How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi A2

The problem of a smartphone screen going out in the middle of an important conversation is familiar to many Android device owners, and the Xiaomi Mi A2 is no exception. This device, which is part of the Android One program, has a clean interface, but the physical features of its design sometimes lead to software conflicts with hardware. Users often face a situation where the phone “thinks” it is in their pocket or ear, blocking the display and preventing the ability to complete a call or answer an incoming one.

The reason is because the proximity sensor, which is located at the top of the body. On the Mi A2, this sensor is often hidden under glass next to the speaker and can respond to the slightest contamination, protective glasses or even greasy spots. In some cases, a software failure causes the system to ignore the actual position of the device, blocking the prematurely screen. In this article, we will examine all the available methods for solving the problem, from simple calibration to radical shutdown of the function through system codes.

It's worth noting that turning off the sensor completely is an extreme measure that makes it impossible to automatically turn off the screen during a conversation. However, if regular calibration methods don't help, this step becomes the only way to return the phone to normal call functionality. We'll look at both the software settings and hidden engineering menus available on pure Android.

The reasons for the sensor incorrect operation on the Mi A2

Understanding the nature of the malfunction helps you choose the right treatment. In the case of the Xiaomi Mi A2, the problem is often hardware and software in nature. The touchpad and sensor are located very close together, which creates conditions for electrical interference or false alarms. In addition, the use of thick protective glasses that do not have a special notch under the sensor is the most common reason for blocking the signal.

Another factor is the accumulation of dust and skin fat in the micro-hole above the screen. Even if the hole appears to be clean visually, a microscopic film of fat can scatter the sensor's infrared radiation, making the system think there is an object in front of the screen. Software failures in Android One drivers can also cause calibration data to reset or malfunction after a system update.

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Use microfiber and minimal isopropyl alcohol to clean the top of the screen so as not to damage the oleophobic coating.

It's important to distinguish between software glitch and physical failure. If the screen goes out only in certain applications or after impact, the plume or the sensor module may be damaged. In such cases, software shutdown will be a temporary crutch, but not the solution to the problem. However, in 90% of cases, the Mi A2 is helped by the correct calibration or change of the protective glass.

Engineering menu and equipment testing

Before you try to disable the feature, you need to check the status of the sensor. On smartphones with pure Android, which includes the Mi A2, there is a built-in diagnostic mechanism. To access it, a special code is used that opens the hardware testing menu, which is the first step that every user who encounters a problem must take.

You need to open the standard Phone app and dial ##6484##. This command activates the CIT menu, where all the tools for testing components are collected. You can find the "Proximity sensor" or "Proximation Sensor" item in the list. You click on it and you can see the current sensor readings.

In this menu, you'll see two values: current and threshold. When you close the top of the screen with your palm, the value should change (usually from 5.0 to 0.0 or vice versa, depending on the version of the driver). If the value does not change at all, it may be that the sensor is physically defective or completely blocked. If the value floats on its own without touching, this indicates software noise or contamination.

⚠️ Warning: Do not press the Calibration button in the engineering menu unnecessarily if you are unsure of your actions. Incorrect calibration can exacerbate the problem by setting incorrect sensitivity thresholds.

Calibration of the sensor through system settings

If testing shows that the sensor is responding but not doing it correctly, it can be recalibrated. On the Xiaomi Mi A2 with Android One shell, this process may differ from the standard MIUI. Often calibration is done through the same CIT engineering menu we looked at earlier, or through hidden Android settings.

In some versions of the firmware, the path to calibration is through the developer menu, but on pure Android, the most common method is to reset the sensor settings through the Phone app. To do this, enter the code ##7780## in the dial menu. This command will reset the application settings and system settings to the factory ones, but will not affect your personal data (photos, contacts).

An alternative method that often helps on the Mi A2 is to use third-party calibration apps available on Google Play. They request access to sensors and allow you to force the calibration data to be overwritten. However, be careful: such applications require broad permissions and may not work on the latest versions of Android due to security limitations of the system.

Disconnecting through hidden Android settings

The most effective way to solve the problem without root rights is to use the hidden Android settings menu. A2 runs on Android, commands are available here, which are often hidden in the shell MIUI. To access advanced settings, we will need an Activity Launcher app or similar, or use ADB-If you are an advanced user.

However, there is a simpler method available directly in the call interface: Open the Phone app, click three dots in the corner and select Settings. Find the Incoming Calls or Additionals section. There may be no direct switch, but in some versions of Android it is hidden. Try to find the Approximation Sensor option and turn it off. If there is no such option, move to a deeper level.

To access the hidden settings menu, you can try to type in the search for phone settings (not in the call, but in the general search for the system) the phrase "proximity." If the system finds a hidden item, it will suggest going to it. On Android One, this does not always work, but it is worth trying. If the search does not give results, the only option is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from a computer.

Using ADB to disable the function

If the graphical interface does not provide an opportunity to disable the sensor, you can use the developer's toolkit ADB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer through USB-cable and availability of the installed driver and platform SDK This is the most reliable way to use Xiaomi Mi. A2, Allows you to change system parameters without root rights.

First, you need to activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on "Build Number" seven times. In the Developer menu, turn on "Debug on USB." Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

Once the connection is confirmed on the phone screen, you can enter a command that will prevent the system from using the proximity sensor to control the screen during the call. The specific command depends on the version of Android, but often changes the value in the global settings:

adb shell settings put global proximity_on_click 0

You can also try to disable the sensor through more specific commands affecting telephony services. However, it is worth remembering that after rebooting the device, some settings changed through ADB can be reset, in which case the command will have to be re-entered or a special start script will be created.

⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB Introducing the wrong commands can lead to unstable operation of the system or bootloop (cyclic reboot.

Radical measures and application use

When system methods are exhausted, Google Play Store apps designed specifically for sensor management come to the rescue, and programs like “Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix” or “Lesser Notification Control” allow you to reassign the sensor’s functions or completely ignore its signals in certain scenarios.

The way these applications work is to create a layer on top of the system that intercepts the sensor signal and keeps the screen from going out, so you can set the app up so that it only activates during phone calls, so you can keep the sensor functional in other applications, but you can take away the effect of the sensor on calls.

Another option is magnetic cases. Some Mi A2 users have noticed that using a magnetic fastener case that doesn't cover the top of the screen can stabilize electronics by eliminating static interference. This sounds strange, but in the case of defective batches of sensors, it sometimes works like a "crutches."

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Using specialized applications-switches is the safest software way to get around the problem without interfering with system files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)