How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

The proximity sensor problem on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is a classic situation that almost every owner of the brand’s devices faces: the screen goes out during a conversation, the phone does not respond to presses, or, conversely, presses its cheek and resets a call. These troubles are often associated with software failures of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, as well as with incorrect calibration of the touch layer.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways we can solve this problem, from simple settings to the use of an engineering menu. There are many ways to turn off the proximity sensor, but it's important to understand that ignoring it completely by the system can lead to inconveniences in everyday use, such as accidentally tapping your ear during a call. However, if the standard tools don't help, we have proven ways to bypass the restrictions.

Why the proximity sensor is not working properly

The main reason for the failures is the software interpretation of sensor data. Android on Xiaomi devices often receives false signals that the phone is near the ear, even when it is lying on the table, this can be due to a protective glass that covers the top of the display, or because of a software conflict after a firmware update.

The physical location of the sensor also plays a role. In most Redmi and POCO models, it is in the top bezel or under the display. Dirt, dust, or a poor-quality sticker can block the infrared radiation needed to work properly. In such cases, software shutdown becomes the only quick solution to continue the devices.

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Before changing the settings, carefully wipe the top of the screen and remove the protective glass if it closes the dynamic conversation area.

It's worth noting that in the latest versions of MIUI, developers have hidden the direct possibility of turning off the sensor in the standard menu, which is done for safety and avoiding accidental actions, but for many users it becomes an obstacle, so we will have to resort to more advanced methods of system configuration.

Using the CIT Engineering Menu for Testing

The first and most reliable way to diagnose and solve the time is to use the built-in CIT engineering menu, which is designed to test equipment and check if the sensor sees objects at all, and to enter the menu, you need to enter a special code in the Phone application.

Dial ##6484## and press the call. If the menu opens, look for the Proximity Sensor item in the list. Here you will see the current distance value. Close the top of the screen with your hand: the value should change from 5.0 to 0.0. If there is no change, the problem may be hardware.

• 🔍 Take the test on the menu CIT, to ensure that the sensor is in good condition.
• 📱 Check if the protective film is blocking the sensor area.
• 🔄 Restart the device after checking to reset the sensor cache.
• ⚙️ Use the Calibrate button in the menu CIT calibration-reset.

It's important to understand that the engineering menu doesn't completely disable the sensor, but it helps diagnose the problem. If the tests show that the sensor is dead or constantly seeing an object, the software methods may not help, and then consider re-adjusting the plume or replacing the module at the service center.

Configure with hidden Developer Options

There's a method that allows you to influence the sensor through the developer menu, and although there's no direct "Disable" button, changing some parameters can reduce sensitivity or change the algorithm for how the system responds to the approximation, you first need to activate the developer mode.

Go to Settings → About your phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version field. After the message “You became a developer” appears, go back to the main settings menu and find the Additional or Advanced Settings section. There will be the “Developers” item.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in developer mode can affect the stability of the system.

Inside the developer menu, scroll through the list to the end. We're interested in things that are related to window behavior or animation, but there's no direct sensor setup. However, resetting the settings in this menu or debugging on USB sometimes helps to reconfigure the sensor drivers. Try to find Simulate secondary displays or similar experimental features, although their availability depends on the Android version.

A more effective way to look in this section is to look for “Show touch” or “Position pointer” and enable these points to help visually determine whether the top of the screen responds to touch, which indirectly affects the sensor in some interface use cases.

Application of third-party fixing applications

Because Xiaomi often keeps the sensor from being turned off, enthusiasts have created applications that intercept the sensor signal and block it from being transmitted to the system, the most effective software method for modern versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS.

One of the most popular solutions is the Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix app or similar utilities from Google Play, which require special permissions, such as the right to "Above Other Windows" and access to telephony. Once installed, the app hangs in the background and forcibly keeps the sensor active or ignores its signals.

The alternative is to use macros through MacroDroid or Tasker, and you can create a script that says, "If there's an incoming call." → However, such scripts often require root rights, the receipt of which deprives guarantees and can disrupt the operation of banking applications.

When using third-party apps, keep data security in mind. When you access a phone, you trust the developer with information about your calls, and only choose proven programs with high ratings and a lot of feedback from real users.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have compiled a comparison table of methods, each of which has its pros and cons depending on your phone model and firmware version.

As you can see from the table, the best option for the average user is to install a specialized application, which is fast, secure and reversible, and root-right methods are only suitable for advanced users who understand the risks and the need to unlock the bootloader.

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Using fixing applications is the safest and most effective way to circumvent the software limitations of MIUI without losing warranty.

Frequent errors in calibration

Many users try to solve the problem by calibrating, but they do it wrong. The main mistake is to perform the procedure in the wrong conditions. The proximity sensor is very sensitive to light and distance. If you calibrate in bright sunlight or in complete darkness, the results may not be correct.

It is also a common mistake to use dirty or greasy hands during the test. Fat marks on the top of the screen distort the sensor readings. Before starting any manipulations, be sure to degrease the display surface with an alcohol napkin.

• 🧼 Do not calibrate without cleaning the screen of contamination.
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight on the sensor during the test.
• 📏 Keep your phone at a distance. 20-30 see from the face at the start of calibration.
• 🚫 Don’t press the buttons too quickly, give the sensor time to react.

If after several attempts calibration does not work, it is possible that the sensor itself or the plume connecting it to the motherboard is damaged, in such cases, the software methods are powerless, and physical repair of the device is required in an authorized service center.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

To sum up, the proximity sensor problem on Xiaomi is solvable. Start by cleaning the screen and checking the engineering menu. If that doesn't work, install a proven fixer app from the Play Market, which will help you regain the comfort of using your smartphone without having to carry it for repair.