How to turn off Xiaomi Redmi 3: all the ways from standard to emergency

The Xiaomi Redmi 3, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and maintainability. However, even with such a proven time, the device can have situations when it needs to be turned off — whether it is a scheduled reboot, preparation for repairs or combating freezes. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off, including those that are not written in the official instructions.

It is important to understand that Redmi 3 (codename ido) has two modifications: the standard and the Pro version with a fingerprint. Some methods of turning off may differ depending on the version of MIUI (7 to 12) and the battery status. If your phone does not respond to presses or the screen went out after the update - do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center.

1. Standard shutdown via menu

The most obvious and safe way is to use a software menu, which works if your smartphone responds to touch and the system is not getting stuck.

  1. Unlock the screen (PIN-Code, pattern lock or fingerprint for Redmi 3 Pro).
  2. Press and hold the power button (located on the right end) for 1-2 seconds.
  3. In the menu that appears, select the option “Opt off” (or “Power off” in English firmware).
  4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

If the menu does not appear, check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge – at a level below 5%, the system can ignore the command.
  • 📱 Cover or film – they can block the sensor of the power button.
  • 🔄 Updates MIUI — in older versions (up to) MIUI (9) the menu may have opened with a delay.

☑️ Pre-off check

Done: 0 / 4

On Redmi 3 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the off menu may look different – instead of the standard dialog, an extended window will appear with options for Reboot, Recovery and Fastboot.

2. Forced reset (Soft Reset)

If the smartphone is frozen (the screen is unresponsive, but the backlight is on), software rebooting will help, and this method does not erase data or affect the firmware, but resets all the time processes.

  1. Hold the Power button 10-15 seconds before the vibration or the appearance of the Mi logo.
  2. Release the button and wait for the system to boot up fully (it can take up to 2 minutes).

On Redmi 3 with the unlocked bootloader, after a long power retention, the Fastboot menu can appear.

  • 🔘 Click the Volume button down to select Reboot system now.
  • 🔘 Confirm the choice of the power button.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the restart?
If Redmi 3 is not showing any signs of life after a forced reboot (no vibration, no charge indicator), plug it into the charger for 30 minutes. If the problem persists, try pinching Power + Volume up for 20 seconds - this can "wake up" the power controller.

⚠️ Attention: Frequent forced reboots (more than 3 times a day) can cause wear on flash memory on Redmi 3, as the system does not have time to close files correctly. If freezes occur regularly, check the phone for viruses or perform a factory reset.

3.Outline via Recovery Mode

If standard methods don't work and the phone doesn't respond to buttons, you can turn it off via Recovery, which is also useful if you want to roll back an update or reset settings.

Instructions for Redmi 3:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is turned on, use the forced reboot from the previous section).
  2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 8-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (Chinese firmware may have hieroglyphs).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and select Power off (or in the Chinese version).
  5. Confirm the choice of the power button.

Other options are also available in Recovery:

ItemDescriptionWhen to use
Reboot system nowSystem restartIf the phone is stuck but responds to the buttons
Wipe data/factory resetReset to factory settingsIn case of critical system errors (delete all data!)
Wipe cache partitionClearing the cacheIf the phone is slowing down or not updated
Apply update from ADBInstall updates via PCFor manual firmware or restoration

💡

If the touchscreen doesn’t work in Recovery (on Redmi 3 with MIUI 8 and below), use the volume buttons to move and the power button to confirm.

Emergency shutdown with discharged battery

One of the common problems Redmi 3 is a sudden shutdown when the charge is low (especially on batteries older than 2 years).If the phone is dead and does not respond to charging, try:

  • 🔌 Connect the original charger (5V/2A) Leave it on 30-40 The charge indicator may not burn!
  • 🔋 Try another cable - often the problem is a damaged cord.
  • 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Volume down for 15 seconds – this can wake up the power controller.
  • 🔧 If the phone gets hot when charging, turn it off and check the battery (possibly bloating).

