How to set up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: the full guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it has occasional issues with its proximity sensor. This small but important sensor is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone call when you hold the device to your ear. If the sensor doesn't work properly, the screen can go out spontaneously or, conversely, remain active, leading to accidental tapping and battery discharge.

In this article, we will discuss how to check the operability of the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 7, perform its adjustment and calibration, and eliminate typical malfunctions, you will learn what tools you need, how to avoid errors in diagnosis and when to contact the service center. Instructions are suitable for all versions MIUI, including the latest updates to 2026.

What is the proximity sensor and how it works on the Redmi Note 7

The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (like your ear).

• 🔦 Infrared emitter emits invisible light.
• 👁️ Photodiode – captures the reflected signal and analyzes its intensity.

When you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor captures close range and sends a signal to the system to turn off the screen and touchscreen. This prevents accidental taps during a conversation. On the Redmi Note 7, the sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera and speaker.

If the sensor is contaminated, damaged, or miscalibrated, it can malfunction, for example, the screen will go out even when you just hold the phone in your hand, or it won't shut down at all, which will lead to:

• 📱 Accidental taps on the screen during the call.
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (screen remains on).
• 📞 Interrupted conversations due to pressing the button "Complete call".

How to check the proximity sensor on Redmi Note 7 without additional applications

Before you set up the sensor, make sure it's really the problem, and you can use the built-in MIUI tools to do that.

Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial the combination: ##6484## (or #4636## → "Equipment Testing").
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5.00 (far) to 0.00 (close).

Method 2: Checking through settings

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click 7 times on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Debugging by USB and turn it on.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use the adb shell dumpsys sensorservice command to see real-time data from the sensor.

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If the engineering menu doesn't open, try using the Phone INFO app ★Samsung★ (which works on Xiaomi too), which shows detailed information about all sensors, including the proximity sensor.

If the sensor does not respond to the approach of the hand or shows incorrect values (for example, always 0.00 or 5.00), the problem may be:

• 🧹 Sensor pollution (dust, fat, protective film).
• 🛠️ Damage to the plume after falling or repairing.
• 🔄 Software failure (recalibration needed).

Step-by-step instruction for calibration of the proximity sensor

If the sensor is working but not accurately (e.g., it is delayed), it can be recalibrated, without needing root rights or special programs — built-in MIUI tools are enough.

Step 1: Reset the sensor settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone app and click on it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

Step 2: Calibration through the Engineering Menu

1. Type ##6484## and select Proximity Sensor.
2. Press Calibrate.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Hold and withdraw your hand from the sensor several times.
4. Once completed, restart the device.

Clean the screen of dust and fat|Make sure there is no protective film on the sensor.|Turn off the case if it covers the top of the phone|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Step 3: Checking after calibration

Call another phone and check:

• 📞 The screen goes out when you bring it to your ear.
• 🔄 The screen is turned on when the phone is withdrawn.
• ⏱️ No delay between approach and reaction (up to 0.5 seconds allowed).

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If calibration didn't work, the problem could be physical damage to the sensor or plume, which requires repairs at the service center.

Typical proximity sensor issues on the Redmi Note 7 and their solutions

Even after calibration, the sensor may not work properly, so let's look at some of the most common situations and how to fix them.

Important: Some firmware Xiaomi disables access to the engineering menu. If the code ##6484## doesn't work, use the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or the Shortcut Master to find hidden menus.

If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware.
2. Reset your settings to factory (don’t forget to make a backup!).
3. Install Custom Recovery (TWRP) and flash the sensor module separately.

Software methods for solving sensor problems

If the hardware is good, but the sensor is not working properly, the problem may be in the software. Here are some ways to fix it:

1. Resetting the settings of the "Phone" application

Sometimes crashes occur because of the cache or the data of the app responsible for the calls.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone.

2. Disable battery optimization for sensors

MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can interfere with sensors, to fix this:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select the Apps and find the Phone.
3. Set up a No Limits mode.

3. Firmware update

Some versions of MIUI had sensor-related bugs. Check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.

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If the official updates don’t help, try to flash EU-version MIUI It often contains fixes that are not available in global builds.

Cleaning and physical repair of the proximity sensor

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be physical contamination or damage to the sensor.

1. Sensor cleaning

Over time, the sensor accumulates dust, fat and sweat, which interferes with its operation.

• 🧼 Use soft lilaless fabric soaked in alcohol.
• 🚫 Do not use abrasive materials (cotton sticks, hard-coated wipes).
• 🔍 Gently wipe the area around the sensor (near the front camera).

2. Checking the plume

If the sensor doesn't respond at all, the plume connecting it to the motherboard may have gone off to check this out.

1. Remove the back cover of the phone (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
2. Disconnect the battery (required!).
3. Find the plume running from the top of the screen to the board, and check its fitting density.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the phone will void the warranty. If you're not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

Replacement of the sensor

If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), it will have to be replaced. The cost of a spare part for the Redmi Note 7 is about 300-500 rubles.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (star) T3, T4).
• 🔥 Hazel-softening.
• 🧲 Screen suction cup.
• 📱 New proximity sensor (compatible with Redmi Note 7).

Alternative ways to control the screen during a call

If the proximity sensor is not repairable but the phone is still working, alternative screen control methods can be used:

1. Disabling the sensor in the settings

If the sensor is not working correctly, it can be turned off completely:

1. Install the Proximity Sensor Fix app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select the Disable Proximity Sensor.
3. Now the screen won’t go out during the call, but you can manually block it with the power button.

2. Use of gestures

MIUI has a Gesture function during the call:

1. Go to Settings → System settings → Gestures.
2. Turn on the control option during the call.
3. You can now move your hand closer to/out of the screen to turn the microphone on/off.

3. speakerphone or headset

If the sensor is not working at all, use:

• 🎧 Wired or wireless headset (earphones with microphone).
• 📢 Hands-free (but uncomfortable in public).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the proximity sensor may cause accidental taps during the call. If you make frequent calls, it is better to repair the sensor or use a headset.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Approach Sensor on the Redmi Note 7