How to turn off the sensor on your phone when you call Xiaomi: the complete guide

The situation when the screen of Xiaomi smartphone goes out in the middle of a conversation is familiar to many owners of this technique. Instead of seeing the number of the interlocutor or the hands-free button, you see a black screen that does not respond to touch until the call is completed, this is due to the incorrect operation of the proximity sensor, which mistakenly determines that the phone is near the ear, even if you hold it in your hands.

The problem most often is not hardware failure, but software failure or contamination of the upper body. In MIUI and the new HyperOS, sensor algorithms can conflict with security windows or covers. Users often look for a way to turn off this feature completely so that (conversation) goes without interruption.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods, from simple screen cleaning to deep calibration through an engineering menu, learn how to force the sensor to turn off if standard settings don’t help, and what hidden commands can save the situation. Complete shutdown of the sensor is possible only through the engineering menu or ADB-commands, since there is no regular "Switch off" button in the interface.

Why the screen goes out during a conversation on Xiaomi

The main reason for blocking the screen is an infrared sensor located at the top of the smartphone next to the speaker, which emits an invisible beam and reads its reflection. If the object (your ear, finger or edge of the case) is too close, the system blocks the touchscreen to avoid accidental cheekstrokes.

On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, a software error is common when the sensor sticks in a state of activity, this can occur after a firmware update or due to a conflict of third-party applications for calls, and it is worth considering that budget models use a virtual sensor based on accelerometer data, which often leads to false positives.

Physical factors also play a role: Fat spots, dust, or a glued protective glass covering the sensor area distorts the readings, the system gets the wrong data and thinks the phone is pressed to its head, and in some cases, the problem is solved by simply replacing accessories or thoroughly cleaning.

• 📱 Pollution of the sensor area with fat or dust.
• 🛡️ Inappropriate protective glass covering the sensor.
• 📞 Conflict of the application "Phone" with the system MIUI.
• 🔄 Failure after operating system update.

⚠️ Attention: If you use a thick case with high sides, it can mechanically close the area of the sensor.

Basic methods of addressing the problem

Before we go to complex settings and engineering menus, we need to rule out simple causes. Often, the problem is solved by basic hygiene of the device. Wipe the top of the screen with a soft cloth, paying special attention to the area above the display. Make sure that there is no visible contamination.

The second step is to check the security accessories, and if you've recently put on a new glass or film, and the problem is that it's after that, it's probably because of them. Some accessories manufacturers don't take into account the location of the sensors on specific Xiaomi models. Take off the protection and check the call.

It’s also worth checking if Pocket Mode is enabled, which can increase sensor sensitivity.Rebooting a smartphone often helps to reset temporary errors of drivers controlling hardware components.

If simple methods didn't work, we're going to software settings, and some versions of the MIUI have hidden settings to adjust sensitivity, although there's usually no direct switch.

Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu

The most effective way to fix a malfunction is to calibrate, a procedure that trains the system to correctly determine the distance to an object, using a hidden CIT (Customer Integration Test) engineering menu.

To enter the diagnostic menu, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##6484##. If the code didn't work, try ##4636## or go through the settings: Settings → About Phone → Version of the kernel (you need to press 5-7 times).

Follow the instructions on the screen. You usually close the top of the phone with your hand (the screen should go out), and then remove your hand (the screen will catch fire). After several cycles, press the calibration button. Successful calibration is confirmed by a Pass message or a green indicator.

Using third-party applications to control the sensor

If Xiaomi’s regular tools do not give the desired result, you can resort to the help of third-party software from Google Play. There are utilities that intercept the control of the sensor and allow you to forcibly turn it off or change the sensitivity threshold.

One of the popular solutions is Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix, or something like Phone Sensor, which runs in the background and can ignore the sensor readings when you call, but it's worth remembering that installing these programs requires broad permissions.

Alternative calls are also available, with apps like Truecaller or Google Phone (unless installed by default) processing sensor signals differently, and installing a third-party dialer sometimes solves the problem completely without having to turn off the sensor itself.

• 📲 Download the app to reset sensors.
• 🔒 Provide the necessary access permits.
• ⚙️ Select the option “Disable during the call».
• 📞 Check the work in a real conversation.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications can consume battery power and slow down the system, only use them if standard calibration methods do not help.

Disconnection through ADB and system commands

For advanced users who want to ensure that the sensor is turned off at the system level, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having minimal technical skills.

First, you need to enable USB debugging. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on MIUI Version to become a developer. Then activate USB Debugging in the Developer Menu. Connect your phone to your PC and type a command to turn off the sensor service.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.sensor.proximity

This command forcibly shuts down the proximity sensor service for the current user. The screen will stop dimming when calling. To return everything as it was, use the command adb shell pm enable com.android.sensor.proximity. Be careful: improper use of ADB can disrupt other functions of the smartphone.

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Before using ADB, make sure to make a full backup of the data. Disabling system services can lead to unstable phone operation.

Physical methods and “life hacks” of users

Xiaomi owners have a popular method that doesn't require software intervention, because the sensor is in a specific location, users simply seal it with a small piece of opaque tape or tape, which blocks infrared radiation, and the sensor constantly "thinks" that the phone is nowhere near anything.

The downside of this method is that the screen will actually stop going out when you hold the phone to your ear, and you'll have to manually lock the screen with a power button or a software button in the call interface so you don't hit the reset or volume with your cheek, which is a compromise, but for many people, it's becoming the main solution.

Another option is to use magnetic cases with Smart Cover function, sometimes activating this mode in settings (Settings → Lock screen) changes the logic of the sensors, and the problem with spontaneous screen quenching disappears.

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Sensor sticking is the most radical, but often the only working solution for older Xiaomi models with a virtual sensor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)