How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide

The proximity sensor issue on the Redmi Note 8 Pro line is one of the most frequent queries in Xiaomi user communities. Device owners often face a situation where during a phone conversation the screen goes out on its own, blocking access to the hands-free or dial keyboard. This behavior of the touch module can be caused by both a software glitch and the design features of the smartphone, where the sensor is built into the top of the display.

There are several ways to solve this obsessive problem, ranging from simple calibration through an engineering menu to completely shutting down the function through hidden settings of the MIUI system. It is important to understand that completely ignoring the sensor readings will cause the screen to stop fading when you bring the phone to your ear, which can cause accidental cheek pressing. However, if standard methods do not help, a radical solution becomes the only way to communicate comfortably.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for diagnosing and disabling the proximity sensor specifically for the Redmi Note 8 Pro. We will look at the work with engineering code, the use of special applications for calibration and manual configuration of system parameters. Following the instructions, you can regain control of your device and get rid of random locks on the screen.

The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before we start taking radical action to shut down the function, we need to understand the nature of the failure. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor is virtual and located under the display layer, making it sensitive to any changes in the transparency of the security glass. Often, the cause of false positives is a poor-quality protective film or glass that blocks the infrared beam sent by the sensor.

Another common cause is contamination at the top of the screen: Fat spots, dust or glue residue from previous glasses can distort the sensor readings, making the system think the phone is near the ear. Also software conflicts after updating the Android operating system or shell MIUI may cause incorrect processing of signals from the hardware module.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of settings, make sure the top of your Redmi Note 8 Pro screen is perfectly clean.Often, a simple microfiber wipe solves 50% of all false lock problems.

In some cases, the problem is that the plume or the sensor itself is physically damaged after the device falls, and if the phone has been mechanically impacted, software methods may not work, and in such a situation, disabling the sensor through the code will be a temporary solution before visiting a service center to replace components.

Diagnostics of the sensor state through the engineering menu

The first step before completely disabling the function should be a thorough diagnosis. Xiaomi smartphones have built-in engineering menu that allows you to test the operation of all sensors in real time.

Type the combination ##6484## in the dial box. Once you enter the last characters, the device automatically switches to CIT (Customer Interface Test) mode. In the list you open, you need to find the item "Proximity Sensor" or "Proximation Sensor." When you click on it, you will see the current sensor readings: if the value changes when you close the top of the screen with your hand, then the hardware is good.

If the values do not change or change randomly during the test, this indicates the need to calibrate or reset settings. In the same menu, a “Calibration” button is often available, which triggers an automatic procedure for adjusting the feelings of canness, and after the process is completed, the system will issue a report on the success or failure of the operation, which will help decide on further actions with system parameters.

Disconnection method through hidden MIUI settings

One of the most effective and safest ways to solve the problem is to use a hidden menu of MIUI settings. This method allows you to programmatically ignore the sensor readings when calling, without deleting system files and without violating the integrity of the firmware. However, to access this menu, you need to activate the debugging mode.

Go to Settings. → About the phone and several times quickly click on the item "Version" MIUI», until the notice "You've become a developer" appears, then go back to the main settings menu, select "Advanced Settings" and find "Developers" where you need to activate the "Debug by" switch. USB».

Once you activate the developer mode, open the standard Phone app and dial the code ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Scroll down to Incoming Call Settings. Here you will find the option “Proximity sensor on call” that needs to be translated to either Disable or Off.

⚠️ Note: Changes to menu 4636 can be reset after a full reboot of the device on some versions MIUI. If the setting has gone off after the restart, you will need to repeat the procedure or use alternative methods of fixing the state.

This method is preferred because it is reversible and does not require third-party software installation. If the option in the menu 4636 is missing or inactive, this may mean that your firmware version blocks access to these options, in which case you should consider using specialized applications for sensor management.

Use of third-party applications for calibration

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work, Google Play apps designed specifically for sensors come to the rescue, and one of the most popular and proven tools is the Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix app, which allows you to force the sensor driver to restart and perform deep calibration.

Once you install the app, run it and follow the instructions on the screen. The program will ask you to cover the top of the screen with your hand or object, and then remove it. Based on this data, the application recalculates sensitivity thresholds and writes them to the system configuration file. This often helps to "revive" the sensor that has stopped responding to light changes.

Some applications also offer a function of forced shutdown of the sensor, emulating its constant activity or, conversely, complete absence. This works by creating a virtual layer that intercepts signals from the hardware module before transmitting them to the system.

When choosing an application, pay attention to the number of installations and fresh user reviews, as developers constantly update their products for compatibility with new versions of MIUI. Do not download dubious programs from unknown resources to avoid introducing malicious code into your system.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

The choice of the optimal method of troubleshooting depends on the specific situation and the technical literacy of the user. Below is a table comparing the main methods for their effectiveness, complexity and safety for the device.

As you can see from the table, the safest and often most effective method is to use a hidden developer menu through code 4636, which requires no additional software installation and allows for flexible management of the sensor status. App-based methods are good as a temporary solution, but may have limitations on new versions of the operating system.

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is likely hardware in nature, in which case software shutting down the sensor will be the only way to use the phone without constantly dropping calls with your cheek until repairs are made at the service center.

💡

Thick glasses (more than 0.3 mm) often cause the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro to malfunction, as infrared radiation cannot pass through them with sufficient intensity.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

💡

Software disabling the sensor is a temporary solution that allows you to comfortably use the phone until the replacement of the display module or the release of an official patch from the manufacturer.