Disable screen lock when calling on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 5 proven ways

Why the screen is blocked during a call and how to fix it

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T often face the inconvenience of turning off the screen when calling or calling out, even if you don’t touch the proximity sensor. This is standard MIUI behavior designed to save battery power and prevent accidental cheekstrokes. However, for many users, this “optimization” creates discomfort – especially when you need to quickly switch to speakerphone or open notes during a conversation.

The reason for the lock lies in the operation of the proximity sensor and energy saving policies MIUI. On the Redmi Note. 8T (model M1908C3XG) This is the default feature that doesn't always work correctly -- for example, if you're holding your phone at the wrong angle or using a low-bandwidth protective glass for an infrared sensor. Fortunately, you can turn off the lock in a number of ways: through hidden system settings, ADB-commands or third-party utilities.

In this article, we'll discuss 5 workflows, including official and alternative solutions. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device, starting with the simplest and safest options.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The most obvious and safe method is to search for the option in standard settings. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14 for the Redmi Note 8T, the direct screen lock setting during a call is often hidden, but it can be activated through the special features menu:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to the Physical Opportunities section → Gesture management.
3. Activate the option to Prevent Accidental Pressing (if any) and turn it off.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and find Call Settings → Additional. Here you may see Lock screen during the call – move the slider to the off position.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware doesn't have this item. If you don't find an option, move on to the next one. MIUI settings may reset.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup copy of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure the proximity sensor is working (test in ##6484##)

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Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (code ##)

Xiaomi's hidden engineering menu allows you to test hardware components, including the proximity sensor. Sometimes locking the screen during a call is associated with incorrect calibration of this sensor, to check and reset its settings:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484## (code for the proximity sensor test).
2. A log will appear on the screen with the sensor data. Cover the top of the phone with your hand, and the value should change from 5 (far) to 0 (close).
3. If the sensor does not respond or shows incorrect values, calibrate via the menu ##36446337# (test hardware components).
4. Restart your phone and check if the problem persists.

Critical information: If the proximity sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), software methods will not help - you will need a replacement module. ~1 500–2 500 ₽.

Method 3: ADB-commands to disable the lock (without root)

If standard settings don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn't require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0 adb shell settings put global proximity_wake_lock_enabled 0
5. Reset the device.

These commands disable the screen lock delay when the proximity sensor is triggered. If the problem persists, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put secure proximity_screen_off 0

⚠️ Note: Some users report that after use ADB-When you're told, the screen stops going out completely, even when you're holding the phone up to your ear, and that can lead to random taps:

adb shell settings delete global proximity_delay


adb shell settings delete global proximity_wake_lock_enabled

Method 4: Third-party applications (with caution!)

If you don’t want to be in the mood or ADB, You can use apps from Google Play that force you to disable the screen lock.Best options for Redmi Note 8T:

• 🔹 Proximity Sensor Fix – adjusts the proximity sensor, allows you to disable the screen lock during calls.
• 🔹 No Screen Off During Call – A simple app that keeps the screen on when you call.
• 🔹 Tasker (for advanced users) – allows you to create a rule that cancels the screen lock when an incoming / outgoing call is made.

⚠️ Note: Apps will need access to special features and overlays over other windows. Some antiviruses (such as Avast) may block them from working as suspicious.

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If the screen is locked after installing the app, try adding it to the battery optimization exception list: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find the right one → Select “No Limits”.

Method 5: Edit system files (root only)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and root rights set (e.g., via Magisk), you can turn off the screen lock by editing system files, a method that is radical and potentially dangerous: wrong actions can lead to a device blink.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/usr/keylayout/ and find the file. qrd_skytro.kl (or similar to your model).
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the line with proximity. Add to the end of the file: key 601 PROXIMITY WAKE_DROPPED
4. Save the changes, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files may disrupt the proximity sensor in other applications (e.g. WhatsApp during voice messages!

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Root rights void Xiaomi’s warranty and increase the risk of malware infection. Use this method only if other methods have failed and you understand the consequences.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable the screen lock, Redmi Note 8T users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Settings are reset after the update MIUI. Solution: Use ADB-commands to re-install or install applications that capture parameters (e.g. MacroDroid with autorun rule).
• 📵 The proximity sensor doesn't work at all. Solution: Check the integrity of the sensor plume (it may have left after the fall##.
• 🔋 After the lock is turned off, the screen quickly drains the battery. Solution: Reduce the brightness of the screen during calls or use Dark Theme mode in the video. MIUI.
• 🚫 ADB-Commands not applied ("device unauthorized") Solution: Confirm debugging USB On the phone screen and reconnect the device.

If none of the methods worked, the cause may be a hardware malfunction, such as damage to the sensor or motherboard. In this case, contact the service center. The average cost of diagnosis in the official Xiaomi SCC is 500-800 ₽.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions