Keyboard on Xiaomi laptop does not work: how to unlock in 5 minutes?

The keyboard on Xiaomi laptop stopped responding to presses? Don't rush to carry the device to the service center. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved independently - without disassembly and special tools. The reasons for blocking can be different from accidental hotkey presses to driver failures or even hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to unlock, including hidden MIUI for Laptop functions and the nuances of working with Mi Notebook Pro, RedmiBook and Mi Gaming Laptop models.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi uses both standard solutions (like Sunrex or Darrell keyboards) and its own development with unique drivers. So universal methods like Fn + NumLock don't always work. We tested all methods on current models from 2023 to 2026 and highlighted those that work stably. If your laptop is older, check compatibility in the table below.

1. Check the underlying causes of the blockage

Before you start complex manipulations, eliminate obvious problems:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. RedmiBook 15) have the keyboard shut down when the charge level is below 5%. Connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
• 🔌 Connected external keyboard. Xiaomi laptops can automatically deactivate the built-in keyboard when detected USB- Or Bluetooth devices. Disconnect all peripherals.
• 💻 If the keyboard stopped working after updating or installing the program, try to reboot the laptop forcibly (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🌡️ Overheating. Models with Intel Core processors i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (such as Mi Notebook Pro X 15) can lock the keyboard at temperatures above 90°C. Let the device cool down.

If the keyboard fails after this, move on to the next section. Note: on Xiaomi laptops with a touchpad instead of a touchpad (for example, Mi Notebook Air 13.3), keyboard locking is sometimes associated with a sensor driver failure, in which case only reinstalling the software will help.

2. key combinations for unlocking

The manufacturer has put a few hidden combinations in Xiaomi laptops that can unlock the keyboard.

1. Fn + Esc – Reset keyboard settings (works on most models).
2. Fn + F12 – keyboard switching (relevant for RedmiBook 16 with backlit).
3. Win + Space (hold 5 seconds) – Forced reboot of the keyboard driver.
4. Ctrl + Alt + Del → Task Manager → find the Xiaomi Hotkey Service process and restart it.

On models with a biometric scanner (for example, Mi Notebook Pro X 14) can work Win + Power (hold 3 seconds). If the laptop emits an audible signal after pressing, but the keyboard does not respond, the problem is in the driver.

Important: On Xiaomi laptops with processors AMD (RedmiBook 15 series combination Fn + F12 It may not work due to a conflict with the driver. AMD PSP. In this case, use Fn. + F11.

3. Unlocking via BIOS/UEFI

If the keyboard doesn’t work, even on the menu BIOS, The problem could be security settings or a firmware failure. BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press the F2 key (for most models) or Del key (for Mi Gaming Laptop).
3. Turn on the power without releasing the key.

If the keyboard does not respond to the BIOS:

• 🔧 Check the Advanced section → Keyboard Settings Keyboard Lock Settings must be in Disabled position.
• 🔄 Reset the settings. BIOS Load Default Settings (Load Default Settings).
• 💾 Update. BIOS via flash drive (instructions for your model are on the official website of Xiaomi).

⚠️ Note: If after discharge BIOS The laptop stopped loading, perhaps the Secure Boot option with a binding to the TPM-In this case, you'll need to flash it back. BIOS service-centre.

4. Reinstallation of keyboard drivers

Driver failure is one of the most common reasons for keyboard locking, and there are two ways to address this for Xiaomi laptops:

Method 1: Automatic update via Device Manager

1. Connect. USB-keyboard (or use on-screen keyboard).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find the keyboard section, open it.
4. Right-click on Standard PS/2 Keyboard or Xiaomi Input Device → Update the driver → Auto Search.

Method 2: Manual installation of drivers from the Xiaomi site

Download the driver for your model from the official website (Notebook → Your model → Drivers).

• Xiaomi_Hotkey_Driver.exe — for function keys (Fn).
• Touchpad_Keyboard_Driver.zip — keyboard-touchpad.

After installation, restart your laptop. If the keyboard still doesn't work, delete the device in Device Manager and search for hardware changes (Action → Update Configuration).

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Before installing drivers, disable the antivirus – it can block Xiaomi files as “suspicious” due to non-standard digital signatures.

5. Resetting the system to factory settings

If previous methods didn't work, try resetting Windows to its original state, which will delete all programs but save personal files (when you select the appropriate option).

1. Open Options → Update and Security → Recovery.
2. Click Start under Return the computer to its original state.
3. Select Save My Files (if you need to save documents).
4. Follow the master's instructions. It'll take 30-60 minutes.

On Xiaomi laptops with MIUI for Laptop preinstalled (for example, on some versions of the Mi Notebook Pro for the Chinese market), the reset is performed differently:

Settings → About the phone (yes, exactly!) → Resetting settings → Erase all data

⚠️ Warning: Windows may need to be re-activated after the reset. The product key is usually tied to the motherboard and activated automatically when connected to the Internet, but on Linux-enabled models (such as the Mi Notebook Linux Edition) you will have to install the OS again.

Hardware unlocking techniques

If the software didn't work, the problem could be physical locking or damage to the keyboard plume, and you can do this yourself.

• 🔧 On RedmiBook models, the keyboard plume often moves away due to design features. To reach it, you need to remove the bottom cover (unscrew 8 screws). T5 and gently slap the latches).
• 💡 If the keyboard is contaminated, wipe the plume contacts with alcohol (at least 90%). WASD.
• 🔌 Reset EC-Turn off the laptop, remove the battery (if removable), press the power button for 30 seconds.

On Xiaomi laptops with backlit keyboards (Pro and Gaming series), the lock may be due to a burnt-out LED. In this case, the keyboard will work, but the backlight will not. To diagnose, connect an external keyboard and check if the Caps Lock indicator is on when pressed.

7. Alternative ways to control a laptop

If the keyboard has not worked, use temporary solutions:

• 🖱️ On-screen keyboard, switched on through Start → Special facilities → Screen keyboard or Win combination + Ctrl + O.
• 🎮 Gamepad. Xiaomi laptops support Xbox or PlayStation controllers over Bluetooth.Configure control in Settings → Devices → Game controllers.
• 📱 Smartphone control: Install Mi Remote (for Android) or Unified Remote and connect to your laptop via Wi-Fi.

For models with a touch screen (for example, Mi Notebook Pro X 15 OLED), you can use handwriting input through the Windows Handwriting Panel (Win + H). It is also useful to configure voice input (Win + H → gear → Voice recognition).

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If the keyboard doesn’t work, even in BIOS, external USB-The keyboard is working -- the problem is the plume or the controller of the built-in keyboard, and that requires repairs at the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi keyboard