Where to find a proximity sensor in Xiaomi settings: the full guide 2026

Why the proximity sensor is important for your Xiaomi smartphone

The proximity sensor is a small but critical component in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones that automatically shuts down the screen during a phone call. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental taps and saving battery power. But many users face the problem of where to look for the settings of this sensor in the MIUI firmware?

Unlike Android in its “clean” form, where the path to sensor settings is often hidden in the “Special features” section, the MIUI shell can vary depending on the firmware version and device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the path will be one, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5 – a completely different path, and after updating the menu often moves, which confuses even experienced users.

In this article, we will not only show you the exact paths to adjust the proximity sensor for different versions of MIUI, but also explain how to check its performance, calibrate it when it fails, and what to do if the sensor does not respond at all, and also understand why sometimes the screen does not go out during a call - and how to fix this without going to the service center.

Where to look for a proximity sensor in MIUI settings: 3 main paths

The location of the proximity sensor settings in MIUI depends on the firmware version. We've compiled the most common scenarios. If your smartphone is running MIUI 12/12.5/13/14, try the following options:

• 📱 Standard path (MIUI 13/14): Settings → System system → Additionally. → The proximity sensor, you can turn the sensor on and off and check it.
• 🔍 For older versions (MIUI 12.5 and below: Settings → All settings → Special facilities → The proximity sensor. Sometimes the item is hidden under "Additional settings".
• 🛠️ Search by settings: Open Settings, tap the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner, and type in "approximation sensor." The system will find the desired partition.

If neither of these methods worked, your Xiaomi model may be using custom firmware (e.g., global or Chinese MIUI).

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line "Version" MIUI" (This will turn on the developer mode).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Scroll down to the debugging block - here may be the item "Simulation of the proximity sensor".

Important: On some models (such as the POCO F3 or Xiaomi 11T), the sensor settings can be hidden in the Screen or Calls menu.

• 📞 Settings → Annexes → Calls. → Additional settings
• 🖥️ Settings → Screen. → Automatic screen shutdown

How to check the work of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

Before you go into the settings, make sure the sensor works at all, and there are a number of ways to do this, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party applications.

Method 1: Integrated test in MIUI

Many firmware versions have a hidden sensor test to run:

1. Open the phone app and dial the code: ##6484###
2. Select the "Proximity Sensor" option.
3. Close the top of the screen with your hand – if the sensor works, the inscription “Covered” will appear on the display, when opened – “Uncovered”.

Method 2: Party to the annex

If the built-in test is missing, install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📊 Phone Doctor Plus – Checks all sensors, including approximations.
• 🔧 Sensor Test – shows real values from the sensor in real time.
• 🛠️ CPU-Z — In the "Sensors" section, the sensor status is displayed.

If the sensor does not respond to obstacles during the test, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Sensor pollution (dust, protective film).
• 📱 Software failure (reboot or reset settings needed).
• 🔧 Hardware failure (required repair).

💡

If the sensor does not work after the phone falls, do not try to disassemble it yourself - in 90% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the plume, which must be performed by a specialist.

Why the screen does not go out during the call: 5 reasons and solutions

One of the most common problems is that the screen doesn't turn off when you hold your smartphone to your ear, and it's not only annoying, it leads to random taps, and we'll look at the underlying causes and ways to address them.

If none of these methods worked, try calibrating the sensor manually.

1. Start the engineering menu with code ##36446337##
2. Select "Proximity Sensor Calibration".
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually close the sensor with your hand and wait for confirmation).

How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi (and why you might need it)

In most cases, the proximity sensor is useful, but there are situations when it is worth turning it off:

• 🎧 You often use a headset or headphones – the sensor may falsely trigger.
• 📱 You have a protective glass that interferes with the sensor.
• 🔧 You are testing the device and need constant screen activity.

To disable the sensor:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Approximation Sensor.
2. Switch the slider to the "Off" position.
3. Confirm the action (some models will require a password).

⚠️ Warning: Once the sensor is turned off, the screen will not go out during calls, which may lead to occasional button presses (e.g., the call completion key!

If your version of MIUI does not have a direct switch, you can turn off the sensor via ADB:

adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 255

This command sets the maximum delay to trigger, effectively rendering the sensor inactive. To get it back, do this:

adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 0

What to do if the proximity sensor does not work after the MIUI update

Firmware updates often bring not only new features, but also bugs. If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try the following steps:

Reverse to the previous version of MIUI (if available)

Clear the system cache through Recovery

Reset the settings to factory (with data saved)

Install the patch through the Mi Flash Tool (for power users)-->

If the problem occurred after upgrading to MIUI 14, it is likely that the fault in the service com.android.server.telecom.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show Systems".
3. Find "Telephone Services" (com.android.server.telecom).
4. Press "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
5. Reset the device.

If the sensor still doesn’t work, try resetting the network settings:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select "Reset Network Settings".
3. Confirm the action (this will remove stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi 11 Ultra) may need to be re-activated after resetting the network settings. SIM-- Make sure you have the cards on hand. PUK-code.

Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do

If all software methods have been tried, but the proximity sensor still doesn't work, the problem is probably hardware.

• 🔧 The sensor does not respond even after resetting to factory settings.
• 💥 The phone fell or was exposed to moisture.
• 📉 In the engineering menu, the sensor shows "No data" or "Error".
• 🔍 Visible damage to the sensor area (cracks, bloating).

In 80% of cases, hardware malfunctions of the proximity sensor are associated with:

1. Train damage – a thin cable connecting the sensor to the motherboard can rub or oxidize.
2. Failure of the sensor itself - especially after falls or moisture.
3. Problems with the motherboard are rare, but it happens that the sensor controller burns down.

The cost of repairs varies depending on the model:

• 📱 Replacement of plume: 1,500–3,000 ₽ (Redmi is cheaper, Xiaomi flagships are more expensive).
• 🔧 Sensor replacement: 2,000–4,500 ₽ (job).
• 🔧 Diagnosis: usually 500–1000 ₽ (Sometimes free if you do the repairs).

Important: on models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4 GT) The proximity sensor is often built into the display module, and replacing it may require a complete disassembly of the screen, increasing the cost of repair to 8,000-15,000. ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi