Disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Smartphones series Redmi 9T deservedly popular due to excellent autonomy and performance, but users often face incorrect operation of the proximity sensor. the situation when the screen goes out during a conversation or, conversely, does not turn off when lifted to the ear, annoying and interferes with comfortable communication. That is why the question of how to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9T, remains one of the most pressing for owners of this model.

The MIUI operating system that's installed on the device has a complex sensor logic that doesn't always meet users' expectations. Sometimes software failure or physical contamination of the speaker area leads to false positives, locking the screen at the most inopportune moment. Understanding the mechanisms of this component will allow you to effectively manage its functionality.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the methods available, from standard system settings to the use of engineering menus and third-party applications. You will learn not only to fully deactivate the function, but also to perform accurate calibration, which often solves the problem without completely turning off the sensor. The flexibility of Android settings allows you to adapt the device to the personal preferences of each owner.

Why you might need to shut down the sensor

The main function of the proximity sensor is to save battery power and prevent accidental cheek presses during a phone conversation. However, in some use cases, this protection becomes an obstacle. For example, if you use the Xiaomi Redmi 9T to listen to audio books or podcasts through the speaker, holding the phone to your ear, the screen will constantly go out, preventing you from controlling playback.

Another common reason is the use of magnetically mounted headsets or covers that overlap the top of the body, in which case the system misinterprets the presence of an obstacle as holding the phone to the head, and a false alarm may also occur due to a software conflict after a firmware update.

Some users prefer to fully control the time on and off the display, relying on the lock button, for them, automatic switching off the screen is an unnecessary feature that must be eliminated to improve the ease of operation of the device in specific conditions.

Standard MIUI settings for sensor control

The first step in solving the problem is to learn the standard operating system settings: MIUI has a built-in mechanism for controlling the behavior of the screen during calls that does not require root rights or complex software, access to these parameters through the phone book menu or general system settings.

Importantly, in the latest versions of the shell, the manufacturer could hide the direct “off” button, transferring control to the sections associated with improving the quality of communication. You need to carefully study all the subsections of the “Challenges” menu to find the desired switch. The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the installed firmware.

If standard methods fail to disable the function, it may mean that the manufacturer has rigidly sewn this parameter into system files to comply with certification requirements, in which case alternative methods, including the use of engineer codes or third-party software, come to the rescue.

⚠️ Warning: Before making changes to system settings, make sure you understand the implications.Switching off the sensor may result in occasional cheek presses during a conversation.

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Use the Search in Settings function by entering the word “approach” or “sensor” to quickly find the desired menu item if you can’t find it manually.

Using an engineering menu for diagnosis and customization

The deepest level of smartphone settings management is the engineering menu, which is a hidden section designed to test hardware and allow you to access features that are not available in the normal interface. 9T specially USSD-code or commands through the application "Phone".

Inside the engineering menu, you're interested in the Single Test section, and you can find the Proximity Sensor, which allows you to check the current state of the sensor and start calibrating. Calibration often solves the problem when the sensor "thinks" that the phone is closed, when it's not.

The calibration process is usually this: you close the top of the screen with your palm, then open it, and the system records the minimum and maximum light values. After passing the test, the data is stored in non-volatile memory. Accurate calibration allows the sensor to respond correctly to the real approach of objects.

Use of third-party applications to circumvent restrictions

If the system settings and the engineering menu don't work, Google Play apps come to the rescue. There are many tools designed specifically to control the sensors on Xiaomi smartphones, and these apps run on top of the standard system, intercepting the sensor signals and blocking them from being transmitted to the operating system.

One of the popular solutions is the Proximity Sensor Fix & Reset app, or its equivalent, which allows you to not only calibrate, but also force the sensor to be disabled, and once you install it, you need to give it the necessary permissions, including the right to draw over other windows and access to the phone.

Using third-party software has its advantages, as it does not require deep intervention in the system. However, it is worth remembering that such applications can consume additional battery power, since they constantly work in the background, monitoring the state of the sensor.

Advanced method: Disconnection via ADB

For power users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of disabling the component through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge, which allows you to directly interact with Android system services and disable specific services responsible for the operation of the sensor, this is the most radical and effective method.

Before starting the procedure, you need to activate the developer mode on your Redmi 9T. To do this, go to Settings → About your phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. After you have become a developer, a new section will appear in the settings menu "Extended settings" or "Additional", where you need to turn on "Debugging by USB".

Once you connect your phone to your computer, you can run a command to find the name of the sensor service. Often it can be called com.android.sensor.proximity or have a similar name, depending on the sensor manufacturer. Once you find the exact name of the package or service, a command is used to stop or disable it.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.sensor.proximity

Executing this command effectively freezes the sensor service until you decide to turn it back on. This action doesn't delete system files, so it's reversible. However, a mistake in the command or service name can cause other phone functions to malfunction, so be very careful.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Inexperienced use of commands can cause software failures. Backup important data.

Physical causes of malfunctions and their elimination

Before you finally programmatically turn off the sensor, you should exclude the physical reasons for its malfunction. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9T, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, often hidden under the glass next to the speaker. Dust, greasy spots from the fingers or glue residues from the protective film can distort the sensor readings.

Carefully wipe the top of your smartphone with a soft microfiber soaked with a special screen cleaner. Make sure the protective glass or cover does not overlap the sensor area. Sometimes even a slight shift in the protective film after a fall can create a permanent shadow on the sensor.

If software and cleaning methods fail, there may be a hardware defect, in which case software-based disabling of the sensor is the only way to keep using the phone, albeit with some inconvenience during calls, and a hardware breakdown requires a service center to replace the module.

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A comprehensive approach, including cleaning, calibration and software tuning, allows you to solve 95% of problems with the proximity sensor without a visit to the service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)