Many owners of Redmi smartphones face the annoying problem when the screen suddenly goes out during a conversation and stops responding to touch, a phenomenon often associated with incorrect operation of the proximity sensor, which mistakenly blocks the display, believing that the phone is near the ear. In the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro model, this situation can be aggravated by the features of the MIUI firmware or protective glass.
The solution lies not only in trying to completely disable the function, but also in correctly calibrating the engineering menu. Users need to understand that standard means of the system to prevent the sensor, as it is a system component of Android. However, there are proven methods of bypassing the lock and adjusting the sensitivity that return comfortable use of the gadget.
⚠️ Note: Making changes to the engineering menu or using third-party applications to control sensors can lead to unstable operation of the system.
Why the proximity sensor is blocking the screen on the Redmi 8 Pro
The approach sensor works by emitting infrared light and analyzing its reflection from nearby objects. In the Redmi 8 Pro, this sensor is located at the top of the screen, often hidden under a protective glass. If there are dust, greasy marks or poor-quality protective film on the surface of the case, the device may perceive this as the presence of the phone near the ear.
Software failures in the MIUI shell also play a role, as the operating system may not properly process sensor signals, especially after updating or installing applications that conflict with the system processes of telephony, in which cases the screen goes out even when the phone is lying on the table.
⚠️ Note: If you have recently changed the display or body, the problem may be caused by improper assembly or the absence of a speaker seal that directs the IR beam.
Check the performance of the sensor through the engineering menu
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To enter the test mode, open the Phone app and enter the combination ##6484##. The CIT menu will appear on the screen. You will find the "Proximity Sensor" or "Approximation Sensor" item in the test list.
Close the top of the screen with your palm and remove it. If the values change from 0.0 to 5.0 (or vice versa), then the part is working. If there is no reaction, the sensor may be contaminated or damaged.
What if the code doesn't work?
Calibration of the proximity sensor: step-by-step instructions
Often, the problem is solved by simple recalibration, a procedure that "trains" the system to correctly determine the distance limits to the object, and unlike a complete shutdown, calibration is a regular function and is safe for the device.
☑️ Checklist before calibration
The calibration process in the CIT menu is as follows:
1. Select the "Proximity Sensor" test.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface so that there is nothing above the sensor.
3. Press the "Calibrate" button.
4. wait for the message "Pass" or "Success" to appear.
5. Press Exit and restart the device with the reboot command or through the off menu.
If standard calibration doesn’t work, you can try the extended version through the debugging menu, but that requires you to turn on the developer mode. You need to quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section 7 times.
Using third-party applications to control the sensor
Since MIUI does not have a “Disable Sensor” button, users use Google Play software to layer the phone’s phone system and ignore the sensor’s signals, allowing the screen to burn during a conversation.
One popular solution is the Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix app, which allows you to force the sensor to reset or change the sensitivity threshold, and another is using video calling apps that have their own screen control settings.
- 📱 Proximity Fix – allows you to change calibration values without entering the engineering menu.
- 🛠️ Sensor Box for Android – a diagnostic tool to check all sensors of the phone.
- 📞 Tether – an alternative caller with flexible screen behavior settings.
Important to know: Locker applications can conflict with the MIUI system call, causing delays in displaying the dialing interface.
Comparison of problem-solving methods
The choice of how to fix the malfunction depends on the cause of the malfunction. Below is a table that helps determine the treatment method for your Redmi 8 Pro.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning the sensor | High (if contaminated) | Low. | Absent. |
| Calibration in CIT | Medium | Low. | Minimum |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Medium | Conflicts PO |
| Resetting settings | Tall. | Tall. | Loss of data |
Radical measures: resetting and reflashing
If software methods fail, it may be a deep file system error or a conflict of system libraries, in which case a full Hard Reset is recommended, and make sure to back up your contacts and photos in the Mi Cloud or on your computer before doing so.
To reset, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset. Select Settings Reset and confirm the action. The phone will return to factory status and all user data will be deleted.
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Before resetting, try to start the phone in safe mode. To do this, press the turn off button, and when the turn off icon appears on the screen, press and hold it with your finger. If the sensor is working normally in safe mode, then the problem is in one of the applications you install.
In extreme cases, when even a reset doesn’t work, you need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.This is a complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader, which can take 7 to 15 days to wait through the official Xiaomi website.
Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I physically turn off the sensor by disassembling the phone?
Why did the MIUI update make the sensor worse?
Does the security glass affect the sensor?
Will resetting the network settings help?
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by removing the protective glass, cleaning the top of the screen or recalibrating through the CIT engineering menu.