Disabling the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 8T: the full guide

Owners of the Xiaomi Mi 8T smartphone often face intrusive behavior of the system during a conversation, when the screen goes out prematurely or, conversely, does not turn off when you bring it to the ear. The problem lies in the incorrect operation of the proximity sensor, which is located in the upper part of the body next to the speaker. In some cases, software failures or features of the protective film make the use of this feature extremely uncomfortable, requiring immediate intervention in the settings of the device.

There are several proven ways to solve this problem, ranging from standard MIUI settings to the use of hidden engineering menus. It is important to understand that completely turning off the sensor will deprive you of the ability to automatically turn off the screen during a call, which can lead to accidental cheek presses. However, if the standard calibration does not help, deactivation remains the only working option for comfortable use of the gadget.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from secure software solutions to deeper system changes. You will learn how to log into the CIT menu, how to use codes to access debugging, and what applications can help in fine-tuning sensors. Before you start any manipulations, make sure you understand the consequences of your actions, since changing system parameters requires careful attention.

The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor on the Mi 8T

Before embarking on radical measures to disable the function, it is worth understanding the nature of the problem. Often users blame the hardware module itself for the failure, but in most cases the failure is software-based or due to external factors. The Xiaomi Mi 8T smartphone is equipped with a virtual sensor that is software emulated based on gyroscope and accelerometer data, which makes it sensitive to calibration.

One of the most common causes is a protective glass or film that overlays the top speaker area. Even a microscopic layer of glue or air bubbles can distort the readings, making the system think the phone is near the ear, and problems can occur after updating the MIUI firmware, when new data processing algorithms conflict with previous calibration settings.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a thick protective glass, make sure it has a special cutout for sensors. Otherwise, even after the software filters are turned off, the problem may persist at the hardware level.

Another factor is contamination of the upper body: Dust, skin fat and pile from the pocket accumulate in the speaker grid, creating a physical barrier to infrared radiation (if a hybrid type is used), or simply affecting the operation of the light sensor. Regular cleaning of this area with an alcohol wipe often solves the problem without having to climb into the system settings.

• 📱 Protective film: Incorrectly pasted glass covers the sensitivity zone at the top of the screen.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Mistakes in work MIUI after system update or recovery from backup.
• 🧹 Pollution: Dust and dirt in the area of the conversational speaker block the sensor.
• 📞 Application Conflict: Third-party calls or messengers may incorrectly request proximity data.

Understanding the reason will allow you to choose the most effective method of solving, if it is a film, no settings will help until you replace the accessory. If the problem is a software failure, then the instructions below will help you return the phone to normal operation.

Using the CIT Engineering Menu for Diagnostics

The first step in solving the problem should be deep diagnostics through the built-in CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu, which is designed to test all components of the device and allows you not only to check the performance of the sensor, but also to recalibrate it, which is often more effective than a complete shutdown.

To enter the diagnostics menu on Xiaomi Mi 8T, you need to open the standard Phone app and type a special combination of characters. Once you enter the code, the system will automatically redirect you to the hidden settings section, where you will find a list of all the modules being tested.

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In the window that opens, you'll see the current sensor readings. Close the top of the screen with your palm, the values should change, and when you remove your hand, return to their original state. If you have a reaction but it's late, try pressing the Calibration button and following the instructions on the screen, closing and opening the sensor the specified number of times.

If the test shows that the sensor is constantly active (value "1" or "Near") even without overlap, this indicates a software sticking, in which case, reboot the device and pass the test again. Only if the calibration does not help and the sensor behaves chaoticly, it makes sense to switch to methods of forced shutdown through ADB or third-party utilities.

Disconnection through hidden developer settings

In some versions of the MIUI shell installed on the Xiaomi Mi 8T, it is possible to disable the use of the proximity sensor for certain actions or change the sensitivity threshold through the developer menu. This method is the most secure, since it does not require the installation of third-party software and does not change the system files.

