How to lock your Xiaomi phone without a power button: the full guide

Are you in a situation where the power button on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO stopped working and you need to lock the screen urgently? or just want to know alternative ways to lock the mechanical button to prolong the life of the mechanical button? This article covers all possible methods, from standard MIUI features to hidden Android features that work even on outdated models.

We're going to look at not only software solutions (gestures, timers, voice commands), but also hardware workarounds for emergencies. MIUI 12 to last MIUI 15, and the specifics of the models with AMOLED-screens IPS-If you've ever had a problem with a hanging screen or a broken button, this guide will be your lifesaver.

Why the power button fails and how to prevent it

Mechanical buttons are one of the most vulnerable spots in Xiaomi smartphones, and up to 30 percent of warranty calls are due to a power or volume fault, according to service centers.

• 🔋 Contact wear – the average resource of the button is designed ~50,000 presses (with active use, it lasts for 1.5-2 years).
• 💦 Moisture infestation – even if the phone did not sink, condensation from temperature drops oxidizes the contacts.
• 📱 Falls and impacts – 60% of button breakages occur after mechanical damage to the body.
• 🔧 Poor build – especially relevant for budget models Redmi 9A and POCO M3.

To extend the life of the button, keep the case tight (check the rubber pads after repair), avoid frequent pressing (use alternative blocking methods from this article), and regularly clean the connector from dust with compressed air. If the button has already started to stick, try to blow it with isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% concentration) with a syringe without a needle.

⚠️ Note: Do not use buttons to clean the buttons WD-40 Or other oils -- they leave a film that attracts dust and speeds up the corrosion of the contacts. IP53 (For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) allow neat rubbing with an alcohol napkin, but not immersion!

Method 1: Double-touch gesture to lock the screen

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer, is the "Double-Tap to Lock" feature, which allows you to lock the screen with two quick taps on any free area of the display.

1. Open Settings → Screen → Lock the screen.
2. Select Double Tap to lock (some firmware may call Double Tap to lock).
3. Activate the switch and confirm the action.

Features of the method:

• ✅ It works even when the screen is turned off (it is enough to tap twice on the black display).
• ❌ It does not work on a locked screen (only for unlocking).
• ⚡ Nana AMOLED-screens (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) can accidentally activate in your pocket – turn off the feature if you notice false positives.

If the option is not on the menu, check the firmware version: on MIUI 9 and older, it can be hidden. In this case, use the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Gestures. For the POCO F1 and POCO X3 models, you will need to first upgrade to MIUI 12 or later.

Method 2: Automatic lock timer

If you don’t need to lock the screen right now, but just shorten the time to automatically lock, set your sleep timer:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Sleep.
2. Select the minimum value of 15 seconds or 30 seconds.
3. For instant lock, set Never, but then the screen will burn constantly (not recommended for the screen). AMOLED-Displays due to the risk of pixel burnout).

This method is suitable for saving battery power, but does not solve the problem of urgent locking. For models Redmi Note 10 Pro and later available option Adaptive sleep, which analyzes your habits and adjusts the timer automatically. However, it requires enabled Google Play Services and can conflict with the power saving features.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F3) After resetting, the sleep timer is reset for 2 minutes. Always check this setting after updating or hard reset!

Method 3: Blocking through the notification panel

A quick way to lock the screen without a power button is to use the notification bar, which works on all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the badge. 🔒 Blocking (usually located in the upper right corner next to brightness).
3. Slip it on it - the screen will immediately lock.

If the icon is not present, it must be added manually:

1. Open the notification panel and tap on ⚙ Edit (pencil).
2. Find the Lock list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14), the lock icon can be hidden behind the swipe to the right in the notification panel – check this gesture if you do not find the button right away.

💡

Add the lock icon to the quick settings (the first 6 positions) so you can lock the screen with one swipe without opening the full panel.

Method 4: Voice command (Google Assistant or XiaoAI)

If you have Google Assistant enabled or your XiaoAI voice assistant on, you can block the screen with your voice.

• 🎤 For Google Assistant: Say, "OK, Google, lock your phone." If the command doesn't work, check the permissions in Settings. → Annexes → Google → Permits → Special access → Device administrators.

XiaoAI

1. Say, "" (XiaoAI, lockdown).
2. If the assistant doesn’t respond, update the Mi AI app to GetApps.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on a locked screen (you need to unlock the phone first).
• ❌ Requires a permanent internet connection to process the command.
• ❌ On some models (e.g. Redmi) 7A) Voice lock is disabled by default due to performance limitations.

To automatically lock the timer, use the script:

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


adb shell input keyevent 26

This method is useful for:

• 🔧 Automate locking via Tasker or MacroDroid.
• 🖥 Remote locking of the phone from the PC (for example, if the screen is getting stuck, but USB-debugging is on).
• 📱 Testing applications where software screen locking is required.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They give you full control of the device. Never connect your phone to a public PC (e.g., an Internet cafe) with debugging enabled. USB — This can lead to data leakage or malware installation!

💡

ADB-commands work even if the phone sensor is not responding, but require preliminary activation of debugging. USB. Without this connection, the lock is through ADB impossible.

What to do if the screen is frozen and does not respond to touch

If the Xiaomi phone doesn’t respond to touch, but there’s an image on the screen, try the following steps:

1. Forced reboot: Press the Power button + Volume up 10-15 seconds. On models with MIUI 13+, the Power button + Volume down combination can work.
2. Connecting the mouse to OTG: If USB-The connector is working, plug in. USB-mouse-adapter OTG. With the mouse cursor, call the notification panel and lock the screen.

Call from another phone

• Call a locked Xiaomi – sometimes it will wake up the sensor.
• After answering the call, the screen can unlock and you can block it in the standard way.

After that, double-clicking the smartwatch or bracelet button will block the Xiaomi screen.