How to turn off Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 5 working ways (including emergency)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2018, but still in active use. It would seem that it could be easier than turning off the phone? However, even this basic operation sometimes raises questions: where is the power button, what if the screen does not respond, or how to turn off the device before changing the battery. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from a standard shutdown to a forced reboot when you freeze.

The Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is that its hardware power button is combined with a fingerprint sensor, which sometimes confuses new users who are used to classic buttons. In addition, MIUI has hidden shutdown features that many people are not aware of, and we will talk not only about the basic methods, but also about nuances that will help to avoid typical errors, such as damage to the file system when you disconnect improperly.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via power button

The most obvious and recommended method is to use a hardware button. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, it is located on the right side of the case, just below the volume control.

1. Hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the menu with options appears on the screen.
2. Slip on the “Switch Off” icon (usually marked with a symbol) ⏻).
3. Confirm the action by clicking “OK” in the dialog window that appears.

The phone will start the shutdown process, which takes 10 to 15 seconds, and at this point, it's important not to interrupt it -- for example, not to remove the battery or press the other buttons -- if the screen is out but the vibration is still going on, wait until it's over.

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If the off menu doesn’t appear, check to see if no sound or no disturb mode is activated – they may block some system dialogs.

Method 2: Turn off via the MIUI settings menu

If the hardware button is not working (for example, due to mechanical damage), you can turn off the Redmi Note 5 software.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section (the lowest menu item).
3. Slip on Turn off in the upper right corner.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

This method is useful if you want to turn off your phone without using physical buttons, such as when it gets dirty or broken, but note that in some versions of MIUI, the path may be slightly different. For example, in older firmware, the "Stop" option was in the "Additional" section.

Method 3: Forced reset when getting stuck

If the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 has stopped responding to touches or buttons, an emergency shutdown will be required, and this method should only be used as a last resort, as it can lead to the loss of unsaved data.

1. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone vibrates.
2. Release the button and wait 30 seconds before turning the device on again.

If the phone doesn’t respond even to prolonged power button retention, try the combination:

Power button + Volume button

Hold them together for 15 to 20 seconds until you feel the vibration, and this will force the device to restart.

✅ Make sure your phone is really getting stuck (does not respond to touch for more than 2 minutes)

✅ Check the battery (if the indicator is on, then the power is available)

✅ Disconnect all cables (charging, headphones, OTG)

✅ Keep the buttons strictly on time - at least 10 seconds-->

Method 4: Turn off via Recovery Mode (for power users)

This method is suitable if the phone is powered on but not booted into the system (for example, due to a firmware failure).

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, use method 1 or 3).
2. Hold the combination: Power button + Volume button until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Power Off (or Turn Off in Russian) with the volume buttons.
4. Confirm the choice of the power button.

Note that in Recovery mode, the interface can be in English or Chinese. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better not to change other settings - this can lead to a reset of the phone to factory settings.

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Recovery mode is a service section of the phone designed to restore the system, and improper actions here can lead to data loss or “bricking” the device.

Method 5: Turn off when the battery is discharged (if the phone does not respond)

If the Redmi Note 5 is dead and doesn't turn on even when charging, it may have caused a deep battery drain.

• 🔌 Connect the phone to the original charger (preferably with 2A current).
• ⏳ Leave it on charge for at least 30 minutes, even if the indicator doesn't burn.
• 🔄 Try holding the power button for 20 to 30 seconds – sometimes it wakes up the power controller.
• 🔋 If the phone doesn’t respond, try another charger or cable (maybe the problem is they are).

Critically, if the phone is not showing signs of life after a long charge (no indication, vibration, heating), do not try to disassemble it yourself. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the battery, but this requires special tools and skills.

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If the phone is turned on but turned off immediately, this is a sign of a faulty battery. Try to boot in safe mode (hold the power button when turned on until the prompt to switch to Safe Mode appears).

What to do if the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is not turned off?

Sometimes the phone can get stuck on the shutdown or reboot screen, and let's look at the typical causes and solutions:

If neither method worked, it may be a firmware or hardware failure, in which case it is recommended:

1. Try flashing your phone through Fastboot (requires a PC and cable).
2. Contact the authorized Xiaomi service center with a description of the problem.

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If your phone doesn't turn off for more than a day, it's a clear sign of a hardware malfunction. Don't try to solve the problem yourself if you don't have experience with electronics repair.

Frequent errors when turning off Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

Even in this simple procedure, users often make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences.

• 🔋 Removing the battery while you're working can damage the file system and cause data loss. On the Redmi Note 5, the battery is non-removable, but even if you remove it, always turn off the phone first.
• ⚡ Shutting down during an upgrade – if the screen is on a progress bar or sign “System Update”, interrupting the process can make the phone inoperable.
• 📱 Use of non-original chargers – cheap cables can cause voltage surges that lead to freezes when turned off.
• 🔄 Frequent forced reboots are a temporary solution, but abuse of them can damage memory chips.

The most dangerous mistake is to turn off your phone when you have an OTG cable or when you're in data mode, and this can damage your USB port or power controller. Always turn off peripherals before you turn off.

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If you often experience freezes when you turn off, check your phone for viruses using Mi Security (built-in app) or install an antivirus like Dr.Web.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions