How to permanently disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: from simple ways to ADB-team

The proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a useful thing that automatically turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear when you hold it. But what if it doesn't work correctly? For example, the screen goes out when you hold the phone in your hand, doesn't respond to gestures or interferes with games. Disabling the proximity sensor can solve these problems, but it's important to understand the consequences: without it, the screen will not lock during calls, which can lead to accidental taps.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to disable the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other models – from standard MIUI settings to using ADB and engineering menus, and find out which models allow you to do this without root rights, and where additional manipulations will be required.

If you find that the sensor is running "over and over" or not working at all, turning it off may be a temporary solution before repair, but remember that on some MIUI firmware (especially global ones), the option is hidden - you have to use workarounds.

Before you start, check if the sensor is really the problem.

Works correctly |Works too often |Responsive at all |Interfested in games/applications |Another option-->

1. Disable the proximity sensor through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way to do this is to take advantage of the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all firmware versions and models. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14, the path may be different from the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5.

The instructions are relevant for most modern Xiaomi smartphones (2020-2026 release):

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Scroll down and find the Autoturn or Sensors section (on some firmware – Additional).
3. Slip on the Approach Sensor (or Automatic Screen Lock).
4. Move the slider to the off position.

If there is no such item, try the alternative path: Settings → Applications → System applications → Phone → Approximation Sensor.

Important! On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C), the option may be hidden in Settings → Special Features → Physical buttons.

Make sure the problem is not with the protective film/glass.|Try calibrating the sensor (see Section 3)|Make a backup copy of the settings|Check the version. MIUI (relevant ADB)-->

2.Use of the engineering menu (codes ##)

If standard settings don't work, you can try to turn off the sensor through an engineering menu, which works on most Redmis, but it takes care that the wrong actions can disrupt the sensors.

Steps:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484## (some models run #36446337###).
2. You will be taken to the MIUI Version menu – tap on Hardware Testing (or Sensor Test).
3. Find the Proximity Sensor section.
4. Some versions of the menu will have a Disable button or a clean calibration option.

On Redmi Note 8 Pro and older, the engineering menu can block sensor access, in which case only ADB can help.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose, GPS oracelerometer.

Calibration of the proximity sensor (if it is not working correctly)

Sometimes the sensor doesn't turn off, it just bugs -- it's delayed, it's light-reacting, for example -- calibration helps, and it takes less than a minute and doesn't require root rights.

How to calibrate:

1. Enter the code in the phone application: ##6484##
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (or Do Calibration).
4. Place your phone on a flat surface and wait until it is completed (usually 10-20 seconds).

If the calibration didn’t help, try a physical check:

• 🔦 Inspect the sensor area (usually next to the speaker) for dirt or damage.
• 📱 Remove the protective glass – sometimes it blocks the signal.
• 🔄 Restart the phone and check the sensor in call mode.

Note: On Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The proximity sensor can be integrated into the display, in which case the calibration through the engineering menu may not work.

Disconnect the sensor via ADB (no root rights)

If previous methods failed, you’ll need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer, but does not violate the warranty or require unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode) → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) file ADB Enter: adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0 This command disables the sensor’s delay, effectively making it inactive.
5. Use the following: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
6. Reboot the phone.

To return the sensor to operating state, execute the same command with the parameter 0 instead of 1.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially Chinese teams ADB They can be reset after the system is updated, and then you have to repeat the procedure.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try installing Xiaomi USB Drivers or using the original cable from the kit.

5. Disabling the sensor through applications (requires root)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and root rights installed, you can use specialized applications, which is suitable for power users, since improper actions can lead to a system failure.

Top.-3 sensor-control applications:

Examples of Sensor Disabler:

1. Install the application from XDA Developers.
2. Give root access.
3. In the list of sensors, find Proximity Sensor.
4. Press Disable and confirm the action.

Warning: Disabling the sensor via root may cause conflicts with MIUI system services, such as Screen Rotation or Gesture.

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Use root methods only if other methods have not worked, and improper manipulation of system files can lead to a device "brick".

6. Alternative solutions: if the sensor does not turn off

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Use headphones: When wired or Bluetooth headphones are connected, the proximity sensor is automatically ignored.
• 🎮 Do Not Disturb Mode: Turn it on during games - this will turn off automatic screen locking.
• 🔄 Resetting: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset).
• 🛠️ Replacement of the sensor: If it is physically damaged, contact the service center. at Redmi, the cost of repair usually does not exceed 1-2 thousand rubles.

On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the proximity sensor is integrated into the infrared port, in which case, turning it off can disrupt the remote control for equipment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor