Disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9: why it interferes and how to deactivate it

Why to turn off the proximity sensor and when it really needs to

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a small but important element that is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone conversation. When you hold your smartphone to your ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental pressing. However, sometimes this mechanism begins to work with failures: the screen does not turn off when you call, spontaneously goes out in your pocket or reacts to the protective glass, in which case users think about completely turning off the sensor.

But before you deactivate the sensor, you have to understand that if you shut it down, you'll have to keep the screen active during calls without the sensor, which can cause random button presses, battery discharge, and even interrupt the conversation, but if the sensor doesn't work properly (for example, because of damaged glass or software failure), deactivation can be a temporary solution before repair.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available ways to disable the proximity sensor on Redmi 9 – from standard settings. MIUI to the hidden engineering menus and ADB-Important: Some methods require developer rights or USB-Debugging, so prepare your smartphone in advance.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in system options. Unfortunately, there is no direct button to deactivate the proximity sensor in standard MIUI 12-14 settings, but you can bypass this restriction through the developer mode.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
2. Turn it on. USB-Debugging: Return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers, find the debugging option. USB And activate it.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and use it ADB-command (more in Method 3) or install the QuickShortcutMaker app from Google Play to find the hidden sensor setting.

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, you can try an alternative way through the Test Menu:

Developer mode activated

On. USB-debugging

QuickShortcutMaker installed or PC with ADB prepared

Backup of important data (in case of failure)

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⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI The option to disable the proximity sensor can be hidden even in the engineering menu. If you don't find it, move on to the next way.

Method 2: Use the engineering menu (#3646633##)

Xiaomi’s hidden engineering menu lets you test the hardware components of your smartphone, including the proximity sensor. To get there, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##3646633## (some firmware may require ##4636##).
2. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Proximity Sensor.
3. So here you'll see the current readings of the sensor. To turn it off, try: 🔹 Press the Disable button (if it is active). 🔹 Manually enter 0 in the Proximity Value field (sometimes this resets the sensor).

Note that the engineering menu may vary depending on the version of MIUI. If you do not find the right item, try the alternative code:

##6484##

This is a sensor testing menu where you can check the approximation and possibly deactivate it.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for controlling your smartphone via the command line, which requires training, but gives you more options.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Redmi 9 smartphone with enabled USB-debugging.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
2. Check the device connection: Adb devices (should appear serial number of your Redmi 9).
3. Enter the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 1 To return everything back, use: adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 0

Important: This command does not work on all versions of MIUI. If the sensor is active again after the reboot, try an alternative method by changing the configuration file (requires root).

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or using another one USB-Also check if the debugging option is enabled. USB (security parameters in the developer settings.

Method 4: Software disabling with Magisk (root required)

If your Redmi 9 has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can disable the system-level proximity sensor, a technique that is suitable for users who are ready for deeper changes.

You'll need:

• 📱 Installed by Magisk Manager.
• 🛠️ Xposed Framework or LSposed (for the MIUI 12+).
• 🔧 Disable Proximity Sensor (can be found on the forum) XDA Developers).

Step-by-step action:

1. Install LSposed via Magisk (module available in the repository).
2. Download and activate a module to turn off the sensor (e.g., Proximity Sensor Disabler).
3. Reboot the smartphone. The sensor should then be deactivated.

⚠️ Note: Using Magisk and modifying system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable smartphone operation. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

What to do if the proximity sensor is not working properly (diagnostics)

Before you turn off the sensor, make sure that the problem is not solved more easily. Here are the typical faults and ways to fix them:

• 🔦 Screen doesn't go out during a call: Check if the sensor is closing the protective glass or case. Wipe the sensor area (usually located to the right of the speaker). Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📵 Sensor fires spontaneously: Calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu (#3646633##.) Check your smartphone for moisture or mechanical damage.
• 🔄 After disconnecting, the sensor is activated again: Use ADB-flag-bearer --user 0 For system change, try turning off optimization. MIUI for the phone application.

If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or water hit), turning it off will not solve the problem completely, in which case it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center to replace the sensor.

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Before visiting the service, check if the warranty period for your Redmi 9 has expired. If the sensor is out of order due to the manufacturer, repairs can be free.

Alternative solutions: if you can not turn off the sensor

In some cases, disabling the proximity sensor is not possible due to firmware restrictions or MIUI security policies.

• 📞 Use a headset: Connect wireless or wired headphones – the screen will not go out because the sensor is not involved.
• 🔄 Turn on speakerphone: During the call, activate the speaker so as not to bring the phone to your ear.
• 🛠️ Install alternative call software: Apps like Google Phone or Truecaller sometimes ignore proximity sensor signals.
• 🔧 Set up screen delay: Increase the time to automatically turn off the display in Settings → Screen. → Time-out sleep.

If you often experience sensor issues, consider flashing your smartphone to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where sensor settings are more flexible. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take you out of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the proximity sensor on Redmi 9