How to turn off the screen when calling Xiaomi

The way Xiaomi’s smartphone screen goes out during a conversation is familiar to many users, because of the proximity sensor, which is designed to save energy and prevent accidental cheek pressing, but on devices with a MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, this mechanism sometimes works incorrectly, blocking access to call control buttons at the most inopportune time.

Users often experience the display stop responding to touch or not light up after the phone is removed from the ear. The main reason lies in the software calibration of the sensor, not in physical damage. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to solve the problem, from simple settings to deep calibration of the engineering menu.

Solving this problem requires careful attention, as settings may vary depending on the firmware version.We will look at the action algorithms for different models, including the Redmi Note and the flagship Mi series. It is important to understand that completely disabling the sensor can lead to a cheek reset, so we will offer a balance between convenience and functionality.

Reasons for blocking the display during a conversation

The main culprit behind the screen dimming is the proximity sensor, which is located at the top of the smartphone body, usually next to the speaker, and its task is to determine the distance to the object (your ear) and turn off the matrix when the phone is brought close, and if this sensor is contaminated, closed by a protective glass or has a software failure, the screen will go out arbitrarily.

The second reason is often the settings of the MIUI system itself. In some versions of the shell, the Pocket Mode function or specific energy saving settings may conflict with the operation of the caller, and third-party applications for recording conversations or determining numbers that request access to sensors and can block the screen also influence.

And let's not forget about the physical factors. Low-quality protective films that don't have a sensor cutout often cause false positives. Even high-quality tempered glass can shift when it falls, blocking the light from the sensor, and in such cases, software settings won't help, you'll need to replace the accessory.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations begin, make sure that there are no visible contaminants or greasy spots on the screen at the top.Wash the display with a soft cloth, as even an imperceptible film of fat can distort the sensor readings.

Basic setting of the proximity sensor in MIUI

The first step to fix this problem is to check the basic settings, and in the current versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, the sensor algorithms have been redesigned, and you need to make sure that the system interprets the sensor data correctly.

To start, go to the standard Phone app. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner or select Settings in the menu. Find the Incoming Calls or Call Settings section. There may be a switch that locks the screen. If there is no such option, the system controls this process automatically.

In some cases, it helps to just restart the sensor service, which can be done through a developer menu or special codes. However, before you go to complex methods, try just restarting the smartphone, which resets temporary errors in the work of hardware drivers.

If standard methods don't work, it's worth checking if the hypersensitivity mode is activated. It's designed to be used with protective glass, but it may not work properly. Turn it off temporarily and check the result. Often, this is the setting that causes conflicts between the touchscreen and the light sensor.

Use of the Engineering Menu for Calibration

The most effective way to solve the problem is by manual calibration. Xiaomi's engineering menu allows you to test and reconfigure the proximity sensor without superuser rights (Root), which is safe if you follow the instructions accurately.

To enter the test mode, open the Phone app and type a special code. Enter the combination ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu will open.

In the window that opens, you'll see the current sensor value. When you close the top of the screen with your hand, the value should change from 5.0 (or 1.0) to 0.0. If the values don't change or change randomly, press Calibrate. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually you need to close the sensor and press OK, then open and press OK again.

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the calibration menu until you see a successful completion message (Success) interrupting the process may cause the sensor to stop working completely.

After successful calibration, be sure to restart the device. Check the screen during the test call. If the problem persists, you may need to repeat the procedure 2-3 times. In rare cases, resetting all sensor settings through the same menu, if this option is available in your version of the firmware helps.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

There are several approaches to troubleshooting, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific model of your Redmi or Poco, as well as the version of the operating system installed.

Here's a table that will help you choose the best solution, and we compared software calibration, third-party application use, and physical cleaning.

As you can see from the table, using specialized fixing applications often produces better results with minimal effort, but they require constant permissions to work in the background. Code calibration is a cleaner way, not requiring any extra software to be installed, but it may not work when hardware problems are involved.

Third-party screen management applications

If Android and MIUI are not working, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and they take control of the sensor and force the screen to turn on during a conversation, a workaround that ignores the system's regular settings.

One of the popular solutions is the Proximity Sensor Fix, which runs in the background and adjusts the sensor sensitivity in real time, and once installed, you have to give the app permissions and activate the availability service, and it allows the program to interfere with the call.

Another option is to use screen control applications like Screen Off and On, which allow you to customize scenarios, such as turning on the screen only at a certain level of light or on a double tap, ignoring the proximity sensor, which can be convenient if the regular sensor is physically defective.

⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party apps that require deep system access can reduce the overall security level of the device.

Using these utilities can slightly increase battery consumption, as the sensor will be surveyed more often. However, for many users, this becomes the only way to comfortably use the phone during long conversations.

Hardware causes and physical maintenance

If software and calibration didn’t work, the problem could lie in the sensor module itself. In Xiaomi smartphones, the proximity sensor is often combined with the light sensor and located under the display glass.

A common cause is the unfettering of the protective film inside the case or the ingestion of moisture. Even a microscopic drop of sweat or condensate can close contacts or distort the light flux, in which case the screen can go out on its own, even if the phone is lying on the table.

It's also worth checking the security glass, if it's crooked or has a thick layer of glue around the edges, it's overriding the sensor. Try to gently remove the glass and check the phone without it. If the problem is gone, replace the accessory with a better one, with a cutout under the top bezel.

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If you carry your phone in your pocket without a case, a pile of fabric can clog the speaker grid and sensor. brush the top of your smartphone regularly with a soft toothbrush.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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A comprehensive approach, including cleaning, calibration and, if necessary, fixing the fixture, solves the problem in 95% of cases without contacting the service.