How to lock the screen Xiaomi during a call: all working methods

Have you ever encountered a situation where you accidentally press buttons on a Xiaomi screen while you're on a phone? Not only is it annoying, it can lead to awkward moments -- like when you accidentally turn on speakerphone or hang up. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to lock the screen while you're on a call, and today we'll take a look at everything from standard features to hidden MIUI features.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for different firmware versions, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS, and solutions for cases where standard methods do not work. We will also explain why sometimes locking does not work and how to fix it. If you use the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or any other Xiaomi model, these methods will work for you.

Why is Xiaomi’s screen not locked during a call?

Before we move on to solutions, it is important to understand the causes of the problem, and most often, the lock does not work because:

• 🔄 Disabled function in settings – by default it can be deactivated.
• 📱 A damaged proximity sensor – if the phone doesn’t “understand” that you’ve brought it to your ear.
• 🛠️ Incorrect firmware – especially after updating or installing custom software.
• 🔋 Energy-saving mode that limits the operation of sensors.

If your Xiaomi doesn’t lock the screen when you call, check if the appropriate option is on in the settings first. If so, the problem may be in the hardware. For example, the proximity sensor often fails after falls or moisture, in which case only repairs will help.

Method 1: Enabling the lock through the proximity sensor

This is the simplest and most efficient method that works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4 and Mi 11. The proximity sensor automatically turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the Screen section (or Display in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Find the Lock item during the call or the Approach Sensor.
4. Activate the switch next to the option to Lock the screen when approaching.

If you don't have one, try an alternative route: Settings → System apps → Phone → Locking the screen during a call. On some models, such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro, this option may be called Autolock.

Check for the function in the settings

Make sure the sensor is not covered by a film or cover

Test the work using the engineering menu (#6484##)

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

⚠️ Warning: If the proximity sensor is damaged, the lock will not work, and you can check it using the engineering menu (code # # #6484##) or the application. CPU-Z — Sensors should display the Proximity parameter.

Method 2: Manually locking the power button

If the automatic lock doesn't work, you can always lock the screen manually.

1. During the call, press the power button (also known as the lock button).
2. The screen will go out, but the conversation will continue.
3. To unlock, press the power button again and swipe your finger across the screen (if a pattern lock or PIN is installed).

This method is versatile and works on all Xiaomi models, including the old Redmi 4X and the new Xiaomi 13T. However, it has a drawback: if you forget to unlock the screen, you can miss the moment of the end of the conversation.

💡

If the power button is broken, use the lock gesture through Settings → Special features → Gestures. There you can set a double tap on the screen to lock.

Method 3: Use of gestures (for MIUI 12 and later)

MIUI 12 and above has the ability to lock the screen with gestures, which is convenient if you don't want to press physical buttons, to configure this way:

1. Open the settings → Screen → Gestures.
2. Find the option of locking the screen with a gesture or double touch to lock.
3. Activate it and select the desired gesture (for example, double tapping on the empty space of the screen).

Now, when you call, you just have to touch the screen twice and it locks, and this is a particularly useful method for owners. POCO X3 Pro and other models with AMOLED-screens where the proximity sensor sometimes works unstablely.

Method 4: Blocking through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

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

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##6484## (to test the proximity sensor).
3. In the menu, look for the Proximity Sensor.
4. Make sure that when you close the sensor with your hand, the screen goes out. If not, the sensor is defective.
5. To force the lock activation, enter the code ##36446337## (engineering mode) and find the settings associated with Screen Lock During Call.

In the engineering menu, you can accidentally change critical settings, which will lead to unstable operation of the phone. Do not change the settings if you are not sure of their purpose.

Method 5: Third-party applications for screen locking

If Xiaomi's built-in features don't work, you can use third-party utilities, such as the Gravity Screen app automatically locks the screen when you hold the phone to your ear.

• 🔒 Proximity Screen Off – uses a proximity sensor to lock.

Check the reviews and ratings of the app before installing. Some utilities require permission for special features, which can affect security. Also remember that third-party applications can drain the battery faster than built-in features.

⚠️ Note: When using screen locking apps, turn off battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start, otherwise they may not work during the call.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these things work, the problem could be deeper.

1. Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset) This will delete all data, so back up first.
2. Check your phone for viruses – some malware blocks the sensors.
3. Update your firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Newer versions of MIUI often fix sensor bugs.
4. Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, after a fall or water hit).

If the problem has occurred after the firmware update, try to roll back to the previous version using the Mi Flash Tool. Downgrad instructions can be found on the official Xiaomi forums.

💡

Before resetting, be sure to save contacts, photos, and other important data. Use Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud for this.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking the screen during a call