To activate the developer menu, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version. Once the “You’ve become a developer” notification appears, go back to the main settings menu and find the option Additional (or Advanced Settings) where the new menu will be hidden. Inside, look for the section associated with the input or sensor.

However, it is worth noting that in modern versions of Android and MIUI The direct checkbox "Disable proximity sensor" is often hidden or removed by manufacturers, so you can try using the debugging command if your device supports the device. ADB-debugging via Wi-Fi or USB. To do this, you will need to connect the smartphone to the computer and enter a command through the platform. ADB Tools.

• 🔧 Activation: Enabling the developer mode through multiple clicks on the OS version.
• 💻 ADB Use of the settings put system command proximity_on 0 (It doesn't work on all firmware).
• ⚙️ Call settings: Checking the native phone app for the presence of a sensor switch.
• 📡 Wi-Fi debugging: The ability to manage settings without cable connection with root rights.

⚠️ Note: Change of parameters through ADB An incorrect command can cause the call system to run unstable, so write down all the inputs so you can roll back changes.

If standard methods fail to produce results through the developer's settings, it means that the manufacturer has severely limited the ability to program deactivate the sensor at the kernel level, in which case the only way out is to use specialized fixing applications that intercept sensor signals.

Application of third-party fixing applications

The most effective way for a typical user who does not want to go deep into the code is to install a specialized application from the Google Play Store. Xiaomi Mi 8T is great for utilities like “Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix” or “Lesser Touch”, which allows you to reassign the sensor or completely ignore its readings during a conversation.

The principle of such programs is to create an invisible layer on top of the bell screen that blocks the response of the touch screen in certain areas or emulates the state “sensor is not closed.” Once the application is installed, it must be given the necessary permissions, including the right to overlay over other windows and access to the phone.

In the settings of the selected application, you can often set an area of neglect. For example, you can specify that the top 20% of the screen should not respond to touch during an active call. This creates the effect of a disconnected sensor, but preserves the functionality of the touchscreen in the workspace of the call interface.

Also, after the MIUI update, access rights may reset and the lock will need to be reset, but this is the most flexible method to enable and disable the function at any time.

When choosing an application, pay attention to user reviews for the Xiaomi Mi 8T model, since compatibility can vary depending on the version of Android. Some fixes can conflict with the MIUI branded shell, causing the call interface to freeze.

Radical Methods: Root and Systemic Changes

For advanced users with superuser rights (Root), it opens up the possibility of completely disabling the sensor driver at the system level, which guarantees 100% results, since the operating system stops polling the sensor at all, but this method is risky and requires an unlocked bootloader.

There are several ways to do this: One is to use modules for Magisk, such as the Disable Proximity Sensor, which make changes to system configuration files when you boot, and the other is to manually edit the build.prop file, or use the terminal to enter commands that disable the relevant services.

To manually disconnect through the terminal (requires Root), you can use a command that changes the value of the corresponding parameter in the system. For example, the command can look like a change in the status of the device in sysfs. But beware: improper editing of system files can lead to a “boot loop” (cyclic reboot).

Example of commands for terminal with Root access


echo 0 > /sys/class/proximity/proximity/enable

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to the methods described in the previous sections: obtaining root rights automatically deprives you of warranties (if it is still valid) and reduces the overall security of the device, making it vulnerable to malware that can access deep layers of the system.

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Before obtaining Root rights, be sure to make a full backup of data through the Mi Cloud or locally to your computer, since unlocking the bootloader completely erases information from the device.

Frequent questions and problems when setting up

Users often face the same setup challenges, and the following are answers to the most pressing questions to help avoid common bugs when working with the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Mi 8T.

Many people ask if the sensor's disconnection affects the "Prepare to Answer" function, and the answer is clear: yes, this function will stop working because it is completely tied to the sensor's readings, and the control gestures during the call may also stop working if they depend on the proximity status of the object.

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The optimal solution for most Mi 8T users is not to completely disable the sensor, but to calibrate it through an engineering menu or use lightweight touch fixing applications.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi 8T remains a great device, and a small problem with the sensor should not cloud the experience of using it.