OnePlus 5 Power Button Broken? How to Switch It On

If your OnePlus 5’s power button is broken, you can still switch the phone on by holding the volume-down button and plugging it into a charger, which boots it into recovery mode; from there you can select “Reboot system now.� This works even with a completely dead battery, and it’s the most reliable software-only method that doesn’t require opening the phone.

Why the OnePlus 5 Power Button Breaks

The OnePlus 5 uses a physical key mounted on a flexible ribbon cable that connects to the motherboard. Over years of use, the internal dome switch can wear out, the ribbon can tear, or debris can get lodged under the button. Dropping the phone is a common cause, but even normal wear can eventually make the button unresponsive. Unlike some phones that use capacitive areas, the OnePlus 5 relies entirely on a mechanical switch, so there’s no software workaround to remap the power button to another key—you have to use a hardware or boot-level trick.

How to Turn On a OnePlus 5 with a Broken Power Button

Here are the methods that work, in order of reliability:

• Volume-down + charger: Plug the phone into a charger, then hold the volume-down button for about 10–15 seconds. The phone will vibrate and enter recovery mode. Use the volume keys to navigate to “Reboot system nowâ€� and press the power button (if it still works) or just wait—some units reboot automatically after a few seconds.
• Volume-up + charger: Same as above but with volume-up, which may boot to fastboot mode. From fastboot, you can often select “Startâ€� using the volume keys and confirm with the power button. If the power button is completely dead, this won’t get you past the confirmation, but it’s worth trying.
• ADB command: If the phone is already on and USB debugging is enabled, connect it to a computer and run adb reboot from the command line. This restarts the phone without touching the power button.
• Let the battery die completely: If the phone is off and you plug it in, it will automatically boot once the battery reaches a minimal charge—usually within a minute. This works only if the battery is fully drained, not if the phone was shut down normally.

If the phone is on but the screen is off, you can wake it by pressing the home button (if you have a case with a button) or by using the “Double tap to wake� gesture, which is enabled by default on OxygenOS. If that doesn’t work, you can set up “Raise to wake� in Settings > Display.

How to Keep the Phone Usable Without a Power Button

Once the phone is on, you can avoid using the power button entirely for daily tasks. Enable the on-screen navigation bar (Settings > Buttons > Navigation bar > on-screen), which gives you a power button shortcut in the notification shade. You can also add a “Lock screen� toggle to the quick settings panel. For rebooting, use the “Restart� option in the power menu (accessible by holding the volume-down and power buttons simultaneously—but if power is dead, use ADB or the recovery method). For turning off the screen, set the screen timeout to a short interval or use the “Sleep� tile in quick settings.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that a broken power button means the phone is permanently bricked. That’s not true—the button is only one way to send a signal to the motherboard. Another common issue is that the volume-down + charger method sometimes boots into recovery but the touchscreen doesn’t work in recovery. That’s normal; use the volume keys to navigate and the power button to select. If the power button is completely non-functional, you can’t select anything in recovery, but you can still let the phone boot by waiting—some builds of OxygenOS automatically reboot after 30 seconds of inactivity in recovery.

If the phone vibrates but the screen stays black, the battery might be too low. Leave it plugged in for 10–15 minutes, then try again. If it still doesn’t respond, the issue may be more than the button—a faulty charging port or battery could prevent boot.

When to Consider Repair vs. Replacement

If the button is physically stuck or the phone has other issues, you have a few options. A replacement power button flex cable costs a few dollars and can be installed with basic tools—iFixit-style guides show the process, which involves removing the SIM tray, back panel, and midframe. If you’re not comfortable opening the phone, a repair shop will typically charge for labor plus parts. If the phone is otherwise in good condition, repairing is usually worth it. If the battery is also degraded or the screen has issues, replacing the phone might be more economical. The OnePlus 5 is no longer supported with major Android updates, so consider whether the cost of repair is justified.

Software Alternatives and Accessibility Options

OxygenOS includes accessibility features that can reduce your dependence on the power button. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch & hold delay, and enable “Power button ends call� if you need that. More useful is the “Assistant� gesture—you can set it to launch Google Assistant, which can turn off the screen with voice commands (though not turn it on). For turning on the phone, there’s no software override—the boot process requires a hardware signal, which is why the volume-key trick is the standard workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn on my OnePlus 5 without any buttons?

Yes, if the battery is completely dead. Plug the phone into a charger and it will automatically power on once the battery has enough charge—usually within a minute. If the phone was shut down normally (not drained), it won’t auto-boot because the system is off, not in a low-battery state.

Will the volume-down trick damage my phone?

No, it’s a standard boot method. It sends the phone into recovery mode, which is a safe diagnostic environment. It doesn’t wipe data or alter settings. If you accidentally select “Wipe data,� that would erase your phone, so be careful with the navigation.

How do I reboot my OnePlus 5 if the power button is broken but the phone is on?

Use ADB: enable USB debugging in Developer Options, connect to a computer with ADB installed, and run adb reboot. Alternatively, you can use the “Restartâ€� option in the power menu if you can get to it—but that requires the power button. The ADB method is the most reliable.

Can I replace the power button myself?

Yes, with the right tools and a replacement flex cable. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a plastic opening tool, and a heat source (like a hair dryer) to soften the adhesive. Detailed guides are available online. If you’re not experienced with phone repairs, it’s safer to have a professional do it, as you risk damaging the screen or other components.

Why does my OnePlus 5 vibrate but not turn on?

This usually means the battery is very low or the screen is disconnected. Plug it in and wait a few minutes. If it still vibrates but shows nothing, the screen ribbon cable may have come loose or the screen itself is damaged. That’s a separate issue from the power button.

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