The proximity sensor problem on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is one of the most common complaints users have: Often during a conversation, the screen goes out on its own, and the interlocutor does not hear you trying to complete a call or switch to speakerphone, this is due to an overly sensitive sensor that responds to the slightest movement or even a protective glass.
Users often look for a way to completely disable the proximity sensor to avoid accidental locks on the screen. However, it is important to understand that in standard Android settings, this option is hidden from the average consumer. MIUI, HyperOS and its analogues require deeper intervention in the operation of the equipment.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the available methods for solving the problem, from simple calibration, which often helps you to completely shut down, to using an engineering menu and third-party applications, and learn how to customize the sensitivity of the sensor to your usage habits.
Why the sensor is not working properly
The main reason for the problems lies in the design of modern smartphones. the proximity sensor is usually located at the top of the case, next to the speaker. On Xiaomi devices, it is often hidden under glass and has no physical cutout, making it vulnerable to contamination.
Dust, greasy fingers, or a mispatched protective film can block infrared radiation, and the phone thinks you've put it in your ear, and it turns off the screen. Sometimes a software failure in MIUI firmware causes the sensor to malfunction even on a clean device.
It’s worth noting that on some models, such as the Redmi Note series, the sensor can be software-disabled by the manufacturer and the accelerometer performs its role, which often leads to false positives when you just hold the phone at an angle.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling the sensor completely will cause the screen to not go out during the conversation.You can accidentally hit the reset button with your cheek or activate voice input.
Before resorting to radical measures, you need to make sure that the problem is in the software part, and not in the physical damage to the plume or the module itself after the fall.
Basic calibration through the engineering menu
The safest and most effective way to fix the sensor is to calibrate it, and there's a hidden engineering menu in the MIUI and HyperOS shell that's accessed through a standard dialer, which requires no root rights and is safe for warranty.
To start, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the CIT menu will automatically open on the screen. In the test list, you need to find the item associated with the proximity sensor, which can be called Proximity sensor or simply Approximation Sensor.
Once you enter the test, you will see two values: current distance (in cm) and status (ON/OFF). Cover the top of the screen with your finger to change the value, then remove your finger. If the numbers change, the sensor is functional but requires adjustment.
☑️ Sensor check
To calibrate, press the Calibration button. The screen may blink and a success message will appear. After that, it is recommended to restart the device. Often this action completely eliminates the problem of false positives without the need to completely shut down the function.
Disconnection through assistant applications
If calibration doesn't work, and standard settings don't offer shutdown options, third-party utilities come to the rescue. These apps intercept system commands and allow you to flexibly control the behavior of the sensor. One of the most popular solutions is the Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix app or similar tools from Google Play.
These programs often require special permissions through ADB or root rights, but there are versions that run on top of the system that can force the sensor to turn off during certain actions or, conversely, raise the threshold of its feelings.
Using third-party software is a trade-off: on the one hand, you get the desired control over the device; on the other hand, background processes can consume additional battery charging; however, for many users, it is the only solution for older models where drivers are not working properly.
Risks of using third-party software
Using hidden developer settings
In some versions of Xiaomi firmware, there is the ability to change the behavior of the sensor through the developer menu. Although a direct “Disable” button may not be there, you can change the logic of the screen, which indirectly solves the problem.
To activate the developer menu, go to Settings → About Phone and click 7 times on the MIUI version (or OS version). After the “You’ve become a developer” notification appears, go back to the main settings menu and find the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” section.
Inside the developer menu, look for display-related options, such as "Don't turn off the screen" or animation settings. While this doesn't turn off the sensor directly, it prevents screen quenching when calling if the problem is caused by too aggressive energy saving.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window animation | 1x | 0.5x or Retraction. | Accelerates interface response |
| Keep the screen down. | Off. | On (when charging) | Prevents during navigation |
| Show touch | Off. | Off. | Diagnosis of false pressing |
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Useful tip: If you have turned on “Do not turn off the screen”, remember to lock the phone with a button before putting it in your pocket, otherwise random calls are possible.
Solving the problem with protective glass
Very often, the screen goes out during a conversation, is a banal protective film or glass, if the accessory covers the area of the sensor or has too thick edges, it interferes with the infrared beam.
Owners of models with a cutout in the screen (" bangs") or a hole under the camera often find that the glass does not have a special cutout for the sensor, in which case the light simply reflects from the inner surface of the glass back to the sensor.
The solution could be to use Full Coverage-marked glasses that have special transparent zones, or to clean the top of the screen with an alcohol napkin, and the fatty plaque from the ear can also block the sensor.
If you recently changed the glass and the problem appeared immediately after that, the probability is 99% that the quality of the new accessory is to blame, in which case no software settings will help, except to remove the protective layer.
Cardinal measures: resetting and flashing
When software failures become critical, you may need to completely reset your settings to factory (Hard Reset) and this action will delete all user data, so make sure to back up your computer or cloud before starting the procedure.
Resets return all system files, including sensor drivers, to their original state. If the problem was caused by an update conflict or errors in the system cache, this method should help. Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset.
In extreme cases, especially on custom firmware, users resort to flashing the device through a computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. This is a complex process that requires an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Warning: Flashing your device without sufficient experience can cause your smartphone to fail completely (the “brick.
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Factory reset is the last software method to solve the problem, and if it doesn't work, there's a hardware malfunction.