How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12:3 proven methods

The proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is often a source of annoyance for users: it accidentally locks the screen during calls, interferes with the use of cases or simply works incorrectly. MIUI 12 the manufacturer has not provided an obvious way to turn it off, but there are a few hidden methods that will help solve the problem. ADB-team.

It's important to understand that the proximity sensor doesn't just go out on the screen, it optimizes power consumption and prevents accidental taps during a conversation. However, if you use a headset, a smartwatch or make frequent calls in hands-free mode, it can be redundant. We've tested all the ways on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.0.3.0 and later — the instructions are relevant and safe when followed accurately.

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

Before you turn it off, you need to figure out why it's not working properly. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the sensor is located at the top of the screen next to the front camera and works on infrared radiation.

📱 False positives when using protective glasses or cases with high sides.
🔇 The screen does not turn on after the call is completed – you need to press the power button.
🔄 Sensor freezes after update MIUI (Especially from 11th to 12th version).
🎧 Bluetooth headset conflict, where the sensor continues to lock the screen despite connected headphones.

In 70% of cases, the problem is solved by calibrating the sensor (more on this below), but if you are firmly determined to turn it off, read on. Note: after deactivation during calls, the screen will remain on, which can lead to accidental tapping of the cheek or ear.

📊 Have you encountered proximity sensor problems on Xiaomi?

Yeah, the screen goes out on its own.

Yeah, it doesn't turn on after the call.

No, it's working fine.

Another option

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the hidden MIUI 12 options, which does not require super-user rights and is suitable for most users.

Open the Phone app (standard or Google Phone if installed).
Go to Settings. → Additional settings.
Find the Approach Sensor (may be called Screen Lock during a call).
Turn off the slider next to the option.

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

Enter the combination in the Phone app: ##6484## (test code for sensors).
In the menu that opens, find the Proximity Sensor and deactivate it.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12 this method only works until the first reboot. If the sensor is activated again, use Method 2 or Method 3.

☑️ Preparation for sensor shutdown

Make a backup copy of settingsCheck the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)Charge your phone at least 50%Make sure there are no important calls soon

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Use of Engineering Mode (Engineer Mode)

The engineering menu allows you to manually calibrate or disable the sensor, which is more reliable than the MIUI settings, but requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the operation of other sensors.

Steps to Enter Engineer Mode:

Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337###.
Go to the Hardware Testing → Sensor section.
Find the Proximity Sensor and click on it.
In the window that opens, select Disable or set 0 in the Threshold field.
Save the settings and restart the phone.

If the sensor does not turn off, try resetting it:

🔄 In the same menu, select Calibration.
📊 Follow the instructions on the screen (usually close the sensor with your hand and then remove it).
✅ After calibration, check the sensor in a real call.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?

If the code ##36446337### doesn’t work, try an alternative: ##4636##. In some firmware, Xiaomi blocks access to Engineer Mode – in this case, only ADB (Method 3) or custom recovery installation will help.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting your phone to factory or upgrade MIUI The sensor calibration is reset, so you have to repeat the procedure again.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, the most reliable method is the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but guaranteed to disable the sensor at the system level.

Preparation:

💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
📱 Turn on the phone to debug. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
🔌 Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer and confirm debugging permission.

Instructions:

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
Execute the command to disable the sensor: adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 1
Reboot your phone: adb reboot

To turn the sensor back on, use the same command, but with 0 at the end:

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 0

Important: Some custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may reset this option after updating, which will require re-executing the command.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers from the official website or using Google’s generic Android SDK Platform Tools.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons. Below the table will help you determine the best option for your situation:

Method	Difficulty	PC required	It persists after rebooting.	Suitable for MIUI 12
Through MIUI settings	⭐ (simple)	❌ No.	⚠️ Sometimes it's dropped.	✅ Yes.
Engineering menu	⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.
ADB-team	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.
Custom firmware	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	⚠️ Depends on the firmware.

For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users, Method 2 (Engineering Menu) is the optimal method, which requires no computer and reliably disables the sensor. If you update MIUI frequently, it is better to use ADB, as the settings of the engineering menu can be reset.

💡

Disabling the proximity sensor can increase battery consumption by 2-5%, as the screen will remain active during calls.

What to do if the sensor does not turn off?

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

🔒 Manufacturer Blocking: On Some Versions MIUI 12 for Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g., Chinese or Global Stable) access to sensor settings is limited.
🛠️ Hardware malfunction: Sensor may be physically damaged (check it in the test menu with code ##6484##).
🔄 Application conflict: Some programs (such as Truecaller or Call Recorder) can override sensor settings.

Alternative solutions:

Install Google Phone from Google Play – it has a separate setting to lock the screen during calls.
Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically turn off the sensor when you connect the headset.
Update MIUI to the latest version – new firmware often fix bugs with sensors.

⚠️ Note: If the proximity sensor is completely out of order (does not respond to tests), it will cost 800-1500 rubles to replace it at the service center. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is soldered into the main board, so self-repair is not recommended.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor

Can you turn off the sensor only for specific applications (like WhatsApp)?

No, MIUI 12 does not provide for selective deactivation of the sensor, but you can use Automate or Tasker to create rules that will temporarily disable the sensor when you run certain applications (root or ADB is required).

When the sensor is turned off, the screen doesn't go off during calls. Is that normal?

Yes, that's the expected behavior. Without the proximity sensor, the phone doesn't know you've brought it to your ear, so the screen stays on, so you can manually lock the screen with a power button or use headphones to avoid accidental taps.

Will Face Unlock work after the proximity sensor is turned off?

Yes, Face Unlock uses a front-facing camera and an infrared projector that are not connected to the proximity sensor. Disabling it won't affect the face unlock.

Can I turn off the sensor at all times (including games and other applications)?

The proximity sensor is only used when making calls and when holding the phone to the ear. In games, browsers or other applications, it is inactive, so turning it off will not affect their operation. Except for applications that explicitly request data from the sensor (for example, some fitness trackers).

How to check if the sensor is working after shutdown?

Enter the code ##6484##, select Proximity Sensor, and cover the top of the screen with your hand. If the sensor is disabled, the value will remain 5.0 cm (or another fixed one). If it works, the value will change to 0.0 cm.