How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 11T: 3 proven ways

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi 11T smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation when the device is approached to the ear. However, many users face situations when this sensor does not work correctly: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to gestures or, conversely, does not turn off during a call, which leads to accidental pressing. In some cases, the sensor interferes with the use of magnetically mounted cases or during games when the phone is close to the face.

In this article, we will discuss three official and informal ways to disable the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi 11T, including system settings, ADB commands and hidden engineering menus. It is important to understand that deactivating the sensor can affect the usability of calls, so before changing it, it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons. If the problem is not the sensor itself, but its calibration, we will also show how to return performance without completely shutting down.

Why turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 11T?

At first glance, the proximity sensor seems like a useful feature, but in practice it often becomes a source of annoyance. Here are the most common reasons why Xiaomi 11T users decide to turn it off:

• 📞 False positives during calls: The screen goes out when the phone is just lying on the table or in your pocket, which interferes with call management.
• 🎮 Problems in games: in dynamic shooters or simulators, the sensor can be triggered by sudden movements, blocking the screen at the most inopportune moment.
• 🧲 Conflict with magnetic covers: some accessories (for example, cases with auto-opening function) interfere with the correct operation of the sensor.
• 🔧 Sensor malfunction: After falling or getting moisture, the sensor can work unstablely, and its repair is more expensive than a temporary shutdown.
• 🛠️ Testing or debugging: Developers and enthusiasts sometimes turn off the sensor to check apps or custom firmware.

On the other hand, disabling the sensor has the downside: during a call, the screen will not lock automatically, which increases the risk of accidental pressing (for example, on the button to end a call or turn on the speakerphone). If you talk often on the phone, you will have to manually lock the screen or use headphones.

Method 1: Disconnect the sensor through phone settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way to disable the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi 11T is to use the built-in system settings. Unfortunately, standard MIUI firmware does not have a direct option to deactivate the sensor, but it can be circumvented through special features settings.

1. Open the Settings app** on the home screen.
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section (the person in a wheelchair icon).
3. Select the physical and motor capabilities.
4. Slip on the automatic screen shutdown.
5. In the menu that opens, turn off the slider next to the option to Turn off the screen when approaching.

If your version of MIUI does not have Automatic Screen Disconnect, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
2. Find the Sensors or Lock Screen and Password section.
3. Check for the Approach Sensor option – if you have one, deactivate it.

Note that some regional firmware (e.g. Europe or India) may not have these settings, so you'll have to use an ADB or an engineering menu.

Method 2: Disable the sensor via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can disable the proximity sensor using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices.This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and executing multiple commands, but it works on most Xiaomi 11T firmware, including global and Chinese versions.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the computer ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded via Android Studio or separately).
• 🔌 Debugging is on. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔒 Installations from unknown sources are allowed (if additional utilities are required).

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Connect Xiaomi 11T computer-to-computer USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
4. Give permission to debug on the phone (a request will appear).
5. Enter the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0
6. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once you restart, the proximity sensor will be deactivated. To return it back, use the same command, but with a 1 instead of a 0.

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If the adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0 If it doesn’t work, try an alternative method by changing the configuration file. /system/build.prop. However, this requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights!

Note: on some Xiaomi 11T firmware (e.g. Chinese or beta versions), the ADB command may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case try the method with an engineering menu or consult custom firmware.

Method 3: Engineering menu (hidden settings)

All Xiaomi smartphones, including the 11T, have a hidden engineering menu where you can test and adjust the sensors manually, which does not require a connection to a computer, but is temporary - after restarting the phone, the settings can reset.

1. Open the phone application** (standard call).
2. Enter the code: ##6484## (if the code didn't work, try ##4636## → Hardware Testing).
3. In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor.
4. Click Disable or uncheck the Enable option.
5. Return to the main menu and exit (some firmwares need to press Back several times).

To check if the shutdown has worked, close the top of the screen (where the sensor is located) with your palm - the screen should not go out. If the sensor is activated again after the restart, repeat the procedure or use ADB.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose! Incorrect settings can cause failures in the camera, network or battery.

Problems after disconnecting the sensor and their solution

Disabling the proximity sensor can cause a number of side effects, and these are the most common ones and ways to eliminate them:

If you notice that the screen has become less responsive or artifacts have appeared after the sensor has been turned off, try recalibrating the sensor.

1. Return to the engineering menu (#6484###).

If the calibration didn't work, it might be physically damaged, in which case turning it off is a temporary solution before being replaced at the service center.

Alternative solutions: when to turn off the sensor is not necessary

Before you fully deactivate the proximity sensor, check if you can solve the problem in other ways. Often, the sensor's malfunction is not due to a malfunction, but to software failures or external factors.

• 🛡️ Virus check: Some malicious apps may interfere with sensors.Scan your phone using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.

If the sensor is only unstable in certain applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram during calls), check the settings of these programs.

1. Open the messenger settings.
2. Go to the Calls section or during the call.
3. Find an option like Use the proximity sensor and turn it off.

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Before turning off the sensor, always check if the problem is caused by a protective film or case. Sometimes it is enough to remove the accessory to make the sensor work normally.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi 11T, users often make mistakes that can lead to even bigger problems.

⚠️ Warning: Never edit system files (e.g. build.prop) without backing up! an error in one character can result in a "brick"** (completely inoperable) phone.

• 🚫 Use of untested ADB-Not all teams from the Internet are suitable for Xiaomi 11T. For example, the adb shell pm disable com.android.proximity command can disable not only the sensor, but also other system services.
• 🔌 Disable debugging by USB after-use ADB: If you are planning to use it again ADB, Do not disable debugging, otherwise you will have to re-block access.
• 📱 Ignoring updates: After disabling the sensor through ADB Or an engineering menu, a firmware update might bring back the standard settings. Always check the sensor after the update.
• 🔧 Self-repair sensor: Approximation sensor in Xiaomi 11T It's located next to the front camera, and it's connected to a flexible plume, and trying to fix it without experience can damage the camera or the microphone.

If after disconnecting the sensor, the phone began to work unstable (for example, lags or spontaneous reboots appeared), follow the following steps:

1. Return the standard sensor settings (via ADB or engineering menu).
2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → long press on “Switch off” → “Safe Mode”) and check if the problem persists.
3. If the failure repeats, reset to factory settings (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions