How to turn on and configure the proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical component that is responsible for turning off the screen during phone calls. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, many users face the problem when this sensor Suddenly stops working — the screen does not go out when you call, or vice versa, does not turn back on after the conversation is completed.

In this article, we will discuss how to turn on the proximity sensor on any Xiaomi smartphone (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi series), check its performance, and fix typical problems. The instructions are relevant for all versions of the MIUI 12, 13 and 14 firmware, including global and Chinese builds. If your sensor is disabled software or does not work correctly, you will find a solution here.

What is a proximity sensor and why you need it

The proximity sensor is an optical sensor that detects the presence of an object up to 5-10 cm from the top of a smartphone. In Xiaomi, it is usually located next to a front camera or speaker.

• 📞 Turning off the screen during a call – prevents accidental tapping of the cheek or ear.
• 🔋 Battery savings – Screen quenching reduces power consumption.
• 🛡️ Protection against false positives, such as when using a smartphone in your pocket.
• 🎧 Working with wireless headphones – on some models, the sensor is involved in automatic switching of audio routes.

On modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the proximity sensor is often combined with a light sensor that regulates the brightness of the screen. If one of them fails, it can affect the work of the other. It is also worth noting that on budget models (such as the POCO M5) sometimes install simplified sensors that may work less stable.

If the sensor is inactive, you will notice the following problems:

• ❌ The screen does not go out when you hold the phone to your ear.
• ❌ The display does not turn back on after the call is complete.
• ❌ Self-activated screen switching on/off in your pocket.
• ❌ Automatic brightness control is not working (if the sensor is combined).

How to check if the proximity sensor works on Xiaomi

Before you set up or repair the sensor, make sure it is really faulty. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party apps to do this.

Method 1: Test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

The most reliable way to test the sensor is to use a hidden engineering menu.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (some models may not work – see alternatives below).
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.00 (no obstacle) to 0.00 (there is an obstacle).

If the code doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• #4636## → Usage statistics → sensor checks
• #36446337## (for some Redmi models)

Method 2: Checking through the application "Equipment Test"

If the engineering menu is not available, install the official Mi Test app (available from the Mi App Store):

1. Download and install the Mi Test.
2. Launch the app and select Sensors.
3. Find the Proximity Sensor and perform the test by putting your hand to the top of the smartphone.

If the sensor does not respond, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Software Disable (must be enabled in settings).
• 📱 Sensor pollution (dust, protective film).
• 🔌 Hardware failure (requires repair).

How to turn on the proximity sensor in the settings Xiaomi

If the sensor is physically functional but not working, it may be disabled in the system settings, and depending on the version of MIUI, the path to options may differ.

Instructions for MIUI 14 (and newer)

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Additionally.
2. Select Special Opportunities.
3. Scroll down and find the System Settings section.
4. Activate the proximity sensor switch (or Automatic Screen Shutdown).

Instructions for MIUI 12/13

1. Go to Settings. → Screen.
2. Select Autoturn and Sensors (or Additional Screen Settings).
3. Turn on the approach sensor or turn off the screen when you call.

On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), the option may be:

• Settings → Applications → Permissions → Sensors.
• Settings → Calls → Call settings → Approximation sensor.

If you do not find the desired item, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter the request of the proximity sensor.

Make sure the sensor is not turned off in the settings|Check the permissions for the phone application"|Update. MIUI last-minute|Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

Table: Where to look for sensor settings on different versions of MIUI

Important: Some firmware (such as custom or Chinese) may have the option hidden, in which case the sensor can only be turned on through ADB or system file editing.

Why the proximity sensor doesn't work: the main reasons

If the sensor is on but still not functioning, the problem may be one of the following:

1. Pollution or damage to the sensor

The proximity sensor is located below the top of the screen and can be locked:

• 🧴 Protective film or glass (especially if it is not properly pasted).
• 🧹 Dust or dirt in the gaps between the body and the screen.
• 💥 Mechanical damage (cracks, chips).

To fix the problem:

1. Carefully remove the protective film and check the sensor.
2. Wipe the top of the screen with a soft napkin (do not use alcohol!).
3. If the sensor is physically damaged, contact the service center.

2. Software failures and MIUI errors

The sensor often stops working after:

• 📱 Firmware updates.
• 🔄 Resetting settings.
• 🛠️ Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📲 Reset the Phone application settings (Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset).
• 🔧 Upgrade MIUI to the latest version or roll back to a stable build.

3. Conflict with third-party applications

Some programs (like Truecaller, Call Recorder, or Second Space) can block the sensor from working.

1. Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).
2. Call someone and check the sensor.
3. If the sensor is working in safe mode, remove the recently installed applications.

💡

If the proximity sensor is unstable, try calibrating it through the engineering menu. To do this, type ##6484##, select Proximity Sensor, and press Calibrate (if available).

Hardware malfunction

If none of these things worked, maybe the sensor is physically broken.

• 🚨 The sensor does not respond in any test.
• 🔍 Visible damage (cracks, dents) to the sensor area.
• 💧 Moisture infestation (if the phone falls into the water).

In this case:

• Please contact the official Xiaomi service center.
• If the warranty is over, check the cost of repair (replacing the sensor usually costs 1000-3000 ₽).

💡

Before visiting the service center, be sure to make a backup of the data. Repair of the proximity sensor may require disassembling the smartphone, which always carries the risk of losing information.

How to Calibrate the Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi

If the sensor is working but it is working too late or too early (for example, the screen goes out when the hand comes near), it can be calibrated.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (if the option is available).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold and remove your hand several times).

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

If calibration via menu is not available, you can use ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock developer options, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Open the command line on your PC and type: adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 1000 (where 1000 is a delay in milliseconds; experiment with values from 500 to 2000).
3. Reboot your smartphone.

If calibration didn’t help, try resetting the sensor settings to factory:

adb shell settings delete system proximity_delay

💡

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the sensor calibration is reset after the MIUI update. If the sensor becomes worse after the update, repeat the procedure.

What to do if the proximity sensor is not turned on

If you have checked all settings but the sensor is still inactive, try the following steps:

1. Resetting phone settings

Sometimes the software bugs are so deep that the only solution is a complete reset.

• Make a backup of the data (Settings → About Phone → Backup).
• Remember your Mi Account and Google accounts.
• Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.

2. Flashing through Fastboot

If the reset didn't help, the firmware might have been damaged.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power).
4. Connect to the PC and run the device.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing deletes all data and can lead to bootloader locking if you don't follow the instructions. Use this method only as a last resort.

3. Replacement of the sensor in the service

If all software methods are exhausted, then all that remains is hardware repair, and the cost of replacing the proximity sensor in service centers is:

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to replace the sensor yourself - it requires special equipment and skills. Incorrect disassembly can damage the plumes or motherboard.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi