How to lock your screen on Xiaomi while calling: all the ways (including hidden ones)

Have you ever encountered a situation where, during an important phone conversation, you accidentally press buttons on a Xiaomi screen? The screen goes out, the speakerphone goes on, or worse, the call is suddenly reset. This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO and other brands. Fortunately, MIUI has several built-in and hidden features that will help lock the screen during a conversation.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways, from standard settings to little-known tricks for advanced users, you will learn how to activate screen lock through the phone menu, using gestures, and what applications can help if the usual tools do not work. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions. MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and the models with AMOLED-screens where the lock works differently.

Before you get to the instructions, check that the problem of random taps can be associated not only with the lack of locking, but also with the sensitivity of the sensor or the case that presses on the screen. If after applying all the methods, the problem remains, at the end of the article you will find tips for diagnosing hardware malfunctions.

1. Standard screen lock through MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to enable the built-in screen lock feature during a call, which is available on most Xiaomi devices, but the path to it may vary depending on the firmware version.

Here’s how to do it on MIUI 14 (relevant to Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 and other models from 2023-2026):

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management → Phone.
3. Slip on Screen Lock during a call (or Lock the sensor when talking in older versions).
4. Activate the switch.

On MIUI 12/13, the path may be different:

Settings → System applications → Phone → Screen lock

Update MIUI to the latest version (old firmware may not have a feature)

Make sure you don’t have a third-party launcher installed (it can hide system settings)

- Check if permissions for the Phone application are disabled"-->

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), this option may be hidden. If you don't find it, move on to the next one.

2. Locking the screen with the gesture "Approach"

If your firmware doesn't have a direct lock setting, you can use the Proximity Sensor, which automatically turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear and turns it back on when you move away.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Screen.
2. Select Screen Lock and Password (or Additional Screen Settings in MIUI 14).
3. Find the "Approach" or "Approach Sensor" option.
4. Turn it on and set the lock delay (recommended 1-2 seconds).

This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro, Xiaomi 12T and POCO X5. However, it has a drawback: if the proximity sensor is contaminated or damaged, the screen can lock too late or not lock at all.

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To check the proximity sensor, dial the code ##6484## in the phone app (on some models ##0*##) and select the Proximity Sensor test. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 1 (far) to 0 (close).

3. Use of the lock button (physical or software)

The most reliable, but not always convenient, way is to manually lock the screen with a physical power button, but during a call, the default power button behaves differently: one tap can complete a call, and a long one can call Google Assistant.

To avoid this, follow the following steps:

• 🔧 Turn off the long press on the power button: Settings → Additional settings → Power button → Long press. → Choose not to do anything.
• 📱 Use the virtual lock button: add the "Screen Lock" widget to the home screen or to the notification panel (in the "Screen Lock" widget). MIUI 14 This is done through Settings → Control panel → Add tiles).
• 🔄 Set up double-click on the screen: in some firmwares, you can assign a double-tap on the black screen to unlock (but not lock!).

Critical nuance: on models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) long retention of the power button may cause the device to restart due to the emergency shutdown function. To avoid this, turn it off in Settings → Memory and productivity → Emergency reset.

4 Hidden MIUI settings via engineering menu

If standard methods don't work, you can try activating the lock through the engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Testing in English firmware).
3. Scroll down and find the Sensor Test section.
4. Slip on the Proximity Sensor and make sure it works (the value should change when your hand approaches).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Phone Information → Run Ping Test → type ##3646633## to access the advanced settings.
6. Find the Screen Lock During Call option and activate it.

⚠️ Attention: changes in the engineering menu can cause the phone to work in an unstable way. Do not change the settings unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, improper setting of the proximity sensor can cause the screen to permanently shut down even outside of calls.

5. Third-party applications for screen locking

If none of the above methods worked, you can use third-party utilities, which are especially useful for older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), where MIUI functionality is limited.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to install and configure Proximity Screen Off:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant permissions to Accessibility Service (in Android settings: Special features → Installed services).
3. Enable the Enable Proximity Sensor option.
4. In the Apps section, select Phone (phone app).
5. Set the lock delay (recommended 500-1000 ms).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Gravity Screen) may conflict with MIUI Optimization is a built-in Xiaomi service that limits background activity. To avoid problems, add the app to exceptions:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Power Management → Select the App → Without Limitations

Standard setting MIUI|Gesture "Approaching"|Lock button|Third-party annex|No blocking, no problem.-->

6. Alternative methods: covers, films and hardware solutions

If the software doesn't work, the problem may be the hardware.

• 📱 Use a magnetic lock case: many cases for Xiaomi (for example, the original for the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) They have a magnet that automatically locks the screen when it closes, and it works even when you're ringing.
• 🛡️ Stick a protective film with a cutout under the sensor: sometimes the problem is that the proximity sensor is closed with film or glass. Buy a film with a precise cutout under the sensors (for example, from the Spigen or Nillkin brand).
• 🔧 Check the proximity sensor: if the screen is not locked even after all the settings, the sensor may fail).
• 🔄 Reset sensor settings: in rare cases, resetting sensor calibration through an engineering menu helps (code ##6484## → Sensor Calibration).

If the proximity sensor is faulty, replacing it in the service center will cost 500-1,500 rubles (depending on the model). Xiaomi with a collapsible body (for example, Redmi 9C) repair is cheaper than on flagships such as Xiaomi 13 Pro.

7. Diagnostics of problems: why is the screen not locked?

If none of these things work, the reason may go deeper, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous version.

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select a firmware file.
3. Install the downloaded file and restart the device.

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If the screen is not locked only in a particular call app (like WhatsApp or Telegram), the problem is with the settings of that app. Go to its settings and find the option "Block screen during call".

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking on Xiaomi