How to properly turn on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to smart lamps

Including Xiaomi devices: basic principles

Xiaomi devices, from Redmi smartphones to Mi TVs, are built on their own MIUI and PatchWall firmware, which sometimes confuses standard processes. The inclusion of most of the brand’s gadgets does not require special knowledge, but there are nuances: for example, on some TV models, the power button is combined with a control joystick, and smartphones with an unlocked bootloader can boot in fastboot mode instead of the usual OS.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic activation of a new device to recovery after a failure, and pay special attention to typical user errors, such as trying to turn on a smartphone with a fully discharged battery or ignoring the charging indicators on the TV. If your gadget does not respond to the power button, do not rush to carry it into service: 80% of the time the problem is solved without repair.

How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

The standard procedure for enabling Xiaomi smartphones is no different from other Android devices, but there are exceptions. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) when the battery is low, the charging indicator may not be displayed, which may confuse users.

To turn on the smartphone:

• 🔋 Connect the charger (preferably the original one) and wait at least 5-10 minutes, even if the indicator is not on. On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 12), charging begins only after reaching the minimum voltage threshold.
• 🔘 Press the power button (usually located on the right) for 3-5 seconds until the Mi logo appears. POCO. On new models (for example, Xiaomi 14), the button can be touch-sensitive – press it with effort.
• 🔄 If the device does not respond, try the power combination. + Volume up for 10 to 15 seconds, and this forcefully reboots the smartphone, even if it's getting stuck on a black screen.

Check the charger connection | Make sure the cable is not damaged | Wait 10 minutes with the battery dead |Try an alternative button combination-->

If after these actions the smartphone still does not turn on, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Faulty battery (swelling, deep discharge).
• 🔌 Damaged charging connector (especially relevant for models with USB-C, for example, POCO X5 Pro).
• 🔌 Firmware failure (for example, after a failed update via fastboot).

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

Xiaomi TVs have two key features when turned on:

1. The power button is often combined with a control joystick (on Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV X models).
2. When you first turn on, the TV can automatically update the firmware, which takes up to 15-20 minutes (don’t turn it off at this time!).

Instructions for inclusion:

1. Connect the TV to the socket. The front panel should light up a red or white indicator (if not, check the power cable).
2. Press the power button on the remote or on the body (usually located on the side or bottom). On models with a joystick (Mi TV A2), press and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
3. If the TV doesn't respond, disconnect it for 1 minute, then try again. This will reset the power supply's temporary errors.

Mi TV Q-series |Redmi Smart TV|Mi TV A-series |Another brand |I haven't bought-->

If the TV is turned on but the screen is black:

• 🔦 Check the backlight: shine a flashlight on the screen - if the image is barely noticeable, the problem is in the LED-lighting.
• 🔌 Reconnect the cables. HDMI or AV — Sometimes the TV doesn’t see the source of the signal.
• 🔄 Reset settings via the menu (if the remote works): Settings → The device → Data resetting.

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If the Xiaomi TV doesn’t turn on after a thunderstorm, don’t try to repair it yourself – there is a high risk of damage to high-voltage capacitors. Contact the service center with the mention of “problems after a power surge”.

Inclusion of Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras)

Xiaomi smart gadgets (like Yeelight lamps, Mi Robot vacuum cleaners or Mi Home Security cameras) are switched on outside the box. The main rule is that most of them do not have a physical power button and are controlled through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app.

General scheme of inclusion:

• 💡 Smart lamps (e.g. Yeelight) LED): So you plug it into the cartridge and you put power on the switch, and the lamp will blink, and then you can add it to the app.
• 🤖 Robot vacuum cleaners (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2): dock at a docking station.
• 📹 The camera is the Mi Home Security Camera 360.°): plug into the socket, wait for the sound signal, then add to the application via Wi-Fi.

If the smart device is not turned on:

• 🔌 Check the power supply (on some models, for example, Mi Air Purifier, it can overheat).
• 📶 Make sure the device is within 2.4GHz Wi-Fi coverage (most Xiaomi gadgets don’t support 5GHz).
• 🔄 Restart your router – sometimes devices don’t connect due to conflict IP-address.

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Xiaomi smart devices often require a mandatory connection to the Mi Home app for the first time to turn on, without which they can only work in basic mode (for example, the lamp will glow, but will not be controlled by voice).

What to do if the Xiaomi device does not turn on

If your Xiaomi gadget does not respond to the power button, act according to the algorithm:

1. Check the power: 🔌 For smartphones: Try another charger (preferably with Quick Charge support). 🔌 For TVs: Make sure the outlet is working (plug in another appliance).
2. Forced reset: 📱 Smartphones: Power + Volume up for 15 seconds. 📺 TVs: disconnect from the network for 1 minute, then turn it on again.

Diagnostics of indicators

• 🔴 Red indicator on the TV - power supply error.
• 🟢 Green flashing on the smartphone – charging is going, but the battery is discharged.

If the device still doesn’t turn on, note the following symptoms:

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Xiaomi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader may display an unlocked firmware warning when turned on. This is normal, but increases the risk of crashes. To remove the warning, return to the official MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.

Features of inclusion after updating or resetting

After updating the firmware or resetting, Xiaomi devices may be turned on longer than usual.

• 📱 Smartphones on MIUI 14+ Optimize applications when first turned on (can take up to 10 minutes).
• 📺 TVs after reset require resetting Wi-Fi and Mi Account.

If the device is stuck in the configuration stage:

• 🔄 Reboot it forcibly (see section above).
• 📶 Make sure you are connected to the internet (on unconnected TVs, some features are not available).
• 🔑 If you need a Mi Account but don’t remember it, use Access Recovery.

On Xiaomi TVs, after a reset, you may need to re-activate licenses for services (for example, Netflix or Disney+).

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Security → DRM.
2. Select Reset DRM keys (reboot required).
3. Launch the problem application and wait for the re-activation.

Safety: What not to do when switching on

Some actions can cause serious Xiaomi device breakdowns, and avoid the following:

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Never interrupt the firmware update process on your Xiaomi TV, which can cause the device to “brick” (completely inoperable). If the update is delayed, wait at least 1 hour before the forced reboot.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Do not leave the device on charge with the screen off for a long time at high temperature (above 35)°C) This accelerates battery degradation and may cause swelling.

Common user errors:

• 🔌 Using uncertified chargers – can disable the power controller (especially relevant for the use of a battery) POCO F4 GT supportive 120W charging).
• 🔧 Independent disassembly of devices for warranties – Xiaomi cancels the warranty in case of violation of seals.
• 🔄 Frequent forced reboots – this can damage the file system (especially on TVs with eMMC drives).

If you suspect that the device was filled with liquid:

1. Turn it off the power immediately.
2. Do not turn on or connect to charging for 24-48 hours.
3. Place it in a silica gel bag (not in rice!).
4. Contact the service – even if the device turns on, corrosion may occur later.

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi devices