The present disclosure provides a method of switching power modes on a portable electronic device and a portable electronic device configured to perform the same. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a portable electronic device, having a housing; a processor received within the housing; a display screen connected to the processor and exposed by the housing; a piezoelectric switch connected to the processor disposed in the housing, the piezoelectric switch having a piezoelectric element which generates an electric charge in response to forces applied to the piezoelectric element; and an actuator for engaging the piezoelectric element, the actuator being exposed by the housing and movable within the housing to transfer externally applied forces to the piezoelectric element; wherein the processor is configured for switching between at least two power modes in response to the generation of the electric charge by the piezoelectric element.