How to turn off the screen on Xiaomi Mi 10 during a call: the full guide

Why Xiaomi Mi 10 screen doesn’t go out during a call and how to fix it

The problem of automatically turning off the screen while talking on the Xiaomi Mi 10 is one of the most common complaints of users. Ideally, the smartphone should extinguish the display when you touch the ear, saving battery power and preventing accidental pressing. However, due to failures in the approach sensor, incorrect settings or software errors MIUI, the screen can remain active, which is annoying and distracting from the conversation.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why the Xiaomi Mi 10 doesn’t turn off the screen during a call, and offer 5 proven ways to solve the problem – from basic sensor settings to hidden MIUI features. Also, you’ll learn how to check the sensor’s performance, reset the settings and avoid repeated crashes. If you encounter a similar problem on other Xiaomi models (for example, Mi 10T, Mi 10 Pro or Redmi Note 10), some of the instructions will be relevant for them.

Before you get into the settings, make sure the problem is not related to mechanical damage (cracks on the screen, moisture) or factory defects of the sensor.If the smartphone fell or came into contact with water, it is better to first check it at the service center.

Method 1: Checking and calibrating the proximity sensor

The main reason why the Xiaomi Mi 10 screen does not go out during a call is because the proximity sensor is incorrect, located at the top of the screen (near the speaker) and is responsible for determining the distance to the ear, if it is contaminated, damaged or improperly calibrated, the system will not receive a signal to turn off the display.

To check the sensor:

• 📱 Open the Phone app and type the combination ##6484## (some firmware may not work).
• 🔍 In the menu that appears, select Proximity Sensor Test).
• 🖐️ Close the sensor with your hand, the screen should go out. Remove your hand, the screen will light up.
• ⚙️ If there is no reaction, the sensor is faulty or requires calibration.

For sensor calibration:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option of the Approximation Sensor Calibration (could be called Proximity offset) and follow the instructions on the screen.

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If the sensor does not respond to calibration, try to clean the area with a soft napkin – sometimes dust or protective film will block the signal.

Method 2: Configure gestures and touch buttons

MIUI has hidden settings that can conflict with the proximity sensor, for example, if you turn on screen gestures or touch buttons, they can prevent the display from automatically turning off.

Open Settings → Display → Full-screen mode and:

• 🔄 Make sure you select Full-screen gestures (not navigation buttons).
• 🚫 Turn off the random touch sensitivity option if it is active.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone after the changes.

Also check the settings of the phone application:

1. Open the phone application → ⋮ (menu) → Settings.
2. Find the section during the call or the screen during the call.
3. Make sure the option to turn off the screen when you are lifted to the ear (or similar) is enabled.

Method 3: Reset sensor and system settings

If calibration and settings have not worked, the problem may be system failures, in which case resetting sensor settings or a complete system reset (without data loss) will help.

To reset sensor settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on. ⋮ (menu) → Resetting application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

If this doesn’t work, do a soft system reset (does not delete files, but resets settings):

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔄 Select Reset all settings (not Reset to factory settings!).
• ✅ Confirm and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: Some versions of MIUI for Xiaomi Mi 10 have hidden the sensor reset option, in which case only a full reset to factory settings (with loss of data) or flashing through Fastboot will help.

Method 4: Use of energy saving mode

Sometimes the screen doesn't go out because of aggressive power saving settings that block the proximity sensor, and paradoxically, turning on the power saving mode can, on the contrary, force the system to control the display correctly.

To adjust energy saving:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Choose Balanced or Energy Saving (not High Performance).
3. Go to Battery Settings → Battery Optimization.
4. Find the Phone app and select No Limits.

Also check the settings for automatic screen shutdown:

• 🕒 Go to Settings. → Display. → Sleeping mode.
• 🔄 Set a minimum time (e.g. 15 seconds).
• ⚡ Make sure that the Adaptive Lighting option is disabled.

Battery mode - "Balanced"|Application "Phone" without restrictions|Sleeping mode — 15-30 seconds|Adaptive lighting is off-->

Method 5: Manually shutting down the screen using buttons

If none of these things worked, you can manually turn off the screen when you call with physical buttons, which is inconvenient, but it can temporarily fix the problem until you find the cause of the crash.

Manual shutdown options:

• 🔄 Press the power button briefly – the screen will go out, but the call will continue to work.
• 📱 If the screen does not respond to the power button, try double tapping (if the function is enabled in Settings). → Display. → Double touch to wake up).
• 🔕 In extreme cases, use a speakerphone and put the phone down with the screen.

You can also set the screen switching gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Gestures and movements.
2. Turn on the option to turn off the screen with double touch.
3. Now, during the call, it is enough to touch the screen twice to turn it off.

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Manually shutting down the screen is a temporary solution. If the proximity sensor is not working, it is recommended to contact the service center for hardware diagnostics.

Table: Comparison of screen-off methods on Xiaomi Mi 10

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn off the screen on the Xiaomi Mi 10, users often make mistakes that exacerbate the problem.

⚠️ Note: Do not use applications to force the screen to turn off (for example, Screen Off or Proximity Sensor Fix). MIUI and lead to even greater disruptions, including hanging during a call or spontaneous reboots.

Other common mistakes:

• 🔧 Disabling the proximity sensor in the developer settings. Some "tips" suggest completely deactivating the sensor through Settings → For developers → Turn off the sensors, and that means that the screen will never go out during the calls.
• 📲 Use of protective glass with metallized layer.
• 🔄 Update MIUI Sometimes the firmware may contain bugs that make the sensor stop working. Always create a backup before upgrading.

If you suspect the problem occurred after the system update, check the feedback from other users on forums (like 4PDA or Xiaomi Community).This may be a known bug and Xiaomi has already released a patch.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions