Broken power buttons on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are a common problem that turns everyday action into a real headache. You used to press the physical key, but suddenly it stopped working, whether due to mechanical damage, after a fall, or just “from time to time,” in which many users start to panic, thinking that the phone can now be locked without repair.
In fact, Xiaomi engineers have envisioned several alternative ways to lock the screen that work even when a button is faulty. In fact, some of these methods may even be more convenient than the standard! In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to lock the screen on Xiaomi without using the power button, including hidden MIUI functions, gestures, voice commands and even automation via ADB.
It’s important to understand that the choice of method depends on your device model and firmware version. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, some options are available, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5, we will specify which features work on which versions so that you do not waste time on useless attempts.
Method 1: Use the Double Tap gesture
One of the easiest and most versatile ways is to activate the Double-Tap to Lock feature, which allows you to lock the screen by touching any area of the display twice, an option available on most Xiaomi devices starting with MIUI 10.
To turn it on:
- Go to Settings → Display → Additional display settings.
- Find Double Tap to Lock (some models may call it Double Tap to Lock).
- Activate the switch.
Now, to lock the screen, you just need to touch any free area of the display twice (except the keyboard or active interface elements), which works even on a locked screen if you want to quickly extinguish the display after viewing the notifications.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) This feature may conflict with the "Double tap to wake up" gesture. If the lock fails after activation, turn off the wakeup with double tap in the same settings.
Double touch enabled in settings | Screen not covered with film or case |Gest is performed on a free area (not on icons) | Phone not in power saving mode-->
Method 2: Block through the notification panel
If the power button doesn't work, but the touch screen is working, the most obvious way is to use the notification bar, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require any additional settings.
Instructions:
- Swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen down to open the notification panel.
- In the upper right corner, find the icon. ⚙️ Settings (cogs).
- There should be an icon next to it. 🔒 Lock it. Press it.
If the icon is not locked, it's hidden.
- Open the notification bar and click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
- Select Edit the Control Panel.
- Find the Lock icon and drag it to the active area.
This is convenient, but has a disadvantage: if the notification bar is already open (for example, to view messages), you will have to first close it, and then reopen it for locking.
Power button|Double touch.|Notification panel|Voice assistant|Other-->
Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant
If your Xiaomi smartphone supports Google Assistant (and that’s most Google-based models), you can block the screen with your voice, a technique that’s especially useful if the touchscreen is partially faulty or you’re busy (like cooking and not being able to pick up the phone).
To set up voice lock:
- Make sure that Google Assistant is installed and activated (go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google and check permissions).
- Say, OK, Google, lock the phone.
- If the command fails, open the Google Assistant settings and enable the screen lock option in the Commands and Devices section.
Some firmware (e.g., MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 12) may require additional permission adjustments:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Access.
- Select Assistant and Voice Input.
- Activate permission for Google.
⚠️ Attention: Voice locking only works when the screen is unlocked, if the phone is already locked, the command will not work, and this method requires an Internet connection to process voice requests.
Why isn't Google Assistant blocking the screen? on some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese versions) MIUI) The voice lock function is disabled by default due to security policy, in which case it will help to install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) or manually enable a command via the security policy. ADB.--> Method 4
If you often forget to lock your phone or the power button is interrupted, you can set the automatic lock on the timer. This method does not require manual actions - the screen will go out after a specified period of inactivity. Go to Settings. → Display. → Timer sleep (or Automatic Screen Shutdown) Select the minimum value, such as 15 seconds or 30 seconds. Activate Adaptive Brightness in the same section for additional charge savings: 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the screen will often turn on/off when accidentally touched. 📱 Discomfort when reading – if you read a book or article, the screen will lock too quickly. 🔒 No immediate locking – you will have to wait until the timer is triggered. For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro can be used for Always On Display (AOD) In this case, the screen will display time and notifications, but the main interface will be blocked. Xiaomi Model Minimum sleep timer Support Always On Display Redmi Note 12 15 seconds No POCO X5 Pro 10 seconds Yes MIUI 14) Xiaomi 13T 5 seconds Yes Redmi. 10C 30 seconds No Method 5: Blocking through ADB (for advanced users) If standard methods do not work, you can lock the screen through ADB (Android Debug Bridge requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge, but it works on all Xiaomi models, including those that have alternative locking methods disabled. Instruction: Enable Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-On your computer, open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter adb shell input keyevent 26 This command simulates the power button pressing by locking the screen, so to make it easier, you can create a.bat file with this command and run it double-click, and you can also set the task in Tasker or another automatic to perform a gesture or time command. ⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can disrupt the system, for example, the adb shell input keyevent command. 