How to permanently disable the ear sensor on Xiaomi: 5 working methods

The proximity sensor (often called the “ear sensor”) in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone calls when you hold the device to your ear. In theory, it is a convenient feature to prevent accidental taps. But in practice, many users face problems: the screen goes out too early, does not turn back on after a call, or the sensor works falsely – for example, when using a case or in a pocket.

If you notice that the ear sensor is interfering with normal operation, you can turn it off in several ways. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, including hidden settings, ADB commands and even hardware shutdown. Importantly, some methods require root or unlocked bootloader permissions, but most solutions are available without them.

Before you start, check if the sensor is really a problem. Sometimes similar symptoms cause a faulty display module or a firmware failure. Try to wipe the sensor area (usually located to the right of the speaker) and reboot the phone. If that doesn't work, read on.

1. Disable the ear sensor through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in system options. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI and HyperOS, direct proximity sensor settings are often hidden, but can be found through search or alternative paths.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open “Settings” and go to the Screen section.
2. Scroll down and find AutoRotor or Sensors (depending on the firmware version).
3. If there is no such item, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top) and enter the request “approximation sensor” or “sensor”.
4. In the menu that opens, deactivate the option to turn off the screen during a call or the Approach Sensor.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) the path may be different:

• 📱 Settings → System system → Additionally. → Sensors.
• 🔍 Settings → Search → «Approximation sensor» → Shut down.
• 📞 Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Additionally. → Disable the sensor during the call

⚠️ Attention: HyperOS (firmware for new Xiaomi 14, Redmi models) K70) This item may not be available, so you can proceed to the following methods.

2.Use of the engineering menu (##6484##)

The hidden engineering menu allows you to test and customize the hardware components of a smartphone, including the proximity sensor. This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution – do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (some models may require ##3646633##).
2. You will be taken to the Engineering Mode, and go to the Proximity Sensor or Approximation Sensor.
3. So here you'll see the current readings of the sensor, and to turn it off, look for the Proximity Sensor Calibration or Disable Proximity option.
4. If there is no direct shutdown, set the Offset value to a maximum (for example, 255) – this will make the sensor insensitive.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Some firmware may have the engineering menu blocked, in which case:

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may cause other sensors to work in an unstable way (e.g., light or gyroscope). If artifacts appear after the shutdown, reset the sensor settings through the same section.

3. Disconnection via ADB (no root)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn't require superuser rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu – the Developer Item will appear.
2. In the For Developers section, enable USB Debugging and confirm the resolution when connecting to a PC.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500


adb shell settings put global proximity_wake_lock_enabled 0

These commands increase the sensor delay to 2.5 seconds and turn off the screen lock during the call.

adb shell settings put secure proximity_sensor_ignore 1

After you've done the commands, restart your phone. To get it back, replace the 1 with 0 on the last command.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try to switch mode USB-Connection to File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.

4.Apps to disable the sensor (with root)

If you have root rights, it's a simplification, and you can use specialized tools that allow you to control the sensors at the system level.-3 tested applications:

Examples of Sensor Disabler:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. In the sensor list, look for the Proximity Sensor (usually ID 5).
3. Activate the Disable switch next to it.
4. Reset the device.

If after disabling the sensor, the screen stopped responding to the approach at all (for example, does not go out during a call), check the settings of the Phone application - perhaps there is a duplicate screen lock option.

5. Hardware shutdown of the sensor (for advanced)

If software methods don't work, the last option is to physically disable the sensor, which is true for devices with a faulty sensor or if you're willing to sacrifice a function for stability. On Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO F1 models, the proximity sensor often fails due to moisture entering the plume connector.

What you need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (star) T3-T5, flat)
• 🧲 Plastic blade for disassembly
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue)
• 📱 Spare sensor plume (optional if you plan to replace)

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (especially at the edges) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.
3. Unscrew the screws that hold the metal plate over the battery.
4. Disconnect the display module plume (usually signed as LCD/FPC).
5. Find the proximity sensor contacts (which can be signed as PS or Proximity) on the plume, carefully cut the tracks or seal them with tape.
6. Put the phone back together.

⚠️ Note: This method is unwarranted and can cause other components (e.g., speaker or front camera) to fail if neighboring contacts are damaged.

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Physically turning off the sensor is an irreversible process, and if you need to return the function in the future, you'll have to solder the contacts or replace the plume.

6. Alternative solutions: if the sensor does not turn off

There are situations where the ear sensor can't be turned off by any of the above methods, and this can be due to:

• 🔄 Firmware from a third-party developer (for example, LineageOS or custom core), where the sensor settings are rigidly prescribed.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (damaged plume or sensor itself).
• 🔒 Manufacturer policy (on some models for corporate customers sensor is blocked).

In such cases, try the following workarounds:

• 📲 Use a headset (earphones or Bluetooth headset) – the ear sensor does not work if the call is not going through the speaker of the phone.
• 🔄 Install an alternative call app (such as Google Phone or Truecaller) where you can turn off screen lock in your settings.
• 🔧 Reset to factory settings (pre-backup!) Sometimes this helps to return the functionality of hidden options.
• 📥 Refuse the phone to the official European or global version MIUI — They often have more options for setting up.

If the problem is a sensor malfunction and a physical shutdown is not right for you, consider replacing the display module. On most Xiaomi models, the proximity sensor is soldered into the screen plume, so replacing the device solves the problem completely. The cost of repairs in service centers starts from 1,500 rubles (for budget models like the Redmi 9A).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the ear sensor on Xiaomi