The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical component 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 work with a delay or does not work correctly after updating the MIUI. In 80% of cases, the fault is a calibration failure, contamination of the module or a software conflict.
This article will help you understand how to properly configure the proximity sensor on Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi flagship models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5). We will look at official methods through the settings menu, hidden engineering codes for diagnostics, as well as ways to restore operability without contacting the service center.
How the proximity sensor works in Xiaomi smartphones
Xiaomi's proximity sensor is an infrared module that consists of an emitter and a receiver. When you hold your phone to your ear, the infrared beam reflects off the surface and is fixed by the receiver. The processor analyzes the signal and turns off the screen. Modern models (starting with the Xiaomi 11 and Redmi Note 10) use an improved version of the sensor with machine learning algorithms that adapt to the specific usage of a particular user.
It is important to understand that the proximity sensor is closely related to the light sensor (they are often combined in one module). Therefore, problems with automatic screen brightness control can indirectly indicate a malfunction of the proximity sensor. For example, if the screen does not go out during a call and the brightness is not correctly adjusted, the entire module, rather than a separate sensor, is likely to fail.
- 🔍 Types of sensors in Xiaomi: Infrared (IR) — used in 95% of models (including budget Redmi) Ultrasonic – rarely, only in experimental prototypes of the Emoskostny – in some flagships (for example, Xiaomi) MIX 4)
- ⚡ Energy consumption: the sensor consumes ~0.05 mA in active mode (during the call)
- 🛠️ Typical resource: 100,000–150,000 positives (under normal conditions)
⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stopped working after the phone fell, don't try to disassemble the device yourself. In 70% of cases, the problem is not the sensor itself, but the disconnected plume or damaged board. Incorrect assembly can lead to loss of warranty.
Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor
Before you start setting up, make sure the problem is really sensor-related.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Can I correct myself? |
|---|---|---|
| The screen does not go out during the call. | Calibration failure, sensor contamination, glass damage | Yes (80 percent of the time) |
| The screen goes out with a delay (1-3 seconds) | Misconfigured MIUI settings, application conflict | Yes. |
| The screen goes out with any movement of the phone’s hand. | Increased sensitivity, sensor damage | Partially (diagnosis required) |
| Sensor is not stable after update | Software bug in firmware | Yes (rollback or wait for a patch) |
If you see physical damage (cracks on the glass above the sensor, traces of moisture), self-tuning is unlikely to help, in such cases, you need to replace the module, which in Xiaomi service centers costs 1,500-3,000 rubles depending on the model.
Official sensor settings via MIUI menu
Starting with the simplest and safest method, using built-in MIUI tools is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running on firmware version 12 and above.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → System → Additional (in some versions, the path may differ: Settings → About the phone → All settings).
- Find the Approximation Sensor or Sensor Calibration section (in English firmware - Proximity sensor).
- Press Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, the system asks you to cover the sensor with your hand for 3-5 seconds, and then remove it.
- Once completed, restart the phone.
If there is no partition with calibration, it means that your version of MIUI does not support manual configuration, in which case move on to the next method.
Make sure there is no dirt or protective film on the sensor.|
Close all background applications |
Connect your phone to charge (recommended)|
Use the original firmware (without custom modifications)
-->
⚠️ Warning: After calibration, do not place protective glasses with an opaque area above the sensor, this can lead to false positives.
Hidden engineering codes for sensor diagnostics
If standard calibration doesn’t work, you can use Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to system failure.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (some models may run ##4636## → Equipment Testing).
- In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor.
- Value: Must change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (no obstacle) Status: OK or FAIL
FAIL
Calibrate
Critical information: On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the engineering menu may be blocked. In this case, use the alternative code ##36446337##, but it only works on firmware for the Chinese market.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Software methods of sensor recovery
If the hardware calibration didn't work, the problem could be the software.
- 🔄 Resetting settings: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset all settings. This will delete user data, but save files in the phone's memory. In 30 percent of cases, it solves the sensor problem after the update.
- 📱 Firmware rollback: If the sensor stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the service pack. Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website.
- 🛡️ Blocking conflicting applications: Some applications (e.g. TrueCaller, Drupe) may interfere with sensor operation. → Annexes → Permits → Other permits → Change system settings and disable access for suspicious programs.
⚠️ Note: Do not install apps for "manual sensor calibration" from Google Play. Most of them either don't work or contain malicious code. The only exception is Smart Tools' Sensor Test, but it's only for diagnostics, not for customization.
💡
If the sensor is only unstable in certain applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), try clearing the cache of those programs. Go to Settings → Applications → [App name] → Memory → Clear the cache.
Physical cleaning and sensor inspection
If the software didn't work, the problem could be that the sensor gets contaminated, and over time, the sensor gets dust, sweat fat, or adhesive residue from the protective film, and cleaning up helps in 40 percent of the cases.
How to clean the sensor:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-card (if the model supports a hot replacement).
- Take a soft brush (for example, to clean the camera's lenses) and carefully remove dust from the sensor area. Don't use cotton swabs - they can leave fibers behind.
- Use an alcohol napkin (at least 70% alcohol) to remove greasy spots, and wipe the sensor area with light movements without pressing.
- Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.
If the sensor is still not working after cleaning, check the integrity of the glass above it. Microcracks (even those that are invisible to the eye) can distort the signal of the infrared emitter, in which case you will need to replace the glass or the entire module.
💡
Never use abrasive materials (such as toothpaste or soda solution) to clean the sensor, which scratches the protective coating of the sensor, causing it to fail completely.
What to do if the sensor is not recoverable
If all of these methods fail, the proximity sensor is likely to have physically failed, and you have three options:
- 🔧 Replacement of the module in the service center: The cost of replacing the sensor in official Xiaomi services is from 1,500 to 4000 rubles (depending on the model). 10A) It is cheaper to replace the entire display module, since the sensor is soldered into it.
- 🛒 Self-replacement: The sensor module can be bought on AliExpress (priced at 200-800 rubles), but it will require a soldering station and experience with microelectronics.
- 📵 Disabling the sensor programmatically: If the sensor is triggered chaotically, it can be disabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge. To do this, connect your phone to your PC, turn on Debugging by USB Adb shell settings put global settings proximity_sensor_enabled 0 Please note: after that, the screen will not go out during calls, which can lead to accidental pressing.
⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4 GT) Long-term use of a phone with a faulty proximity sensor can cause pixels to burn out in the upper edge of the display (where call status icons are displayed).