How to permanently disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

The proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during phone calls to prevent accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. However, many users face problems: the screen goes out too early, does not turn back on after the call is completed, or the sensor fires falsely when using magnet cases. In some cases, a faulty sensor can completely block control of the smartphone during the call.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to disable the proximity sensor – through standard settings. MIUI, engineering menu and team ADB. You will also learn how to check the sensor's performance, what risks it poses deactivation, and what to do if new problems arise after the shutdown. 8 Pro on all versions MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS).

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen next to the front camera, and it works with infrared radiation: when you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor picks up the obstacle and tells the system to turn off the display. In theory, this is convenient, but in practice, users face the following problems:

• 🔄 False positives – the screen goes out when you normally hold your phone in your hand or when you use magnetic covers.
• 🕒 Delays of turn on – after the end of the call, the screen does not respond to touch, you have to press the power button.
• 🚫 Complete failure – the sensor stops working after falling or getting moisture, but the system still blocks the screen.
• 🎧 Headset conflict – with connected headphones, the sensor continues to work, although this is not necessary.

Especially often complaints come from owners who use Redmi Note 8 Pro with low-quality protective glass or thick covers. Infrared signal can be reflected or absorbed, which leads to unstable operation. Importantly, if the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a blow), it may be the only way to return the phone to normal operation without repair.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (the easiest)

If you don't want to go into the technical details, try the standard method first through the settings menu, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require superuser rights. However, it doesn't turn off the sensor completely, it only changes its behavior during calls.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show All Apps.
4. Find the phone (or calls) in the list and tap it.
5. Select Incoming Calls (or Call Settings, depending on the version of MIUI).
6. Turn off the option of Approach Sensor or Automatic Screen Disconnection.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
2. Find the Special Opportunities (or Convenience) section.
3. Go to Call Settings and turn off the Approach Sensor.

Method limitations: some MIUI firmware may not have this option, and after the system update, the settings may reset. If the method does not work, move on to the next one.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

The Engineering Mode allows you to directly control the hardware components of a smartphone, including the proximity sensor, which is more reliable than the MIUI settings, but requires caution – incorrect actions can disrupt other functions.

To get into the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (or #36446337## for newer versions of MIUI).
3. The Engineer Mode menu will appear on the screen. Select Proximity Sensor (or Approximation Sensor).
4. In the window that opens, you'll see the current sensor readings. To turn it off, look for the Proximity Sensor Calibration or Disable Proximity option.
5. If this option is not available, try manually setting the trigger threshold to a maximum value (e.g., 255).

Warning: In the engineering menu, you can accidentally change critical settings (such as network settings or accelerometer calibration).If you are not sure about your actions, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup before logging in.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After you turn off the sensor through the engineering menu, you may have problems automatically adjusting the brightness of the screen.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to send commands directly to the Android system, bypassing the interface limitations, and minus the method, you need a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools package (includes ADB).
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Redmi Note 8 Pro

CMD

Terminal

ADB

cd path to folder platform-tools


adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter a command to turn off the sensor:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0

To get it back, use:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 1

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 0

On some firmware, the parameter is stored in the system section, not the global one.-->

Important: After the phone is restarted, the ADB settings may reset, and root access or a special Magisk module (such as the Disable Proximity Sensor) is required to fix the changes.

How to check if the sensor is working?

Before you turn off the sensor, make sure it's really the problem, and you can use standard MIUI tools or third-party apps to diagnose it.

Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the engineering menu (combination ##6484##).
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. A graph or numerical values will appear on the screen (usually 0 is no obstacle, 1 or 255 is an obstacle detected).
4. Close the sensor with your hand, the values should change. If there is no reaction, the sensor is defective.

⚠️ Warning: If after disconnecting the sensor, the phone begins to overheat or discharge quickly, check the background processes through Settings → Battery → Battery use. Phone application may be in a high-speed mode due to lack of automation.

If problems persist, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (does not delete personal data).
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

Disabling the proximity sensor does not affect the operation of other sensors (accelometer, gyroscope, lighting).If other functions stop working after deactivation, the problem lies in the firmware or hardware malfunction.

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

Before you completely deactivate the sensor, try less radical methods:

1. Sensor calibration: In the engineering menu (#6484###), select Proximity Sensor Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen. This can eliminate false positives.
2. Replacement of protective glass: If the sensor is closed with thick or metallized glass, replace it with a model with a notch for sensors.
3. Headset use: When connected headphones, the proximity sensor automatically turns off (on most MIUI firmware).
4. Firmware update: check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Newer versions of MIUI often fix sensor bugs.

If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), turning it off is a temporary solution. For a full repair, you will need to replace the sensor in the service center. The cost of repair for the Redmi Note 8 Pro is about 800-1500 rubles (depending on the region).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor