Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with many sensors designed to facilitate interaction with the device. One of the key components is the proximity sensor, which automatically turns off the screen during a conversation when you bring the phone to your ear. However, in some cases this feature begins to work incorrectly, causing serious discomfort.
There are several reasons why it may be necessary to turn off the proximity sensor, most often it is software failures, poor calibration in the factory or physical contamination of the sensor. Owners of budget models often complain about the so-called “virtual sensor”, which is tied to software algorithms, not the physical component, this leads to false positives, especially in protective cases with thick sides.
Fortunately, MIUI and HyperOS provide tools to manage this setting. In this article, we will detail how to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi using standard settings, engineering menus and special applications. You will learn how to diagnose the problem and choose the best solution method so that your calls are no longer interrupted due to technical nuances.
⚠️ Warning: Before making changes to your system settings, make sure your device screen is clean. Often, the problem is solved by simply wiping the top of the display from fat and dirt.
Why the proximity sensor may not work properly
Before we go to radical measures and completely shut down functionality, it is worth understanding the nature of the malfunction. Xiaomi smartphones use two types of sensors: physical and software. Physical sensor is an infrared emitter located in the upper frame or under glass. Software, or virtual, uses accelerometer and gyroscope data to determine the position of the phone in the ear.
One common cause of failure is a conflict with the protective glass. If the glass is unevenly pasted or has a darkened frame that covers the sensor area, the phone will think that it is in the ear all the time, and magnetic cases also affect the sensor, which can interfere with the magnetometer involved in the calculations of the virtual sensor.
Software causes include errors in the MIUI firmware. After the system update, the algorithms of the sensors can change, which will lead to incorrect processing of data. In rare cases, the problem lies in the hardware: a waste plume after a fall or a component factory defect. If the phone fell or fell into the water, software methods may not help.
Using the Engineering Menu for Testing
The first step in diagnosing and trying to fix the situation is to have an engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system that's designed to test hardware components, where you can check if the phone sees objects up close and do an initial calibration, and access this menu through a special code in the call app.
To enter the test mode, open the standard "caller" and enter the combination ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu will open. In the list of tests, you need to find the item "Proximity Sensor" or "Approximation Sensor." By clicking on it, you will be taken to the check window, where the current value of the sensor will be displayed.
If the numbers change (usually from 5.0 to 0.0), the sensor is physically healthy and responsive to obstacles. If the values do not change, the device driver may be malfunctioning or the component is damaged. In the same menu, a Calibration button is often available, which resets the current readings and sets new base values.
What if the code doesn't work?
Configure via the standard call menu
The safest and easiest way to affect the sensor is to use the built-in settings of the Phone app. In the latest versions of the HyperOS and MIUI shells, Xiaomi has added the ability to turn off the screen lock during a call. This does not turn off the sensor completely, but prevents it from extinguishing the display, which solves the black screen problem.
To find this option, open the Phone app (green handset) and click on three dots in the top right corner. In the drop-down menu, select Settings. Then scroll through the list to Incoming Calls. This is where the switch that users often search for hides, which can be called the Approach Sensor or Disconnect the Screen while you talk.
If you put this switch to the "Switched off" position, the screen will stop turning off when you bring the phone to your face, which is especially convenient for those who often use a speakerphone or headset but hold the phone in their hands, but it is worth remembering that in this case, the cheek may accidentally press the end button or other interface elements.
☑️ Checking call settings
Application of third-party applications for sensor management
If standard methods fail to disable the sensor, third-party tools from Google Play come to the rescue, allowing you to force the sensor to change the settings, bypassing the limitations of the system. One of the most popular and proven tools is Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix.
The principle of these programs is to reset the sensor cache and recalibrate without having to access the engineering menu. Once the application is installed, you need to start the calibration process, following the instructions on the screen, usually you need to close the sensor with your finger, and then remove your hand several times in a row.
There are also apps that completely ignore the proximity sensor readings for certain contacts or all calls. For example, the Screen Off and Call app allows you to configure scenarios where the screen stays on, a software solution that does not require root rights and is safe to guarantee the device.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps, carefully review the permissions requested. Do not give access to contacts or microphone to programs that are supposed to work only with sensors.
Comparison of methods of disconnecting the sensor
The choice of how to solve the problem depends on the specific model of your smartphone and the firmware version. Below is a table that will help you navigate the available options and their effectiveness for different use cases.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call settings | Low. | High (screen only) | Absent. |
| Engineering menu | Medium | Medium (calibration) | Failure of settings |
| Third-party annexes | Low. | Tall. | Advertising in PO |
| Glass replacement | Tall. | High (with physical problem) | Loss of guarantee |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is to use built-in settings or lightweight utilities. The engineering menu is better used for diagnostics, not for constant modification of parameters if you are not sure of your actions. Physical intervention is required only in the case of obvious damage.
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If you're using a magnetic bookcase, try removing it and checking the sensor. The magnets in the cover often knock the accelerometer calibration, which affects the virtual proximity sensor.
Hidden commands and ADB for advanced users
For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is the possibility of disabling the sensor through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having the installed driver Xiaomi USB Driver. It allows you to change the system parameters that are hidden from the average user.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the version MIUI. Then in the advanced settings, turn on "Debugging by" USB". Connect the phone to the PC and enter a command to check the connection.
adb devicesOnce successfully connected, you can enter a command to change the sensor state, although in modern versions of Android, a direct command to completely shut down may not be for security reasons.
adb shell pm clear com.android.phoneThis command will clear the phone application data, which often helps to reset driver error states. Be careful: after that, reset the redirect settings and blacklist can be reset.
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Using ADB is a powerful tool, but it requires precision. One wrong command can cause the system to run in an unstable way, so back up important data before you start.