How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro is a popular smartphone with touch sensor approach, which automatically turns off the screen when you hold the device to your ear. However, sometimes this sensor fails: the screen does not go out when you talk, accidentally press buttons or, conversely, the display turns off too early, in such cases, users are looking for ways to temporarily or completely deactivate the sensor.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for disabling the proximity sensor on the Redmi 10 Pro – from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menu functions and ADB commands. Also, we will find out why the sensor can glittle, and give recommendations for calibration. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 firmware and do not require superuser rights (root), unless otherwise indicated.

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

The proximity sensor on the Redmi 10 Pro is located next to the front camera and is an infrared sensor, and its main task is to determine when you bring your phone to your ear during a call to:

• 📵 Disable the touch screen and prevent accidental pressing.
• 🔇 Reduce the volume of the speaker (switch to the main microphone).
• 🔄 Save battery power by putting off the lights.

However, users often face problems:

• 🤯 The screen does not go out when you call, because of which the buttons are pressed with the cheek (blocks, turn on the speakerphone).
• 😵‍💫 The sensor is activated too early, the screen turns off when the phone is far from the ear.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The sensor stopped working properly.
• 🛠️ Sensor damage after falling or repairing (e.g. glass replacement).

Before you turn off the sensor, try recalibrating it, which often solves the problem without drastic measures. If the calibration didn't work, read on.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions, the direct option to turn off the sensor is hidden, but it can be activated through a hidden call settings menu.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls section → Additional settings.
4. Find the Approximation Sensor (if not, see Method 2).
5. Move the slider to the off position.

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

1. Enter the code ##6484## (sensor test)
2. In the menu, look for the Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Disable (disable).

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make a backup copy of contacts

Make sure your phone is charged (>30%)

Remember the path to sensor settings-->

Important: Once the sensor is turned off, the screen will not go out during calls, which can lead to accidental taps.Use headphones or turn on speakerphone to avoid problems.

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (MTK)

The Redmi 10 Pro runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, but some regional versions may use a MediaTek chipset. If your smartphone is on MTK, the proximity sensor can be turned off via an engineering menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##3646633##
2. Select the Hardware Testing section → Sensor.
3. Find the Proximity Sensor and click on it.
4. In the PS Calibration field, enter the value of 0 (zero) and save.
5. Reboot the phone.

If the sensor is active again after the reboot, try selecting Disable PS from the same menu (if the option is available).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If standard methods don’t work, you can disable the proximity sensor using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified.

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1

Reboot the phone.

To turn the sensor back on, use the same command by replacing 1 by 0.

adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 2500

This will increase the sensor’s latency to 2.5 seconds, which will reduce the number of false positives.-->

Method 4: Use of calibration applications

If the sensor doesn't work properly (e.g., it goes off too soon or later), it can be recalibrated with third-party utilities, often solving the problem without completely shutting it down.

The best calibration applications:

How to Calibrate the Sensor with Proximity Sensor Reset

1. Install and open the application.
2. Press Calibrate Proximity Sensor.
3. Place your phone on a flat surface (screen up).
4. Cover the sensor with your hand for 5 seconds, then remove it.
5. Confirm the retention of new parameters.

If the calibration didn’t work, try manually changing the trigger threshold in the Sensor Box (Proximity section).The optimal value for the Redmi 10 Pro is 3-5 cm.

Method 5: Disconnect via TWRP (for advanced users)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed custom TWRP recavator. It allows you to disable the sensor at the level of system files.

Warning:

⚠️ Attention, wrong actions in TWRP This can cause a phone to break down. Backup before you change.

Instructions:

1. Upload the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the file: /system/build.prop
4. Add a line to the end of the file: ro.proximity.delay=2500 ro.proximity.disable=1
5. Save the changes and reboot.

If the sensor is still active after rebooting, try to delete (or rename) the file as well:

/system/vendor/etc/sensors/proximity.conf

💡

Disabling the sensor via TWRP is the most reliable way, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recavator. For most users, methods 1-3 are enough.

What to do if the sensor is physically broken?

If none of these methods worked, it's possible that the proximity sensor is physically damaged.

• 💥 Phone drops (especially on screen).
• 🔧 Poor repair (glass replacement, display).
• 💧 Moisture in the shell.
• 🔋 Overheating or short circuit.

Signs of sensor malfunction:

• 📱 The screen never goes out, even if you close the sensor with your hand.
• 🔄 The sensor is triggered chaotically (for example, when tilting the phone).
• 🛠️ In the engineering menu (#6484##) you can see Error or No data.

Decisions:

1. Replacement of sensor in the service center (cost) ~1 500–3 000 ₽).
2. Disconnect software (as described above) and use of headphones.
3. Buy a magnetic sensor case (for some Xiaomi models).

If you decide to replace the sensor yourself, consider:

⚠️ Attention! The Redmi 10 Pro's proximity sensor is soldered to the front camera plume, and it requires a soldering station and microelectronics experience to replace it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor