How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi with MIUI 12:3 proven methods

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for turning off the screen during phone calls to prevent accidental clicks with the cheek or ear. However, on the MIUI 12 firmware version, this sensor often fails: the screen goes out too early, does not turn on after a call or reacts to foreign objects. If you encounter similar problems or just want to turn off the function, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

It is important to understand that disabling the proximity sensor can lead to inconvenience when calling (random taps, activation of functions during a conversation). But in some cases -- like when you're using a headset, or if the sensor is physically damaged -- that's the only way to get your phone back to normal. MIUI 12, with the help of ADB-commands and through the engineering menu.

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

On MIUI 12, the proximity sensor is often a source of irritation, and these are the most common problems.

• 📵 The screen goes out during a conversation and does not turn back on, even if you remove the phone from your ear.
• 🔄 The sensor works when the hand is approached, for example, when you hold your smartphone in a horizontal position.
• 📱 After updating to MIUI 12 sensor started to work incorrectly (hangs, false positives).
• 🔌 When using a charger or headset, the screen spontaneously turns off.

Most often, these failures are associated with software errors of the firmware, less often with physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a fall or moisture). If the problem appeared after the update, first try resetting the sensors through Settings → About the phone → Resetting. If this did not help, read on.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI 12 settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in options. Unfortunately, MIUI 12 doesn't have a direct "Disable the proximity sensor" button, but you can get around this limitation through customization.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and select System Settings → Delete animation (this will open hidden options).
3. Return to the main menu Special Opportunities and find the Approach Sensor (may be called Automatic Screen Shutdown).
4. Turn off the slider next to the option.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option to Disable the proximity sensor (on some models it is hidden – see the following method).

Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco X3), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case move to the ADB method.

Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the standard settings do not allow you to turn off the sensor, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but does not need root rights.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Developer's Included Mode and Debugging USB phone-on.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter a command to disable the sensor:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1

To return the original settings, use:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

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If the command doesn’t work, try to enter the adb shell first, and then sets put global. proximity_sensor_disabled 1.

Important: Some models (such as the Mi 10T or Redmi K40) reset after restarting, in which case you will have to repeat the command or use the engineering menu.

Method 3: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

The engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to directly control the sensors, but it requires caution – wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu, select Testing → Single Item Test.
3. Scroll down to the Proximity Sensor and click on it.
4. In the new window, you will see the current state of the sensor. To turn it off, press Disable (if available).

If there is no Disable button, try an alternative path:

1. In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing → Sensors.
2. Find Proximity Sensor and uncheck the Enable box.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can cause the phone to run in an unstable way. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each of the methods has its pros and cons. Below the table will help you determine the choice:

For most users, the best solution is ADB, which is universal and does not require root rights. If you do not want to connect your phone to your computer, try the standard settings first, and if they do not work, try the engineering menu.

What if the sensor doesn’t turn off anyway?

If none of the methods worked, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔧 Firmware with limitations. Some versions MIUI 12 (e.g., for the Chinese region) block changes in system parameters. Solution: install global or European firmware.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: If the sensor is physically damaged, it can only be replaced, and you can check this at the service center or using a test (in the engineering menu).
• 🔒 Security policy: Some models (Mi 11 Ultra, Black Shark) have a lock on the sensor at the core level.

If the problem is firmware, try upgrading to the latest version of MIUI or rolling back to the previous one (if the crashes started after the update).

1. Download the necessary firmware version from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback may cause data loss.Pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

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If the proximity sensor is turned off, the screen will not go out automatically during the call. This can lead to accidental taps, so use this method only when you really need it!