How to turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: detailed instructions with photos

Xiaomi Redmi 7A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but many users face a problem: during calls, the screen does not turn off when approaching the ear. This is due to malfunction or a disabled proximity sensor. In this article, we will analyze where this feature is in the settings, how to activate it and what to do if the sensor does not respond.

The proximity sensor is responsible for automatically turning off the screen when you hold your phone to your ear while you talk, and not only saves battery power, but also prevents accidental taps. On the Redmi 7A, this feature is sometimes reset after updates or can be disabled initially, and we'll show you how to turn it on through standard settings and with the help of an engineering menu, and we'll also check the sensor's performance.

What is a proximity sensor and why you need it

The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (like your ear). When you hold the phone to your head during a call, the sensor sends a signal to the system and the screen goes out.

• 📱 Accidental tapping of the screen with the cheek or ear (for example, turning off a call or dialing a number).
• 🔋 Battery consumption as screen lighting is turned off.
• 👁️ Eye discomfort when the screen shines directly in the face while talking.

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A uses an infrared sensor that is located next to the front camera (at the top of the screen) and works in tandem with the software, and if something goes wrong, the screen may not go out or, conversely, turn off too early.

If the sensor is not working, it may be due to:

• 🔧 Software failure (for example, after updating) MIUI).
• 📱 Sensor pollution (dust, dirt, protective glass).
• 🛠️ Hardware failure (damage after falling or getting moisture).

Where is the proximity sensor setup in Redmi 7A

Unlike the flagship models, the Redmi 7A doesn't have a separate menu item for the proximity sensor, but it's managed through call settings. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Calls (or Call Settings, depending on the MIUI version).
4. Find the option of Approach Sensor or Automatic Screen Disconnect.
5. Make sure the slider is turned on (should be blue).

If there's no such item, it's hidden deeper on your firmware, so try an alternative way:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → More
2. Select Special Opportunities.
3. Scroll down and find the Approach Sensor.

If there is nothing here, you will have to use the engineering menu (we will talk about this below).

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If you can't find the sensor setting, try updating MIUI to the latest version. With new firmware, the interface may change and the option becomes more accessible.

How to turn on the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

If standard settings don’t work, you can activate the sensor through an engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which is suitable for advanced users, since careless actions can disrupt the phone.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (or #36446337## for some versions of MIUI).
3. You will be taken to the Engineer Mode menu.
4. Go to the Proximity Sensor section.
5. Make sure that the Proximity Sensor Calibration option is enabled.
6. Press Calibrate if you have this option.

If the sensor is working, you'll see a change in values when you hold your hand to the top of the screen, and if the numbers don't change, it could indicate a hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose.

Open the Phone app | Enter the code ##6484##| Find the "Proximity Sensor" section | Check the response to the approach of the hand | If necessary, calibrate-->

How to check the operability of the sensor of approach

Before you try to turn on the sensor, make sure it works at all. There are several ways to do this:

Method 1: Testing by bell

1. Call another phone or ask someone to call you.
2. When you call, hold the phone to your ear.
3. The screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.
4. Take the phone away from your ear, the screen should light up again.

Method 2: Checking through the application

Install one of the sensor testing apps, such as:

• 📱 Phone Doctor Plus (checks all sensors).
• 🔍 Sensor Test (shows sensor data in real time).
• 🛠️ CPU-Z (In the Sensors section, the status of the proximity sensor is displayed).

If the app shows that the sensor is not responding, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Software (you need to restart your phone or reset your settings).
• 📱 Physical damage (crack on the screen, moisture intrusion).
• 🛡️ Protective glass (if it covers the sensor area).

What to do if the proximity sensor is not working

If you have turned on the sensor but it is still not functioning, try the following steps:

1. Phone reboot

Sometimes it's enough to just restart the Redmi 7A to make the sensor work. Press the power button and select Reboot.

Clean the sensor area

The proximity sensor can be blocked by dirt or protective glass. Gently wipe the top of the screen (near the front camera) with a soft wipe. If you use a protective glass, try temporarily removing it and checking the sensor.

3. Resetting settings

If the problem occurs after the MIUI update, try resetting your phone’s settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only settings).
3. After restarting, check the sensor.

4. Firmware update

An outdated version of MIUI may contain bugs that affect the sensors.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, install it.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stops working after a phone drop or moisture hits, do not try to repair it yourself, in this case, a diagnosis is required at the service center, as there may be damage to the plume or chip.

Frequent errors in setting up the proximity sensor

Many users make mistakes when trying to set up the sensor on the Redmi 7A. Here are the most common ones:

• 🔍 Search for settings in the wrong section. The proximity sensor is not in Screen Settings or Battery, just in call settings or engineering menus.
• 📱 Use of informal firmware. Custom versions MIUI If you've been installing unofficial software, go back to the stock firmware.
• 🛠️ Self-repair without experience, and trying to fix the sensor with a soldering iron or disassembling the phone often leads to even more breakdowns.
• 🔋 Ignoring updates. New versions MIUI Sensor-related bugs are being fixed, and failure to update can leave the problem unresolved.

Another common mistake is using metal cases, which can shield the sensor signal, so it stops responding, and try to remove the case and test the sensor.

On the Redmi 7A, the proximity sensor only works when you're calling, and it doesn't turn off the screen when you're watching video or reading -- that's normal behavior, not a breakdown.

Alternative ways to control the screen during a call

If the proximity sensor is not working and repair is not possible, alternative methods can be used:

• 📱 Manually shut down the screen. During the call, press the power button to turn off the screen, and press again to turn on.
• 🔧 Screen control apps, such as Proximity Screen Off or Gravity Screen, allow you to set up automatic screen shutdown by gestures.
• 🎧 Use a headset. Connect wireless or wired headphones — the screen will turn off automatically when the phone is removed from the head.

However, these methods do not replace the full operation of the sensor, so they should be considered as a temporary solution.

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If the proximity sensor on the Redmi 7A doesn't work, check its settings in the call menu first, then test it through the engineering menu.

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