How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 8A: 3 working methods

Why do users want to turn off the proximity sensor on the Redmi 8A – and should they?

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi 8A is a small but important component that is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone conversation when you hold the device to your ear. In theory, it is convenient: it saves battery power, eliminates accidental taps, and conversation becomes more comfortable. However, in practice, many owners face problems: the screen goes out too early, does not turn back on, or the sensor fires falsely — for example, when using a case or in bright sunlight.

This is particularly true for the Redmi 8A, a 2019 budget model where the proximity sensor is software-hardware-free without an infrared sensor, which means it depends on firmware and calibration, not physical accuracy, and users complain of screen getting stuck during calls, the inability to unlock the phone after a conversation, or the constant glow of the display at the temple, but before you turn it off, you need to understand whether this will lead to further inconveniences.

In this article, we’ll break down three proven ways to deactivate the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi 8A – from simply turning off settings to deep changes via ADB. We’ll also discuss what hidden consequences this step can have (for example, fast battery drain or accidental taps during calls) and what alternative solutions are worth trying before radically interfering with the system.

Method 1: Disable the proximity sensor through standard MIUI settings

The safest and most reversible way is to use the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions for the Redmi 8A, the direct option to turn off the sensor may be hidden, but it can be found through advanced call settings.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Calls section and tap on Additional Settings.
4. Find the Approximation Sensor (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Automatic Screen Shutdown).
5. Move the slider to the off position.

If you don't have one, don't despair. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 10-12 for Redmi 8A), the location of the option may be different.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → System and device → Additional settings → Special facilities → Physical buttons.
• 📱 In some firmware, the option is hidden in Settings → Screen. → Automatic shutdown.
• 🔄 If nothing is found, upgrade your firmware to the latest stable version (instruction below).

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Update the firmware through Settings → System Update

Install the Magisk patch (requires root)

Try the method with the engineering menu (see the next section)-->

⚠️ Warning: After the sensor is turned off, the screen will remain on during calls. This can lead to accidental tapping of the cheek or ear (for example, ending a conversation or activating the hands-free.

Method 2: Deactivation through the Engineering Menu (no root)

If standard settings don’t work, you can try turning off the sensor through the engineering menu, a hidden diagnostics section available on all Xiaomi smartphones, which does not require superuser rights, but is valid until the device is first rebooted.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (or #36446337## for newer versions of MIUI).
2. You'll be taken to Engineer Mode. Go to the Hardware Testing tab.
3. Find the Sensor section and select Proximity Sensor.
4. In the window that opens, uncheck the Proximity Switch box or set the Disable value.
5. Return to the main screen of the engineering menu and press Exit.

After this, the proximity sensor will be turned off until the next reboot, so that the changes are maintained constantly, you will have to repeat the procedure after each switch off the phone - or use ADB (method 3).

Method 3: Permanently shutting down via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn’t work or you want to permanently disable the proximity sensor, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool.This method requires connecting the phone to your computer, but does not violate the warranty and does not require root rights.

Preparation:

• 💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 🔌 Get Redmi on board. 8A to the computer and confirm the debugging permission.

Instructions:

1. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.
3. Grant the rights to change system settings: adb shell pm grant com.miui.securitycenter com.miui.permission.AUTO_START
4. Disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After restarting, the sensor will be permanently disabled until you return the setting to its original state by command:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 1

adb shell pm disable-user com.miui.proximity

It can be restored by adb shell pm enable com.miui.proximity.-->

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause sensor malfunctions or even a cyclical reboot of the device. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset. If after commands the phone stopped responding to touch, reset to factory settings.

What happens if you turn off the proximity sensor: pros and cons

Before you make a decision, weigh the pros and cons. Disabling the proximity sensor solves some problems, but creates others:

Pros:

• ✅ The screen does not go out spontaneously during calls.
• ✅ False positives disappear (for example, due to a cover or bright light).
• ✅ You can use your phone as a speaker without locking the screen.

Cons:

• ❌ Fast battery discharge – the screen remains on during the conversation.
• ❌ Accidental tapping of the cheek or ear (risk of completing a call or activating functions).
• ❌ Discomfort for long conversations – you will have to manually lock the screen.
• ❌ Possible problems with the work of some applications (for example, banking, where you need to lock the screen on timeout).

Alternatively, you can use headphones (wired or Bluetooth) or turn on speakerphone manually, and you can also try recalibrating the sensor through the engineering menu (section Proximity Sensor → Calibration) if the problem is incorrect readings.

No headphones, putting it to your ear |With wired headphones |On speakerphone |With Bluetooth headset |Depends on the situation-->

Frequent problems after sensor shutdown and their solutions

Even after successfully disabling the proximity sensor, Redmi 8A users may face unexpected challenges.

1.The screen is not locked during the call

This is the expected behavior, but if it interferes, set the automatic lock timer to a minimum:

1. Settings → Screen → Sleep mode (set 15 seconds).
2. Use the lock gesture (double pressing the power button).

2. Accidental tapping during a conversation

To avoid activation of functions by the cheek:

• 🔇 Turn off tactile feedback in the sound settings.
• 🔄 Reduce sensor sensitivity through the Touch Panel → Sensitivity Test).
• 📱 Use a case with high sides around the screen.

3. Fast battery discharge

If the screen is turned on for too long:

• 🔋 Activate Power Saving Mode in Battery Settings.
• 🌑 Reduce screen brightness by 30-40% during calls.
• ⚡ Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the Display Settings.

4.The sensor activated again after the update

Xiaomi sometimes resets custom settings after MIUI updates.

• 📵 Before updating, backup through adb backup.
• 🔄 After the update, repeat the disconnection procedure through ADB.
• 🚫 Opt out of automatic updates to Settings → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update.

1. Turn off the device.

2.Put Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.

3. Select Wipe data/factory reset (manage volume buttons).

4.Confirm reset and reset.-->

Alternative solutions: what to do if you do not want to turn off the sensor?

Turning off the proximity sensor isn’t the only way to solve the problem of spontaneously turning off the screen on the Redmi 8A. If you don’t want to take risks or face side effects, try these methods:

Calibration of the sensor

Sometimes the sensor doesn't work properly because of the wrong settings.

1. Open the engineering menu (#6484##).
2. Go to Proximity Sensor → Calibration.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually close and open the sensor with your hand several times).

2. Use of third-party applications

Applications like Proximity Sensor Reset or Sensor Disabler (require root) allow you to flexibly control the operation of the sensor, for example, you can adjust the delay of operation or turn it off only for specific applications.

3. Firmware update

In newer versions of MIUI, Xiaomi often fixes sensor bugs.

1. Settings → System Update → Check for updates.
2. If you have a new version, install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).

4. Replacement of protective glass or cover

Thick glass or metal-enclosed covers can block the sensor signal.

• 📱 Remove the protective glass or cover during the call.
• 🔍 Use covers without magnets and metal inserts.
• 🛡️ Choose a thin flexible glass (0.1–0.2 mm).

5. Resetting settings to factory

If the problem occurs after installing apps or changing settings, reset:

1. Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only settings).

1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → [Title] → Clear the cache.

2. Disable permission to use sensors for it in Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.

3. Update the application to the latest version.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions