How to lock the Xiaomi screen during a call: all ways to turn off the sensor

Have you ever accidentally pressed buttons on a Xiaomi screen while you were on a phone? Put your phone to your ear and a minute later you found that the call had reset, a loud speaker turned on, or worse, a voice message was sent to the wrong person? This problem is familiar to many touchscreen smartphone owners - especially those who use devices with large displays or thin bezels.

MIUI ( Xiaomi’s branded shell) has several built-in mechanisms that help lock the screen during a conversation. However, not all users are aware of their existence or adjust them correctly. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to disable the sensor on Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark – from standard features to hidden settings and third-party applications.

Why Xiaomi’s screen doesn’t automatically lock when you call

By default, MIUI has enabled the Close-up screen lock feature, which should be triggered when you hold your phone to your ear, but users often find that:

• 📱 The screen goes out, but continues to respond to touches (for example, through a cover or with a weak press).
• 🔄 The lock is delayed or unstable.
• 🚫 Function disabled after update MIUI or reset.
• 🛠️ Even when the lock is enabled, random taps lead to the activation of the speaker, the completion of the call or the opening of applications.

The reasons may be different:

• 🔧 Incorrect proximity sensor settings (it may be contaminated or calibrated incorrectly).
• 📲 Shell conflict (for example, after installing a custom theme or launcher).
• 🔄 Failure of com.android.server.telecom services responsible for telephone calls.
• 🛡️ Third-party applications (such as call managers or battery optimizers) that intercept screen control.

⚠️ Note: If the proximity sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), no software method for locking the screen during a call will work stably.

Method 1: Enabling lock when approaching in settings

The most obvious and often ignored method is activating the built-in Lock As You Approach feature, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 10 and later, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and Black Shark.

To turn it on:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Scroll down and find the Locking as you approach (on some models it may be called the Approach Sensor or Autolock during a call).
3. Activate the switch.
4. (Optional) Click on Additional Settings and set the lock delay (recommended 1 second).

If this item is not on your menu, it means:

• 📱 You have an outdated version. MIUI (Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔧 The feature is hidden by the manufacturer for your model (for example, on some budget Redmi).
• 🛠️ The phone has turned off the proximity sensor (check in Settings). → Special facilities → Approximation sensor).

Make sure the sensor is not covered with a film or case |

Wipe the top of the screen with a dry napkin |

Call someone and check to see if the screen goes out as you approach |

If not, restart your phone and repeat the test.

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Method 2: Use the "Lift to Lock" gesture

MIUI 12 and later introduced the Lift to Lock feature, which was originally designed to lock the screen when the phone lifts, but it can also be adapted to lock during a call, a technique that is particularly useful if the proximity sensor is unstable.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock and Password.
2. Select Additional Locking Settings.
3. Activate the option to raise to block.
4. When you call, just raise your phone slightly above your ear – the screen will lock.

The downside of this is that it requires conscious action from the user, but it's more reliable than the proximity sensor, and it works even if it's damaged.

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If you don't have the Up to Lock feature, try turning it on through Settings → Special Features → Gestures. Some firmware has it hidden there.

Method 3: Power button lock (physical method)

The most versatile and reliable way is to manually lock the power button, which works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the MIUI version or the state of the sensors, but it has two drawbacks:

• 🕒 You need to press the button manually (not everyone can do it on time).
• 🔋 In some models (for example, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) Power button is not convenient for quick pressing during the call.

How it works:

1. When you call, press the power button once (do not hold it!).
2. The screen will go out and lock, but the call will continue.
3. To unlock, press the power button again or use a fingerprint scanner (if supported).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Double pressing of the power button can activate the camera or other action. Before using this method, check the gesture settings in Settings → System applications → Button gestures.

Method 4: Third-party applications for forced blocking

If the built-in methods don't work or they don't work well, you can use third-party utilities.

The most reliable solution is Proximity Service, which mimics the approximation sensor at the software level, and can lock the screen even if the physical sensor is broken.

1. Download Proximity Service from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and grant permissions for Special Features and Overlay over other windows.
3. Enable the Lock on proximity option.
4. Set the sensitivity on High (High).
5. Check the work during the test call.

Method 5: Resetting the proximity sensor settings (for experienced)

If the proximity sensor is not working properly (e.g., the lock is working too late or not working at all), it can be recalibrated, requiring access to an engineering menu and suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. You will be in the Manual Test Mode.
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.
5. After calibration, restart the phone.

If #6484## does not work, try it.

• ##4636## → Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor
• #284## (on some POCO models)

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can cause a malfunction of the phone. Do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose. MIUI 14+ Access to the engineering menu can be blocked – in this case, the sensor can only be calibrated through the service center.

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If the sensor still doesn't work properly after calibration, there's probably a hardware problem.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If none of the above methods solves the problem, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback: Sometimes screen lock bugs appear after an update MIUI. Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
• 📱 Use of headset: Connect wireless or wired headphones – when talking through them, the screen is automatically locked.
• 🛡️ Installing an alternative call: Apps like Truecaller or Google Phone have their own screen lock mechanisms when calling.
• 🔧 Reset: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (don't forget to back up!). Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

If the problem occurs after installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), check if your build supports proximity sensor. Some unofficial firmware may not work properly with Xiaomi hardware components.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking on Xiaomi