How to turn off Xiaomi smartphone if the sensor is not working: the full guide

Why the sensor stops working and what to do first

Xiaomi’s touchscreen is a familiar experience to many smartphone owners, and the reasons range from software failure after a MIUI update to physical damage to the display module, but whatever the cause, the first thought that comes to mind is how to turn off the phone if the screen isn’t responding to anything.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi (unlike some other brands) doesn’t always provide hardware buttons for forced shutdowns, but there are a few proven methods that work on most models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13/14. In this article, we’ll break down all the possible ways, including those that few people know about.

Before you start taking drastic measures, try rebooting your device in the standard way. Sometimes the sensor freezes because of a temporary failure, and a simple reboot solves the problem. If the screen is completely dead (no touch response, but there is an image), or the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo, read on.

Method 1: Forced reboot through buttons (Hard Reset)

The most versatile method that works on 99% of Xiaomi models, Released after 2016, does not require disassembling the phone or connecting to a PC, but resets all unsaved data in open applications.

Instructions:

• 🔘 Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
• 🕒 Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone starts vibrating.
• 🔄 After vibration release the buttons – the device will start to restart.

If this method does not work, try an alternative combination:

• 🔘 Press the power button and volume reduction button for 20 seconds.
• ⚡ In some models (for example, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) It's calling the Fastboot menu.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone turns on after a forced reboot but the sensor still doesn't work, don't try to enter a pattern lock or PIN After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 30 minutes.

Method 2: Disconnect via PC Connection (ADB)

If you have access to a computer, you can turn off Xiaomi using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires pre-configuring debugging over USB, but is suitable for cases where the screen shows an image but does not respond to touch.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB In the phone settings (if you have previously set up).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command: adb devices If the device is determined, move to the next step. If not, check the driver or cable.
4. Execute the shutdown command: adb shell reboot -p

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't activated in advance, it won't work.

Method 3: Removal of the battery (for models with removable battery)

On older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 3S, Redmi 4A, Mi A1), the battery was removable, and if you have one of those devices, you can just take out the battery to turn off the phone.

How to do this:

1. Remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
2. Carefully gently slap the battery and disconnect it from the contacts.
3. Wait 30 seconds and put the battery back in.

On newer models (starting with the Redmi Note 5 and later), the battery is non-removable. Don't try to remove it yourself, it can damage the plumes or display.

Method 4: Use of service codes (for some models)

Some Xiaomi smartphones support service USSD-codes that allow you to restart or turn off the device without using a sensor, but this method does not work on all firmware and may vary depending on the region.

Try the following codes:

Enter the code through the standard Phone app. If the screen is unresponsive but the phone is unlocked, you can try voice-activating the code through Google Assistant (if it's on).

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If the service codes don’t work, try entering them through the Emergency Dial app (download it in advance to another phone and transfer it over to another phone). OTG-cable).

Method 5: Discharge the battery before it is completely shut down

If no other method works, you can just wait until the phone runs out, which can take hours to days depending on the model and the charge level.

How to speed up the process:

• 📞 Turn on the mobile Internet (if the phone catches the network).
• 🎵 Run music playback through the speaker (if you have access to volume buttons).
• 🔦 Turn on the flashlight (on some models it is activated by double pressing the power button).

After full discharge, the phone will turn off automatically, and then it can be turned on in the standard way (if the sensor problem was temporary).

⚠️ Attention: Frequent discharges of up to 0% are harmful to lithium-ion batteries. Use this method only as a last resort.

Method 6: Contact a service center (if nothing helps)

If all of these methods did not work, most likely the problem is hardware:

• 🛠️ Display plume damaged.
• 🔧 Sensor controller malfunctioned.
• 💥 Short circuit on the motherboard.

In such cases, self-repair is fraught with a complete loss of the device's performance. It is better to contact the official Xiaomi service center or a checked repair center. The average cost of diagnosis is from 500 to 1500 rubles, repair of the display module - from 3000 to 10,000 rubles, depending on the model.

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Write it down. IMEI phone (can be found on the box or under the battery).
• 🔒 Make sure you have a backup of your data (if the phone sometimes reacts to your PC connection).
• 📄 Bring a check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).

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If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn off Xiaomi with a broken sensor, users often make critical errors that can make things worse.

If the phone turns on after switching off, but the sensor is still not working, do not try to use the device in this state.

• 📱 Accidental pressing and deletion of data.
• 🔋 Overheating due to prolonged work without control.
• 💸 Increased breakdown and increased repair costs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions