but it can be made less noticeable and turn off the reaction to touch.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings. β Screen.
- π Scroll to Screen Lock and Password (on some firmware β Additional screen settings).
- π Find the option Reaction to touch the lock button (or button sensitivity) and move the slider to the position Unplugged.
- π If there is no option, try the path: Settings β Special facilities β Physical buttons.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Make a backup copy of important data
Battery charge of at least 30%
Disable VPN (can block system settings)
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β οΈ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-With screens (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this method can cause the Always-On Display to be displayed continuously, even when the screen is off. To return standard behavior, you have to reset the screen settings to the factory.
| Xiaomi model | Does the method support | Side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Yes. | Absent. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Yes (requires an upgrade to MIUI 14) | Vibration may disappear when blocked |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | Partially (only disabling the reaction) | AOD is not working properly |
| Redmi K50/K60 | No (root required) | β |
Method 2: Use gestures instead of a lock button
If the button gets in the way, but you don't want to remove it radically, replace it with a lock gesture, which works on all devices with MIUI 12+ and doesn't require superuser rights, and the advantage is that the screen will be locked with intuitive movement, and the physical button will remain inactive.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings β System β Gestures.
- Select the Lock Gesture (or Double Tap to Lock).
- Activate the option and test: swipe the screen from top to bottom (or double tap if you choose the second option).
- Return to Settings β Screen β Physical buttons and turn off the reaction to press the lock button.
Physical button
Swipe gesture
Double touch.
Voice command
Another option-->
π‘ Useful tip: On models with an infrared sensor (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4), the lock gesture can be combined with the function Raise to wake up. This completely eliminates the need for a physical button. β Screen. β Raise to wake up.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.3.0) The lock gesture conflicts with face unlock. If Face Unlock stops working after setting up, return the standard gesture settings or update the firmware.
Method 3: Disable the button via ADB (without root)
For users ready for deeper settings, thereβs a way to disable the lock button via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-We tested it on the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ and POCO X5 Pro β the button completely ceases to respond to the presses, but remains visually.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell settings put global. power_button_behavior 0
- Reset the device.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
π§ Technical details: Team power_button_behavior 0 It turns off the power button processing. To get back to the standard behavior, use the power button:
adb shell settings put global power_button_behavior 1β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI EU (Unofficial firmware) this command can lead to loss of functionality of the power button, in which case you will have to unlock the bootloader and flash the phone through Fastboot.
Method 4: Remove the lock button through modification of system files (root)
The most radical way is to physically remove the button from the system interface, which requires root rights and only works on unlocked devices, and we don't recommend this method for beginners, because it can lead to a bootloop. 11T Pro with firmware MIUI 13.0.9.0.
What will be required:
- π± Unlocked bootloader and root rights (instruction: Xiaomi) EU Forum).
- π» PC fitted ADB and Fastboot.
- π Backup copy of section /system (necessarily!).
- π§ System file editor (e.g., Mixplorer or Root Explorer).
Instructions:
- With Root Explorer, go to /system/usr/keylayout.
- Find the Generic.kl file (or qwerty.kl for some models) and open it in the text editor.
- Find the line with key 116 POWER and replace it with #key 116 POWER.
- Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
- Reset the device.
π‘
This method completely removes the processing of the power button at the kernel level. Once you apply the button will stop working even to turn on the phone - use the command adb reboot or connect the charger to wake up.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with dynamic key marking (e.g, POCO F4 GT) Modification of Generic.kl can lead to broken game triggers, in which case you will have to restore the original file or flash the phone again.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing works)
If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:
- Use of third-party launchers: Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) allow you to hide system interface elements, including the lock button. Set the launcher, activate it as the main one and find the option to hide the system buttons in the settings.
- Setting up Always-On Display: On AMOLED-Models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60 Pro) you can enable a permanent display of time and notifications, which visually "disguises" the lock button. β Screen. β Always-On Display.
- Custom firmware installation: Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS doesnβt have a lock button in the standard interface, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of some MIUI features (like Game Turbo).
π‘
If the lock button interferes with games, turn on Game Mode in settings (Settings β Special Options β Game Mode). In this mode, all physical buttons are turned off, and the screen lock only occurs on timeout.
π Important: On infrared-enabled devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), disabling the lock button can disrupt the proximity sensor, in which case the screen will go out when you bring your hand to the top of the phone even without pressing the button.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to disable the lock button, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The lock button is missing, but the phone is not switched on. | Improper modification of Generic.kl without backup | Connect to charging, the screen needs to turn on. Then restore the file via TWRP |
| After ADB-The button commands are working as before. | The firmware reset the settings after the reboot | Repeat the command and add it to the initialization script (init.d) |
| The locking gesture is not working. | Conflict with Face Unlock settings | Turn off face unlock or update the firmware to the latest version |
| The lock button has been delayed | Power saving mode activated | Turn off Battery Mode in Settings β Battery |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI For Russia (e.g. Redmi 10 2022), some screen settings may be blocked due to local legislation, in which case only changing the firmware region to Global or other devices will help. EEA.