How to properly configure the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (128 GB)

Why the proximity sensor is important for the Redmi Note 10 Pro

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a small but critical component that makes your smartphone comfortable.It automatically turns off the screen when you hold the device to your ear, preventing accidental taps and saving battery life. However, many users face problems: the screen does not go out when you call, it works too late, or, conversely, responds to false signals (for example, in your pocket).

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro with 128GB of memory, the proximity sensor is integrated into the top of the display next to the front camera, and it depends not only on hardware health, but also on the correct MIUI settings, calibration and even the purity of the glass above the sensor. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of settings from basic parameters to hidden engineering menus, and also tell you how to diagnose malfunctions.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a model that uses a combined proximity and illumination sensor from STMicroelectronics, which means that problems with one sensor can affect another, for example, if the screen does not adjust brightness automatically, it may be due to the same sensor.

Where is the proximity sensor and how does it work?

On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, to the right of the front camera (when you look at the device with your face), it is visually invisible, it is hidden under the display glass. It works like an infrared sensor: it emits an invisible beam and analyzes the reflected signal. If an object (for example, your ear) is too close, the sensor sends a command to the system to turn off the screen.

Specifications of the sensor in the Redmi Note 10 Pro:

• 🔹 Sensor type: Infrared (IR) + light-sensor (ALS) modulely
• 🔹 Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics (model) STK3338)
• 🔹 Response range: 0-5 cm (optimal distance for calls)
• 🔹 Sensitivity: Adjusted software through the engineering menu

The sensor activates automatically during outgoing and incoming calls, as well as when using certain applications (for example, Google Assistant in voice input mode). If you notice that the screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear, the problem may lie in:

• 📱 Contamination of glass above the sensor (dust, protective film, cover)
• ⚙️ Calibration failure after update MIUI
• 🔧 Sensor damage (for example, after falling)
• 🛠️ Conflict with third-party applications (for example, modified firmware)

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Before setting up the sensor, wipe the top of the Redmi Note 10 Pro screen with an alcohol napkin - greasy spots and dust can block the infrared signal.

Checking the operation of the proximity sensor: 3 ways

Before you start setting up, make sure the sensor is really faulty. Here are three reliable diagnostic methods:

1. Test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

This is the most accurate way to check the hardware health of the sensor:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
3. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.00 cm to 0.00 cm.
4. Remove your hand - the indicator should return to 5.00 cm.

If the values do not change or N/A is displayed, the sensor is faulty or disabled at the software level.

2. Check through the Sensor Test application

Download the free Sensor Test app from Google Play, run it and select the Proximity tab, and the sensor should respond to your hand approaching the screen by changing the color of the indicator (green → red).

3.A manual test during the call

Call another phone (or use a voice assistant) and check:

• 📞 The screen goes out when you bring it to your ear?
• 🔄 Does the display return when the phone is withdrawn?
• ⏱️ Is there a delay (more than 1 second) when activated?

Configure the proximity sensor through standard MIUI parameters

In most cases, sensor problems are solved through standard MIUI settings. Here is a step-by-step instruction for the Redmi Note 10 Pro:

Switching on/off the sensor

By default, the sensor is activated, but it can be turned off (for example, if it is triggered accidentally):

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Special features.
2. Select Turn off the proximity sensor.
3. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the sensor will keep the screen from going out during calls, which can cause accidental tapping and quick battery discharge.

Calibration of the sensor

If the sensor is unstable (for example, it is delayed), calibrate:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 5 times in a row on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Calibration of the proximity sensor and follow the instructions on the screen.

Sensitivity adjustment

There is no direct slider for adjusting the sensitivity in MIUI, but it can be changed through the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code ##36446337## (Engineering Mode).
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
3. In the Threshold field, set the value from 3 (low sensitivity) to 1 (high).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Remove the protective film from the top of the screen

Wipe the glass with a lilac-free napkin.

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (recommended)

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Solving common sensor problems

If the sensor still doesn’t work properly after setting up, use these tips:

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the proximity sensor is physically connected to the light sensor. If both sensors stop working after falling or getting moisture, the entire module is likely damaged - it will cost 1,500-2,500 rubles to replace it at the service center.

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version.

1. Download the archive with the firmware for Redmi Note 10 Pro (code sweet) from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.

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If the sensor stopped working after installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem is the lack of drivers. The solution is to flash the original MIUI or find a firmware with sensor support for the sweet model.

Resetting sensor settings to factory

If nothing else has worked, the last step before you go to the service is to reset the sensor, which will bring all sensitivity and calibration back to default.

For this:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Sensor Reset (if there is no such item, use a full reset).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Full reset will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. pre-backup through Settings → Google → Backup.

After reset, check the sensor through the engineering menu (##6484##). If the problem persists, there is a possible hardware malfunction, such as a sensor plume has broken or the module itself has failed, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

What to do if the sensor is physically broken

If all software methods have been tried, but the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro still doesn’t work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 Damage to the plume (for example, after disassembling the phone or falling)
• 💧 Short circuit due to moisture intrusion
• 🔨 Mechanical damage to the sensor (crack in the glass above the sensor)
• ⚡ Failure of the chip (rare, but occurs on devices older than 2-3 years)

The cost of repairs in official service centers Xiaomi:

• 🔧 Replacement of the proximity/light sensor: 1,800-2,500 rubles (including work)
• 🔌 Repair of the plume: 1,000-1,500 rubles
• 💧 Cleaning from moisture (if the phone is not turned on): from 2 000 rubles

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup copy of the data (if the phone is turned on).
2. Check if there are original parts available for the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
3. Check if you have a warranty (if you bought it less than a year ago).

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If you decide to replace the sensor yourself, buy a module with the article Xiaomi Original Proximity Sensor for Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet). the Average price for AliExpress is 300-500 rubles. To replace you will need to disassemble the phone, which requires experience and special tools (suction cup, mediator, screwdriver T3).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro