The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but many users face the inconvenience of staying active during a phone conversation, leading to occasional button presses, a microphone shutdown, or even a call-off, a problem that is especially relevant for those who often talk on the phone while on the move or in bright sunlight when the sensor responds to touch with their cheek or fingers.
In this article, we will analyze all available ways to configure automatic screen lock when calling – from standard functions. MIUI You'll learn how to avoid false alarms of the proximity sensor, adjust lock delay, and even use third-party applications for fine customization. We will pay special attention to the nuances of firmware and the differences between the global and Chinese versions. MIUI.
Why is the screen not automatically locked when you call?
The main reason for the problem is the proximity sensor, a small sensor next to the front camera that detects when the phone is pressed against the ear. On the Redmi Note 10S, this sensor sometimes malfunctions due to:
- 🔹 Sensor contamination – dust, greasy traces, or protective film can block the signal.
- 🔹 Problems with the firmware - in some versions MIUI 12.5/13 Sensor data processing algorithm is poorly optimized.
- 🔹 Screen sensitivity – if High Sensitivity is enabled to work with gloves, the sensor can ignore the approximation.
- 🔹 Application conflict – some launchers or programs to save charge interfere with the work of sensors.
Before you set the lock manually, check the proximity sensor using the engineering menu.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##6484## (some firmware may not work).
- Select Proximity Sensor and see how the values change when you close the sensor with your hand.
⚠️ Warning: If the sensor values do not change or if the sensor values are "1" when the sensor is open, the problem is hardware. In this case, only the service center will help - self-cleaning can damage the microphone or speaker.
Method 1: Enabling locking through MIUI settings
The easiest way is to activate the built-in lock-in feature during calls, which unfortunately is hidden deep in the menu in the latest versions of MIUI:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Phone.
- Slip on Inbound Calls (or Call Settings depending on version).
- Find the option to lock the screen while you talk (may be called Autolock when approaching).
- Activate the switch and select the delay (recommended) 1-2 seconds).
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Physical capabilities.
- 🔍 Scroll down to Automatic Lock section.
- 🔄 Turn on the option to Lock the screen when approaching the ear.
Open settings of the Xiaomi phone
Finding a "Phone" or "Incoming Calls" section
Autoblock option activated
Selected delay 1-2 seconds
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Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version) may not have this option, so move on to the next method.
Method 2: Use of the "Pocket Mode" function
If your firmware doesn't have a direct lock setting during calls, you can use the pocket mode, which is originally designed to prevent accidental taps when the phone is in your pocket, but it is also suitable for our case:
- Go to Settings → Display.
- Choose Pocket Mode (or Accidental Touch Protection).
- Activate the function and set the sensitivity to High.
- Enable the option to Lock the screen when approaching (if any).
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity of the sensor | Tall. | Allows faster to activate the lock |
| Lockdown delay | 1 second | Minimum time to prevent false positives |
| Exceptions | Turn off the phone. | That the function works exactly during the calls |
| Blocking vibration | Shut down. | Avoiding unnecessary vibrations during conversation |
This method is less reliable than specialized settings, because pocket mode may not always work, for example, if you hold your phone at an angle or use a headset, the proximity sensor may not recognize the position of the device.
All the time, it's a big problem.
Sometimes, but not critically.
It used to be, but I set up a lock.
I've never noticed a problem like this.
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Method 3: Third-party applications for forced blocking
If the standard methods don't work, apps from Google Play will come to the rescue.The best options for the Redmi Note 10S:
- 🔒 Proximity Screen Off - automatically locks the screen when approaching the ear. has sensitivity settings and delays.
- 📞 Call Screen Off — specially locks during calls. You can configure exceptions for Bluetooth headsets.
- 🛠️ Gravity Screen – uses proximity sensor and accelerometer for intelligent locking.
Instructions for setting up Proximity Screen Off:
- Install the application and grant permissions to Change System Settings and Access Sensors.
- Enable the Enable Service option.
- In the Call Settings section, activate Screen Off During Calls.
- Set a 500 ms delay for instantaneous operation.
⚠️ Note: Some applications require permission ADB work-in MIUI. To get it, connect the phone to the PC, turn on debugging USB In the developer settings and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.app.package android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS (Replace com.app.package with an app ID).
Third-party apps have the advantage of flexibility in settings, for example, in Gravity Screen you can set different lock conditions for normal mode and during calls, as well as configure exceptions for specific contacts.
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Before installing third-party apps, check the reviews of Redmi Note 10S users – some programs conflict with the energy-saving functions of MIUI and can lead to a quick battery discharge.
Additional settings to improve the sensor
If the lock is not working smoothly, try to optimize the proximity sensor:
- 🧹 Clean the sensor -- wipe the area around the front chamber with an alcohol wipe. Avoid rough materials!
- 🔄 Calibrate the sensor: Enter in the phone app ##6484###. Select Proximity Sensor Calibration. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually close/open the sensor with your hand).
Update the firmware
MIUI 13.0.6+
Redmi Note 10S
Reset the sensor settings
Settings → System → Resetting settings → Resetting sensors
The Redmi Note 10S with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition has a hidden sensor testing feature: type in the phone app ##4636##, select Equipment Test → Sensors and check the Proximity sensor values in real time.
What to do if the proximity sensor is not working?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When setting up a screen lock, users often make the following mistakes:
- 🚫 They use magnet cases, which can interfere with the proximity sensor, and the best option is thin silicone cases without metal inserts.
- 🔋 They activate an aggressive power saving mode, which turns off the sensors to save charge.
- 📲 Install incompatible firmware - custom MIUI-Ports (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may have sensor bugs. Use only official global or stable Chinese builds.
- 🔊 Disable permissions for system applications – without access to the microphone and sensors, the lock function will not work.
If nothing helps, roll back to MIUI 13 or use third-party apps.