How to turn off SOS on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways (2026)

SOS mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and Poco) is automatically activated when you press the power button five times β€” a feature designed for emergency calls. However, many users experience it accidentally triggered, which leads to locking the device and the inability to work properly. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable SOS mode, including software settings, hardware methods and forced reset.

It is important to understand that the procedure may differ depending on the model and version of MIUI. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, the path to security settings is different from on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We will consider universal solutions, as well as nuances for specific devices. If your smartphone is locked in SOS mode and does not respond to touch, immediately go to the section about hardware reset.

Why is Xiaomi Smartphone Going SOS Mode?

The main reasons for activating SOS mode:

  • πŸ”„ Accidental five-time pressing of the power button is the most common situation, especially if the phone is in your pocket or bag.
  • πŸ“± Failure to work MIUI: rarely, but it happens that the system falsely works due to firmware errors (relevant for beta versions). MIUI).
  • πŸ”‹ Hardware problems: A faulty power button or contact closure can simulate multiple pressing.
  • πŸ› οΈ After updating the firmware: sometimes the settings are reset, and the function SOS default.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or Poco F4), SOS mode can be accompanied by vibration, audible signal and locking the screen with the words "Emergency Mode". If the screen does not respond to touch, but the device is on - this is a sure sign of SOS activation.

πŸ“Š How often do you accidentally turn on the mode? SOS Xiaomi?
Never turned on.
1-2 times a month
Once a week.
All the time, it's a problem.
I don't know what it is.

Method 1: Disconnecting through MIUI settings

If your smartphone is not locked and you can go to the menu, follow the following steps:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Passwords & security (in Russian firmware – Settings β†’ Passwords and security).
  2. Select Privacy or Emergency SOS (Emergency SOS)
  3. Turn off the slider opposite the Press power button 5 times for Emergency SOS (Push the power button 5 times for SOS).
  4. Confirm the action if the system requests PIN-code.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12), the path may look like this: Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Emergency call. If there is no Emergency SOS partition, search for settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen) and type in the "SOS" query.

Make sure your phone is not in power saving mode.|Check if the child mode is on.|Remember. PIN-lock-code|Make a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ post-off SOS If the function is activated again, update the firmware to the latest stable version.

Method 2: Quickly shut down via lock screen

If your smartphone is locked in SOS mode, but the screen responds to touch, try:

  1. On the lock screen, swipe up to unlock (if possible).
  2. Click the "Cancel" button in the emergency call window if it is active.
  3. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the device to restart.
  4. After the reboot, immediately go to the settings and turn off SOS (see Method 1).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the lock screen in SOS mode can only show the "Emergency Call" button.

  • πŸ“ž Press "Emergency Call" and then immediately press the "Back" button (the arrow at the bottom of the screen).
  • πŸ”„ Try calling Google Assistant with your voice (say β€œOK, Google”) and give the command β€œDisable Mode” SOS".

πŸ’‘

If the screen doesn’t respond to touch, but the phone is on, plug it into charging and try holding the power + volume button for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.

Method 3: Hard Reset for locked devices

If your smartphone is completely locked in SOS mode and does not respond to commands, you will need a hard reset.This method will remove all data from the device, so use it only as a last resort.

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco models:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the buttons at the same time: πŸ”‹ Nutrition + Increased volume (for most models). πŸ”‹ Nutrition + Reduce volume (for Poco) F3, Xiaomi 11 Lite).

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Xiaomi modelCombination for RecoveryNotes
Redmi Note 10/11/12Power + Volume IncreaseIn the Recovery menu, select English for convenience.
Xiaomi 13/13 ProPower + Volume IncreaseMIUI 14+ may require confirmation via Mi Account.
Poco X3/X4Power + Volume reductionAfter resetting, Fastboot will automatically turn on.
Xiaomi Mi A2/A3Power + Volume IncreaseOn Android One, the Recovery menu is in English.

⚠️ Note: Devices with a locked bootloader may need to be logged in via Mi Account after reset. If you don’t remember your account details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

What if the phone needs an old PIN after resetting?
If you reset the settings, but the device asks to enter PIN-code SIM-cards - insert the same SIM or contact the operator to unlock. In extreme cases, the firmware through Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader) can help).

Method 4: Disable SOS via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB-Debugging and computer, you can turn off SOS through ADB-This method does not delete data, but requires preconfiguration.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
  3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell settings put global emergency_affordance_enabled 0
  4. Reboot the device: adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.EMERGENCY_BOOT_COMPLETED

Models on MIUI 13+ may require additional resolution in the developer settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – press 7 times to activate).

πŸ’‘

ADB-The method only works if it only works USB-The debugging was activated before the phone locks, if the device is already in mode. SOS β€” This way won't help.

Method 5: Update the firmware through Fastboot

If none of the methods worked, and the smartphone is still locked in SOS mode, the cause may be a damaged firmware, in which case the flashing through Fastboot will help.

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Xiaomi and Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
  • πŸ“₯ Official firmware for your model (download from the en.miui.com/download.html).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if you haven’t unlocked before – do it via Mi Unlock Tool).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down).
  2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. Select the downloaded firmware (file with.tgz extension) and click Flash.
  4. Wait for the finish (10-15 minutes) and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Continuous interruption of firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged and the cable is securely connected.

How to prevent SOS from accidentally turning on in the future?

To avoid re-activation of SOS mode:

  • πŸ” Turn off the function in the settings (see Method 1).
  • πŸ“¦ Use a case with accidental press protection (for example, with high sides around the buttons).
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest stable version in newer versions MIUI Reduced the sensitivity of the response SOS.
  • πŸ› οΈ Check the power button: If it is triggered by a light touch, repair may be required.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) you can configure the SOS delay.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Emergency Call.
  2. Select the Delay Settings and set the 3 seconds (default 0 seconds).

πŸ’‘

If you carry your phone in your pocket often, activate the "Block Button" function in the lock screen settings. This will prevent accidental taps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SOS on Xiaomi

My Xiaomi is locked in SOS mode and doesn't respond to buttons.
If the screen is unresponsive and the phone is on, try a forced reboot (hold power + volume 15-20 seconds). If that doesn't work, do a hardware reset.
Once SOS is disabled, it turns on itself again. What's the problem?
It could be related to: πŸ”„ Firmware failure - update MIUI last-minute. πŸ“± Faulty power button – check it at the service center. πŸ” Security applications (e.g. Google Play Protect or Mi Security).
Can I turn off SOS without resetting data?
Yes, if your phone is not locked. Use Method 1 (via settings) or Method 4 (via ADB). If your device is locked but is responsive to touch, try Method 2.
Will the emergency call (112) work after the SOS is disabled?
Yes, disabling SOS does not affect the ability to call emergency numbers (112, 911, etc.) and these functions work independently of each other.
How to return the SOS mode if you need it?
To activate the feature again, go to Settings β†’ Passwords & Security β†’ Emergency SOS call and turn on the slider. Set the number of clicks (default 5) and add contacts for emergency notifications if necessary.