How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: all working methods

Why users want to turn off the proximity sensor and when it really needs to

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a small but important component that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation. In theory, it is convenient: you bring your smartphone to your ear - the display goes off so you don't accidentally press the buttons with your cheek or finger. But in practice, many people experience false positives when the screen goes out in your pocket, while listening to music through a speaker or when using a magnet case.

Owners of Redmi Note 8T Often complain of specific problems: the sensor can work at high humidity (for example, in the shower or after rain), respond to sunlight through the glass cover or even work unstable after a fall of the phone. Another common situation is the use of a smartphone as a GPS-The screen goes out when you approach the face, although you need to see the map all the time.

However, before you deactivate the sensor, it is worth assessing the risks: without it, during calls, the screen will not lock automatically, which can lead to accidental pressing. In addition, on some firmware, disabling the sensor through standard settings is impossible - you will need hidden commands or even superuser rights.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (MIUI 12–14)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most users, unless the manufacturer has blocked this feature in your firmware version. Importantly, on some custom MIUI builds (for example, Global Stable vs China Stable), the path to settings may differ.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
• 🔍 Go to the Screen section. → Autoturn and sensors (or Screen Lock and Password in older versions).
• 🔄 Find the option of Approach Sensor or Automatic Lock when calling.
• 🔘 Move the slider to the off position..

If there is no such thing, then your version MIUI In this case, try alternative methods in the following sections, and check if the option is hidden under additional settings, sometimes hidden in the menu Special features. → Physical buttons.

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If after turning off the sensor, the screen stopped turning off during calls, but there were accidental presses, try using a film with a hole for the sensor - it will reduce sensitivity without completely turning off.

Method 2: Engineering menu (## codes and hidden options)

When standard settings don’t work, the engineering menu comes to the rescue — the hidden MIUI section where you can test and configure hardware components. Careful: the wrong actions here can cause your phone to malfunction. Before you go on, make sure you have enough battery power (at least 50%).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484## (alternative code for some versions: ##36446337###).
2. You'll be taken to the MIUI Version menu. Tap Hardware Testing → Sensor.
3. Find the Proximity Sensor string and select it.
4. In the window that opens, you'll have a Disable or Turn Off button. Press it.
5. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

If the sensor is activated again after the reboot, the firmware resets the settings of the engineering menu, in which case only disabling through ADB (method 4) or editing system files (method 5) will help.

Method 3: Use Apps from the Play Market (without root)

If you don't want to dig into the settings or take risks with the engineering menu, you can use third-party utilities. They don't require superuser rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the phone model. Below are the proven applications that run on the Redmi Note 8T:

Check reviews before installing, some users complain that applications stop working after updating MIUI. Also note the permissions: if the utility requests access to SMS or contacts without an obvious reason, it is better to refuse to use it.

Yeah, because of the false positives.|Yes, for convenience during calls.|No, but I want to try.|No, there's never been such a need.-->

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings without root rights, which is suitable for the Redmi Note 8T on any version of MIUI, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Must appear serial number of your Redmi Note 8T.
4. Execute the command to disable the sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
5. Reboot the phone.

To get the sensor back to work, use the same command by replacing 1 with 0. Attention: on some firmware, after resetting the settings or updating the MIUI, the parameter is reset, and the procedure will have to be repeated.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download ADB Tools from the official website|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command-->

Method 5: Editing system files (requires root rights)

This is the most radical method that is guaranteed to turn off the sensor forever, but is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or SuperSU. Without root rights to change system files is impossible - MIUI blocks access.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/usr/keylayout/ Find the file. qrd_skuh.kl (or similar to the name of your model).
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the line: key 602 PROXIMITY
4. Replace it with #key 602 PROXIMITY (add # to the beginning, this will comment on the line).
5. Save the changes, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

If the sensor is still working after rebooting, check if the string is duplicated in other files in the same directory, and note that after updating MIUI, changes may be reset, you will have to repeat the procedure or install custom firmware with the default sensor disabled.

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Editing system files is the most reliable way, but it carries risks ranging from loss of warranty to phone blink, only use it if other methods have failed and you understand the consequences.

What to do if the sensor is disconnected, but problems remain

Sometimes, after the sensor is deactivated, users face new inconveniences: the screen does not go out during calls, buttons are accidentally pressed, or the smartphone begins to warm up.

• 📵 Screen not locked when you call: Use the power button to manually lock or install the Gravity Screen app, which will extinguish the display when you change your phone's position.
• 🔥 Overheating: Turning off the sensor shouldn't affect the temperature, but if the phone gets hot, check Settings → Battery → Use for background activities.
• 🔄 Sensor turned on after the update: Repeat the disconnection through ADB Or an engineering menu. MIUI 14+ You may need to revert to the previous version of the firmware.

If neither of these methods worked, it may be the firmware problem, not the sensor. For example, on some MIUI builds for the Redmi Note 8T (especially China ROM), the sensor is controlled at the core level, and turning it off requires flashing it to Global Stable or custom firmware like the Pixel Experience.

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Before flashing backup, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save contacts, SMS and application settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI For the Redmi Note 8T (China ROM) Disabling the proximity sensor may result in loss of Always On Display functionality (AOD). If you use this feature, check its work manually before turning off the sensor.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, return the sensor to its original state. The new owner may not be aware of your changes, and this will cause problems when calling. ADB: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0.