Modern Xiaomi smartphones and the Poco sub-brand are equipped with a variety of sensors that are designed to facilitate interaction with the device. One of these elements is the proximity sensor, which automatically extinguishes the screen during a phone conversation when the device is brought to the ear. However, users often encounter a situation when this function is not working correctly: the screen goes out without touching or, conversely, does not respond to approach, which can cause the cheek to press the switch off or volume.
The need to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi or Poco does not only arise when the sensor is clearly broken. Often the cause is protective films that cover the top of the display, or software failures after updating the shell MIUI and HyperOS. In some cases, software disabling the function through standard settings is impossible, since manufacturers hide this option from ordinary users to prevent accidental cheek pressing during calls.
In this article, we will discuss all the available solutions, from simple interface settings to the use of engineering menus, how to accurately calibrate the sensor, what hidden commands can help in diagnosis and why in some models the physical location of the sensor makes it dependent on the quality of the protective glass.
The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor on Poco and Xiaomi
Before we go to radical measures and look for ways to shut down completely, we need to understand the nature of the error. The approach sensor is an infrared emitter and receiver located at the top of the housing. The principle of their operation is simple: the sensor emits an invisible beam and reads the reflected signal. If an object (cheek, finger) is close, the signal reflects, and the system extinguishes the display. If the screen goes out on its own or does not go out at all, this can indicate pollution, software conflict or physical damage.
One of the most common causes of failure is the use of poor-quality protective glasses or films. In budget models Poco and Redmi sensor is often under the screen or in a narrow frame above it. If the protective coating has an opaque edge or just got dirty with fat, it blocks infrared radiation, the system “thinks” that the phone is still in the ear, and keeps the screen off, making it impossible to dial through the touch screen.
⚠️ If you've recently changed a display or protective glass, make sure that the wearer has used glue and materials that do not block infrared radiation. In some cases, even a thick layer of glue can distort the sensor readings.
Software failures also play a role: After updating the Android operating system or the proprietary shell, MIUI can fly calibration data. The smartphone continues to use old sensitivity values that no longer correspond to the current state of the equipment. This leads to the fact that the response threshold becomes too low or high, requiring user intervention to reset or reconfigure parameters.
Standard settings of the call interface
The easiest and safest way to try to solve the problem is to check the settings of the Phone application itself. Depending on the version of the shell and the dialer used (standard Google Phone or MIUI Dialer), the location of the options may vary. In some regions and firmware, the manufacturer leaves the option to turn off the Lock When Approach or Approach Sensor function directly in the call settings menu.
To check, go to the Phone app, click the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Then look for Incoming Calls or just scroll down. If the option "Switch off screen while you're talking" or the same one is present, try to switch it to "Off" position, which will software prevent the system from responding to the sensor readings, and the screen will burn constantly while the conversation is going on.
However, it is worth considering that in the latest versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, this option is often removed, this is done to improve safety and convenience, since a permanent burning screen at the face can lead to accidental pressing of the cheek reset button or turn on the speaker. If there is no such option in the standard menu, this means that the manufacturer has blocked the possibility of simple shutdown, and more sophisticated methods will be required.
Use of the Engineering Menu for Calibration
If standard settings don't work, the most effective solution is to calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system that's designed to test the hardware, and you can not only check the sensor's performance, but also reset it to factory values, which often solves the problem of false positives without completely shutting down the function.
To enter the engineering menu, open the Phone app and enter a special code. The most versatile code for Xiaomi and Poco devices is ##6484## or ##4636##. Once you enter the last digit, the menu should open automatically. Find the item "Proximity Sensor" or "Proximity Sensor" in the list. In the window that opens, you will see the current value (usually 0.0 or 5.0). Close the sensor with your finger, the value should change. If there is no reaction, the sensor may be physically defective.
To calibrate, press the Calibration button. Put your phone on a flat surface, make sure the front panel is clean and nothing covers the top of the screen. Press "Start" and wait until the process is over. The system will determine the sensitivity thresholds and write the new values into memory. After successful calibration, restart the device.
☑️ Checklist before calibration
It is important to understand that the engineering menu may differ from firmware to firmware. In some cases, the code may not work or lead to a different menu. If the standard codes did not work, try entering ##3646633##, which opens the extended engineering menu of MediaTek or Qualcomm. There the path to calibration may look like Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
Hidden codes and special applications
When embedded tools fail, third-party solutions come to the rescue. There are many apps on the Google Play store that are designed to control sensors, that can either forcely calibrate the sensor, emulate it, or provide access to hidden system settings. One of the most popular and reliable tools is the Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix app.
Once you install an app, you have to give it the permissions it needs, you usually need access to your phone and sensors, you start the calibration process through the app, following the instructions on the screen, and often these tools use more aggressive methods of resetting sensor data than the standard engineering menu, which helps in running cases, and there are applications that allow you to set a delay in turning off the screen or completely ignore the sensor readings during calls.
Another method is to use code to activate the hidden test menu. Some versions of MIUI have code ##3424##. Once in the testing menu, select Component Test and find Proximity Sensor. Here you can force the sensor to turn on or off for testing. If this menu is perfect, then the problem is the software or application conflict, not the hardware.
Security of Third Party Applications
It is worth noting that using third-party software is a temporary solution, and after updating the system or resetting the phone, all changes can be lost, and some optimizers can consume battery resources themselves, trying to constantly monitor the state of the sensor, which will negatively affect the autonomy of your Poco or Xiaomi.
Modification of system files via ADB
For advanced users who are not afraid to work with the command line, there is a method of disabling the sensor through USB debugging (ADB). This method does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root), but requires a connection to a computer. With ADB, you can change the system parameters that are responsible for activating the screen lock function when calling.
First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI or HyperOS 7 times. Then go to Advanced Settings → For Developers and turn on "Debugging USB." Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers, and open the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can proceed to modification.
adb shell settings put secure proximity_on_call 0This command attempts to change the system flag that controls the sensor's behavior during a call, but depending on the Android version and the specific model, the path to setup may differ. For example, for some versions of MIUI, the command to change the global setting is relevant:
adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0⚠️ Attention, changing system settings through ADB It is strongly recommended to make a full backup of data before executing commands. Incorrect command entry can block access to important system functions.
If the commands fail, it means that in your firmware, these parameters are hard-wired or controlled by a system process that overwrites the changes, in which case the only software method is installing patched versions of applications or modified firmware, which already carries great risks.
Comparison of problem-solving methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a summary table that will help you assess the risks and effectiveness of each method for your situation, and remember that you should always start with the least risky options.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call settings | Low. | No. | Low (often the option is hidden) |
| Engineering menu | Medium | No. | High (solves 80% of problems) |
| Third-party annexes | Low. | No. | Medium (temporary) solution |
| ADB teams | Tall. | Medium. | High (for experienced users) |
| Removal of the protective glass | Low. | No. | Critical (if the cause is film) |
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If you use a thick protective glass, try cutting a small hole above the speaker or replacing it with a thinner one specifically designed for your Xiaomi model.
And from the table, you can see that most of the time, the problem is solved either by replacing the protective coating or by calibrating it through an engineering menu. You only need to use ADB if you're a confident user and you understand the consequences of your actions. Software-based shutdown of the sensor is a last resort if you can't physically repair or calibrate it.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the proximity sensor not work after the screen is replaced?
Can a virus turn off the proximity sensor?
Does turning off the sensor affect battery consumption?
What if calibration doesn’t help?
Is there a difference between Poco and Redmi?
💡
Calibration through the engineering menu (#6484##) solves most software problems with the sensor, but if the screen goes out due to a thick protective glass, only replacing it will help.