Set up to turn off the screen during a call on Xiaomi: the full guide

Have you ever noticed how Xiaomi’s screen continues to glow during a phone call, draining the battery and distracting the interlocutor with random touches? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones – especially after the MIUI updates. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust the automatic turn off of the screen when calling, including hidden developer settings and solutions for older versions of the firmware.

The manufacturer has put this feature in the system, but it doesn't always work correctly. Sometimes the screen goes out with a delay, and sometimes it doesn't turn off at all, depending on the phone model and the version of MIUI. We tested the solutions on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 to provide current instructions. If you find that the screen does not go out when you lift it to the ear or switch on from accidental touches, here you will find the answers.

Why does Xiaomi’s screen not go out during a call?

The problem with switching off the screen when speaking on Xiaomi is usually due to one of three reasons:

• 🔧 The proximity sensor that's turned off is a physical sensor that detects when the phone is held up to the ear. 9A) It may become contaminated or fail.
• ⚙️ Failure in settings MIUI — After the system update, sensor parameters are reset or conflict with battery optimizations.
• 📱 Problems with firmware - in versions MIUI 12.5-14 were bugs that kept the screen active even when the sensor was on.

The most common fault is the proximity sensor, and it depends on:

• 📏 Distance to the ear (normal - 1-3 cm).
• 🔄 Sensitivity (configured in the developer menu).
• 🛠️ Physical condition (dust, damage after falls).

Before you change the settings, check the sensor manually.

1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models run #4636##).
2. Select the Test Proximity Sensor.
3. Cover the top of the phone with your hand – if the sensor is working, the screen should go out.

⚠️ Attention: POCO X3 Pro and some Redmi models, the sensor test may not work through the engineering menu, in which case use third-party applications, such as the Sensor Test from Google Play.

Method 1: Enabling the proximity sensor in standard settings

The easiest method is to activate the feature via the MIUI menu.It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version, but the path to setup may vary.

Instructions for MIUI 13/14:

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Additionally.
2. Choose Special Opportunities → Physical buttons.
3. Activate the switch Turn off the screen when approaching (or the Approximation Sensor on older versions).

For MIUI 12.5 and below:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and password.
2. Slip on the Additional settings → Approximation Sensor.
3. Make sure the function is on.

If it's not on the menu, it's hidden on your model.

Check out MIUI updates in Settings → About the phone

Install a third-party sensor management app (e.g. Proximity Sensor Fix)

Activate the Developer Mode (instruction below)

Reset your phone settings to factory (extreme case)-->

Method 2: Configure through the developer menu

If the standard settings don't work, you'll have to intervene in the hidden settings of the system, and you'll need to start by turning on the developer mode:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified “You became a developer”).
3. Return to the main Settings menu, and a new section for developers will appear.

Now go to Settings → For developers and find:

• 🔍 Turn off the screen when approaching - turn on this setting.
• 📊 Showing touches - useful for diagnosis (displays touch points on the screen).
• ⚡ Do not turn off the screen – turn off this option if it is active.

Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) may require additional customization:

Settings → For developers → Enter the menu of engineering settings → Hardware Testing → Proximity Sensor

Here you can test the sensor and calibrate its sensitivity.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the developer menu can lead to unstable operation of the phone. Do not activate options that you do not know the purpose of - especially debugging. USB and Unlock. OEM, If you are not planning to unlock the bootloader.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, especially for older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) or devices with unofficial firmware.

Top.-3 approximation:

How to set up Proximity Sensor Fix:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and grant permission to Change System Settings.
3. Enable Force Screen Off During Call.
4. Adjust the sensitivity of the sensor slider (recommended value - 70-80%).

On POCO F3 and Xiaomi 11T, the app can require you to disable MIUI Optimization in the developer menu (Set MIUI Optimization → Off option).

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If after installing the application, the screen stopped going out altogether, clear its cache in Settings → Applications and restart the phone.

Method 4: Manually shutting down the screen during a call

If the automatic methods don't work, you can manually turn off the screen while you're talking, which is uncomfortable, but it's reliable.

Options:

• 🔄 Power button – a brief press turns off the screen without interrupting the call.
• 📱 Gesture – on some models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11) a gesture “double touch” is used to lock (configured in Settings). → Lock screen → Gestures).
• 🎧 Connect headphones – when using a wired or Bluetooth headset, the screen goes out automatically.

For convenience, create a widget for a quick turn off of the screen:

1. Long press on the main screen → Widgets.
2. Find Settings and drag the Switch widget.
3. Add the screen lock button to it.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with AMOLED-Frequent manual shutdowns on screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) can cause burn-in.

Problem Solving: The screen does not go out or turns on itself

If after all the settings the screen continues to work incorrectly, check these points:

• 🛡️ Protective glass/film – thick or metalized protections can block the sensor.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization – in Settings → Annexes → Battery management add phone to list without restrictions.
• 📲 Application conflict – some launchers (like Nova Launcher) or screen recording programs interfere with the sensor. Launch the phone in safe mode (hold the power button). → Safe mode) and check the work.

For models with infrared sensor (Xiaomi Mi 10, Redmi K40):

If nothing works, there are two options:

1. Reset settings – Settings → About phone → Reset settings (does not delete files, but resets system settings).
2. Flashing – Install the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).

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On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, the problem is often solved by upgrading to the latest firmware. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Additional Tips for Saving Battery

Turning off the screen while calling is not only a convenience, but also a way to save charge. Here are some more tips for Xiaomi owners:

• 🔋 Include the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery – This optimizes energy consumption during calls.
• 📞 Use Plane Mode at a weak signal – the phone spends less energy searching for the network.
• 🔊 Reduce the volume of the speaker during a conversation – this reduces the load on the processor.

On models with VoLTE support (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12T), 4G calls consume less power than 3G.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map → Enable VoLTE.
3. Reboot the phone.

If you have connection problems after activating VoLTE, check the support of the function with your operator (on the site or through the website). USSD-request #4636## → Phone information).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen settings during a call