Xiaomi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is equipped with a proximity sensor that automatically turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. However, this sensor often fails: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to gestures or, conversely, does not turn off during a conversation. If you encounter such problems, our guide will help you completely turn off the proximity sensor without losing the functionality of the smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from simple settings to MIUI before using the engineering menu and ADB-Every method has been tested on Xiaomi. 9T with current versions of the firmware (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS. Important: Some methods require developer or unlocked bootloader rights – we will explain in detail how to obtain them.
Warn in advance: Disabling the proximity sensor can lead to accidental taps during calls (such as volume keys or the call end button).If you make frequent calls, consider alternatives such as calibrating the sensor or resetting the phone.
1.Why is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 9T not working properly?
Before you turn off the sensor, you should understand the reasons for its unstable operation. On Xiaomi 9T, the following problems are most common:
- 🔴 False positives: The screen goes out during normal use (for example, when reading or scrolling a tape in social networks).
- 🟢 Lack of response: The sensor does not turn off the screen during the call, resulting in cheek presses.
- 🔄 Freeze: The sensor gets stuck in one state (on/off) before rebooting.
- 🛠️ Hardware damage: moisture, falls or wear of glass above the sensor (located to the right of the speaker).
In 80 percent of cases, the software is to blame, such as firmware failures, conflicts with the MIUI shell or misconfigurations. Less commonly, the problem is contamination of the sensor (dust, greasy traces) or mechanical damage. Before you turn off the sensor, try:
☑️ The first steps before disconnecting the sensor
On the Xiaomi 9T, the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor, which cannot be turned off individually through standard settings, which means that when you turn off the approximation, the automatic brightness adjustment of the screen will also stop working.
Method 2: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)
The simplest method, which works on most versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS), does not require developer rights or additional programs, but has a limitation: the sensor will be turned off only for calls, not completely.
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the Calls section → Additional settings.
- Find the approach sensor option and turn off the slider.
- Confirm the action if a warning appears.
The sensor will then stop extinguishing the screen during calls, but will continue to work in other scenarios (e.g., using Always-on Display or Waking Up).
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If your version of MIUI does not have the “Draw-up Sensor” option in your call settings, try updating the Phone app via Google Play or clearing its cache (Settings → Apps → Phone → Clear cache).
Method 2: Use of the engineering menu (code ##)
The engineering menu allows you to test and configure the hardware components of the smartphone, including sensors. On the Xiaomi 9T, access to it is opened through a secret code.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484## (for the proximity sensor test) or ##4636## (general engineering menu).
- In the menu that appears, select Proximity Sensor.
- Click Disable or uncheck Enable (depending on the menu version).
- Return to the main menu and exit by pressing the "Back" button.
If the code doesn’t work, try alternative combinations:
- ##3646633## (EngineerMode MTK)
- ##4636## → Testing → Sensors
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Once the sensor is turned off through the engineering menu, its operation will be blocked at the system level, but after the phone is restarted, the settings may reset. To consolidate the result, use the method with ADB (described below).
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed, you can disable the proximity sensor using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the phone to a computer, but does not need root rights, suitable for all versions of MIUI and HyperOS.
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
USB debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Turn on the debugging slider over USB and confirm the action.
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should have the name of your device) adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 0
- Reboot the phone.
To get the sensor back to work, use the same command, replacing 0 by 1.
| Method of disconnection | You need a PC? | Need root? | Reset after reset? | Impact on other sensors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Call-only shutdown. |
| Engineering menu | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Shutting it down completely. |
| ADB-team | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Shutting it down completely. |
| Dispatch applications | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Depends on the app. |
Method 4: Applications for sensor control
If you don't want to mess with settings or ADB, you can use third-party apps that let you turn off sensors without root, but require permissions to access system functions (which need to be confirmed manually).
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi 9T:
- 📱 Sensor Disabler (Simple interface, works without root, but can be reset after restarting).
- 🛠️ QuickShortcutMaker (allows you to create a shortcut to quickly disable the sensor).
- 🔧 MacroDroid (Advanced Automation – You can configure the sensor to turn off on a schedule or event).
Instructions for Sensor Disabler:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to Special Access (the system window will pop up).
- Select Proximity Sensor from the list.
- Press Disable and confirm the action.
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Sensor controller applications may conflict with MIUI Optimizations. If the sensor does not turn off, temporarily turn off optimization in the developer settings (Settings → For developers → Disable MIUI Optimizations).
The downside of this method is instability. Once you update your firmware or reboot your device, you can reset your settings. ADB-method.
6. Method 5: Completely disable via build.prop editing (requires root)
This is the most radical way to permanently disable the system-level proximity sensor, only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk).
Step-by-step:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop.
- Make a backup of the file (copy it elsewhere).
- Open build.prop in the text editor.
- Add a line to the end of the file: persist.sys.proximity.disable=1
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
If the phone doesn’t turn on after the reboot, restore the original build.prop via TWRP or Fastboot.
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Before editing build.prop, check if the file already has a proximity string. If so, change it to 1 instead of adding a new line.
Possible problems and solutions
When you turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 9T, users often experience side effects, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to eliminate them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: If the phone starts to run faster after the sensor is turned off, check if the sensor control app is running in the background. MIUI.
- 📞 Screen doesn't go out during calls: This is normal behavior after the sensor is turned off.To avoid accidental taps, use headphones or turn on speakerphone.
- 🔄 The sensor is turned on again after the update: MIUI You can reset the sensor settings when you update. ADB ore-menu.
- 🚨 Phone stopped responding to gestures: On some firmware, turning off the proximity sensor blocks other sensors (e.g., light sensor). In this case, return the settings back and try alternative methods.
If none of these methods worked, it may be a problem with the hardware malfunction of the sensor. In this case, contact the service center. Replacing the proximity sensor with the Xiaomi 9T costs about 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the region).
How to check the operability of the sensor?
8. Alternatives to disconnecting the sensor
Before you turn off the proximity sensor completely, consider alternative solutions:
- 🔧 Sensor calibration: In the engineering menu (##6484###), select the Calibrate Proximity Sensor and follow the instructions.
- 📱 Use of a case: If the sensor is triggered by accidental touch, try a case with a neckline at the top.
- 🔄 Resetting settings: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (does not delete files, but returns system settings to factory settings).
- 🛠️ Firmware update: Sometimes sensor bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
If the sensor is only unstable in certain applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram during calls), the problem may be in the programs themselves.
- Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → [Title] → Clear the cache).
- Turn off the screen autorotation for a specific application (the MIUI settings have the function "Apps Turnover").