The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical component that shuts down the screen during phone calls. On the Mi 10T Pro, it is located next to the top speaker and works on infrared radiation. If the sensor is not configured correctly, you will encounter problems: the screen will not go out when you hold the phone to your ear, or vice versa, it will not turn on after the call is completed. And in some cases, the sensor can falsely fire, blocking the screen even when you just hold the phone in your hand.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to adjust the proximity sensor on the Mi 10T Pro, from basic calibration through the settings menu to manual methods using the engineering menu, and learn how to diagnose malfunctions and what to do if the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update.
If you've never experienced sensor tuning before, don't worry: the process doesn't require any special knowledge, but it's important to follow the instructions precisely so as not to make the problem worse. For example, improper calibration through the engineering menu can cause the sensor to fail completely until the next setup reset, so we recommend backing up the data before you start.
What is the proximity sensor and how it works on the Mi 10T Pro
The proximity sensor is an optoelectronic module that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (usually your ear or palm). The Mi 10T Pro uses an infrared sensor consisting of an emitter and a receiver. When you hold the phone to your ear, the infrared beam bounces off the surface and returns back, which is recorded by the sensor, and based on this data, the system decides to turn off the screen and touchscreen to prevent accidental taps during a conversation.
The Mi 10T Pro is a feature that integrates the proximity sensor into the top of the display bezel next to the front camera, making it vulnerable to contamination (dust, greasy spots) and mechanical damage, such as if you use a high-sided case or a sticker on the screen, it can block the infrared signal and lead to false positives.
In normal mode, the sensor shall:
- 🔹 Turn off the screen when you bring your phone to your ear during a call.
- 🔹 Turn on the screen when the phone is removed from the ear.
- 🔹 Ignore random objects (such as your palm when holding your phone in your hand).
- 🔹 Work stably at any light level.
If at least one of these conditions is not met, the sensor requires adjustment or diagnosis. On the Mi 10T Pro, problems often occur after updating MIUI or mechanical impacts (falls, bumps), also failures can be associated with improper firmware operation or conflict with installed applications (for example, modified versions of Google Phone).
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Before setting up the sensor, clean the top of the Mi 10T Pro screen of dust and greasy traces - this can solve the problem without additional manipulation.
Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor
How do you know if the proximity sensor on your Mi 10T Pro isn't working properly?
📞 The screen doesn't go out when you call, which is the most common thing, and you hold the phone to your ear, but the display stays active, which leads to random button presses (e.g., turning off the microphone or ending the call).
🌑 The screen doesn’t turn on after the call is over – the opposite problem is when the screen is black after the phone is pulled away from your ear and you have to press the power button or use a fingerprint scanner to unlock it.
⚡ Random positives: The sensor responds to your palm when you hold your phone in your hand, or locks the screen when you tilt the device, which is particularly annoying in games or when watching videos.
🔄 Unstable operation — the sensor is working, or not, for no apparent reason, often due to software conflicts or damage to contacts after a fall.
If you see any of these symptoms, it means that the sensor needs a diagnosis, but before you start setting up, make sure that the problem is not due to contamination of the sensor or a damaged protective glass, sometimes just wipe the top of the screen with alcohol solution to restore performance.
What if the sensor stopped working after the fall?
Method 1: Calibration of the sensor through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. The Mi 10T Pro has a hidden menu for calibrating the proximity sensor that doesn't require super-user rights. Here's how to find it:
1. Open the Phone app (standard call app).
2. Dial the combination: ##6484## (this is a universal code for testing sensors on Xiaomi devices).
3. Once you enter the code, you will be taken to the sensor testing menu. Find the Proximity Sensor** section.
In this menu you will see a graph showing the current sensor readings:
For calibration:
- Cover the sensor with your hand (or hold the phone to your ear) – the line should turn red.
- Remove your hand, the line should return to green.
- If the readings do not change or the sensor reacts with a delay, press the button "Calibrate"**.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to close and open the sensor several times).
