How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: all working methods

The proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone call to prevent accidental taps. However, many users face situations where this sensor does not work correctly: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to the approach of the hand or, conversely, does not turn off when a call is made, in such cases, the logical solution is to turn it off completely or temporarily.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to deactivate the proximity sensor on the Redmi 9C, from standard MIUI settings to the use of the engineering menu and ADB commands. Particular attention will be paid to the consequences of disabling the sensor: how it will affect the smartphone, what functions will stop working and how to return everything back if something goes wrong.

Why turn off the proximity sensor on the Redmi 9C?

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand when it is really justified to turn off the sensor, and here are the most common problems that Redmi 9C owners face:

• 📞 The screen does not go out during the call - you have to manually lock the phone so as not to accidentally press the buttons.
• 🔄 False positives – the sensor responds to screen protection, case or even bright light by blocking the display for no reason.
• 🛠️ Sensor damage – after falling or repairing, the sensor stopped correctly determining the distance.
• 🎮 Conflict with games or applications – some programs (e.g., emulators or instant messengers) do not interact with the sensor correctly.
• 🔋 Battery savings – if the sensor is constantly active, it consumes additional energy (albeit a small amount).

However, before disconnecting, it is worth considering the disadvantages:

• ⚠️ During calls, the screen will not automatically lock – you will have to do it manually or use the power button.
• ⚠️ Some functions (such as lifting to wake up) may not work smoothly.
• ⚠️ In rare cases, disconnecting the sensor through an engineering menu or ADB It can cause malfunctions in the firmware.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions for Redmi 9C, there is no direct option to disable the proximity sensor, but you can bypass this restriction through call settings.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls section → Additional settings.
4. Find the Approximation Sensor (or Autolock Screen in some versions of MIUI).
5. Turn off the slider next to this option.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → Screen.
2. Select Autoturn or Additional screen settings.
3. Check for the Approximation Sensor item – sometimes it’s hidden in this section.

If none of these methods worked, your firmware version doesn't support disabling the sensor through the standard menu, and then you'll have to use more advanced methods, which we'll discuss later.

Method 2: Use the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

The Engineering Menu is a hidden settings section that allows you to test and calibrate your smartphone hardware components, including the proximity sensor, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to crashes.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
2. If the code doesn’t work, try the alternative: ##3646633## (for MediaTek processors).
3. Once you enter, the engineering menu will open. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor.
4. Find the Proximity Sensor in the list and tap it.
5. In the window that opens, select the Disable option or uncheck the Enable box.
6. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If there is no direct shutdown option in the engineering menu, you can try calibrating the sensor:

1. In the same section, select Calibration.
2. Place your phone on a flat surface and wait until the process is complete (usually 10-20 seconds).
3. After calibration, check the sensor’s operation – it’s possible that the problem will disappear without completely shutting down.

⚠️ Warning: Changes in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone. If after disconnecting the sensor there are problems with the sensor or display, return the settings to the original state or reset to factory settings.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Redmi 9C

File transfer

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500

This command increases the sensor's latency to 2.5 seconds, which actually makes it less sensitive.

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0

After you've done the commands, restart your phone. To get the sensor back up to work, use:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 1

1. Install official Xiaomi drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

2. switch USB mode to Charge Only and then back to File Transfer.

3. Use another USB-cable (preferably original).-->

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to consult other methods or to the service center.

Method 4: Applications to disable the proximity sensor

If you don't want to dig into settings or connect your phone to your computer, you can use third-party apps that allow you to turn off the sensor in several taps, but require root rights or special permissions.

Top.-3 tested applications:

If you choose to use Sensor Disabler, consider:

• 🔓 To work the application requires root access, which voids the warranty Xiaomi.
• 🔄 After the sensor is turned off, some system functions (such as Smart Lock) may not work properly.
• 🛡️ Before use, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 5: Physically disabling the sensor (extreme case)

If the software methods didn't work, and the proximity sensor is in the way of work, you can consider physically turning it off, which is only suitable for advanced users, since it requires disassembling the phone and working with chips.

What you'll need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers for smartphones (star) T3–T5).
• 🧲 Plastic blade for disassembly.
• 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften glue, if you need to remove the screen).
• 📱 Spare proximity sensor (if you plan to replace, not disable).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Carefully tuck the back cover with a plastic spatula (start at the bottom edge where the connectors are located).
3. Unscrew the screws that hold the metal plate over the battery.
4. Disconnect the battery plume to avoid short circuit.
5. Find the proximity sensor – it is located next to the front camera (usually a small black square with two contacts).
6. Carefully unfurl the sensor contacts or snack on them if you do not plan to restore work in the future.
7. Put the phone back together.

⚠️ Attention: Physical shutdown of the sensor:

• 🚫 Deprives the warranty (if the phone is still in warranty service).
• 🔌 Can cause the front camera or screen backlight to fail if you damage adjacent plumes.
• 🔥 The risk of short circuit if you mishandle the soldering iron.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center, the cost of turning off the sensor there usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles.

What if there are problems after the sensor is turned off?

Disabling the proximity sensor can lead to a number of side effects, and let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

If the problems persist, try:

• 🔄 Return the sensor settings to the original state (via the engineering menu or ADB).
• 📥 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
• 🛠️ Reset your phone to factory settings (pre-saving important data).

💡

If the phone is unstable after the sensor is turned off, the first thing you should do is roll back the changes using the same method you used to turn it off, and 90 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor