How to set up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: instructions with photos and tips

Why you need a proximity sensor and how it works on the Redmi 7A

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is a small but critical component that automatically shuts down the screen during phone calls. Without it, you would constantly press buttons with your cheek or ear, turning the call on speaker, turning off the microphone or even completing a call. On the Redmi 7A, this sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera, and works on infrared radiation: it detects the distance to an object (for example, your head) and blocks the sensor when approaching.

But many users have problems: the screen doesn't go out during a call, buttons are accidentally pressed, or the sensor is triggered too early, interrupting control, most often due to improper calibration, sensor contamination or firmware failures. In this article, we'll discuss how to check the sensor's performance, calibrate it manually and fix typical malfunctions without going to the service center.

Before you start settings, make sure that the problem is with the sensor, not the protective film or case. For example, thick glass or improperly pasted film can block the signal. Also check if third-party applications for managing calls are installed, they sometimes conflict with system settings.

How to check the operability of the sensor of approach

Before setting up, you need to make sure that the sensor is working, use a hidden engineering menu or third-party applications, and the easiest way is to use the code for testing:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (or ##0*## for general diagnosis).
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (object detected).

If the values do not change or the sensor shows 1/0 randomly, this indicates a hardware malfunction, you can also use applications from Google Play, such as Phone Doctor Plus or Sensor Test, which provide a more visualization of the sensors.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor does not respond to the tests, try to clean the surface of the sensor with a soft wipe.Do not use alcohol or abrasive materials - this can damage the coating.

Another way to check is to call another phone and check if the screen goes out when you bring the Redmi 7A to your ear, and if the screen is still active and the sensor is reading the correct values in the engineering menu, the problem may lie in the system settings or firmware.

Step-by-step: how to calibrate the proximity sensor

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A sensor calibration is done through an engineering menu, which resets the current settings and forces the system to redetermine the trigger thresholds. Here is a detailed instruction:

Open the phone app and type ##6484##

Select Proximity Sensor Calibration (if no option, use ##36446337###)

Press Calibrate and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 seconds)

Restart your phone to apply changes-->

If the standard code doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (available for MediaTek processors running Redmi 7A).
2. Open it and go to the Hardware Testing → Sensor section.
3. Select Proximity Sensor and press Calibration.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to bring and remove your hand from the sensor several times).

After calibration, check the sensor during the call. If the problem persists, you may need to reset to factory settings or update the firmware. Note that some versions of MIUI may not have a calibration point, in which case only manual software updates via Fastboot will help.

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If the sensor is unstable after calibration, try turning off the "Rise to Wake" function in the screen settings, which sometimes conflicts with the proximity sensor.

Sensitivity settings in MIUI

In standard MIUI settings, there is no direct sensitivity regulator for the proximity sensor, but you can indirectly affect its operation through call settings and special modes.

• 📱 Turn off the "Smart Answer": go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Smart response and deactivate the function. It sometimes interferes with the correct operation of the sensor.
• 🔕 Set up "Mode in your pocket": in Settings → Lock screen → Pocket mode, turn off the option if it's on.This mode may conflict with the proximity sensor.
• 🔄 Reset the settings of the phone application: go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It'll bring back the standard call parameters.

It’s also worth checking availability settings: some features for people with disabilities (such as gesture control or automatic rotation) can affect the operation of sensors. Turn them off temporarily in Settings → Special features.

What to do if the proximity sensor does not work after the update

One of the most common reasons for sensor failures on the Redmi 7A is the failed MIUI update, which can cause sensor drivers to crash or change their algorithms once the new firmware is installed.

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the service pack. Download the old firmware from Xiaomi's official website and install it manually.
• 🧹 Clear the system cache: go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.This won't delete your data, but it can solve the driver problem.
• 🔧 Reset the settings to factory (last option): Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Reset settings. Don't forget to back up!

If the problem has occurred after the update via Fastboot, it is possible that the firmware was installed incorrectly, in which case the re-firmware with full data cleaning (fastboot -w) will help.

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip


fastboot -w

Use only official firmware from Xiaomi’s website or trusted sources (e.g. XDA Developers).Unofficial builds often contain errors in sensor drivers.

⚠️ Warning: When reset to factory settings, all data, including photos, contacts and messages, will be deleted. Pre-save it to your computer or to the Mi Cloud cloud.

Hardware problems: when you need to replace the sensor

If all software methods have been tried and the proximity sensor on the Redmi 7A still doesn't work, the cause may be a physical malfunction.

• 🚨 In the engineering menu, the sensor value is always 0 or 1, regardless of obstacles.
• 🔍 Visible damage (scratches, cracks) on the glass above the sensor.
• 💧 Traces of oxidation or moisture under the screen (if the phone fell into the water).
• 🔌 The sensor stopped working after a fall or a heavy impact.

Replacing the proximity sensor with the Redmi 7A is a relatively inexpensive procedure (an average of 500-1,500 rubles in service centers). However, if you decide to do it yourself, be careful: the sensor is soldered to the screen plume, and its replacement requires care.

1. Buy the original sensor (Article for Redmi 7A – usually starts with XIAOMI- or MDY-).
2. Remove the screen using a plastic shoulder blade and a hair dryer (to soften the glue).
3. Disconnect the sensor plume and solder a new one (or replace the entire plume if the sensor is built in).
4. Check the work before the final assembly.

If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better contact the service.Incorrect replacement can damage your screen or motherboard.

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Before you change the sensor, make sure to check if the protective glass or film is blocking it, sometimes just re-glue them correctly.

Frequent User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many of the problems with the proximity sensor on the Redmi 7A are due to non-obvious errors in operation, and the most common ones are:

• 📱 Use of non-original covers: thick or metalized cases can block the sensor signal.
• 🧴 A non-cut shield tape sticker: if the film closes the sensor area, the signal weakens. Cut the hole above the sensor or use a film with a finished cutout.
• 🔋 Battery discharge to 0%: deep discharge can cause sensor settings to be lost.
• 🔄 Custom firmware installation: informal builds are often not optimized for Xiaomi sensors.Go back to stock firmware if you run into problems.

Another common mistake is ignoring security updates. Newer versions of MIUI often fix sensor bugs. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update regularly.

If you are using Redmi 7A with root rights, make sure you do not turn off system services associated with sensors, for example, deleting the com.miui.sensor app will cause all sensors to fail.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About the Approach Sensor