Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most popular devices on the market due to their combination of price, performance and functionality. However, even with such reliable gadgets, sometimes there are situations when the phone refuses to turn on. The reasons can be different from trivial battery discharge to software failures or hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the Xiaomi phone, including standard methods, forced start and actions for critical errors.
Itβs important to understand that the switching algorithm may vary slightly depending on the model. For example, the Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 Pro have similar button combinations, but the location of the controls varies sometimes. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most of the brandβs devices, including older Mi 8 or Redmi 5 Plus models, as well as new flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
If your smartphone doesn't respond to the power button, don't panic. 80 percent of the time, it's solved without going to the service center, and the key is to diagnose the cause correctly and follow the algorithms that you've tested.
Method 1: Standard power button activation
The most obvious and common method is to use a physical power button, and even if you think your phone is completely dead or frozen, try this first.
On most Xiaomi models, the power button is located on the right side edge, with the exception of some early models (such as the Mi Mix 2S), where the button may be on the left.
- π Connect your phone to a charger (preferably the original one) and wait at least 10-15 minutes. Even if the charging indicator doesn't burn, the battery could run out to a level where the smartphone shows no signs of life.
- π Press and hold the power button for 5-7 seconds. the Mi or Redmi logo should appear on the screen.
- π± If the phone vibrates but the screen remains black, try holding the button for longer, up to 10-12 seconds.
- π If the smartphone started to turn on, but stuck on the logo, wait 3-5 minutes. Sometimes the system itself restores work after a long pause.
If you've been doing this, you've got to go to the next one, but first check.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use non-original high-current chargers (more than 2A) for discharged phones.This can cause the power controller to overheat and the device to fail permanently.
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If the power button is stuck or not pressed clearly, try tapping it gently with the blunt side of the pencil, sometimes helping to restore contact.
Method 2: Forced Reset (Hard Reset)
If Xiaomi's phone is frozen on the boot screen, doesn't respond to touches or buttons, a forced reboot will help, which doesn't erase data, but simply restarts the system, similar to removing the battery on older phones.
The combination of buttons depends on the model:
| Xiaomi model | Button combination | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 | Power button + Volume up | 10-15 seconds |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4, Mi A3 | Power button + Volume down | 8-12 seconds |
| Xiaomi 13T/13 Pro, Redmi K50/K60 | Power button + Volume up + Volume down | 15-20 seconds |
| Older models (Mi 5/6, Redmi 4/5) | Power button (long-term retention) | 20+ seconds |
After holding the buttons, the phone should vibrate and restart.
- π Turn off the charger (if it was connected) and try again.
- π Try to connect another charger or USB-Sometimes the problem is the damaged wire.
- π¦ If the phone has been mechanically impacted (hit, fall), the forced reboot may not work due to hardware damage.
β οΈ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra) long-term button retention can lead to the start of the Fastboot mode. If you saw a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen - it's normal, just release the buttons and wait for the reboot.
Turn off all cables (charging, headphones, OTG)
Make sure the buttons are not stuck
Try pressing the combination 2-3 times with an interval of 5 seconds
If the phone is hot, let it cool for 10 minutes.-->
Method 3: Enable via charger (if phone is discharged)
One of the most common reasons Xiaomi doesnβt turn on is battery drain.The brandβs current smartphones are equipped with deep discharge protection, but if the battery is discharged to 0% and has been in this state for several days, the power controller can block charging.
To βresuscitateβ this phone, follow the algorithm:
- π Connect your phone to the original charger (or a quality Quick Charge-enabled analogue).
- β³ Leave it to charge for at least 30 to 40 minutes. Don't turn it on right away -- let the battery get at least 5 to 10 percent charge.
- π After 30 minutes, press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the charge indicator lights up but the phone doesn't turn on, wait another 10 minutes.
- π If after an hour of charging, the phone still shows no signs of life, try another charger or cable. USB.
If the phone doesnβt turn on, the problem may be:
- π Failed battery (blown, loss of capacity).
- π Damaged charging connector or power controller.
- π± Software failure blocking system load.
