How to set up a screen lock during a call on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro smartphones are equipped with the function of automatically locking the screen during phone calls, this protects against accidental pressing of the cheek or fingers. However, many users have inconveniences: the screen goes off too quickly, you can not turn on speakerphone or switch to headphones without unlocking. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to adjust the lock screen when calling, including hidden MIUI settings and workaround solutions for non-standard situations.

The problem is relevant not only for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, but also for other models based on MIUI 12/13/14. We tested all methods on V12.5.7.0.RKFMIXM firmware and later – the instructions work on custom builds (for example, Xiaomi.EU). If the system configurations are lost, here you will find the current ways to restore them.

Why the screen is locked during a call and why it is necessary

The Proximity Sensor Lock was introduced to prevent false pressing, a proximity sensor that detects when the phone is held to the ear and turns off the touch screen, which is useful but often incorrect:

  • πŸ”„ The screen goes off even when the phone is on the table.
  • πŸ”‡ It is not possible to quickly turn on the speaker or switch the sound to the speaker
  • πŸ“± After updating MIUI settings are reset to default values
  • πŸ”§ On custom firmware, the function may not be in the menu

In the Redmi Note 10 Pro, two components are responsible for blocking: the proximity sensor (located next to the front camera) and the MIUI algorithm, which processes its signals. If the sensor is contaminated or damaged, the screen can lock randomly. Before setting up, check its operation through the engineering menu (for this in one of the following sections).

Method 1: Configure using standard MIUI parameters

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings, which are available without superuser rights and work on all official firmware.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the Appendix section β†’ Application management.
  3. In the search bar, enter the Phone and select the system application Phone.
  4. Slip on the Permissions item, then select Other Permissions.
  5. Find the screen lock option during the call and turn it off.

If this item is missing, your version of MIUI uses an alternative path.

  1. Go back to the main Settings and select the Lock screen.
  2. Scroll down to the Additional section and find Lock when calling.

On Xiaomi.EU 13+, this option may be called β€œLock screen during calls” and can be found in the menu β€œDisplay β†’ Lock screen β†’ Advanced settings”.

Approach sensor clean (no dust/mud)

The phone is not in a case covering the top of the screen.

MIUI version updated to last stable build

Developer rights not activated (may interfere)

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Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for power users)

If standard settings don't work, you can manually calibrate the proximity sensor or turn off its response to calls, which requires access to the Engineering Mode. Attention: wrong actions here can disrupt the phone!

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
  2. Select Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor).
  3. In the window that opens, check the current values: Proximity Sensor Value should be 0 when you remotely phone and 1 when you put your hand up. Proximity Sensor Offset is optimal: 3-5.

Calibrate

To turn off the sensor response to calls:

  1. Return to the main menu of the engineering mode.
  2. Select Hardware Testing β†’ Sensor β†’ Proximity Sensor.
  3. Find the Proximity Sensor During Call option and set the Disable value.

⚠️ Note: Once the sensor is turned off through the engineering menu, the screen will not lock when calling at all, this can lead to accidental taps during a conversation.

Constantly.

Sometimes.

It used to be annoying, but it set up (a)

Never noticed a problem.

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Method 3: Adjusting through ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can change system settings via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and a developer mode enabled.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

USB debugging

Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500

Here, 2500 is the lock delay time in milliseconds (2.5 seconds). You can set the value from 1000 (1 second) to 5000 (5 seconds).

adb shell settings put global proximity_on_call false

After you execute the commands, restart the phone. The changes will persist even after the MIUI update, but can reset when you completely reset your settings.

πŸ’‘

If ADB-No commands are applied, check if the antivirus or firewall on the PC is blocking them, and make sure that the developer settings include the option "Allow debugging by USB (safe-haven)".

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If the system settings don't work, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested a few apps and selected the most reliable ones.

AnnexFunctionalPlusesCons
Proximity Sensor FixSensor calibration, manual sensitivity adjustmentFree, no advertising, works without rootInterface in English, requires ADB for some features
Screen On During CallForced screen activation when callingSimple management, supports MIUIPaid version for advanced functions
TaskerAutomation of actions (for example, disabling the lock for specific contacts)Maximum flexibility of settingsDifficult for beginners, takes time to set up

To install applications:

  1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access β†’ Install unknown applications.
  3. Launch the app and follow the instructions on the screen.

For users who make frequent calls in the car or through the headset, it is useful to turn off notifications about the approach of the face (they may interfere). β†’ Notifications β†’ Sensor notifications.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to avoid locking your screen is to use a headset or Bluetooth headphones, in which case the proximity sensor is turned off automatically, and all call management functions remain available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking when calling

Can the proximity sensor be completely turned off?
Yes, but it's not recommended. The sensor is responsible not only for locking the screen, but also for automatically adjusting the brightness. Completely shutting down will result in the screen always operating at maximum brightness, which will reduce battery life.
After the MIUI update, the settings went wrong. How do you get back to the old settings?
MIUI updates often reset user sensor settings. Try: Return settings via Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings β†’ Reset applications (does not affect personal data). Reset via ADB (commands will persist even after the update); Install an older firmware version if the new one contains errors (via Fastboot or Recovery).
The screen locks even when the phone is on the table. What's the problem?
This is a typical sign of a proximity sensor malfunction or miscalibration. First try: Clean the top of the screen of dirt. Recalibrate the sensor through the engineering menu (see Method 2). Check the phone without a case. If the problem persists, the sensor needs to be replaced.
Can you set up different behaviors for different contacts?
There is no such feature in standard MIUI firmware, but it can be implemented through Tasker: Create a profile with the condition Event β†’ Phone β†’ Incoming Call. Add Display β†’ Screen Lock β†’ Off. Provided, specify specific contacts (for example, only for Mom or Work). This will take time to set up, but will give maximum flexibility.
Will this manual work on the Redmi Note 11 Pro or POCO X3 Pro?
Yes, most methods (especially through ADB and the engineering menu) are universal for all smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14. Exception is that the paths in the settings menu may vary slightly. For example, on POCO X3 Pro, the screen lock option when calling is in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Phone β†’ Additional.