How to set up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note: a complete guide with verification and calibration

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone conversations. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor deactivates the touch screen, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. However, many users face problems: the screen does not go out when you call, accidentally press buttons or, conversely, the display does not turn on after the conversation is completed.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to properly configure, test and calibrate the proximity sensor on all Redmi Note models (from Redmi Note 3 to Redmi Note 13 Pro+), where the sensor is physically located, how to check its operation through the engineering menu, and what to do if it ceases to function after a MIUI update or mechanical damage, and we’ll also look at software and hardware solutions to problems, from resetting to replacing the module.

Where is the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note and how does it work?

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a miniature infrared sensor located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera and speaker.

• 🔦 Infrared emitter sends an invisible light signal.
• 👁️ Photodiode – captures the reflected signal and determines the distance to the object (for example, your ear).

When you hold the phone to your head, the sensor picks up the obstacle and sends a signal to the MIUI system, which turns off the screen and blocks touch taps. After the device is removed (for example, when you end a conversation), the screen is activated again. On the Redmi Note 10/11/12/13 models, the sensor is integrated into a dynamic island (if any) or hidden under the black screen frame.

It's important to understand that the proximity sensor is paired with a light sensor (which regulates the brightness of the screen), and if one of them fails, it can affect the other, for example, after a phone falls or moisture hits, both sensors can start to malfunction.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without an engineering menu

Before you set up the sensor, make sure it's functioning at all. The easiest way to check is to test it at the time of the call:

1. Call another phone or activate dial mode (e.g., dial ##4636## to call the test menu).
2. Hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.
3. Take the device away from your ear – the screen should turn on again.

If the screen is not responsive, try an alternative method using standard applications:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and click on the version line several times until the notification “You became a developer” appears».
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and find the item "Debugging by USB» (turn it on).
• 🛠️ Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play and check the proximity sensor readings in real time.

In the Sensor Test application, the sensor must show values 0 (no obstacle) and 1 (there is an obstacle). If the values do not change or an error is displayed, the sensor is defective or requires calibration.

💡

If the sensor doesn’t respond to obstacles, try to wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol wipe – sometimes dirt or a protective film will block the infrared signal.

Configure the proximity sensor through the MIUI engineering menu

If the sensor is working but the screen is not behaving properly (e.g., it goes out for a long time or does not turn on after a call), it can be calibrated through a hidden engineering menu, which is suitable for all Redmi Note models based on MIUI 12/13/14.

Instructions for entering the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##6484###
2. Select the "Proximity Sensor" option.
3. Click on Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Once completed, restart the phone.

If #6484## is not working, try alternatives.

• 📞 ##4636## → «Testing of equipment» → «Sensors».
• 🔧 ##36446337## (For some Redmi Note models 8/9).

Make sure your phone has enough charge (over 50%)

Close all background applications

Remove the cover and protective film from the top of the screen

Stay in a well-lit room.-->

After calibration, check the sensor again. If the problem persists, you may need to reset or update the firmware.

What to do if the proximity sensor is not working

If the sensor doesn't respond to the calibration or if the tests show an error, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

If the software methods didn’t help, try rolling back the MIUI update (if the problem appeared after the update) or performing a hard reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (does not delete files, but resets system settings).
3. After restarting, check the sensor again.

How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note (if it interferes)

In some cases, the proximity sensor can be uncomfortable — for example, if you use your phone often in hands-free mode or connect wireless headphones, in which case it can be turned off, but remember: this will increase the risk of accidental pressing during calls.

Methods of shutdown:

• 📱 Enter the code ##6484##. Select "Proximity Sensor." Click "Disable).

ADB

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0

(This disables screen delay).

Sensor Disabler

Google Play

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the proximity sensor can cause random button pressing during calls, including completing a call or activating hands-free.If you make frequent calls with headphones, it is better to set up a screen-canceling delay than to turn off the sensor completely.

Frequent errors in sensor settings and how to avoid them

Many users make common mistakes that cause the sensor to malfunction, and the most common ones are:

• 🚫 Using non-original security glasses -- some of the films and the glass block the infrared signal, so you can cut the hole over the sensor or use the glass with the cutout.
• 🚫 Calibration in a dark room - the sensor may misidentify baseline values. Solution: Calibrate in normal lighting.
• 🚫 Ignoring updates MIUI — In newer versions of firmware, sensor bugs are often fixed. Solution: check for updates in Settings → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Self-disassembly of the phone - if you try to clean the sensor, you can damage the plume. Solution: trust the cleaning professionals.

💡

If the proximity sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via MIUI bootloader or Xiaomi Flash Tool. Often sensor bugs are fixed in the following patches.

Hardware malfunctions: when you need to replace the sensor

If all software methods have been tried, but the sensor still doesn't work, the problem is likely hardware.

• 🔧 The sensor does not respond even after resetting and flashing.
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration.
• 📱 On the screen at the top, cracks or chips are visible.
• 🔌 The light sensor is not working (the screen does not automatically adjust the brightness).

In Xiaomi Redmi Note models, the proximity sensor is usually soldered into a flexible plume that also includes a front camera and speaker. Replacing this module at the service center will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the model and region).

• You will need a special hair dryer to detach the plume.
• The new sensor should be compatible with your model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro use different modules).
• After replacement, recalibration may be required.

⚠️ Note: If you replace the sensor yourself, you risk damaging the display plume or motherboard. If you do not have experience in soldering microelectronics, you should consult a specialist. In Xiaomi service centers, replacing the proximity sensor takes 1-2 hours and guarantees the safety of the remaining components.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note