The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a conversation, which prevents accidental pressing of the cheek or ear. However, many users face problems: the screen goes off too early, does not respond to the approach of the hand or, conversely, does not turn off at all, the reason most often lies in the wrong calibration or factory sensitivity settings, which do not take into account the individual characteristics of use.
In this article, we will look at all the ways available to change the sensitivity of the proximity sensor, from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menus and ADB commands. You will learn how to check the sensor's performance, calibrate it manually and even disable it if it interferes. And for owners of older models (Redmi Note 4/5, Mi A1), we will give individual solutions - their sensors often require a special approach.
⚠️ Important: Not all methods are safe. Wrong actions on the engineering menu or through the ADB If you're not sure, use only standard settings. MIUI.
1.How the proximity sensor works in Xiaomi and why it "glues"
The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is an infrared sensor that measures the distance to an object (usually the head of the user during a call) and consists of two elements: an emitter (sends an IR signal) and a receiver (reflects the signal), when you hold the phone to the ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and sends a command to turn off the screen.
Typical problems with the proximity sensor on Xiaomi:
- 🔴 The screen does not go out during the call (the sensor does not work)
- 🟡 The screen goes out too early (false positives)
- 🟢 The screen is turned on/off chaotically (unstable operation)
- ⚫ The sensor does not work after the update MIUI phone crash
The main causes of the failure:
Sensor contamination (dust, protective film, high-sided cover).
- Software failure after firmware update.
Incorrect calibration at the factory or after resetting the settings.
Physical damage (crack on the glass above the sensor, ingress of moisture).
💡 The first thing to do is wipe the sensor area (usually to the right of the speaker) with an alcohol wipe.
2. Standard sensitivity settings in MIUI
Most Xiaomi models (starting with MIUI 10) have built-in tools for adjusting the proximity sensor, but not all firmware versions provide direct access to sensitivity adjustment – often you can only turn on/off the feature or recalibrate.
📌 How to open sensor settings:
- Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
- Select Special Options → Approximation Sensor (on some models, the path may be different).
- If there is no item, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
You'll find this menu:
- 🔄 Calibration reset – returns the sensor’s factory settings.
- 📱 Sensor test – check the health (put your hand to the top of the screen).
- ⚙️ Sensitivity (if any) – a slider or choice of options (low/medium/high).
⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi 9, Poco) X3) The sensitivity option is hidden, and you'll have to use an engineering menu or ADB (see the following sections).
☑️ Preparation for sensor setup
3. Sensitivity change via engineering menu (code ##6484##)
The Engineering Menu is a hidden settings section where you can test and calibrate your smartphone hardware. Xiaomi's approximation sensor uses the code ##6484## (some models use ##4636##), which works on most devices, but requires caution.
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484##.
- Select Proximity Sensor (proximity sensor).
- In the menu that opens, you will see the current values: Value is the current distance (0-5 cm), Max is the maximum response distance, Min is the minimum distance (usually 0).
Calibration
Set Threshold
Max
3
5
Save the settings and restart the phone.
🔧 Recommended values for popular models:
| Xiaomi model | Factory value Max | Recommended range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | 5 | 3–5 | If <3, false positives are possible. |
| Poco F3/F4 | 4 | 2–4 | Sensitive to protective glass |
| Mi 11/12 | 5 | 3–6 | Supports automatic calibration |
| Redmi 9/9A | 3 | 2–4 | Often requires manual resetting. |
⚠️ Note: Do not set Max above 6, which can cause the screen to permanently shut down even without the object approaching. If the sensor stops working after the changes, reset through the same menu.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4.Configure via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can change the sensitivity of the proximity sensor through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, but risky - the wrong command can disrupt the system.
🛠️ What's the matter:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
📌 Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
- Check the connection command: adb devices (should display the serial number of your device).
- Enter the command to check the current values of the sensor: adb shell dumpsys sensorservice Find the proximity line in the output - there will be threshold parameters.
- To change the sensitivity, use: adb shell settings put system proximity_delay [where [value] is the time of the screen shutdown delay in milliseconds (e.g, 1000 for 1 seconds).
- For resetting: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CALIBRATE_PROXIMITY
💡 Useful tip: If you are not sure about the teams, use the utility ADB AppControl – It provides a graphical interface for sensor management.
💡
Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings → System & Device → Backup. This will help restore your phone if something goes wrong.
5. Sensor problems on older Xiaomi models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1, etc.)
Owners of older Xiaomi smartphones (released before 2019) often find that the proximity sensor either doesn’t work at all or behaves unpredictably, due to outdated firmware and wear and tear of the hardware.
🔧 Specific solutions for old models:
- 📲 Redmi Note 4/5: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI 12 (Even if official support is over, you can install custom via Xiaomi.eu.
- 🤖 Mi A1/A2 (Android One: These models use "clean" Android, so the sensor settings are hidden deeper.Try the Hardware Info app for testing and resetting.
- 🔄 General tip: If the sensor is working randomly, try turning off the Settings function → System system → Gestures → Lifting to wake up – it may conflict with sensor performance.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3S/4X In other budget models, the proximity sensor often fails due to dust falling under the glass. If none of the methods worked, you may need to replace the sensor (cost - from the point of view of the sensor). 500 before 1500 ruble-in-center).
📊 Failure statistics by model (according to service centers):
| Model | % of devices with sensor problems | The main reason |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4 | 12% | Sensor wear, outdated firmware |
| Mi A1 | 8% | Conflict with “clean” Android |
| Redmi 5 Plus | 15% | Moisture exposure under the display |
6. Alternative solutions: disabling the sensor or using third-party applications
If the sensitivity setting does not work, you can go in two ways:
- Turn off the sensor completely (the screen will not go out during the call).
- Use third-party applications to control the sensor.
🔹 How to disable the proximity sensor:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Approximation Sensor.
- Turn off the option Automatically turn off the screen (the name may be different).
- Or use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put system screen_off_by_proximity 0
📱 Top.-3 sensor-control:
- 🛠️ Proximity Sensor Reset – Reset and calibration of the sensor.
- 📊 Hardware Info – Checking and Testing.
- 🔧 QPST — Advanced settings for Snapdragon processors.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling the proximity sensor will keep the screen on while the call is being made, increasing the risk of accidental tapping and rapid battery discharge.
💡
If the sensor is completely out of order, and it is not possible to replace it, use headphones with a microphone - this will eliminate the need to bring the phone to the ear.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to change the sensitivity of the sensor, users often make mistakes that only exacerbate the problem.
❌ Error 1: Using unofficial firmware.
Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS) can disrupt the sensor, as it often lacks the original Xiaomi drivers. Solution: go back to the official MIUI or find firmware that supports your model.
❌ Error 2: Resetting settings without backup.
Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu or ADB sometimes resets other system settings.Solution: Save data through Settings → Google → Backup before the changes.
❌ Mistake 3: Misinterpreting the values in the engineering menu.
Many users confuse Value (current distance) with Max (trigger threshold). Solution: change only Max, and Value is only for testing.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring physical damage.
If the sensor doesn't work after the phone falls, no software methods will help. Solution: check the integrity of the glass over the sensor or contact the service.
🔍 How to know if the sensor has broken down:
- 🔴 Test on engineering menu shows Value = 0 at any distance.
- 🔴 After resetting the calibration, nothing changes.
- 🔴 The sensor does not respond to direct commands. ADB.