How to reboot Xiaomi Mi A1 without buttons: all working ways

Xiaomi Mi A1 is one of the most popular Mi phones, but even it is not immune to breakdowns. The most common problem owners have is the failure of the power button, which is responsible for turning on, off and restarting the device. If your Mi A1 is stuck, does not respond to touches or just need to restart the system, but the physical button does not work, do not rush to carry the phone to the service. There are at least 5 proven ways to restart the device without using mechanical keys.

In this article, we will discuss the software methods (through the ADB, Fastboot and Recovery menu, hardware tricks (battery extraction, contact closure) and alternative solutions for emergencies. A1 taking into account its technical features: Snapdragon 625 processor, connector USB Type-C and removable battery (early batches) Important: some methods require prior preparation, such as the debugging on-line. USB or unlocked loader.

If you've never worked with an ADB or opened your smartphone case, don't worry. We'll explain each step in detail, add visual cues, and warn you of the risks. For example, closing battery contacts can cause the NVRAM (IMEI) settings to reset if you do it wrong. But if you follow the instructions accurately, your Mi A1 will work again without losing data.

Why is the power button on the Mi A1 not working?

Before restarting the smartphone in alternative ways, it is worth understanding the causes of the breakdown. The power button on the Xiaomi Mi A1 fails for several typical reasons:

🔹 Mechanical wear. The button is designed to ~50,000 taps, but when used intensively (like if you lock the screen often) it can break sooner. Inside the button is a microswitch that oxidizes or breaks over time.

🔹 Moisture is intrusion, even if Mi A1 There is no official protection from water (IP-certificates, condensation or accidental spray can penetrate the button and cause corrosion of contacts.

🔹 Fall or impact: A hit on the side of a smartphone often causes the button plume to detach from the motherboard or damage it.

🔹 Software failure. Rarely, but it happens that the button stops working due to a firmware error (for example, after a failed update). MIUI or reset).

If the button doesn't press at all (no clicking) it's a mechanical problem. If it presses but it doesn't work, it might have gone off the plume or the firmware failure, in the first case only repairs will help, in the second case software reboot.

Method 1: Reboot via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

The most reliable way to reboot the Mi A1 without buttons is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which only works if your smartphone has previously enabled USB debugging (Settings → Developers → USB debugging).

What's the matter: 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A1 with an unlocked screen (or at least a reaction to touching). 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB. 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via cable. The Mi A1 screen should show a USB connection notification — select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the command prompt on your computer: Windows: press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. Mac/Linux: open the Terminal.

Check the connection.

adb devices

If your smartphone is recognized, you'll see its serial number, and if it's not, install the drivers or check the cable.

Reset the device

adb shell reboot

The smartphone should restart within 5-10 seconds.

If ADB can’t see the device, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another port USB.
• 🔄 Turn on/off debugging on USB smartphone-setting.
• 🔄 Install the Xiaomi driver manually (you can download on the official website).

Make sure that USB debugging is enabled |

Connect Mi A1 to PC with original cable |

Check the visibility of the device with the command `adb devices`|

Use the command `adb shell reboot`-->

Warning: If the smartphone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo after the ADB reboot, then there has been a firmware failure, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot (see method 3) will help.

Method 2: Removal of the battery (for removable batteries)

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is one of those rare smartphones that can be removed without a soldering iron (in early batches). If your device is released before 2018, it is likely that the battery is removable, which is guaranteed to turn off the phone, but requires caution.

What's the matter: 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator (to open the case). 🔋 New battery (if the old one is swelled or damaged). ⚠️ Warning: Opening the case will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may damage the plumes.

Instructions for battery recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it responds to touch, hold the lock button on the screen until the off menu appears).
2. Remove the back cover: Heat the body edge with a hair dryer (~50°C) to soften the glue. Put the blade in the gap between the lid and the body and gently tuck it in. Disconnect the fingerprint scanner plume (if any).

Unplug the battery.

• Put a plastic blade (not metal!) on the battery connector.
• If the battery is glued - do not pull it by force, but slap it on the side.
• Wait 1-2 minutes and plug the battery back in. The smartphone should turn on automatically.
• Connect your smartphone to your PC when it's off. Press the volume button and plug in the cable, and the phone needs to go to Fastboot.
• Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is recognized, you will see its serial number.
• Reboot your smartphone: fastboot reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

• 🔄 Use a different cable or port USB.
• 🔄 Reinstall Qualcomm drivers (download here).
• 🔄 Enter the command fastboot oem reboot (for some firmware versions).

⚠️ Note: If after restarting via Fastboot smartphone got stuck on the Mi logo, it means that the firmware is damaged. In this case, you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Close contacts (emergency method)

If none of the previous methods worked and the smartphone doesn't respond to anything, you can try hardware reset by closing the contacts on the motherboard, a method that is risky and should only be used as a last resort.

What's the matter: 🔧 Screwdriver. T3 and plastic spatula. 🔋 Tweezers or needles (to close contacts). ⚠️ Warning: Incorrect closure can burn the board or erase IMEI!

Instructions:

1. Remove the back cover (as in method 2).
2. Find the TEST POINT pins: These are located next to the battery connector, usually two metal dots labeled TP or CLK.

Close your contacts.

3-5 seconds

Connect the charger.

📌 Key Conclusion: This method simulates a complete power outage, but can reset settings NVRAM (responsible IMEI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if the network is lost after switching on, you will need to restore it. IMEI through SN Write Tool.

💡

Before closing the contacts, take a picture of their location on the board. If something goes wrong, the photo will help the wizard in the service to diagnose the problem faster.

Method 5: Use of service codes (if the screen is running)

If the Mi A1 screen responds to touch, but the power button doesn't work, you can try rebooting your smartphone through service codes or an engineering mode menu. These methods don't require a PC connection, but they don't work on all firmware.

Method 1: Reboot code

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##7780##
3. Confirm the reboot (if a request arises).

Method 2: Engineering menu

1. Enter the code: ##4636###.
2. Go to the Information section → Reboot.
3. Select Normal Reboot.

Method 3: Through settings (if available)

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Reboot item (on some firmware it is hidden).
3. Confirm the action.