How to turn on an Android smartphone without the power button: a complete guide for turned off devices

A ​​broken power button on an Android smartphone is one of the most unpleasant breakdowns. Especially if the phone is completely turned off: neither charging nor connecting to a PC helps. But don’t rush to take the device to a service center - in 80% of cases the device can be started without physically pressing the power button.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to turn on an Android device without a power button when it is completely turned off. From simple methods using a charger to advanced techniques via ADB i recovery mode. Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on the smartphone model, Android version and the reason for shutdown (discharge, software failure or hardware failure).

If your smartphone is completely discharged, start with the first method. If it turns off due to a software failure, proceed to methods involving connecting to a PC. And if the power button is physically damaged, but the phone has not yet been turned off, use alternative methods of unlocking the screen (we will also consider them).

1. "Hot charging" method for discharged devices

The easiest way to turn on a switched off Android is to use original charger with support for fast charging. This method works if the battery is completely discharged, but the power button does not respond to pressing.

Connect the smartphone to the charger and wait minimum 15-20 minutes. On some models (Samsung Galaxy S20+, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, Google Pixel 4), after the charging indicator appears, you can force the device to start by holding down the button combination. For example:

• 🔋 Samsung: hold Volume up + Bixby for 10-15 seconds
• 🔋 Xiaomi/Redmi: hold Volume down + Power (even if the power button is broken, sometimes it works)
• 🔋 Google Pixel: hold Volume down for 30+ seconds

If the charging indicator does not appear, try:

1. Use another charger (preferably with support Quick Charge 3.0 or PD).
2. Connect the smartphone to the PC via USB - sometimes this starts the charging process.
3. Try wireless charging (if supported).

⚠️ Attention: If after 30 minutes of charging the indicator does not lights up, the problem may be in power controller or the battery. In this case, the software activation methods will not work - repair will be required.

2. Using an OTG cable and mouse (for some models)

A little-known life hack: some Android smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S8/S9, OnePlus 6/7, Huawei P20/P30) can be turned on via OTG adapter and a USB mouse. This method works if:

• 🖱️ The device is not completely discharged (there is a residual charge)
• 🖱️ USB debugging is enabled in the system (Settings → For developers)
• 🖱️ USB port OK

Instructions:

1. Connect the OTG cable to the smartphone.
2. Connect a USB mouse (wired!).
3. Press the left mouse button 2 times in a row —on some models this simulates pressing the power button.
4. If the screen lights up, move the cursor to the power button on the lock screen.

If the mouse does not respond, try:

• 🔄 Connect a keyboard instead of a mouse and press Enter or Power (if there is such a key).
• 🔄 Use an OTG hub with a mouse and keyboard connected at the same time.

Why does this method not work on all smartphones?

On most modern devices (Android 10+) The USB port is disabled when completely turned off to save energy. The OTG method only works if the firmware provides support for peripheral devices in the off state (more common on 2017-2019 flagships).

3. Start through Recovery Mode

If the smartphone turned off due to a software failure (not discharge), it can be launched via recovery mode. This method requires working volume buttons, but does not require connection to a PC.

Instructions for different manufacturers:

Manufacturer	Combination buttons	Hold duration
Samsung	Volume up + Bixby + Power	10-15 seconds
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	Volume up + Power	5-8 seconds
Google Pixel	Volume down + Power	10+ seconds
OnePlus	Volume up + Volume down + Power	15 seconds

After hitting Recovery Mode:

1. Use the volume buttons to navigate.
2. Select item Reboot system now (system reboot).
3. Confirm the selection with the power button (or the Bixby button on Samsung).

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) the reboot item may be called differently: Reboot to system or Restart. Do not select Wipe data —this will lead to a reset!

4. Enabling via ADB commands (PC required)

If you previously had it enabled USB debugging (Settings → For developers → Debugging USB, you can turn on your smartphone via a computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install Platform Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB (even if it is turned off).
3. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
4. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the device is detected, proceed to the next step.

5. Run the enable command:

   adb shell input keyevent 26

   (code 26 corresponds to the power button).

If the command did not work, try alternative options:

• 💻 adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_POWER
• 💻 adb reboot (forced reboot)

If ADB does not see the device:

• 🔌 Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).
• 🔌 Install drivers for your model (for example, Samsung USB Driver or Mi PC Suite).
• 🔌 Restart your PC and repeat try.

