How to set up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Poco F3: instruction + solution of typical errors

Why the Poco F3 Proximity Sensor Is Important and When to Set Up

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a small but critical element that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone calls. When you hold your smartphone to your ear, the sensor captures the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. If this mechanism does not work correctly, you risk problems: the screen does not go out when you call (which leads to pressing buttons), or, conversely, does not turn back on after the conversation is completed.

Setting up the sensor is required in several cases:

• 📱 After updating MIUI (Especially when switching to a new version - 12 → 13 → 14).
• 🔧 After replacing the screen or repairing the upper part of the body (the sensor may shift or get damaged).
• 🔄 When the work fails: the screen does not respond to the approach / removal, spontaneously goes out.
• 📦 After resetting the settings to the factory (hard reset).

In this article, we will discuss step-by-step sensor configuration, check its performance, and how to fix typical problems. All instructions are relevant for Poco F3 based on MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware). If your smartphone is running custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some menu items may differ.

Where is the proximity sensor in Poco F3 and how does it work?

In the Xiaomi Poco F3, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, to the right of the front camera (when you look at the display with your face), it is a miniature infrared sensor that emits and picks up the reflected signal. When you bring the phone to your ear, the signal reflects off the surface and returns back, the sensor detects this as an “obstacle” and sends a command to turn off the screen.

Specifications of the sensor in Poco F3:

It is important to understand that the proximity sensor does not work all the time – it is activated only in two cases:

1. During a phone call (voice call).
2. When using some applications that require tracking of the position of the phone (for example, in Google Assistant for voice commands).

⚠️ Note: If you use a high-transmission protective glass or film (e.g. matte or tinted), the sensor may not work properly. The best option is a transparent glass with a thickness of no more than 0.3 mm.

Step-by-step: how to configure the proximity sensor on the Poco F3

The Poco F3 sensor setup is basically two things: calibration (if it's provided by the firmware) and checking the current parameters. In most cases, it's enough to reset the sensor settings through the engineering menu.

Follow this instruction:

1. Open the Phone app and dial the code to access the engineering menu: ##6484## Once entered, the Manual Test Mode menu will open.
2. In the list of tests, find the Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor) and tap it.
3. A graph or numerical value (usually 0 or 1) will appear on the screen: 0 is no obstacle (the sensor is free). 1 - the sensor is closed (fixes the obstacle).

Calibrate

Auto Test

Settings → About the phone → Reboot

Make sure there are no cracks or chips in the sensor area on the screen |

Remove the cover and the protective glass (if it is too thick)|

Check that there is no dirt or dust in the upper part of the case |

Close all background apps (especially those using the camera)-->

If the sensor still doesn’t work properly after calibration, try resetting your phone to factory settings (but pre-reverse the data!). To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Reset.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If the code ##6484## doesn't work, try the alternative: #4636## → Phone information → Perform sensor test.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without a call

It's not always convenient to test the sensor during a real call, and fortunately, there are several ways to test it without having to call someone.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

We've already mentioned the code ##6484## -- you can see in real time how the sensor reacts to the approach of the hand on the Proximity Sensor menu. Put your palm to the top of the screen (where the sensor is located) at a distance of 1-2 cm, the value should change from 0 to 1. Remove your hand, the value will return to 0.

Method 2: Sensor Test (from Google Play)

Download the free Sensor Test app (or a similar app like Phone Tester), which has a separate section to check the data visualization proximity sensor, and the advantage of this method is that you will not only see the current state, but also a graph of the change in values.

Method 3: Using a voice assistant

Activate Google Assistant with a voice command (e.g., say "OK, Google"). Hold your phone to your ear, the screen should go out. Take away the phone, the screen will turn on again. This technique mimics the sensor's behavior during the call.

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If the sensor does not respond to the approach, try to wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol wipe – sometimes dust or greasy traces interfere with the correct operation of the sensor.

Typical proximity sensor problems on the Poco F3 and their solutions

Even when you're fine-tuned, the sensor can malfunction, and let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

If the sensor is not fully operational:

1. Check if it is disabled in the settings: go to Settings → System → Additional → Special features → Approximation Sensor (the item may be missing in some versions of MIUI).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version: Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Reset the sensor settings through the engineering menu (as described above).
4. If nothing works, it may be that the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after the phone falls), in which case a replacement will be needed.

Additional settings: how to disable the proximity sensor (if necessary)

In rare cases, users want to turn off the proximity sensor — for example, if it is not working properly and repair is temporarily impossible — but remember, this will cause the screen to not go out during calls, which can lead to accidental pressing.

Methods of shutdown:

• 📱 Enter the code ##6484##, find the Proximity Sensor and select the Disable option (if available).
• 🔧 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC, activate Debugging USB The command is: adb shell settings put system. proximity_delay 255 This will set the maximum delay of the trigger, effectively turning off the sensor.
• 🛠️ Magisk modules (for rooted devices): Install the Disable Proximity Sensor module from the Magisk repository.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the proximity sensor can lead to increased battery consumption, as the screen will remain on during calls. In addition, some banking applications and services (such as Google Pay) can block work on devices with disabled security sensors.

Prevention: How to avoid proximity sensor problems in the future

To ensure that the proximity sensor in Poco F3 works stably, follow these recommendations:

• 📵 Avoid mechanical damage: Don't drop your phone or press on top of the screen.The proximity sensor is a fragile element that is easily damaged when hit.
• 🧼 Clean the screen regularly: Use soft lilaless cloth and alcohol wipes to clean the sensor area.dust and greasy traces can block the infrared signal.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Check for updates regularly MIUI — In new versions, bugs associated with the operation of sensors are often corrected.
• 🛡️ Use high-quality accessories: Cases and glass from unknown manufacturers can block the sensor signal. F3".

If you make frequent calls in high humidity conditions (such as rain), make sure that water does not enter the sensor area, which can cause contact corrosion and cause permanent damage.

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Regular calibration of the sensor (every 2-3 months) helps to avoid failures, especially after installing new applications or system updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Poco F3