The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation when the smartphone is brought to the ear. However, many users face problems: false alarms, screen freezes or improper sensor operation after updates. In some cases, the sensor interferes with the use of the phone — for example, when watching video in horizontal mode or during games, when the screen accidentally goes out by touching a hand.
You can disable the proximity sensor in several ways: through standard settings MIUI, assisted ADB-commands, through an engineering menu or application MIUI But before you get started, it's important to understand that deactivating the sensor can be a inconvenience — for example, the screen won't lock when you make calls, which will increase the risk of accidental tapping. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, their pros and cons, and also give recommendations for the diagnosis of sensor malfunctions.
If you decide to turn off the sensor because it's not working properly, first check if there's any contamination or damage problems. Often, just wipe the area of the sensor (located next to the front camera) or reboot the device. If the sensor works properly, but you just don't need its functionality, choose any of the suggested methods.
1. Method: through standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions for Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, the direct option to disable the proximity sensor may not be available, but it can be activated through special features settings.
Here's how to do it:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
- Go to System Settings (or additionally, depending on the version of MIUI).
- Find the Approach Sensor (may be called Automatic Screen Shutdown).
- Turn off the slider next to this option.
If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support this menu, in which case move on to the following methods.
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Before changing your settings, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.
Method: Use ADB-commands without root)
If standard settings don’t work, you can disable the proximity sensor via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer.
The work will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb.exe folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Execute the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0
- Reboot your smartphone.
To get it back, use the same command, replacing 0 with 1.
Install Xiaomi drivers|Download ADB-tools|Enable debugging on USB|Connect the phone to the PC|Check the connection of the adb device team-->
Method: Engineering menu (for experienced users)
The engineering menu allows you to manually calibrate or disable the proximity sensor, but the wrong actions can disrupt the smartphone. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.
How to open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #4636## for the alternative menu).
- Select Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor).
- In the window that opens, you'll see the current sensor readings. To turn off, look for the Disable option or set 0 in the calibration field.
If the menu doesn't open, your version of MIUI may be blocking access, so try the following method.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4. Method: MIUI Hidden Settings application
The MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play) allows you to manage hidden MIUI settings, including the proximity sensor, the safest way after standard settings.
Instructions:
- 📱 Install. MIUI Hidden Settings from the official store.
- 🔧 Open the application and provide access to settings (when requested).
- 🔍 Go to the System section → Proximity Sensor.
- 🔘 Turn off the Enable Proximity Sensor option or set Delay to maximum value.
The advantage of this method is that you do not need to connect to a PC or use ADB. However, after updating the MIUI settings can reset.
Comparison of methods of disconnecting the proximity sensor
To choose the best way, compare all options on key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Root is required. | Reversibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Absent. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Minimum (in case of team error) |
| Engineering menu | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Medium (incorrect settings) |
| MIUI Hidden Settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Absent. |
Important: If the proximity sensor is software-enabled, it can be activated again after resetting or updating MIUI, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated.
Possible problems after the sensor is turned off
Turning off the proximity sensor solves one problem, but it can create others.
- 📞 The screen does not go out during calls – this leads to occasional taps of the cheek or ear (for example, turning on the speakerphone or completing a call).
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the screen stays active longer than it should.
- 🎮 Discomfort in games – if the sensor is turned off due to false positives, in some games the screen may accidentally lock from touch.
- 🔄 Automatic Enablement After Updating — MIUI It can reset the sensor settings after the update.
If you encounter false alarms, instead of turning it off, try recalibrating it.
- Enter the phone application ##6484##.
- Select Proximity Sensor.
- Follow the instructions on the screen for calibration (usually you need to close and open the sensor several times).
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Turn off the proximity sensor only if it is really interfering with work, and in most cases, the problem can be solved by calibrating or cleaning the area of the sensor from dust.
What if the proximity sensor doesn’t work at all?
If the sensor doesn't work even after it's turned off, it may have gone out of order.
- 🚫 The screen doesn't go off during calls.
- 🔦 In the engineering menu, the sensor readings are always 0 or 5 (do not change when the hand is approaching).
- 🛠️ The sensor stopped working after falling or getting moisture.
In such cases:
- Check if the sensor is covered with a film or cover.
- Wipe the sensor area with alcohol (no fanaticism!).
- Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
- If nothing helps, contact the service center. Replacing the sensor with the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro costs 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the region).
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Before visiting the service center, check the sensor through the Sensor Test app from Google Play, which will show if the sensor is working or if there is a problem in the software.