The situation when a Xiaomi smartphone does not turn off the display while you are talking, and you accidentally drop a call with your face or ear or put it on hold, is familiar to many users. This is due to the incorrect operation of the proximity sensor, which normally should lock the screen when the device is brought to the ear. The problem can be caused by both a software failure in the MIUI shell and physical obstacles, such as a protective glass or case.
It's important to understand that turning off the screen when you call is a regular feature of the Android system, and you only need to turn it off in rare cases, for example, if the sensor is broken and the screen does not light up when the phone is removed from your face. However, most people are looking for a way to make the sensor work correctly so that the screen goes off exactly when it is necessary. In this article, we will discuss all the diagnostic and setting methods that will help solve the problem with locking the display on Redmi and Poco devices.
Consider software calibration methods, hidden menu settings, and physical causes of malfunction so you can choose the optimal solution for your model.
Reasons for incorrect operation of the proximity sensor
Before we get to the complex settings, we need to rule out the trivial physical reasons that are often ignored.The proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones is usually located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker, and is a small black window.
If a screen has a protective film or a glass of poor quality, they can block the sensor or create glare that the system perceives as an obstacle, as a result, the screen either constantly burns during a conversation, or, conversely, goes out immediately after dialing, without letting anything be pressed.
It can also be caused by contamination of the upper body: dust, fat from the fingers or pile from the cover can disrupt the infrared sensor, even dirt that is invisible to the eye can block the signal, which makes the system not aware that the phone is held to the ear.
⚠️ Attention: Using thick cases with high sides often results in the proximity sensor permanently closed.Try to remove the case and check the screen performance during the incoming call.
Software failures are also common, especially after upgrading the MIUI shell to a new version.Driver conflict or errors in the cache of system applications can cause the screen to stop responding to changes in lighting and distance to the object.
Basic inspection and testing of the sensor
The first step in diagnostics is to check the sensor itself through a built-in engineering menu, which will allow you to see whether the device sees your actions or the problem is deeper in the software.
You don't have to install third-party apps to run the test, just open the standard Phone app and enter a special code, and this is safe and will not cause data loss or resetting.
Enter the following command in the dialer:
##64663##Once you enter the code, the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu will open. In the test list, find the "Proximity sensor" item. Click on it to start checking.
In the window that opens, you'll see numerical values and status. Put your palm to the top of the screen, closing the speaker area. If the numbers change and the status switches from Far to Near, then (iron) is good.
☑️ Sensor diagnostics
If the values do not change or the test shows an error, it is possible that the sensor is physically damaged or disabled inside the housing (for example, after replacing the screen or display module).
Calibration through MIUI Engineering Menu
If the test shows that the sensor is responding but is not working properly (e.g., the screen goes out too soon or too late), a calibration is required, which is the process of adjusting the sensor sensitivity to current operating conditions.
In the same CIT menu you ran the test, find the Calibration button, press it, and follow the instructions on the screen, and the system will usually ask you to remove your hand from the sensor and then close it.
In some versions of MIUI firmware, calibration may be hidden or require confirmation via pop-up. To successfully complete the procedure, the phone must lie on a flat surface.
| Status | Meaning | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Far | 5.0 | The sensor can't see anything (screen is on) |
| Near | 0.0 | Sensor closed (screen goes out) |
| Calibrating | - | The setup process is underway |
| Pass | - | Calibration is successful |
After successful calibration, restart the device. This is a must, as the new sensitivity settings are applied only after the full cycle of the smartphone.
What to do if the calibration does not pass?
Configure via the hidden menu of Phone Services
There is another tier of settings available through the "Phone Services" menu, where you can change the thresholds of sensor response, which is especially true for models where standard calibration has failed.
Open the dial menu and enter the code:
##7378423##In the menu that opens, go to Service tests → Proximity sensor. Here you will see the current Raw Data values. Try changing the value of "Prox Calib" or reset the sensor settings if this option is available in your version of the software.
Be careful when changing the settings in this menu. Incorrect values can cause the screen to stop lighting up altogether and you have to take out the battery (if it is removable) or wait for the battery to discharge to reset.
Changes in this section apply instantly, but to consolidate the result, it is recommended to reboot the device.
Use of third-party applications for management
If the built-in Xiaomi tools do not allow you to achieve the desired result, you can use applications from the Google Play Store. They intercept the control of the sensor and can ignore its readings or, conversely, force the screen to be extinguished.
One of the popular solutions is the application "Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix", which allows you to perform deep calibration and reset the sensor settings to the driver level.
There are also screen-locking applications that use an accelerometer (motion sensor) instead of a proximity sensor, and if you hold the phone to your ear, it tilts, and the accelerometer commands you to turn off the screen, a workaround that often saves you from a physical IR sensor failure.
- 📱 Proximity Fix – Automatic calibration and resetting of sensor settings.
- 🔒 Screen Off Pro – locking the screen by timer or motion, ignoring the proximity sensor.
- 🛠️ Repair Sensor – utility for deep diagnostics and reconfiguration of drivers.
Using third-party software requires granting permissions to access system functions, so download applications only from trusted sources.
⚠️ Note: Apps that require root permission to work with the sensor may violate the device warranty. Use them only if you are confident in your actions.
Alternative solutions and workarounds
In some cases, software repair is not possible or feasible: if the proximity sensor is physically out of order (broken plume, contact oxidation), the screen can be manually turned off or voice control can be used.
Set up your voice response. In the Phone app, go to the settings and turn on Voice Answer. Then when you call in, just say "Respond" and the phone will turn on speakerphone, and the screen can be locked with the power button.
Another option is to use the power button to complete the call. In the special settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → For people with special needs), activate the "Power button completes the call" option, which will allow you to quickly put the phone down without aiming at the screen.
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If the proximity sensor is faulty, turn on In-pocket mode in the lock settings. It uses motion analysis algorithms to prevent accidental tapping, even if the screen does not go out completely.
A radical but effective method is to disable the proximity sensor through the ADB-If you're using a headset and the sensor is disturbing you, it can cause more problems for the average user than it solves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the screen go out immediately after dialing, not allowing you to press the call?
Can I completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi?
Will resetting to factory settings help?
Does the sensor have an effect on the magnetic case?
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In most cases, the problem is solved by simply cleaning the top of the screen or replacing the protective glass with a thinner one that is compatible with your Xiaomi model.
We hope that these guidelines will help you adjust the screen during calls, and if none of the software methods worked, you may need to replace the proximity sensor module at the service center.