Where is the motion sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: search and setup

Many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners face confusion when it comes to touch-sensitive elements of the device. Users often search for a “motion sensor”, not realizing that in modern gadgets, completely different modules hidden inside the case are responsible for moving and orientation. It is important to immediately figure out what exactly you want to find: a physical switch, a touch screen or a software function of activating the screen when lifting.

In fact, there is no classic motion sensor in the form of a single visible part on the surface of a smartphone. Tracking the movements, tilts and turns of the body is a complex electronic component called an accelerometer, which is integrated directly into the motherboard. Understanding this fact will help you avoid unnecessary disassembly of the device and search for non-existent buttons on the external panel.

However, if your request is for a screen-on function when lifting your phone or for gestures, it is for software processing of gyro and accelerometer data. In this guide, we will take a look at where physical sensors are located, how they interact with the MIUI system, and how to adjust the smartphone’s response to your movements for maximum comfort.

Physical location of sensors in the case of the smartphone

If you talk about physical sensors that respond to the environment or proximity of objects, they're usually hidden under the protective glass of the display. On most Xiaomi Redmi models, you won't see them with the naked eye, because they're masked with a black bezel at the top of the screen, and that's where the light sensor and the proximity sensor are located, which are often confused with motion seekers.

The accelerometer, which is technically the main motion sensor, is inside the case and has no exit, and its task is to read the acceleration acting on the device, which allows the system to understand whether the phone is lying on the table or in the user's hand, and it is almost impossible to damage it without serious mechanical impact on the smartphone itself, since it is securely fixed on the board.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the smartphone to find the accelerometer.This is a microscopic chip soldered on the board, and its self-replacement or calibration without professional equipment will lead to loss of warranty and possible failure of the device.

There's also a Hall sensor that responds to the magnetic field, but it's used mostly in magnetic case devices or foldable smartphone mechanisms. In conventional Redmi monoblocks, it's minimal, and it's not used to track the user's active movements in space. All of these components work in tandem, sending data to the CPU for instant interface response.

Difference between accelerometer, gyroscope and proximity sensor

To properly configure the device, you need to clearly distinguish between the functions of different sensors. The accelerometer measures linear acceleration and responds to shaking or sudden movements of the phone in space, which is responsible for turning the screen when the device changes orientation and for the function "lift to unlock".

The gyroscope, in turn, detects the device's angles of inclination and rotation around its three axes, and when paired with an accelerometer, it provides high accuracy in augmented reality games, navigation applications, and 360-degree panoramic video. Without the gyroscope, many of today's functions would be impossible to operate.

• 📱 Accelerometer: records the speed of movement and the force of impact, used for pedometer and autorotation.
• 🔄 Gyroscope: determines the exact position in space, is important for VR play.
• 👁️ Approximation sensor: responds to the location of the object next to the screen, turns off the display during a conversation.

The proximity sensor is often mistaken for a motion sensor, because it "sees" the hand or head being brought to the screen, and its primary purpose is to save battery power and prevent accidental cheek pressing during a phone call. On Redmi smartphones, it can be either a classic infrared or a virtual one, using camera data or ultrasound.

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The accelerometer and gyroscope are internal components that do not require external access, while the proximity sensor must have a “window” in the case or display for proper operation.

Set up the "Raise to Activate" function on MIUI

Most of the time, users are looking for a motion sensor to set up automatic screen activation when lifting a smartphone. In the MIUI shell, this feature is software-based and uses accelerometer data. To activate it, you need to go to the system settings and find the appropriate item, which can be called "Mode in your pocket" or "Raise to activate."

This setting can vary depending on the firmware version. Usually the path is as follows: go to Settings → Lock screen. Here you will find a switch that is responsible for the device's response to your movements. Enabling this option allows you to instantly activate the display just by taking the phone in your hands.

Path to setup: Settings → Screen and brightness → Lock mode functions → Raise for activation

It is worth noting that activating this feature can slightly increase battery consumption, since the accelerometer must be in active standby mode at all times. However, modern Xiaomi chips consume minimal amount of power in the background, so the impact on autonomy will be almost invisible with daily use.

Calibration of sensors through the engineering menu

If you notice that the screen does not turn when the phone changes position or the avtobrightness is not working correctly, you may need to calibrate the sensors. Xiaomi smartphones have a special engineering menu, which is accessed through the code in the Phone application, which allows you to diagnose and reset the sensors to factory values.

To enter the test mode, you need to type in a special code. Enter dialer ##6484##, then the CIT menu will open. Here is a complete list of all the hardware components of the device.

During the calibration process, you'll be asked to place your phone on a flat horizontal surface and press the calibration button, the system will read the zero values and adjust the sensors, and if there's a problem after the procedure, there may be a hardware malfunction or software conflict.

Problems with the proximity sensor and their solution

The most common problem users associate with the motion sensor is that the proximity sensor is not working properly during calls, and the screen may not go out when you bring the phone to your ear or, conversely, will not turn on after a conversation is over, often due to contamination of the top of the screen or a protective film that covers the sensor.

Some Redmi models use a virtual proximity sensor that relies on front-facing image analysis algorithms or accelerometer data, and in such cases, the problem can be solved by updating the software or resetting to factory settings, and it is also worth checking whether there is third-party software installed that conflicts with system functions.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a wide black-framed protective glass, make sure it doesn't cover the sensor area at the top of the display.

To programmatically reboot the sensors, you can try this method: turn on the flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. If that doesn't work, perform a complete reboot of the device. In rare cases, recalibration through the engineering menu described in the previous section helps.

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Wipe the top of the screen with a soft cloth before important calls. Fat spots can distort the readings of the infrared sensor, causing false positives.

Use of accelerometer in applications and games

Motion sensor functionality goes far beyond system settings. Many applications are actively using accelerometer and gyroscope data to expand capabilities. For example, in navigation maps, turning a phone into 3D mode, and in file managers, shaking a device can trigger certain actions.

Gamers especially appreciate the accuracy of sensors in Xiaomi, as it gives an advantage in shooters and racing. In the settings of some games, you can calibrate the sensitivity of the control to make movements in the virtual space exactly correspond to the real inclinations of the smartphone, which creates a full immersion effect and increases the convenience of gameplay.

• 🎮 In games: control the machine tilt phone, aiming in shooters.
• 🏃 In fitness: counting steps, tracking the type of activity (running, walking).
• 🎨 In creativity: drawing the tilt of the device, control 3D-model.

There are also specialized tools in Google Play that allow you to reassign actions when shaking your phone. You can set up a flashlight, turn on a voice recorder or open the camera by gesture, which turns your smartphone into an even smarter device that responds to the physical actions of the user.

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