Disabling sensors in Xiaomi phone: safe methods for all models

Xiaomi smartphones today are equipped with dozens of sensors, from basic accelerometers to complex gyroscopes and light sensors, which are responsible for automatic screen rotation, gestures, charge savings and even security, but sometimes users are faced with the need to turn off the sensors — whether due to improper operation, a desire to save battery or testing applications.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods of deactivating sensors on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (including models MIUI 12-14 Android 11-14). You will learn which sensors can be selectively turned off through settings, and for which you will need to ADB-We will focus on the risks and consequences, from loss of functionality to possible overheating of the device.

⚠️ Important: Disabling critical sensors (such as temperature or accelerometer) can lead to unstable system operation or even hardware failures!

What sensors are in Xiaomi smartphones and what they are responsible for

Before we start shutting down, we'll figure out which sensors are in your device, and you can see a list of them through an engineering menu or an application like this. CPU-Z Or Sensor Box, these are the basic types:

• 🔄 Accelerometer - determines the position of the phone in space (screen autoturn, pedometer).
• 🌀 Gyroscope – Complements the accelerometer for accurate rotation tracking (games, VR, panorama).
• 👁️ Approximation sensor – turns off the screen during a call when the phone is held to the ear.
• 💡 Light sensor – adjusts the brightness of the screen automatically.
• 🌡️ Thermometer - controls the temperature of the processor and battery (disconnection is fraught with overheating!).
• 🧲 Compass magnetometer – used in navigation and augmented reality games.
• 📏 Hall sensor – is responsible for the operation of magnetic lock cases (for example, in Xiaomi Mi Flip).

Most sensors cannot be turned off completely without root rights or special commands. However, some (for example, autorotating or proximity sensor) have software switches in the settings. MIUI.

🔍 How to check sensors that are working? Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play, which will show all active sensors and their current values in real time.

Method 1: Disable sensors through standard settings MIUI

Some sensors can be deactivated without additional tools, so let's look at the safest options.

1. Turning off the screen autorotation (accelerometer) + gyroscope)

This is the most popular query, and many users prefer a fixed orientation of the screen.

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Find the Autoturn item and move the slider to the off position.
3. For quick access, add the Autoturn button to the notification panel (click on the pencil in the top curtain).

Deactivation of the proximity sensor

If the screen goes out when you're ringing, even when the phone's not in your ear, the sensor may be the problem.

• Dial the code ##6484## and the proximity sensor test will open.
• If the sensor is working for no reason, try calibrating it through the engineering menu (#4636## → Sensor Test).

🚫 You can't completely turn off the proximity sensor through the settings, it will cause problems with calls. Alternatively, use headphones or turn on the in-car mode in the call settings.

Manual brightness control (disconnection of the light sensor)

To ensure that the screen does not change the brightness automatically:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Brightness.
2. Turn off the automatic brightness option.
3. Manually set a comfortable level of brightness.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands to disable sensors

For advanced users who are willing to work with ADB, It's possible to disable individual sensors through the command line, and this method doesn't require root rights, but it works until the device restarts.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su -c 'echo 0 > /sys/class/sensors/[sensor_name]/enable'

Where [sensor_name] — Sensor ID, you can find it through the command:

adb shell ls /sys/class/sensors/

Examples of commands for popular sensors:

⚠️ Warning: After the phone is restarted, all sensors are activated again. Permanent shutdown will require root rights or modified firmware.

💡

If the team doesn’t work, try getting a temporary root first through adb shell su (on some Xiaomi firmware, this works without a full root).

Method 3: Disabling sensors using root rights

Full control of sensors is possible only with permanent root rights, which is suitable for advanced users, as it carries risks to the security and stability of the system.

Tools required:

• 📱 Device with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.
• 💻 PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔧 Root Browser app or FX File Explorer (with root support).

Instructions:

1. Open the Root Browser and go to the folder /sys/class/sensors/.
2. Find the folder of the sensor you want (such as an accelerometer).
3. Open the enable file in the text editor and replace 1 by 0.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

🔹 Alternative: Use the Sensor Disabler app (requires root) to selectively disable sensors with a user-friendly interface.

Method 4: Software Disable Sensors Through Engineering Menu

Xiaomi’s hidden service menus allow sensors to be tested and calibrated, and in some cases deactivated.The method doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth a try.

Codes for access:

• 📱 General Engineering Menu: ##4636## → Sensor Test.
• 🔍 Approximation sensor test: ##6484##.
• 🌡️ Temperature sensor test: ##4636## → Battery Information.

How to turn off the sensor through the engineering menu:

In some firmware MIUI (For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro there is a hidden option:

1. Enter #36446337## (not working on all models)
2. Go to the Sensor section.
3. Select the sensor you want and press Disable (if the option is available).

⚠️ Note: Not all codes work on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13/14 On the firmware. MIUI 14+ Access to the engineering menu is often blocked.

Risks and consequences of sensor shutdown

Before you deactivate the sensors, assess the possible problems:

🔴 Critical warnings:

• Disabling the thermosensor can cause irreversible damage to the battery or processor.
• Deactivation of the Hall sensor will disrupt the operation of magnetic lock cases (for example, Xiaomi Mi Flip Cover).
• In some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) Disabling the gyroscope blocks access to Game Turbo features.

💡

Turn off only those sensors that you can do without. Critical sensors (temperature, accelerometer) are best left unattended.

Frequent problems and their solutions

If after disconnecting the sensors, the phone began to work unstable, use these tips:

1.The phone overheats after the thermal sensor is turned off

🔹 Solution: Return the sensor to operating status immediately through ADB:

adb shell


su -c 'echo 1 > /sys/class/sensors/temperature/enable'

If your phone is already overheated, turn it off for 30 minutes.

2.The autoturn does not work after commands ADB

🔹 Causes:

• The sensor is not completely disconnected (check both the accelerometer and the gyroscope).
• The system reset the settings after the restart.

🔹 Solution: Repeat the command or use the SetEdit application (requires root) to edit system settings.

3.The screen doesn't go out during calls

🔹 Probable cause: Approximation sensor disabled.

🔹 Solution: Turn it back on or use headphones/louds.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions