How to turn off the proximity sensor Xiaomi Poco X3: Solving the problem of the black screen

Xiaomi smartphone owners and Poco sub-brands often experience a phone call that turns the screen off and stops responding to touch, which is caused by a proximity sensor that locks the display when it lifts the phone to the ear. However, on models like the Poco X3 NFC or Poco X3 Pro, this mechanism often works incorrectly, locking the screen even when the device is in hand or lying on the table.

Users are forced to find ways to disable or reconfigure this module to avoid resetting calls or not being able to press the volume button. The problem lies not only in software failures, but also in the design features of a virtual sensor that responds to glare or protective films. In this article, we will discuss all the solutions in detail, from simple settings to using an engineering menu.

The virtual sensor in modern Xiaomi smartphones replaces the physical infrared element using data from the accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as analyzing changes in lighting. It is this software emulation that often causes false positives. Understanding the principle of operation will help you choose the most effective method of troubleshooting without losing warranty.

The reasons for the incorrect operation of the sensor on the Poco X3

The main cause of the problem is the lack of a physical hole in the upper frame of the screen for the IR emitter. Xiaomi engineers implemented the proximity sensor function software, which makes it extremely sensitive to external factors. The slightest contamination of the top of the screen or a glued protective glass can distort the light readings, making the system think that the phone is near the ear.

In addition, program conflicts in the shell MIUI Or HyperOS can cause driver malfunctions, and once the operating system is updated, the calibration algorithms can get lost, and the phone will not correctly determine the distance to the object, and the body temperature also affects: when the Poco overheats, the calibration algorithms can get lost. X3 Pro sensors can behave unpredictably.

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Use only high-quality protective glass with a cutout under the speaker or a transparent zone at the top, so as not to block the virtual sensor.

And the human factor is also important, because many users accidentally overlap the top of the palm while talking. Unlike older models with a physical sensor, there's enough shadow from the finger to turn off the screen. The critical factor is the software interpretation of the accelerometer data, which doesn't always match the actual position of the device.

Basic settings and checking for updates

Before you go to complex manipulations, you need to eliminate trivial software errors. Often the problem is solved by simply restarting the system or checking for updates. Go to the Settings menu → About the phone and click on the MIUI version. If the system suggests updating, do so, as new patches often contain patches for the sensors to work.

It’s also worth checking if Pocket mode or similar features that can aggressively lock the screen are activated. Some firmware versions have a “Pack in Pocket” option, which can be found in advanced call settings. Disabling unnecessary security features sometimes helps stabilize the display.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone in the standard way through the off menu.
• 📱 Check for system updates in the About Phone section".
• 📞 Make sure that no experimental functions are included in the Phone app.
• 🧹 Wipe the top of the screen with a microfiber from fat and dust.

If standard methods don't work, go deeper, and without calibration, any other action might be useless.

Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu

The most effective way to fix the problem is to manually calibrate the sensor, which Xiaomi and Poco have a hidden CIT engineering menu that is accessed through a special code in the call app, which allows you to reset your current values and record new benchmarks.

Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the hardware testing menu will open. Find Proximity Sensor or Approximation Sensor in the list. Click on it to start the testing and calibration process.

In the window that opens, you'll see the readings that are currently in place. Press the Calibrate button. The system will ask you to remove your hands from the top of the screen, and then, on the contrary, close it with your palm. Follow the instructions on the screen. Once you're done successfully, the message "Pass" or "Success" will appear. Be sure to restart the device after the procedure.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the calibration process or press other buttons until the test is complete. Interruption may cause the sensor settings to reset in an incorrect state.

Use of the Phone Engineer application

If the built-in CIT menu doesn’t open or work, you can use a third-party Phone Engineer app (formerly known as Xiaomi Engineer), a utility developed by enthusiasts specifically to diagnose and customize hidden settings of Xiaomi phones, and provides more flexible access to sensor drivers.

Download the app from a trusted source (like Google Play or 4PDA) and install it. Once you run, select your device model from the list. You'll need a section associated with Proximity Sensor. You can not only calibrate the sensor, but also change the thresholds of the senses.

The app often has a Disable feature that programmatically blocks the sensor, but you should use it with caution. When you change the settings, press Save or Apply. The app may require a superuser right (Root), but the basic functions work without them.

Shutdown through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

For users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of disabling the sensor via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but necessitates the presence of a computer and installed drivers, it allows you to change system settings that are not available through the normal interface.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the build number. Then, in the Advanced Settings menu, turn on "Debugging on USB." Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt in the ADB folder.

adb shell settings put system proximity_on_touch 0

This command tries to change the approach response setting when touching, and you can also try to disable a particular service, although in modern versions of Android this can cause work system instability. Be careful and back up before making changes to system files.

• 💻 Install platform tools ADB computer.
• 🔌 Put the debugging on. USB developer-menu.
• ⌨️ Enter a command to change system variables.
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better use software calibration.

Alternative solutions and third-party applications

If the system methods failed to solve the problem, come to the rescue applications from Google Play, which intercept the control of the sensor. Programs like Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix or Ultimate Customization can force the screen to keep the screen on during the call.

One of the popular methods is to use the Button Mapper app or analogues, which can be reassigned to the volume buttons, so you can set the double volume press to turn on the speaker or to complete the call, which makes up for the lack of touchscreen response, which is a workaround, but it's effective.

There's also a Screen Off and On app that allows you to customize screen scenarios, so you can create a Call profile where the proximity sensor is ignored, and that requires special permissions that are issued through a computer or ADB.

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Using third-party interceptor apps is a temporary solution that can consume more battery, but allows you to completely ignore the faulty sensor.

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