How to set up a proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 10: a complete guide with solutions to typical problems

Xiaomi Redmi 10 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to problems with the proximity sensor. This small but important sensor is responsible for turning off the screen during phone conversations, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. If the sensor is not working correctly, you risk running into a dead screen when calling, spontaneous pressing or, conversely, a lack of response to the approach of the face.

In this article, we will learn how to configure the proximity sensor on Redmi 10 (including the Redmi 10 2022, Redmi models). 10C, Redmi 10A and other modifications on the basis of MIUI), Check its performance without special applications, as well as fix typical failures. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which can save the situation.

Before you start setting up, make sure that the problem is with the sensor, not the software. For example, after upgrading MIUI to version 13 or 14, many users have encountered a bug in which the screen goes out arbitrarily - this is treated by resetting the settings, not calibrating the sensor.

What is a proximity sensor and how it works in Xiaomi Redmi 10

The proximity sensor in Redmi 10 is an infrared sensor located at the top of the screen next to the front camera, and its main task is to detect when you hold your phone to your ear during a call, so that:

• 📵 Turn off the screen and touch buttons (to avoid accidental pressing).
• 🔋 Save battery power, as the backlight of the screen is one of the main “eaters” of energy.
• 🎧 Activate the speaker (if you pull the phone away from your ear, the sound automatically switches to speakerphone).

The Xiaomi Redmi 10 uses a sensor like STK3338 or similar (depending on the revision of the device), which works on the principle of radiation and receiving an IR signal: when an object (for example, your head) approaches the sensor, the reflected signal changes, and the system knows that it needs to turn off the screen.

Fun fact: In some MIUI firmware, the proximity sensor is also used in the Raise to Wake function, and if you notice that the screen turns on itself when you hold the phone in your hand, that sensor is to blame.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you set up the sensor, make sure it's really not working properly. Here are the typical symptoms of a malfunction:

If you see any of these symptoms, it's likely that the sensor needs to be tuned, but before you go into the engineering menu, check the physical condition of the sensor, which is often the problem with dirt trapped under the protective glass, or with a too thick case blocking the IR signal.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, it's likely a hardware breakdown, in which case calibration won't help - you need to replace the sensor at the service center.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without applications

Many users install third-party utilities like Proximity Sensor Tester or Sensor Box, but MIUI has a built-in way to check the sensor.

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##
2. You will be taken to the test menu of hardware components (MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Diag, depending on the processor).
3. Select Proximity Sensor (or Approximation Sensor).
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

If the values don't change or the sensor is showing 0 constantly, the sensor is faulty. If the values jump randomly (e.g., 5 → 0 → 3 → 1), the sensor is contaminated or requires calibration.

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If the test menu doesn’t open, try entering the code ##4636##, then go to Phone Information and select Equipment Testing.

Another way to check is to call another phone:

• 📞 Call another number (or use the speaker function).
• 👂 Hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.
• 🖐️ Take the phone away from your ear – the screen should turn on immediately.

If the screen is unresponsive or is turned on with a delay of more than 3 seconds, the sensor requires adjustment.

Step-by-step setting up the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10

In most cases, the problem is solved by calibrating the sensor through the hidden MIUI settings.

Remove the cover and protective glass (if any)|Clean the top of the screen from dust and dirt|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Close all background applications-->

Method 1: Calibration through the engineering menu

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (this is universal code for MIUI based on Qualcomm; for Mediatek, use ##3644633##).
2. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (or Calibration).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually you need to bring and withdraw your hand from the sensor 3-5 times.
5. After calibration, restart the phone.

Method 2: Reset sensor settings via MIUI

If the engineering menu is not available, try resetting the sensor settings through standard settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click on the MIUI logo 7-10 times until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Debugging by USB and turn it on.
5. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB Adb shell settings put global settings proximity_delay 0 (This will reset the sensor's delay).

⚠️ Note: If after calibration the sensor began to work worse (for example, the screen goes out at the slightest approach of the hand), return the settings to the factory through Settings. → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (without deleting data).

What to do if the proximity sensor does not work after setting up

If calibration doesn't work, the problem can go deeper.

• 🛠️ Physical damage: Check the sensor for cracks or dents. If the sensor is damaged, it will have to be replaced (the cost of replacing at the service center is from 800 to 1500 rubles).
• 📱 Firmware conflict: After update MIUI beforehand 13/14 Many users have complained about sensor bugs, the solution being a rollback to the old version or waiting for a patch.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: If the sensor worked normally but after installing apps or changing settings started to glittle, perform a full reset (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
• 📦 Third-party applications: Some battery-saving utilities (such as Greenify or AccuBattery) can block the sensor.

Critical information: In Xiaomi Redmi 10 (models 2021-2022), the proximity sensor is integrated into one module with lighting. If after changing the screen, the sensor stopped working, most likely, the wizard damaged the plume or improperly connected the new display.

Top.-3 applications for diagnosis and adjustment of the proximity sensor

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

When using Proximity Sensor Reset, follow the on-screen instructions: You usually need to bring and move your hand away from the sensor several times, after which the application will automatically apply the new settings.

⚠️ Note: Do not install applications like Proximity Sensor Fix or Sensor Repair, which often contain malicious code or do not work on the software. MIUI. Use only proven utilities from the official store.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

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If the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 10 stopped working after falling or getting moisture, calibration will not help - you need to replace the sensor in the service.