After calibration, restart your phone and check the sensor when you call. If the problem persists, move on to the next method.
Make sure there is no protective film or glass on the screen that covers the sensor.|
Clean the top of the screen of dust and grease |
Close all background applications |
Connect your phone to charge (in case of a long procedure)-->
Method 2: Manually configure through an engineering menu (MTK)
If standard calibration didn’t help, you can try deeper tuning through the MediaTek engineering menu (since the Mi 10T Pro is built on a Snapdragon 865 chip, this method isn’t suitable for all firmware versions, but often works on custom builds).
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Warning: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can cause malfunctions in the phone. Do not change the settings if you are not sure of their purpose.
To open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636###.
In this section, you will see the following options (values may vary depending on the version of MIUI):
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| proximity_offset | Sensor displacement (sensitivity) | 0-5 (usually 2 by default) |
| proximity_threshold | Response threshold (distance) | 3-7 (optimum 5) |
| proximity_hysteresis | Hysteresis (protection against false positives) | 1–3 (default 2) |
| proximity_debounce | Delayed response (ms) | 50–200 (optimum 100) |
If you are not sure what to change, try the following:
- Increase. proximity_threshold on 1–2 units (e.g. with 5 before 6), If the sensor is activated too late.
- Reduce. proximity_threshold before 3–4, if the sensor is triggered by accident.
- Increase. proximity_debounce before 150–200 If the screen is flashing during the call.
When you change the settings, press Set or Apply, then restart the phone, and check the sensor by making a test call.
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The changes in the engineering menu don't persist after you reset, and if you do a hard reset, the sensor settings will go back to factory settings.
Method 3: Reset sensor settings via ADB
If software methods don't work, you can try resetting the sensor with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to the computer and enabling debugging mode over USB.
🖥️ What's the matter:
- 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
Instructions:
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
This method resets the sensor to factory values, which often helps with software failures, and if the problem persists after the reboot, it may be a hardware malfunction (the sensor itself or its plume is damaged).
Diagnostics of hardware faults
If none of the software methods worked, it's worth checking the Mi 10T Pro for hardware damage.
🔧 Sensor damage – physical impact (fall, impact) can cause the sensor to fail, in which case a replacement module is required.
🔌 Trail disconnection – if the phone was disassembled or subjected to vibrations, the sensor contacts could move away from the motherboard.
🛡️ Contamination or damage to the protective glass – cracks or thick film can block the infrared signal.
🔋 Firmware problems – if the sensor stopped working after the update MIUI, Maybe there's been a driver conflict, and then you can roll back to the previous version of the software.
For self-diagnosis:
- Call your phone and check the sensor response in different positions (horizontally, vertically, at different angles).
- Light a flashlight on the sensor – if it is working, you should see a faint infrared glow (in the dark).
- Try using your phone without a case – sometimes the side of the accessories block the sensor.
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Warning: If the sensor does not respond to physical tests (does not change the color of the line in the menu ##6484##), most likely, repair is required. 10T Pro is difficult due to the need to disassemble the screen - it is better to contact the service.
Additional tips for optimizing the sensor
Even if the sensor works correctly, it can be optimized for more comfortable use. Here are some recommendations for Mi 10T Pro owners:
📲 Turn off the “Smart Block” during calls – in MIUI There's a feature that locks the screen when you bring the phone up to your ear, but sometimes it conflicts with the sensor to turn it off:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Smart features.
- Turn off the “Smart Block” or “Auto-Block” option.
🔄 Update the firmware – sometimes sensor bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
🛠️ Use alternative calling apps — if the problem only occurs in the standard Phone app, try Google Phone or Truecaller.
📵 Check your energy saving settings – some battery saving modes may limit sensor performance. disable optimization for the Phone app** in your battery settings.
If you talk on your phone frequently in noisy places, you can increase the sensor sensitivity through an engineering menu (as described in Method 2).However, remember that excessively raising the trigger threshold can lead to false screen locks.