Are you missing important calls because a Xiaomi smartphone locks the screen while you're talking? This problem is familiar to many owners of MIUI-enclosed devices -- the system automatically turns off the display to save battery power or prevent accidental taps. But what if you need to interact with your phone while you're on a call -- like recording a conversation, using notes, or switching between apps?
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to disable screen lock when calling Xiaomi, including MIUI settings, hidden features for developers and workarounds for older models. Importantly, some methods require permission to change system parameters, so check the firmware version before you start - the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese builds).
If your smartphone runs Android 13/14 with the latest version of MIUI, some of the options may be hidden – we’ll show you how to return them, and you’ll learn why locking sometimes turns on on itself and how to prevent it.
Why does Xiaomi block the screen while calling?
The automatic screen lock feature appeared in MIUI 10 as part of the energy saving policy, and by default the system turns off the display 3-5 seconds after you put the phone to your ear to:
- 🔋 Save battery power – screen lighting consumes up to 20% of energy during a conversation.
- 👆 Prevent accidental pressing (for example, on the call completion button or turn on the speakerphone).
- 🔒 Increase privacy – no notifications or open apps are visible on a locked screen.
However, in practice, it often interferes with:
- 📝 Users who record while they are in conversation (e.g., Google Keep or Xiaomi Notes).
- 🎧 For those who use wired headphones with control buttons, the screen goes out, even if the phone is lying on the table.
- 🔄 Owners of devices with AMOLED-screens where the Always On Display function conflicts with the lock.
On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) the locking works even when using Bluetooth headphones, although the proximity sensor is not involved. MIUI, round-about.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (official method)
The easiest way is to use the built-in shell options. However, in recent versions of MIUI, the path to these settings has changed, and on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K50), the option is hidden.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to Always on Screen and Lock (or Lock Screen in older versions).
- Select Additional Lock Settings → Lock when calling.
- Move the slider to the off position. or uncheck the box from the Automatic Lock.
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Sensors.
- Find the sensor and turn it off (temporarily!).
- Return to Settings → System → Additional and check for the option to Lock when calling.
☑️ Preparation before disabling the lock
Important! On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+, the option may be hidden due to Google's energy saving policy. In this case, use Method 3 (via ADB).
Method 2: Using the Developer Mode
If standard settings don’t work, activate developer mode and change the proximity sensor settings, which works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark.
Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (you will be notified of becoming a developer!).
Step 2: Turn off the lock:
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the option to Disable the proximity sensor (or Do not lock the screen when you call).
- Activate it and restart the phone.
If there is no option, try to find:
- 🔍 Stay active while charging (turn on so that the screen does not go out).
- 🔍 Allow background activity for the Phone application.
💡
After the proximity sensor is turned off, the screen may accidentally press during a conversation. To avoid this, use a magnetic lock case or turn on Pocket Mode in the lock settings.
Method 3: ADB commands for advanced users
If previous methods have failed, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for changing system parameters, which is suitable for MIUI 12-14 and requires a computer.
Preparation:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- Turn on USB debugging on your phone (Settings → Developer).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
Commands to disable the lock:
adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500
adb shell settings put global proximity_wake_lock_enabled 0These teams:
- 🕒 Increase the sensor delay to 2.5 seconds (by default - 500 ms).
- 🔓 Disable the screen lock when activating the proximity sensor.
To return the standard settings, do:
adb shell settings delete global proximity_delay
adb shell settings put global proximity_wake_lock_enabled 1What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 4: Third-party applications for screen control
If the system settings don't work, install one of the specialized applications, which run on top of the MIUI and force the screen to be turned on.
| Annex | Functions | Compatibility | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Screen On | Keeps the screen on during calls, charging or when running selected applications. | MIUI 12–14, Android 10+ | It requires permission to overlay over other windows. |
| Proximity Sensor Fix | Calibrates the proximity sensor, prevents false positives. | Xiaomi, POCO, Redmi | It doesn’t work on some Android 13 models. |
| Tasker | Automates the lock disabling when an incoming / outgoing call. | All versions of MIUI | A complicated setup for beginners. |
How to set up Keep Screen On:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and select Add the rule.
- Please state the condition: During the call.
- Activate the option to keep the screen on.
💡
Third-party apps can conflict with MIUI and cause increased battery consumption. Before installing, check reviews for your smartphone model.
Method 5: Reset sensor settings (for older models)
On Xiaomi devices of 2018-2020 release (for example, Redmi Note 7, Mi 9), the locking of the screen when calling can be associated with incorrect calibration of the proximity sensor.
- Type the code on your phone keyboard: ##6484## (sensor test).
- Select Proximity Sensor (proximity sensor).
- Press Calibrate and follow the instructions.
- Reboot the phone.
If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative method:
- Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
- Run the proximity sensor test.
- If the values do not change when you raise your hand, the sensor is defective – repair is required.
💡
On some models (e.g., the POCO F1), the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor, so if after calibration the screen becomes dim, return the settings to the factory settings.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the lock is turned off, the screen can go out. Let's consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- 🔄 Screen goes out in 30 seconds: Check the screen timeout settings in Settings → Display. → Set the value of Never (not recommended for permanent use).
- 📱 The lock is returned after the update MIUI: This is a known bug. After the update, re-run Method 3 (commands) ADB) Or use Tasker to automatically apply settings.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Consumption management.
Critical information: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 14 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60), the lock screen when calling is strictly tied to Google’s energy saving policy, and the only reliable way to disable it is to use ADB or root rights.
💡
If none of these methods worked, check the physical condition of the proximity sensor, which may not work properly on some models (for example, after a fall), resulting in a permanent locking of the screen.