The proximity sensor on Xiaomi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20) is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone call when you hold the device to your ear. However, many users face situations where this sensor does not work correctly: the screen does not go out in time, accidentally press buttons during a call, or vice versa – the sensor is blocked for no reason. In some cases, the sensor begins to “glut” after updating MIUI or mechanical damage (for example, after changing the glass).
Disabling the proximity sensor may seem like a simple task, but in practice Xiaomi does not provide a direct option to deactivate it in standard settings.This is because the feature is considered critical for comfortable smartphone use. However, there are workarounds – from hidden engineering menus to use. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including those that do not require root rights, and also describe what problems can occur after a shutdown and how to avoid them.
Why is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 9T in the way?
Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand exactly where the proximity sensor becomes a problem. Here are the most common scenarios faced by owners of Xiaomi 9T:
- 📞 False positives during calls: the screen goes out when you just hold the phone in your hand without touching your ear, or vice versa – stays active during a conversation, leading to accidental taps.
- 🔄 Unstable work after update MIUI: Some users note that the sensor begins to "dumb" after switching to new versions of firmware (especially relevant for the sensor). MIUI 12.5+).
- 🛠️ Post-repair issues: If you changed the glass, display module, or even battery, the sensor may have been damaged or improperly connected.
- 🎮 Conflict with games and applications: In some games (such as tilt control), the proximity sensor may interfere, blocking the screen at the most inopportune moment.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption: In rare cases, a faulty sensor can continuously poll the system, resulting in additional power consumption.
If you see any of these problems, turning off the sensor may be a smart solution, but remember that after deactivation, you will have to manually lock the screen during calls (such as a power button), or you risk accidentally tapping something with your ear or cheek.
⚠️ Note: In some firmware (especially custom ones), disabling the proximity sensor may result in a loss of automatic brightness control functionality, due to the fact that both sensors (approximation and illumination) are often combined in a single module.
Method 1: Disconnect via the engineering menu (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to use the hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, which does not require superuser rights and works on standard MIUI firmware.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484## (alternative code: ##36446337##).
- You will be taken to Engineer Mode. Go to the Hardware Testing → Sensor tab.
- Find the Proximity Sensor and tap it.
- In the window that opens, you will see the current state of the sensor. To turn it off, click on the Disable button (or Turn Off, depending on the menu version).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
Once you reboot, the proximity sensor will be deactivated. To bring it back, repeat the steps and select Enable.
Call the phone and check if the screen goes out when you bring it to your ear.
Make sure that the screen is not blocked accidentally.
Check the automatic brightness (if used)
Restart the device and repeat the tests-->
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI If the code doesn't work, try using an alternative method with the ADB (Check if you have disabled access to engineering settings through security policies (relevant to enterprise devices).
Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without root but with PC)
If the engineering menu is not available or has not worked, you can use the ADB-This method requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it doesn't need root rights. MIUI and most custom firmware.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📥 Utility. ADB (Download Platform Tools from Google).
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi 9T: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
Settings → Additional → For Developers
- USB debugging
- Unlocking OEM (if there is such a clause)
- Connect your phone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
- Open the command line (or PowerShell) in the folder with ADB Enter: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0
- Reset the device.
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
- ✅ You can quickly turn on/off the sensor without commands.
- ✅ It even works on custom firmware.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Requires root, which deprives of warranty and can affect security.
- ❌ Some banking applications may stop working.
- 📲 Using third-party applications: Proximity Sensor Reset - resets the sensor settings. Sensor Test - checks the operability of all sensors. Gravity Screen - blocks the screen by movement (an alternative to the sensor).
- 🔧 Update or roll back firmware: If problems started after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot. Install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), where the sensor can be disabled through settings.
- 🛒 Sensor replacement: If the sensor is physically damaged, it can be replaced. 9T — It is better to entrust the replacement to the service center, as soldering equipment is required. If you decide to contact the service center, check whether the warranty is maintained after repair. On official Xiaomi devices, replacing the proximity sensor will not usually void the warranty if it is still valid. FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 9T ❓ Can I turn off the proximity sensor without root and PC? Yes, but only through the engineering menu (method 1). If it is locked, there are no alternatives without PC or root. Some custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) allow you to turn off the sensor in standard settings, but to install them still need an unlocked bootloader. ❓ Why did the automatic brightness stop working after the sensor was turned off? This is because proximity and illumination sensors are often combined into one module. To get back to automatic brightness, try: Turn the sensor back on and calibrate it. Use applications like Lux Auto Brightness to manually adjust the brightness. Reverse to the previous version MIUI, where the sensors were operated separately. ❓ Will Face Unlock work after the proximity sensor is turned off? Yes, Face Unlock uses a front-facing camera and an infrared projector that are not connected to the proximity sensor. Disabling the latter will not affect facial recognition. However, if you physically damage the sensor when disassembling the phone, it can affect neighboring components (such as infrared backlight), which will lead to problems with Face Unlock. ❓ Can you turn off the sensor for specific applications only? No, system sensors work globally, and you can't selectively turn them off. But you can: Use the magnetic film on the screen in the sensor area (it will block its signal), install the Tasker app and set up automatic shutdown of the sensor through the sensor. ADB When running certain programs (requires root). ❓ Will the warranty come back if I turn the sensor back on? If you've been software-disabled (via an engineering menu or a computer-generated device) ADB), If you have physically unpatched the sensor or edited system files without root, it can be detected at the diagnostic center, in which case the warranty will be canceled.