27 It unlocks the screen, but it may cause a failure on some firmware. Always check the commands for compatibility with your model. 💡ADB-Adb shell input keyevent 26 It works on all versions of Android, but requires enabled debugging. USB. Once the phone is restarted, the debugging permission is reset, and you have to reconfirm it. 6: Screen lock applications If built-in functions MIUI You don't like it, you can install a third-party app to lock the screen, and these programs offer additional features, like locking by shaking, flipping the phone, or even on a schedule.-3 tested applications: 🔐 Gravity Screen -- locks the screen when you put the phone down or in your pocket, and it works through the proximity sensor. 📱 Tap, Tap – allows you to configure the lock by double/triple touch, swipe gesture or even triple pressing the volume button. ⏱️ Screen Off and Lock – Adds a widget to the home screen for instant lock. To install any of these applications: Download APK from an official website (e.g. Google Play or APKMirror) Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. Launch the application and follow the setup instructions: 🎛️ Flexible setting – you can choose any gesture or condition to lock. 🔄 Working on old firmware - even if your Redmi 5 is on MIUI 9 does not support double-touch, the app will add this feature. 🛡️ Additional security - some programs allow you to lock the screen when you disconnect from a trusted Wi-Fi network: 🔋 Increased battery consumption – application background processes can drain the battery faster. 🔓 Potential vulnerabilities – not all third-party applications are secure. Method 7: Hardware lock (for emergencies) If the power button is completely out of order and the software methods are not working (for example, due to a firmware failure), you can use hardware lock. This is suitable for emergency situations where the phone needs to be locked urgently, but standard methods are not available: 🔌 Power outage – press the power button + Turning the volume up by 10 to 15 seconds to force the phone to turn off. 🔋 Battery Removal – only suitable for models with removable battery (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Redmi 3S). After retrieving and resetting the battery, the phone will turn on in a locked state. 🔌 Connecting charging – on some models (for example, POCO M3) The screen is automatically locked when connected to the charger. ⚠️ Warning: Forced power outages can cause unsaved data to be lost or the file system to be damaged, and do not use this method if important processes are underway on the phone (such as updating firmware or recording video). If you often encounter a power button that is not working, consider repairing it. Most Xiaomi service centers perform a change of the button in 1-2 hours, and the cost of repair rarely exceeds 1,500-20000 rubles (2026). Frequent questions about blocking Xiaomi without a power button Can you block Xiaomi through SMS No, in the standard firmware. MIUI There is no lock function for SMS But you can use applications like Tasker or MacroDroid to set up automatic locking when you receive it. SMS with a specific text (e.g, "LOCK"). This will require: Install Tasker from Google Play. Create a profile with the condition Received SMS. Add action System → Device locking. Please note that this method requires the application to have read permission to work. SMS Why is it that double-tapping doesn't work on my Redmi Note 11? POCO Double-touch lock feature disabled by default or hidden.Try: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Update system: Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) that supports gestures. Enable option via Settings → Special facilities → Gestures (on some firmware). If nothing helps, check if the function is disabled in Settings. → Battery → Battery optimization for system applications. Can you lock your phone through a Smart Band or smartwatch? Yes, if you have a smart Mi Band device (starting with version 5) or Xiaomi Watch, you can lock your phone remotely. In the bracelet settings, activate the phone management option → Lock the screen. Now, when you hold the button on the bracelet (usually 2-3 seconds), the phone locks. This method only works if the phone and the bracelet are in range of Bluetooth (usually up to 10 meters). What if the screen does not respond to touch and the power button is broken? If the touch screen is not working and the power button is broken, there are several options left: Connect the phone to the computer and use it. ADB-command to lock (as described in Method 5). Use it. OTG-cable and mouse - if USB-The debugging was on earlier, so you can control the phone through the mouse and lock it in the standard way. Wait for the battery to run out, when the phone turns off, the next time you turn on, the screen will lock. USB-Debugging, but you can't unlock the screen to confirm the connection, try connecting via adb devices and execute a blind lock command (without visual control). If you want to fix the button yourself, you will need to: 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (star, flat). 🧲 Screen suction cup. 🔋 New power button (you can buy on AliExpress or in service centers). 📱 Disassembly diagram for your model (find on YouTube or iFixit). Step-by-step instruction: Turn off your phone and remove SIM-map. Heat the edge of the screen with a hair dryer (to soften the glue). Gently suction the screen with a suction cup and unplug the plumes. Remove the middle frame and reach the power button. Unplug the old button and solder a new one (or simply replace the module if it's on the connector). ⚠️ Warning: Self-repairing can result in loss of warranty or damage to other components (e.g., screen plume).If you are unsure of your skills, it is best to contact the service.