How to permanently disable the light sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is equipped with an automatic light sensor that adjusts the brightness of the screen depending on the ambient light. For many users, this feature seems convenient - the screen does not blind in the dark and remains readable in bright sun. However, not everyone likes how autobrightness works: someone complains of too aggressive brightness jumps, someone on incorrect sensor readings, and some simply prefer manual tuning.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can turn off the light sensor on the Redmi Note 8T, from standard settings to advanced ADB techniques and superuser rights, and we'll discuss the consequences of deactivating the sensor, and we'll offer alternative solutions for a more comfortable screen experience, and if you're tired of spontaneous brightness changes, this guide is for you.

Why is the light sensor on the Redmi Note 8T intruding?

Automatically adjusting the brightness of the screen is one of those features that you like or annoy. On the Redmi Note 8T, the light sensor is located next to the front camera and responds to the intensity of external light. In theory, this should save battery power and reduce eye strain.

• ⚡ Sharp jumps in brightness – the screen suddenly dims or becomes too bright for no apparent reason.
• 🌓 Incorrect work in the dusk – the sensor confuses artificial lighting with daylight.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – Constant scanning of the surroundings can eat up to 5-7% day-load.
• 🎮 Interference in games and videos – autobrightness interferes with viewing content with dark scenes.

Also, on the Redmi Note 8T (as on other Xiaomi smartphones), the light sensor is closely linked to Reading Mode, which filters blue light. If you turn off autobrightness through standard settings, this mode may not work correctly, so it is important to choose a method that does not disrupt other system functions.

Method 1: Turning off autobrightness through standard settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the auto-regulating brightness in the settings menu, so it won't physically turn off the sensor itself, but the system will stop using the sensor readings to change the brightness of the screen.

To do this:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Screen section.
3. Find the option Automatic Brightness (or Adaptive Brightness in some versions of MIUI).
4. Move the slider to the off position.
5. Manually set a comfortable brightness level with the slider below.

After that, the light sensor will remain active (for example, for the function "Raise to wake up" or "Read"), but the brightness of the screen will cease to change automatically, this method is suitable for 90% of users and does not require additional manipulation.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI If you turn off the brightness, you may be running a dark theme mode on schedule. If you do, check the theme settings in the Screen section. → Dark subject.

Method 2: Disconnect the light sensor via ADB (without root)

If the standard autobrightness shutdown didn’t work (for example, brightness changes anyway), you can block the system-level light sensor using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires the smartphone to be connected to a computer.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 🖥️ The PC has installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Used by the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).

Now, run the following commands in ADB:

adb shell


settings put system screen_brightness_mode 0

This command compels manual brightness settings, and if you want to turn off the sensor completely (including functions like "Raise to wake up"), use:

adb shell


settings put system proximity_sensor_calibration 0,0:0,0:0,0:5.0

After completing the commands, restart your smartphone. The light sensor will be deactivated until the next settings reset or MIUI update.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the proximity sensor stops working after the commands are executed (the screen does not turn off during the call), return the standard settings with the settings reset command.

Method 3: Completely disabling the sensor through root access

If you're willing to take drastic measures and have root rights (like Magisk), you can turn off the light sensor at the hardware level, a technique that's suitable for advanced users, as it requires editing system files.

For this:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/sensors.
3. Find the file. light_sensor.conf (or similar, depending on the version MIUI).
4. Open the file in the text editor and replace all values with 0 (for example, light_lux=0).
5. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

After that, the light sensor will be completely turned off and the system will stop polling it.

• 🚨 The risk of loss of warranty – Xiaomi may refuse the service if found root.
• 🔧 Possible failures – improper editing of system files can lead to a device “brick.
• 🔄 Need to reconfigure after updating MIUI.

What happens if you turn off the light sensor: pros and cons

Before you make a decision, weigh the pros and cons. Disabling the light sensor has both obvious advantages and hidden disadvantages.

If you use reading mode or adaptive keylighting often, turning off the light sensor can disrupt the keys, and then you'd better use alternative solutions, which we'll talk about later.

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Before you turn off the sensor, check if the calibration helps. Go to Settings → Screen → Auto Brightness → Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen. Sometimes this solves the problem of brightness spikes without radical measures.

Alternative solutions: how to make autobrightness tolerable

Not everyone needs to turn off the light sensor completely — sometimes it's enough to adjust it. Here are some ways to make autobrightness less intrusive:

• 📱 Sensitivity settings - in some firmware MIUI You can change the thresholds of the sensor, and you can do that with applications like Lux Auto Brightness. ADB root).
• 🌙 Using a dark theme reduces the contrast of the screen, which reduces the need for frequent brightness changes.
• 🔄 Turning off autobrightness for individual applications – using Tasker or MacroDroid, you can create a rule that will capture the brightness when you start games or video player.
• 🔋 Energy-saving mode - in it, autobrightness works softer, without sharp jumps.

If the problem is incorrect sensor readings (for example, it reacts to the light of the lamp as if it were in the sun), try to wipe the area around the front camera with alcohol – sometimes dust or contamination interfere with the proper operation of the sensor.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off the light sensor, you often have a problem with the typical problem, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔧 After turning off the autobrightness, the screen became too dim → Set the brightness manually to a comfortable level (optimally — 60-70% room).
• 📵 The approach sensor stopped working → That means you've locked the wrong sensor. ADB command: settings delete system screen_brightness_mode
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The lights are back on. → Repeat the shutdown procedure or use the Disable Auto Brightness module for permanent effect.
• 🚫 Some apps ignore manual brightness → Check the power saving settings for these apps or use App Ops to block sensor access.

If neither method worked, it may be the firmware that is the problem, not the sensor, in which case flashing to a more stable version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI EU or Pixel Experience) will help.

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Before any manipulation of the sensors, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore the health of the smartphone if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions