How to permanently disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: detailed instructions

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. However, sometimes it malfunctions: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to touch or, conversely, does not turn off during a conversation, which leads to accidental taps. If you encounter such problems, turning off the sensor can be a temporary or permanent solution.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven ways to deactivate the proximity sensor, from simple settings in MIUI to using the engineering menu and ADB commands. You’ll also learn which Redmi models are most likely to suffer from sensor malfunctions, and what to do if the shutdown didn’t work.

If you are not sure about your technical skills, we recommend starting with the safest way to do this: through standard settings. Advanced methods using ADB or engineering menus are suitable for advanced users. Remember that any changes to system files are at your own risk!

Why does the proximity sensor work incorrectly?

The proximity sensor problems on Xiaomi Redmi are usually due to several factors: First, it is contamination or damage to the sensor - it is located next to the front camera, and dust, moisture or scratches on the glass can distort its readings. Second, failures are often caused by software errors, especially after MIUI updates. For example, users of the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi 9T massively complained about a bug with spontaneous shutdown of the screen after the release of MIUI 13.

Another common reason is that protective glass or covers are incompatible, and if the glass is too thick or metallized, the sensor can falsely fire, and so can cases with magnetic fasteners or metal inserts, and finally, the fault can be related to hardware damage, such as after a phone falls or moisture hits.

• 🔍 Sensor pollution - dust, greasy traces, scratches on glass.
• 📱 Software bugs - errors in firmware MIUI (especially after updates).
• 🛡️ Inappropriate accessories - thick glasses, metal covers.
• 💥 Hardware damage - falls, moisture, factory marriage.

Before you turn off the sensor, try simple solutions: wipe the area around the front camera with an alcohol napkin, remove the protective glass or case, reset the phone. If the problem persists, read on.

Method 1: Disable the sensor via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all Redmi models, as the latest firmware versions may not have the option hidden.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7-10 times until you become a developer!
4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers (or Advanced settings → Developers).
5. Scroll down and find the option to turn off the proximity sensor (or the proximity sensor when calling), if it is not available, move to the next method.
6. Activate the switch and restart the phone.

If you don’t have an option, it doesn’t mean you can’t turn off the sensor by other methods, but on some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), it’s hidden in the engineering menu.

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

The Engineering Menu is a hidden settings section that allows you to test and calibrate the hardware components of your smartphone, and to get there, you need to enter a special code. Attention: do not change the other settings on this menu unless you know what they are intended for, which can lead to unstable phone operation!

Step-by-step:

1. Open the phone (caller) application.
2. Enter the code ##6484## (some models may run #64663##).
3. You'll be taken to the MIUI Version or Hardware Testing menu. Find the Proximity Sensor section.
4. There are several options inside: Proximity Sensor Test (you can check it), Proximity Sensor Calibration (sometimes helps correct failures), Disable Proximity Sensor - disabling the sensor.

Disable Proximity Sensor

Reboot the phone.

If the sensor is still working after the shutdown, then the changes are not preserved, in which case only the ADB method (described below) will help. Also note that on some models (for example, Redmi 9), the engineering menu may not contain the option to turn off, then you will have to use alternative methods.

Method 3: Disable the sensor via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable, but also the most difficult, is the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool that allows you to send commands directly to the Android system. Warning: improper use of ADB can cause your phone to malfunction. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact a specialist.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Initiated Debugging Mode USB phone-on.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official package from Google).
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 taps) → For developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
6. Execute the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
7. Reboot the phone.

To get the sensor back to work, use the same command, replacing the 1 by 0. If the sensor is still active after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case root access or modified firmware will be required.

1. Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-cable (preferably original).

3. Enable the option to Unlock OEM in the developer settings (if available).

4.Reboot the phone and computer.-->

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Redmi models

Not all ways to disable the proximity sensor work on all devices, and below is a compatibility table for popular Xiaomi Redmi models (data based on user feedback and tests).

If your model is not listed in the table, try all three methods in order. On new devices (2023-2026), the manufacturer often blocks access to the engineering menu, leaving only ADB as a working option.

What to do if the sensor does not turn off?

If none of the methods described have worked, the reasons may be as follows:

1. The firmware blocks changes. On some versions of MIUI (especially global ones), the manufacturer intentionally restricts access to system settings. Solution: try reflashing the phone to the European or Chinese version of MIUI (but this is risky and can lead to a loss of warranty).
2. The sensor is physically malfunctioning. If the sensor is damaged, the system can ignore the software commands. Solution: contact the diagnostic service center.
3. Application conflict: Some programs (e.g. modified bells or launchers) can override sensor settings. Solution: Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and check the sensor.

If you are willing to take drastic measures, consider:

• 🔧 Getting root rights and manual editing of system files (for example, /system/build.prop).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the sensor can be turned off through settings.
• 🛠️ Physically disabling the sensor (only for power users!) This requires disassembling the phone and de-sensing the sensor contacts.

⚠️ Attention: Getting root rights and installing custom firmware will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause the device to operate unstable.In addition, physically disabling the sensor makes it impossible for you to automatically lock the screen during calls, which increases the risk of accidental taps.

How to check if the proximity sensor is working?

Before you turn off the sensor, make sure it's really the problem, and you can use built-in tests or third-party apps to do that.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
2. Select the Proximity Sensor Test.
3. Put your hand to the top of the screen (where the front camera is located).
4. If the sensor is in good working order, the screen will show the inscription Near (close) or Far (far) when removing the hand.

Method 2: Using the Sensor Test application

Download the Sensor Test app (or similar) from Google Play, and in Proximity, you'll see the current readings of the sensor, and if the values don't change when you approach your hand, the sensor is defective.

Method 3: Checking during the call

Call another phone, and as you talk, hold the Redmi to your ear, and if the screen goes out, the sensor works, and if it doesn't, it's either turned off or broken.

💡

If the sensor doesn't respond to the tests, but the screen goes out during calls, the problem may be in the firmware. Try resetting the phone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor

⚠️ Warning: If you notice a deterioration in communication or other problems after the sensor is turned off, return the settings to their original state. Some Redmi models use the proximity sensor to optimize the antenna during calls.