How to remove the screen lock when calling Xiaomi: all ways

Locking the screen during an incoming call on Xiaomi is a standard security feature that prevents accidental taps during a conversation. However, many users face a situation where this option works too aggressively: the screen goes out after 2-3 seconds, and you can only unlock it with a power button, which creates inconvenience, especially if you often switch between conversation and other tasks, such as checking messages or watching a map.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable screen locks when calling on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14. Some methods work through standard settings, others require activation of hidden functions or even superuser rights. You will learn how to set up screen timeouts, use gestures, and also what to do if the necessary options are not on the menu.

Important: Some solutions may impair autonomy (the screen will stay on longer) or reduce security (the risk of accidental tapping), and we will point out these nuances in each section.

Why the screen is locked during a call and can it be fixed?

The automatic screen lock feature, when called, was introduced in early versions of MIUI as a precautionary measure.

• 🔒 Prevent accidental tapping of the screen (e.g., cheek or ear)
• 📞 Save battery life (especially for the AMOLED-display)
• 🛡️ Protect against unauthorized access to the interface during a conversation

But in real use, it often leads to discomfort.

• 📱 The screen goes out after 2-5 seconds, and to unlock it, you need to press the power button (which is not always convenient with one hand).
• 🔄 When using a headset or Bluetooth headphones, the lock works even when the phone is lying on the table.
• 🎮 In some games or applications (such as navigators), blocking interferes with interaction.

Fortunately, there are several ways to turn off or mitigate this behavior in MIUI, and we'll look at them from the simplest to the most radical.

Method 1: Configure screen timeout in call parameters

The most obvious and safe method is to change the time it takes for the screen to lock during a conversation, an option that is available in most MIUI 12-14 firmware, but the location may vary depending on the model.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls section. → Additional settings (or more).
4. Find the screen lock item during a call or screen timeout when called.
5. Choose Never, 30 seconds or 1 minute (depending on the options available).

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and click on it.
3. Select Permissions → Additional settings.
4. Look for the option associated with locking the screen.

Update the phone app to the latest version

Make sure you do not have an energy saving mode activated.

Check if the settings are hidden through the Lab function (in MIUI 13+)

- Restart your phone if options don’t show up-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) This option may not be on the menu, so move on to the next one.

Method 2: Use of gestures and proximity sensor

If the settings don’t have a direct option to disable the lock, you can bypass the restriction with a proximity sensor and gestures, a technique that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+.

The point is to turn off the sensor’s response to the approach of the face (which triggers the lock) or adjust gestures to control the screen during the call.

Option 1: Disengagement of the proximity sensor

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Approach Sensor.
2. Turn off the option to turn off the screen when approaching (or similar).
3. In some firmware, this item may be in Settings → Special features → Physical buttons.

Option 2: Gesture adjustment

• 👆 Turn on Double Touch gesture to wake up (Settings) → Screen. → This will allow you to quickly unlock the screen during the call.
• 🔄 Activate the gesture to raise to wake up so that the screen is turned on when the phone moves.
• 📱 Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) use a swipe gesture up the locked screen to answer a call without unlocking.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the proximity sensor may cause accidental taps during a conversation (e.g. if you press the screen with your cheek) and may increase battery consumption as the screen will stay on longer.

💡

If the proximity sensor is not working properly (for example, the screen goes out even when the phone is lying on the table), try calibrating it. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → All Specifications → Test Dates and click on the Approximation Sensor several times. Some firmware will have a calibration option.

Method 3: Edit system settings through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work, you can change the behavior of the screen lock through the ADB-This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.

The advantage of the method is that it works even on devices where options are not on the menu, and the disadvantage is that when you reset your settings or update your firmware, changes can fly.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

adb.exe

adb devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed).

adb shell settings put global incall_screen_off_delay 0

(where 0 is time in milliseconds; 0 means never)

Reboot the phone.

To return the standard behavior, use the command:

adb shell settings put global incall_screen_off_delay 2000

(where 2000 – 2 seconds, the standard value for many firmware).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause the system to be unstable, and if you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or seek help from a specialist.

Method 4: Installation of third-party screen control applications

If you don't want to dig into settings or use ADB, you can use third-party utilities that allow you to flexibly adjust your screen behavior, including when you're calling.

Top.-3 apps:

How to set up Keep Screen On:

💡

Before installing custom firmware, be sure to back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Using unofficial software can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the NFC or camera will stop working).

Xiaomi models, which most often have problems with locking the screen

According to user reviews and tests, most often complaints about aggressive screen locking during calls come from the owners of the following models:

If your model is not on the list, it doesn't mean that the problem is unsolvable. Try all of the methods described in order - one of them will work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen locking when calling on Xiaomi