How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: the complete guide

Owners of budget smartphones series Redmi often face an unpleasant situation when during a phone call the screen goes out on its own, and the interlocutor is not heard. This is a classic problem of the proximity sensor, which mistakenly identifies the object next to the speaker. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9A model, this feature is manifested especially often due to the design features of the body and software bugs of the MIUI shell.

The user has to find ways to deactivate this feature so that they can use the speakerphone or see the caller's number throughout the conversation. In this article, we'll go through all the methods available, from standard system settings to using the engineering menu and third-party applications. Disabling the sensor can be the only way out if calibration doesn't work.

It's worth noting that ignoring the proximity sensor completely has consequences, like accidentally pressing your cheek buttons while you're talking. However, if the standard fault-resolving techniques don't work, forced shutdown remains an effective solution, and we'll look at each step in as much detail as possible so you can choose the best option for your device.

The reason for the sensor incorrect operation on the Redmi 9A

Before you start taking drastic measures to turn off the functional elements of the smartphone, you need to understand the nature of the problem. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9A device, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, often hidden under the layer of the display, making it sensitive to any contamination. Even a thin film of fat or dust can distort the readings, making the system think that the phone is near the ear.

Another common cause is a poor-quality protective glass or case that partially overlaps the sensor’s work area, in which case a physical obstacle blocks the infrared radiation needed to make the module work properly, and software conflicts can also cause problems after updating the Android operating system or the MIUI shell.

⚠️ Note: Before making changes to system settings, make sure that there is no protective film on the screen with a cutout that covers the upper speaker frame, as this is the most common cause of false positives.

Sometimes a failure occurs because of a calibration reset or a plume damage after a device falls, in which case the software shutdown will be a temporary crutch, but will allow you to use your phone comfortably before you visit the service. Understanding the reason helps you choose the right solution: if it's mud, cleaning will help, if the software - settings.

Standard Call Settings and Their Limitations

Many users start their search with the phone’s settings menu, but the standard MIUI shell has limited options. The direct “Disable proximity sensor” switch is often hidden or missing depending on the firmware version. However, it is necessary to check the basic settings, as the settings may differ in some regions.

To start, you should go to the Phone app and open the settings menu, usually represented by three dots or a gear, and look for an item associated with incoming calls or in-pocket mode. Turning off the Mode in-pocket function sometimes helps to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor, although it does not turn it off completely.

If the standard menu does not have the right toggle switch, it means that the manufacturer has blocked the possibility of simple disconnection through the user interface, in which case system restrictions require the use of deeper methods of setting, which will be discussed below.

Using the Engineering Menu to Disable

The most effective way to control hidden smartphone functions is to log into the engineering menu, a special diagnostic interface designed to test hardware components, but also allowing you to make changes to the operation of sensors. 9A access to it is carried out through a set of special USSD-call-in.

To get into the menu, open the "call" and dial the combination ##6484## or ##4636##. If the first combination doesn't work, try the second one - it opens the testing menu where you can find the "Sensor" or "Proximity Sensor" item. Inside this section, a calibration function is often available that can solve the problem without completely shutting down.

In some versions of firmware, you can force the sensor to change its status or turn off its program survey through the engineering menu, but be careful: unwarranted changes in the parameters in the Phone Information section can lead to unstable network operation. If you see a "Turn off proximity sensor" or similar button, activating it will solve your problem.

⚠️ Warning: Changes in unknown parameters in the engineering menu may disrupt the radio module.

Application of third-party applications for sensor management

If system methods fail, Google Play apps designed specifically for Android sensor management come to the rescue, and Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix or similar tools allow you to force the sensor to be turned off or adjust its thresholds, the safest way for inexperienced users.

Once you install this app, you'll be given an interface with sliders or switches, and you can set "Always Far" mode, which will make the phone think there's nothing near the screen, and it will never go out during a conversation, and this actually emulates a complete sensor shutdown.

However, for the Redmi 9A with its capacious battery, this will not be a critical issue, but the main thing is to choose an application with a high rating and fresh updates.

Sensor calibration as an alternative to shutdown

Before you finally give up the useful feature, you should try recalibrate the sensor. Often the problem is not the breakdown, but the lost sensitivity settings. On Xiaomi devices there is a hidden calibration menu available through a keyboard combination or special codes.

One way to do this is to type in the dialing field the code ##64663##, which opens the full QC (Quality Control) test menu, where you select "Proximity Sensor," close the top of the screen with your hand and press the calibration button, then remove your hand and press again, and after you pass the test, the data will be saved.

If calibration doesn't work, there may be a hardware defect, in which case software shutdown via apps is the only working option, and calibration accuracy depends on the stability of the phone's position during the procedure.

💡

When calibrating, keep the phone absolutely motionless on a flat surface to avoid errors in measuring the distance to the object.

Hiding the dialing code (Alternative method)

There is another little-known trick that helps some users avoid false positives, and the essence of the method is to use special codes or commands. ADB, This may require you to connect to a computer and install drivers. ADB.

Adb shell settings put system proximity_on_off 0 (If it's supported by firmware, it can force the functionality to be disabled. MIUI The more realistic option is to use commands to reset the sensor to the factory settings, which sometimes removes software glitches.

adb shell pm clear com.android.phone

This command will reset the phone app, which can help if the conflict is caused by a software update, and then the phone will reboot and you will need to reset contacts and calls, which is a more radical method that requires caution.

⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB requires the activated debugging mode for USB. Do not turn off the cable during execution of commands so as not to damage the file system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

The most reliable way to solve the problem without losing warranty is to use third-party calibration applications, not to interfere with system files.

In conclusion, turning off the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a complete solvable task that requires a consistent approach: Start by checking the screen cleanliness and calibration, and then move on to installing specialized software, and hopefully these tips will help you regain the comfort of communication.