That’s pretty basic, simply ask your friend to give you a call so that it can light up the screen. After that, you’ll just have to unlock the phone and now you can use it freely.
Plug in the charger
To turn ON the screen, plug in the charger that will instantly turn on the screen so that you can unlock and use it. Although this isn’t a portable way it is still a method you can employ if you are in your office or at home with a computer or laptop at the disposal or use the power outlet too.
Use a power bank
If you are looking for something portable that will turn on the screen, try a power bank. It will instantly turn on the screen as well as provide the battery backup you might require to play games and watch videos and what not on your smartphone with a broken power button.
What to do if the phone is powered down?
It could be a problem if the phone is powered down and you are facing the power button not working problem on it. You can actually use ADB and Fastboot tools available which are readily available for downloads on computer using which, you can command the phone to either light up the screen or reboot based on your requirements.
Before you can report the issue to a service center which is an imminent method to fix the power button not working problem but if you want an alternative to the broken power button, here are some apps that can help.
Gravity Screen
As the name suggests, the Gravity Screen works with the help of gyro-sensors where the user can set the variables such as a pocket sensor that detects its orientation while in the pocket as well as table sensor that detected its location on a tabletop, etc. Now, this app is great for use since it automatically locks and unlocks the device using gravity which means, you don’t have to use power button which is already broken to do these functions.
As the name suggests, this app transfers the capability of a power button to the volume button. Now whenever you tap on the selected volume button, you can automatically use the same to lock and unlock the phone. This app can also help boot the phone if needed using the same volume rocker.
Proximity Actions
This particular app available on Play Store utilizes proximity sensor mounted on the front side of the phone that works with the help of proximity sensor to detect the presence of a user and take necessary actions as fed onto the various variables it has suggested.
There are tons of other apps on Google Play Store with the capability to double as a power button such as:
- Close It
- Button Mapper: Remap your keys
- Power Button
- Double Tap Screen
- Assistive Touch
- Smart Screen On/Off
- Material Power Menu, etc.
Up till now, you were trying to use some methods to use as alternatives to the power button not working problem but let’s see what you can do to actually resolve a physically damaged power button.
Check for debris
This is probably the first thing that you must look for if the power button isn’t working on your device. Check for the debris or lint that might have escaped between the openings around the buttons. You can use a needle or any sharp object to scrape and remove the debris stuck around the button as well as beneath the key. Note that don’t force the needle too much because it will deform or damage the key if not already did.
Replace power key
Firstly, try several times to press and use the power button and check if it works or not. If not, you must approach a service center or a repair shop to get it replaced or repaired depending upon the severity of the issue. It is highly recommended to approach an authorized service center if the phone is still under warranty, however, you can report the same to an authorized center or third-party repair shop if it’s not in warranty period.