On a Redmi 3 with a severely worn battery (capacity < 60%), the system can show a false charge level. For example, the indicator shows 20%, and the phone suddenly turns off, in which case only a battery replacement will help.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is heated above 45 after being connected to charging°C (hot to the touch), immediately turn it off! this may indicate a short circuit in the battery - further use is dangerous.

📊 Your Xiaomi Redmi 3 turns off when charged below
10%
20%
30%
Never turns off.

5.Switch off via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB debugging (ADB), you can turn the phone off via command from your computer, which is useful if the screen is broken, but the smartphone is determined by the PC.

  • 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 🔧 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi 3 to the PC.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
  3. Enter the command: adb devices Make sure the device is defined (should appear a string with a serial number).
  4. Execute the shutdown command: adb shell reboot -p

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

adb shell input keyevent 26

(This simulates the pressing of the power button).

💡

ADB-Teams only work when the debugging is enabled USB. If you haven’t turned on this mode beforehand, the method won’t work.

6 What to do if the phone does not turn off completely

In rare cases, Redmi 3 can "hang" on the shutdown: the screen goes out, but the notification indicator continues to flash, or the phone turns on again after a few seconds.

Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
The phone is turned off and turned on immediately.Sticking the power buttonBlow the button with compressed air or disassemble the phone to clean
The indicator flashes after "off"Background processes or system updatesWait 10-15 minutes or remove the battery (requires disassembly)
The phone vibrates, but it doesn't turn off.Failure to work power_managerForced reset via Recovery or flashing

If nothing works, the last thing you can do is take the battery out. On Redmi 3, it requires disassembling the body.

  1. Remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
  2. Turn off the battery plume (it is located under the metal plate).
  3. Wait 1-2 minutes and reconnect the battery.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling Redmi 3 without experience can lead to damage to the display plume or separation of battery contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off Xiaomi Redmi 3

My Redmi 3 doesn't respond to the power button.
First, try plugging the charger in for 15-20 minutes - perhaps the battery is completely drained. If the charge indicator is not on, press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds. If this does not help, the problem may be a faulty power button or power controller (diagnosis required).
The phone turns off on its own at 30-40% charge. How do you fix it?
This is a typical symptom of battery wear. On Redmi 3, after 2-3 years of use, the battery capacity drops to 50-60% of its nominal value, and the controller misrepresents the charge level. Solutions: Calibration of the battery (discharge the phone to zero, then charge to 100% without interruptions); Replace the battery (original art. MB39 or BL-308 analogues); Disabling background processes in the Battery settings → Optimization.
Can I turn off Redmi 3 via SMS or call?
No, Redmi 3 doesn't support remote shutdown via SMS or out-of-the-box call. However, you can use: Remote management apps (e.g., Google's Find My Device, which allows you to block or erase data but not turn it off); Tasker + AutoInput (to create automatic scripting but requires root rights); ADB over Wi-Fi (if debugging is on and the phone is on the same network with the PC); Without additional settings, remote shutdown is impossible.
When you turn off, the phone doesn't turn on.
Follow this algorithm: Connect to charge for 30 minutes (even if the indicator is not on). + Volume up for 10 seconds. If it doesn't work, connect to your PC and check if the phone is detected in Device Manager (Ports section (COM & LPT)). If the PC can't see the device, the hardware is the problem (power controller, battery or motherboard). 80% of the time, the firmware helps with Fastboot (requires a PC and a cable). 4PDA firmware-themed.
How to turn off Redmi 3 if the screen is broken and the sensor is not working?
Action options: Connect USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter - Redmi 3 supports cursor control even with a broken screen. ADB-PC commands (if debugging was enabled in advance) Force reboot (hold power for 15 seconds) If the phone is on, call it from another device and try turning it off via Recovery. + If the screen is completely black, but the phone is making sounds, try connecting it to an external monitor through the phone. MHL-Adapter (support required) USB-C to HDMI, But on Redmi 3, it doesn't work smoothly).