What to do if the phone gets hot when charging?
Method 4: Enable via Fastboot mode (for power users)
If the Xiaomi phone doesnβt turn on but is responsive to a connection to a computer (defined as an unknown device), you can try running it through Fastboot mode.This method requires minimal technical skills and is suitable for restoring work after failed firmware or serious failures.
You'll need:
- π» Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
- π Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
- π οΈ The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot Tools.
Instructions:
- π Connect the phone to the computer.
- π±οΈ Hold and hold the power buttons. + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds. A hare in a hat-eared hat should appear on the screen - this is a sign of Fastboot mode.
- π» On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type the command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number appears), type: fastboot reboot
- π The phone should be restarted in normal mode.
If the fastboot reboot command doesnβt work, try:
fastboot continueImportant: If the phone is not detected in Fastboot mode, but the computer makes the device connection sound, the problem may lie in the damaged device. USB-Try another wire or port on your computer.
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Xiaomi 11/12/13/14
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Another model-->
Method 5: Enable after a firmware update or failure
Sometimes Xiaomi phone refuses to turn on after a failed MIUI update or custom firmware installation, in such cases, resetting to factory settings through Recovery Mode helps.
To enter the recovery mode:
- π Turn off the phone from charging.
- π Hold and hold the power button combination + Loudness up before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
- π± In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
- π Go to the Wipe Data section β Wipe All Data (this will result in the deletion of all data!).
- π Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- π Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. β Reboot to System.
If the phone does not turn on after reset:
- π₯ Try reflashing it through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware for your model.
- π§ Check if the device has a bootloader lock. If so, unlock it through the official Xiaomi website.
- π οΈ Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, damage to flash memory).
β οΈ Warning: Recovery Mode factory reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If the phone has been enabled to sync with Mi Account, some data (contacts, notes) can be restored after turning on.
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Recovery Mode reset is the last chance to bring the phone back to life without going to the service, and if it doesnβt work, itβs likely hardware (damage to the motherboard, battery, or memory).
Method 6: Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions
If none of these methods worked, the problem is probably the hardware, and let's look at the most common malfunctions and their signs:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not respond to charging, the indicator does not burn. | Failed battery or power controller | Battery replacement or board repair |
| The phone vibrates, but the screen remains black. | Damage to the display plume or graphics chip | Diagnostics at the service center |
| The phone gets hot when you try to turn on | Short circuit on the board or processor malfunction | Emergency repairs (risk of fire!) |
| The phone turns on, but immediately turns off. | Failure of RAM or firmware | Flashing or memory replacement |
To check out some of the components yourself:
- π Battery: If the phone is swollen or deformed, the battery needs to be replaced immediately, and a quick discharge (from 100% to 0% in 1-2 hours) is also a sign of a malfunction).
- π Charging port: Light a flashlight in the connector USB-C. If the contacts are bent, oxidized or absent, a replacement of the connector is required.
- π± Screen: Hold the phone to a bright light source at an angle. If you see an image (like an icon) on the black screen, the problem is the backlight or plume.
If you're not sure about your skills, it's best not to disassemble the phone yourself.Modern Xiaomi smartphones have brittle plumes and chips that are easy to damage without a special tool.
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Before visiting the service center, back up your phone's IMEI (if it's ever turned on) and enter the *#06# code in the phone app and write down both numbers to help restore the network after repair.
What if the phone is turned on but is not working properly?
If you managed to turn on Xiaomi, but it slows down, spontaneously reboots or gives errors, follow the following steps:
- π± Update the firmware: Go to Settings β The phone. β Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
- π§Ή Clear the cache: In the same settings, select Cleanup β Clear the app cache.
- π Reset network settings: Settings β Connections and sharing β Resetting network settings.
- π‘οΈ Check for viruses: Use the built-in Security Scanner or install Malwarebytes.
If problems persist, it may be necessary to:
- π§ Reinstall firmware via Fastboot.
- π Replace the battery (if the phone turns off at 20-30% charge).
- π± Diagnostics of the motherboard (when overheating or artifacts on the screen).