Have you ever encountered a situation where, while you're on a phone call on a Xiaomi Redmi 9, the screen stays on? Not only does it drain the battery, but it can also lead to occasional taps, such as turning off the call with your cheek or ear. Normally, the smartphone should automatically turn off the display when you hold it to your ear, but sometimes this feature fails.
The causes of the problem can range from incorrect proximity sensor settings to software errors in MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off the screen during a call, from standard functions to hidden system features, learn how to set up automatic display shutdown, check the sensors and even use third-party applications if standard methods do not help.
We'll focus on some of the things that are often overlooked in other instructions, like why the proximity sensor might not work properly after the MIUI 14 update, or how to get around system limitations if your Redmi 9 doesn't support screen-off gestures. All of the techniques are tested on current firmware versions and don't require root rights.
Why doesn’t the screen turn off during the call?
Before we get to the bottom of the problem, it’s important to understand why Xiaomi Redmi 9 ignores the ear approximation, and 80% of the time, the problem is due to one of three factors:
- 🔍 The proximity sensor is contaminated or damaged. On Redmi 9, it's located at the top of the screen next to the front camera. Dust, security glass, or film can block it from working.
- ⚙️ Settings MIUI They got lost after the update, like in the firmware. MIUI 12.5-14 Sometimes the function "Screen turns off when approaching" is turned off".
- 📱 Third-party applications conflict with system services, most often programs to record conversations or modify the interface.
Less often, hardware malfunctions, like a detached sensor plume or damage after a fall, and if none of the methods below work, that's a reason to go to a service center, but in most cases, the problem can be solved software.
Method 1: Checking and setting up the proximity sensor
The first thing to do is make sure the proximity sensor is working correctly, and on Xiaomi Redmi 9, you can test it through a hidden menu of engineering settings:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484## (or ##0*## for the display test).
- Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
- Close the top of the screen with your hand – the value should change from 5.00 cm to 0.00 cm.
If the sensor is not responding:
- 🧹 Clean the top screen frame of dust and dirt (use a soft brush or compressed air).
- 🛡️ Remove the protective glass or film – they can block the infrared signal.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and repeat the test.
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If the engineering menu does not open, try entering the code through the Calculator app: type a sequence of numbers and symbols as if you were counting an example.
If the sensor is working, but the screen still does not go out, go to the MIUI settings.
Method 2: Enabling automatic screen switching off in settings
In some Xiaomi firmware, the automatic screen shutdown function during a call is disabled by default.
- Go to Settings → System → More.
- Select Special Opportunities.
- Find the System Settings section and tap the Screen turns off when approaching.
- Make sure the switch is active (the slider must be blue).
In some versions of MIUI (e.g., 13.0.6 for Redmi 9), this item may be located elsewhere:
- 📱 Settings → Screen. → Auto-turn off the screen
- 🔧 Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Additional settings
What to do if the item is not on the menu?
Important: After upgrading MIUI to version 14.0.3 and above, the setting may reset.
Method 3: Use the "Double touch to lock" gesture
If the proximity sensor is unstable, you can configure an alternative way to turn off the screen, double-tapping, which is available on all Redmi 9s with MIUI 12 and later:
- Open Settings → Screen → Lock the screen.
- Activate the option of Double-Tap to lock.
- When you call, touch the screen twice (not by icons!) and it will go out.
This method has pros and cons:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| It works even with a faulty proximity sensor. | Requires conscious action (not automated) |
| It doesn't depend on MIUI versions. | It may be triggered by accident (for example, in your pocket) |
| It's not draining the battery. | Does not turn off the microphone when blocking |
Gesture enabled in settings | Screen clean (no moisture/fat)| You touch the screen, not the frame | The function is tested during a real call-->
Method 4: Third-party applications for forced screen shutdown
If the standard methods do not help, you can use the apps from Google Play. the Best options for Xiaomi Redmi 9:
- 📱 Proximity Screen Off – automatically blows out the screen when approaching (alternative to a broken sensor).
- 🔄 Gravity Screen – uses a gyroscope to determine the position of the phone (for example, extinguishes the screen in your pocket).
- 🖐️ Tap, Tap – allows you to customize gestures (for example, double tapping on the back side).
Example of Proximity Screen Off:
- Install the application and grant permissions for Special Opportunities.
- In the settings, select Enable Service.
- Activate the Screen Off on Call option.
- Set up the delay (recommended 1-2 seconds).
⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Gravity Screen) may conflict with energy-saving modes MIUI. If the screen does not go out, add the app to the battery exceptions via Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
Method 5: Reset the settings of the "Phone" application
If the problem occurs after updating or installing new software, resetting the settings of the standard Phone application can help, which will return all parameters to factory values, including the screen settings during the call:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the phone and tap it.
- Select Warehouse → Reset.
- Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Check the operation of the proximity sensor (see Method 1).
- ⚙️ Go to the call settings (Phone) → ⋮ → Settings → Additional) and enable Automatic screen switching off.
- 📱 Make sure there are no conflicting applications (e.g. recording conversations).
⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete the call history and user settings of the Phone app (e.g., blacklist). → ⋮ → Imports/Exports.
Additional Advice and Frequent Mistakes
Even if you set it up correctly, the screen on Redmi 9 may not go out due to little things that are often overlooked:
- 🔋 Power saving mode can block the sensors. Turn it off in Settings. → Battery.
- 🎧 Headset usage: if headphones are connected (even over Bluetooth), the proximity sensor is ignored.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: In informal builds (e.g. Pixel Experience), the function may work differently.
Another life hack: if the screen goes out but is too late (for example, after 5-10 seconds), reduce the waiting time in the display settings:
- Go to Settings → Screen → Sleep after.
- Select a minimum value (e.g. 15 seconds).
- Return to Settings → Special Features → The screen turns off when approaching and set the delay to 1 second.
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On Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI 14+, the proximity sensor may conflict with the Always-on Display feature. If it is enabled, turn it off in Settings → Screen → Always-on Display.