How to set up the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: from calibration to repair

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a small but critical element that automatically shuts down the screen during a call. When you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, users often face problems: the screen does not go out when you call, the sensor does not spontaneously fire or does not respond at all to the approach. 80% of cases are not the hardware fault, but the wrong settings or software failures.

This article will help you understand how to properly configure the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 and other models running MIUI 12-14. We will look at official calibration methods through the engineering menu, workarounds for faulty sensors, and ways to diagnose hardware problems.

If your Xiaomi stopped turning off the screen during a conversation or, conversely, constantly “thinks” that you have put the phone to your ear, do not rush to carry it to the service. In most cases, the problem can be solved in 5-10 minutes using standard system tools, starting with a basic check.

How to check the work of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi

Before you set up the sensor, make sure it works at all. MIUI has built-in sensor testing tools, but they're hidden in the engineering menu. Here's how to get there:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (for some models, ##4636### is appropriate).
2. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor.
3. Close the sensor (usually to the right of the speaker) with your hand or a piece of paper, and the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

If the values do not change or the sensor shows N/A, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Software failure (following settings, application conflict).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (damaged the sensor or plume itself).
• 📱 Protective glass/case covering the sensor.

If the test shows that the sensor is responding to obstacles, but the screen does not go out during the call, the problem lies in the settings of the system.

Calibration of the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

Calibration helps to reset the sensor and return it to factory parameters, especially after updating MIUI, resetting to factory settings or installing custom firmware.

For MIUI 12-14, do the following:

1. Enter the phone code ##6484## (alternative: #4636##).
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (or Reset in some versions).
4. Place your phone on a flat surface and wait until the process is complete (usually 10-20 seconds).
5. Reset the device.

Remove the protective glass/case from the top of the screen

Charge your phone at least 30%

Close all background applications

Stay in a room with normal lighting (not under direct sunlight)-->

After calibration, check the sensor during the call. If the problem persists, try an alternative method through the CIT app (Xiaomi's built-in tester):

1. Install the CIT app from Google Play (if it’s not on the system).
2. Run the Proximity Sensor test.
3. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the calibration process!If you take out the battery or force the phone to restart during the procedure, the sensor may completely fail and require replacement.

Setting up the sensor through the developer parameters

If standard calibration doesn’t work, try turning off sensor optimization in developer mode, a technique that often solves the problem of spontaneous sensor activation or screen sticking during a call.

Activate the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Find the option to turn off proximity sensor optimization (or Disable Proximity Sensor Optimization) and activate it.
3. Reboot the phone.

After that, the sensor will run in the raw mode without software filters, the disadvantage of the method is the possible increase in the sensor response time (delay when the screen is quenched). If this is critical, return the setting to its original state.

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If the developer menu does not have an option for the proximity sensor, try updating MIUI to the latest version. In older builds (below MIUI 12.5), this option may not be available.

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

MIUI updates often bring not only new features, but also bugs. One of the most common is that the proximity sensor breaks after the system upgrade. If the problem occurs immediately after the update, try the following methods:

If the sensor stopped working after upgrading to MIUI 13/14, check if the permissions for system applications have failed:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and contact, open permissions.
3. Make sure they have access to the Sensors and Phone.

⚠️ Note: Retreat to the previous version MIUI Fastboot erases all data from your phone! Before the procedure, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Hardware causes of failure of the approach sensor

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be hardware, and here are the most common hardware reasons:

• 🔌 The sensor plume is damaged (for example, after a phone drop or the body is disassembled).
• 💧 Moisture getting under the screen (even if the phone is not sinking, condensation can oxidize contacts).
• 🛡️ Poor-quality protective glass, covering the infrared sensor (especially relevant for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO X3 NFC).
• 🔋 Bloated battery that presses on motherboard plumes.

Check hardware serviceability can be with the help of a multimeter (if you have experience with electronics) or a visual inspection:

1. Remove the back cover of the phone (you will need a mediator and a hair dryer).
2. Check if the sensor plume is moving away from the motherboard (usually located next to the front camera).
3. Check the contacts for oxidation or mechanical damage.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center. The average cost of replacing the proximity sensor with a Xiaomi Redmi is from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the model), In some cases it is cheaper to replace the entire display module, since the sensor is soldered to the screen plume.

Bypass: How to use a phone with a faulty sensor

If the proximity sensor is permanently out of order and repairs are delayed, you can temporarily get around the problem with third-party applications or system settings.

• 📱 Proximity Sensor Fix (available on Google Play) emulates the sensor's operation by extinguishing the screen when approaching the ear with a gyroscope.
• 🔄 Automatically turn off the screen through Settings → Screen. → Sleeping mode (set minimum time - 15 seconds).
• 🎧 Using a headset (Bluetooth or wired) for calls.
• 🔕 Disable touch buttons during a call via Gravity Screen app.

The most reliable workaround is to activate the Screen function always on (AOD) followed by manual locking of the screen with a power button.

1. Go to Settings → Screen → The screen is always on.
2. Select the mode When blocking.
3. During the call, manually press the lock button to turn off the screen.

⚠️ Attention: Proximity Sensor Fix (Gravity Screen) emulator applications increase battery consumption by 10-15%, as they constantly use a gyroscope and accelerometer.

Frequent errors of users when setting up the sensor

Many problems with the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi arise from the wrong actions of users.-5 errors that cause sensor failure:

1. The proximity sensor is based on infrared radiation that does not pass through certain types of glass (especially metallized glass). For the Redmi Note 10/11, only glass with a cutout under the sensor is suitable.
2. Install custom firmware without drivers. Many custom builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) don't have proprietary drivers for Xiaomi's proximity sensor.
3. Resetting settings through the Fastboot without backing up, which results in the loss of sensor calibration data.
4. Cleaning your phone with alcohol or aggressive liquids, and alcohol vapors can damage the infrared sensor.
5. Ignoring MIUI updates: Newer versions often fix sensor bugs.

If you plan to install a safety glass, make sure it is compatible with your Redmi model. For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, glass labeled Notch Sensors Compatible is suitable.

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Before buying a security glass, check if it has a cutout for the proximity sensor, even a minimal overlap of the sensor can cause malfunctions in its operation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions