How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the full guide

The proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone conversation when you bring the device to your ear. However, sometimes this sensor starts to malfunction: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to touch or, conversely, does not turn off when you call, which leads to accidental pressing. If you encounter such problems, turning off the sensor can be a temporary or permanent solution.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to deactivate the proximity sensor: through standard settings. MIUI, assisted ADB-Each method has its own nuances, so choose the one that suits your level of training. We will also look at the possible consequences of disabling the sensor and alternative solutions if the problem is not in it, but in software failures or physical damage.

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

Before we go into shutdown, it's important to know if the sensor is really the problem, and here are the most common symptoms of sensor malfunction:

  • 📵 The screen goes off when you call, even if the phone is not pressed to your ear.
  • 🔄 The sensor does not respond to the approach – the screen remains active, which leads to random pressing.
  • 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to constant sensor activity.
  • 🎯 False positives when using a cover or protective glass.

Often, the cause of failure is contamination of the sensor (dust, greasy prints) or damage after a fall. Before turning off, try to wipe the area around the front camera and sensors with a soft wipe. If this does not help, read on.

📊 Have you encountered proximity sensor problems?
Yeah, the screen goes out on its own.
Yeah, the sensor doesn't work at all.
No, but I want to turn it off for an experiment.
Another option

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI capabilities. Unfortunately, in the standard settings of the Redmi Note 8 there is no direct option to disable the proximity sensor, but you can get around this limitation through special features settings.

Follow the instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
  2. Go to the Physical Opportunities section → Answering the challenge.
  3. Activate Automatic Response (this will temporarily turn off approach response during calls).
  4. Return to Special Options → System Settings → Delete animation (this indirectly affects the operation of sensors).

This method does not shut down the sensor completely, but it reduces its activity, and more radical measures will be needed to completely deactivate it.

Make a backup copy of the data

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Battery charge of at least 50%

Make sure that USB-Debugging enabled (for methods 2 and 3)-->

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If you need to turn off the proximity sensor completely, you will need access to Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works without root permissions, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. Turn it on. USB-Debugging on the phone: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on the version. MIUI, To activate the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

adb

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 2500

(This increases the sensor delay)

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 0

(total sensor shutdown)

After you've done the commands, restart your phone. To get the sensor back on track, replace the last command with:

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 1

💡

If after disconnecting the sensor, the screen stopped fading during calls, but other problems appeared (for example, fast battery discharge), check the activity of background processes in Settings → Battery.

Method 3: Engineering menu (hidden settings)

The Redmi Note 8 has a hidden engineering menu where you can test and disable the proximity sensor, which doesn't require a PC connection, but it does require caution — making the wrong changes can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the code ##6484## (the MTK Engineer Mode menu should open).
  3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Sensor section.
  4. Find the Proximity Sensor and select it.
  5. In the Proximity Sensor Test field, click Disable.
  6. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If none of the methods worked and the sensor is still not working properly, there may be a problem with the hardware, in which case we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor

Can I turn off the proximity sensor without a computer?
Yes, it can be done with an engineering menu (method 3) or customization of special features (method 1). However, complete disabling without ADB may not be possible on some versions of MIUI.
Will automatic brightness adjustment work after the sensor is turned off?
Yes, automatic brightness control depends on the light sensor, not the proximity sensor, and these sensors operate independently of each other.
How to check if the proximity sensor is working?
Install the Sensor Test app or enter the code ##6484## in the engineering menu, then select Proximity Sensor. Put your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5 (far) to 0 (close).
Can the sensor be turned off for specific applications only?
No, system sensors work globally, but you can use applications like Call Recorder that lock the screen when you make calls, regardless of the sensor.
Will the sensor return to its original state after the phone is reset?
Yes, a full factory reset (Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data) will return all system parameters, including the proximity sensor, to the original state.

If you decide to disable the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, choose the method that suits your level of training. For beginners, we recommend starting with method 1, and for experienced users, try the ADB or engineering menu.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, global or Chinese) paths to settings may vary. If you do not find the menu items listed, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.

⚠️ Warning: After the proximity sensor is turned off during calls, the screen will remain active. To avoid accidental pressing, use headphones or turn on speakerphones.