5. Using the "Double Tap to Wake" function (if it was enabled)

On some smartphones (LG G6, Google Pixel 3, OnePlus 5Tthere is a function Double Tap to Wake - double tap on the switched off screen to wake up. If it was activated before turning off, you can turn on the device. without a power button.

How it works:

1. Connect your smartphone to the charger for 5-10 minutes (so that the minimum charge appears).
2. Tap your finger twice in the center of the screen.
3. If the function is active, the screen will light up and you can unlock device.

How to check if the function is enabled (if the phone still turns on):

• 📱 Samsung: Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Double tap to wake
• 📱 Google Pixel: Settings → System → Gestures → Tap to wake
• 📱 OnePlus: Settings → Buttons and gestures → Screen gestures → Double Tap to Wake

⚠️ Attention: On new models (Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 6) this function is often disabled by default due to increased battery consumption. If you have not enabled it before, the method will not work.

6. Hardware methods: closing contacts (for experienced users)

If all software methods have been exhausted and the power button is physically damaged, you can try close the button contacts manuallyThis method requires disassembling the device and is only suitable for users with repair experience. electronics.

Instructions:

1. Remove the back cover of the smartphone (on most modern models you will need suction cup i plastic pick).
2. Disconnect the battery (required!), then find the flexible cable of the power button.
3. Using tweezers or a needle, carefully close the button contacts (usually these are two metal circles on the cable).
4. Connect the battery back - the device should turn on.

Risks of this method:

• ⚡ Damage to the cable or motherboard.
• ⚡ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ⚡ Short circuit due to careless actions.

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a service center. The cost of replacing the power button usually does not exceed 1000-2000 rubles (for 2026).

7. Alternative unlocking methods (if the phone is not turned off)

If your smartphone is not turned offbut the power button does not work, you can unlock it in other ways:

• 🔓 Fingerprint: on most devices, the fingerprint scanner will unlock the screen even without pressing the button power.
• 🔓 Voice command: on Samsung s Bixby or Google Pixel s Google Assistant you can say “Okay, Google, unlock phone."
• 🔓 Smart Lock: If the function is enabled Settings → Security → Smart Lock, the phone can be unlocked in trusted places (for example, at home) without entering a password.

For devices with AMOLED screens (Samsung Galaxy S21, OnePlus 9 Pro) sometimes works raise to wake gesture (Settings → Motions and gestures → Raise to wake). Just lift the phone and the screen can turn on.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about turning on Android without the power button

My phone is dead and the power button is broken. What to do?

Connect the original charger and leave it charging at least 30-60 minutes. If the indicator does not light up, try:

1. Use another charger (with support for fast charging).
2. Connect to PC via USB - sometimes this starts charging.
3. Try wireless charging (if supported).

If after an hour of charging there is no reaction, the problem may be in the power controller - repair will be required.

Is it possible to turn on the phone through the computer if USB debugging has not been enabled?

No. ADB commands work only if USB debugging has been enabled activated to turning off the device. Without this, the PC will not be able to “see” the switched off smartphone.

Exception: some service centers use special boxes (Medusa, Octopus), which can force the device to turn on via EDL mode (emergency firmware). But this requires professional equipment.

I turned on the phone via Recovery Mode, but it turns off again. What to do?

This is a sign unstable power supply. Possible reasons:

• 🔋 Discharged battery (recharge for another 20-30 minutes).
• 🔋 Faulty battery (swelling, loss of capacity).
• 🔋 Damaged charging connector.

Try:

1. Turn on the phone Safe Mode (usually hold the power button while booting).
2. Reset settings via Recovery (Wipe cache partition).
3. Replace the battery (if it is removable).

Is it possible to turn on the phone if it turned off due to an update?

Yes, but the method depends on the stage of the update:

• 🔄 If the update stuck on the logo - hold the power button + volume up for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
• 🔄 If the update interrupted —try to log in Recovery Mode and select Apply update from ADB (PC required).
• 🔄 If the phone does not respond at all —connect to PC and try to flash the stock firmware via Fastboot.

Interrupting the update at the installation stage can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device. If you are not sure, contact the service.

How much does it cost to repair the power button?

The cost depends on the model and type of breakdown:

Type of repair	Cost (2026)	Term
Replacement of the power button	800–2000 ₽	1–2 hours
Replacement of flexible cable	1500–3500 ₽	1 day
Repair of power controller	2500–6000 ₽	2–3 days

On flagships (Samsung Galaxy S23, iPhone 14) the cost may be higher due to the complexity of disassembly. In official service centers, prices are usually 20-30% higher than in private workshops.