The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro is responsible for automatically turning off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. If it doesn't work correctly, the screen will go out spontaneously, do not respond to gestures, or, conversely, remain active during a conversation, creating inconvenience. The causes of failure can be different from software errors after updating the MIUI to the physical contamination of the sensor. In 80% of cases, the problem solves calibration, a procedure that can be performed independently without going to the service center.
In this article, you will find 5 proven calibration methods, including hidden engineering menus, third-party apps and hardware checks. We will also analyze typical errors of Redmi 9 Pro users (model M2007J3SC) and give recommendations on how to avoid repeated failures. If the sensor does not work after calibration, there is a checklist at the end of the article for diagnosing hardware malfunctions.
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1. Signs of a failure of the proximity sensor
Before you start calibrating, make sure that the problem is in the sensor. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, the failures manifest as follows:
- π± The screen goes out arbitrarily β even when you donβt call, just hold the phone in your hand.
- π The screen does not turn off during the call β it remains active, which leads to accidental pressing.
- π Reaction delays β the sensor is triggered through 2-3 seconds after you put the phone to your ear.
- π« Function is completely disabled - there is no option in the call settings "Approximation Sensor".
On the Redmi 9 Pro, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker (see photo below).
- π§ Phone drops or hits on top edge.
- π¦ Moisture intrusion (even if the phone is not sinking β condensation can oxidize contacts).
- π² Updates MIUI before version 12.5+ (There are sensor bugs in these devices).
- π Installation of custom firmware or root rights.
If you notice any of the symptoms, proceed to calibrate, but first check if the sensor is contaminated β sometimes just wipe it with a soft wipe (do not use alcohol or abrasives!).
Calibration through the engineering menu (no root)
The most reliable way is to use Xiaomiβs hidden engineering menu, which is available without root rights, but requires you to enter special code.
Instructions for Redmi 9 Pro:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484## (or #36446337## for newer versions of MIUI).
- Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
- Press Calibrate and follow the hints on the screen.
- Once completed, restart the phone.
If the code doesnβt work, try an alternative method:
- π± Install the Device Info app HW.
- π Go to the Sensors section β Proximity.
- π Press Calibrate and wait for the process to be completed.
Important: After calibration, check the sensor with a call to another number. If the screen still doesn't turn off, move on to the next method.
βοΈ Preparation for calibration through the engineering menu
3. Calibration with the help of applications (Play Market)
If the engineering menu is not available, use third-party utilities. We tested 3 applications that run on the Redmi 9 Pro:
| Annex | Reference | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proximity Sensor Reset | Download | Simple interface, does not require root | Advertising, sometimes not working on MIUI 13+ |
| Sensor Calibration Tool | Download | Calibrates all sensors, including the gyroscope | Difficult for beginners |
| CPU-Z | Download | Shows the technical data of the sensor | It doesn't calibrate, it only diagnoses. |
Instructions for Proximity Sensor Reset:
- Download and install the app.
- Open it and press the Calibrate Proximity Sensor.
- Hold your hand to the top of the screen (where the sensor is located) and hold for 5 seconds.
- Take your hand away and wait for the message of Calibration Successful.
β οΈ Note: Some applications require permission ADB If you have a Permission Denied error after calibration, turn on the debugging. USB in the developer settings (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β press 7 times).
4. Reset sensor settings via MIUI
If software methods donβt work, try resetting sensor settings through standard MIUI tools, which doesnβt delete user data, but returns sensor factory settings.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β All the characteristics.
- Find the Proximity Sensor line and check its status (should work fine).
- Go back to the main settings menu and select Applications β Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After you restart, check the sensor with a call. If the problem persists, proceed to the hardware diagnostics.
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Before resetting your settings, write down all important passwords and logins β some applications may require re-authorization.
5. Hardware check of the sensor
If the software calibration didn't work, it could be a physical sensor malfunction. On the Redmi 9 Pro, it happens 15-20% of the time.
- π External inspection: Light a flashlight on the top of the screen β if dirt or condensate is visible under the glass, the sensor needs to be cleaned.
- π± Test through code: Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and check the sensor readings (value should change when you put your hand up).
- π§ Train check: If the phone fell, the sensor plume could have left).
Critical information: On the Redmi 9 Pro, the proximity sensor is integrated into the front camera module. If it is damaged, it will cost 30-50% of the cost of the phone (about 3-5 thousand rubles in 2026).
β οΈ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the phone yourself if you don't have experience. On the Redmi 9 Pro, the sensor plume is fragile and easily breaks when handled carelessly. Xiaomi service centers only guarantee replacements when officially repaired.
What if the sensor is physically damaged?
6. Alternative solutions if calibration does not help
If none of these methods worked, try these options:
- π Firmware rollback: If the problem has appeared after the update MIUI, Return to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions on miui.su).
- π² Custom firmware installation: For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience often work better with sensors than stockware MIUI.
- π οΈ Manually disabling the sensor: In call settings (Settings) β Calls. β Approximation sensor can deactivate the function, but it is inconvenient.
- π§ If the phone is warranty, bring it to the official service Xiaomi β repair will be free.
On forums, Redmi 9 Pro users often complain about the sensor after upgrading to MIUI 13/14. If you encounter this problem, try:
- Clear the system cache (Settings β Memory β Clear the cache).
- Remove updates for the Phone application (in the application settings).
- Return to MIUI 12.5 via Fastboot.
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If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, in 90% of cases, a rollback to the previous version of the firmware or a reset to factory settings helps.