The proximity sensor in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a small but critical component that automatically shuts down the screen when you hold your phone to your ear. The sensor’s malfunctioning results in accidental taps, quick battery discharge, or the inability to complete the call. In 80% of cases, the problems are solved by software setting, not by replacing the module.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), fault detection methods and hidden sensor features that are not mentioned in official manuals, and we will also discuss why the sensor can malfunction after a firmware update and how to fix it without going to the service center.
What is a proximity sensor and how does it work
The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (like your ear or palm) and consists of two key elements:
- 🔦 Infrared LED (IR LED) — emits invisible light.
- 👁️ Photodiode – captures the reflected signal and converts it into a digital signal for the processor.
When you hold the phone to your ear, the infrared light reflected from your face is captured by the photodiode, and the system instantly turns off the screen and touchscreen to prevent accidental taps, and normally the sensor only activates during the call or when you use the speaker to play the sound.
On Xiaomi smartphones, the proximity sensor is often combined with a light sensor (to automatically adjust the brightness of the screen), which means that problems with one sensor can affect the operation of another, for example, if the automatic brightness stops working after the phone falls, the proximity sensor is likely to be damaged.
Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor
To determine the failure in the operation of the sensor can be by the following symptoms:
- 📵 The screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear during a call (the most common problem).
- 🔄 The screen is spontaneously turned on/off without touching.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (the sensor is constantly active and consumes energy).
- 🎧 Problems with the speaker: the sound switches to speakerphone or disappears.
- 🛠️ After replacing the screen or glass, the sensor stopped working (typical for non-original parts).
If you see any of these signs, check the software settings first, which is 70% of the time without disassembling your phone, and use hidden engineering menus or third-party apps like Sensor Test (available on Google Play).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) the proximity sensor may conflict with the safety glass or covers. Before setting up, remove the accessories and check the sensor's operation.
How to check the operation of the proximity sensor
Before you set up the sensor, make sure it's really faulty. There are several methods for this:
Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu
This is the most reliable way, as it uses built-in MIUI tools:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #4636## on older versions).
- Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
- Put your hand to the top of the screen (where the sensor is located). the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm.
If the values don't change or if an error is displayed, the sensor is malfunctioning at the hardware level, and if there is a reaction, but with a delay, calibration is required.
Method 2: Verification through third-party applications
Install one of the apps from Google Play:
- 📱 Sensor Test (from Innovative Apps)
- 🔍 Phone Tester (from) EZ Apps)
- 🛠️ CPU-Z (It shows the state of all sensors)
In these programs, the proximity sensor is usually designated as Proximity Sensor. The test is done in the same way: hold your hand to the top of the phone and watch for the change in values.
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If the sensor only reacts to metal objects (like keys) and not to the hand, the infrared LED is likely damaged, and only a replacement module will help.
Step-by-step setting up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi
If the sensor is working but is not behaving properly (for example, the screen is dimmed with a delay or does not turn back on), follow the following steps:
Step 1: Calibration of the sensor
MIUI has a hidden calibration function that resets the sensor parameters to factory ones:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 5-7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
- Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → for developers.
- Find the option Calibration of the proximity sensor (on some models it is called Reset sensors).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: You usually need to put your phone on a flat surface and wait for the process to be completed.
After calibration, restart the phone and check the sensor through the engineering menu.
Step 2: Adjust sensitivity
On some firmware (for example, HyperOS or custom builds), you can manually adjust the sensitivity of the sensor:
- Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play.
- Find the action list at com.android.settings.SensorSettings.
- Open the hidden menu and find the Proximity Sensor Sensitivity slider.
- Set the value in the range of 3-5 (the default is usually 4).
⚠️ Warning: Do not set the sensitivity to a maximum (7-10) – this will lead to false alarms of the sensor during normal use of the phone.
Check the integrity of the protective glass (cracks can block the IR signal)
Update the firmware to the latest version
Reset your phone settings to factory (without deleting data)
Contact the service center for the diagnostics of the hardware-->
Solving common problems
Let’s look at typical scenarios and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen does not go out during the call. | Sensor contamination, glass damage, software failure | Wipe the top of the screen with alcohol, perform calibration, update the firmware |
| The screen goes out too early (before being lifted to the ear) | High sensitivity of the sensor | Reduce sensitivity via QuickShortcutMaker or reset settings |
| The sensor only works with a delay. | Conflict with protective glass or cover | Take off the accessories and check the work, and if necessary, replace the glass with a model with a cutout under the sensor. |
| After the screen is replaced, the sensor does not work. | Damage to the plume or non-original display module | Check the plume connection. If the sensor is soldered into the screen, you need to replace it with the original part. |
If none of these methods worked, it could be a hardware malfunction.
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard.
- 🔍 Check contacts for oxidation (especially if the phone falls or gets wet).
- 📱 Make sure the sensor is not damaged when replacing the battery or screen.
What if the approximation sensor is not in the engineering menu?
Features of setting up on popular Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances in the operation of the proximity sensor.
Redmi Note 10/11 Pro and POCO X3/X4 Pro
On these devices, the sensor often conflicts with the "Raise to Wake" function (Settings → Screen → Raise to Wake up). If the sensor is triggered spontaneously, turn off this option.
Also on the POCO X3 Pro, after upgrading to MIUI 13, the calibration point may disappear from the developer menu, in which case, use the Sensor Calibration app from Google Play.
Xiaomi 12/13 series and Mi 11
Flagship models are equipped with an ultrasensitive sensor that can respond to even hair or pile from clothing.
- Turn off the function of Smart Assistant → Apply to the ear for a response.
- Reduce sensitivity with QuickShortcutMaker (optimum value is 3).
Redmi 9/9A/9C and budget models
In budget smartphones, the proximity sensor is often combined with the light sensor in one module, and if the automatic brightness stops working after the fall, the proximity sensor is also likely to be damaged.
- Try to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
- If the firmware did not help - a replacement module is required (cost ~ 500-1000 rubles in the service center).
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In the models with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Lite or POCO F5) The proximity sensor may not work properly due to the Always On Display function.
What to do if the proximity sensor does not work after the update
One of the most common reasons for sensor failure is a failed firmware update, which is because newer versions of MIUI or HyperOS may have bugs in sensor drivers.
Method 1: Reverse to the previous version of the firmware
If the sensor was working before the update, go back to the old version of the software:
- Download the firmware archive for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root directory.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
- Please specify the path to update.zip and wait until the process is completed.
Method 2: Resetting settings
If the rollback is not possible, perform a soft reset (without deleting data):
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Remove All Data!).
- After restarting, check the sensor.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require re-activation of the Approximation Sensors feature in the developer menu after reset!