Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI and HyperOS, are equipped with many features designed to simplify interaction with the device. One of these features is the so-called “simple screen” or pocket call mode, which is designed to prevent accidental tapping when the gadget is in the bag or pocket. However, often users face a situation where this protection becomes excessive intrusiveness, blocking the screen at the wrong time or leaving it permanently on with large icons.
The need to turn off a simple screen on Xiaomi can arise for a variety of reasons, from the inconvenience of the enlarged interface for the elderly to false alarms of the proximity sensor, which makes it impossible to complete a call or unlock the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to deactivate various types of screen locks and simplified interfaces so that you can regain full control of your smartphone.
Differences between operating system versions can make their own adjustments to the layout of menu items. So it is important to understand that the path to settings can vary slightly on different models, whether it is a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi. We will look at universal methods that cover most current firmware versions.
What is a simple mode and why it is turned on
Simple Mode (or Lite Mode) is a special interface designed for people with low vision or for those who are just starting to learn smartphones. When it is activated, app icons become much larger, the font increases, and unnecessary controls are hidden. Often users turn it on accidentally by clicking on the corresponding item in the menu, or this mode is activated automatically under certain use scenarios.
There's also Pocket Mode, which doesn't technically change the interface, but locks the screen if the proximity sensor is closed, and it's protection against random calls in your pocket. However, if the proximity sensor is contaminated or malfunctioning, the screen can go out all the time, even when you're holding the phone in your hand. Understanding the differences between these features is critical to solving the problem properly.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse energy saving mode with simple mode. Although both may limit background processes, only simple mode changes the visual interface and size of controls.
In some cases, the simplified interface activation occurs after a system update, when user preferences are reset or new default security features are enabled.If you notice your Xiaomi behaving strangely, check for active profiles or special features.
Disabling the pocket call mode
The most common reason users are looking for a way to turn off a simple screen on Xiaomi is because of the random tap protection feature in their pocket, which uses sensors to detect where the phone is in a confined space, and if you want to turn it off completely, you need to go to call settings.
To do this, open the Phone app (green handset) and click three dots in the top right corner. In the drop-down menu, select Settings. Next, look for the Pocket Call Mode or Accidental Press Protection section. The switch must be set to the Off position. This action will stop locking the screen when you close the top of the smartphone.
- 📱 Open the phone app on the home screen.
- ⚙️ Click on the menu icon (three dots or gear) and select Settings».
- 🚫 Find the “Package Call Mode” and turn it off.
- ✅ Check the work by closing the top of the screen during an incoming call.
Once this function is turned off, the screen will stop turning off when objects approach, which can be useful if you use wide black-framed protective glass that override the sensors, but remember that in this case, the risk of accidentally dialing a number in your pocket increases.
☑️ Checking call settings
Exit from Lite Mode (Simplified Interface)
If your screen looks unusual, with huge icons and a simplified menu, it means that Lite Mode is activated. It is a full-fledged theme that replaces the standard launcher. To return everything as it was, it is not enough just to change the screen settings, you need to switch to standard mode of operation of the system.
Usually, to exit this mode, you just need to find the Settings app (it will also be enlarged) and scroll to the bottom of the list. There will be an item called "Exit Simple Mode." The system will request confirmation of action, because this will change the appearance of the entire interface. Once confirmed, the phone will return to the standard MIUI or HyperOS.
Some versions of the firmware may have different paths, such as older versions of MIUI, where this setting might be in Advanced Settings. If you can't find the exit button, try searching by settings by typing "Mode."
| Function | Location on the menu | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket regime | Phone → Settings | Locks the screen when calling. |
| Simple mode (Lite) | Settings → Exit | Changes the size of icons and font |
| Saving energy | Battery → Regimes | Limits background processes |
It's important to note that when you leave simple mode, all your data, contacts, and installed applications are saved, and only the visual shell and the way you navigate change, and if the interface remains the same after you leave, try restarting the device.
Setting up the proximity sensor and screen
If the problem is not in the software mode but in the physical behavior of the screen, the proximity sensor may need to be calibrated, and the sensor’s malfunction is often perceived by users as a system bug when the screen goes out during a conversation or does not light up when the phone is brought to the ear.
To diagnose and adjust, use the engineering menu. Dial ##6484## in the call app. CIT (Customer Inspection Test) will open. Find the Proximity Sensor test in the list. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually you need to close the top of the phone with your hand and remove it. If the test fails, you may need a software calibration or replacement of the part.
What to do if the sensor test fails?
Also, check your lock settings. Go to Settings → Lock screen. Make sure that no features that may interfere with normal operation are activated, such as “Raise to wake up” if the accelerometer is not working correctly. Disabling unnecessary functions helps isolate the problem.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use third-party apps to calibrate sensors unnecessarily. Xiaomi's built-in diagnostics are more reliable and system-safe.
Special capacity management
Sometimes, the simple screen is confused with features for people with disabilities, such as TalkBack or zoom in, and these settings are in the Advanced Settings section → Special Options. If you have TalkBack enabled, the phone will voice every touch, making it extremely inconvenient for the average user to control.
To turn off these features, find the appropriate switch in the special features menu. TalkBack often requires a quick two-finger press or two volume buttons simultaneously (depending on the OS version). Make sure that all items in the Visual Effects or Readability Improvement section are turned off if you don't need them.
- 👁️ Go to "Settings» → «Advanced settings».
- ♿ Select the section "Special Opportunities».
- ❌ Check the status of the TalkBack service and turn it off.
- 🔍 Turn off “Increase” or “Inversion of Colors” if they are active.
Often users accidentally activate these modes by holding the phone in a certain way.Knowing the hotkeys to quickly shut down (usually triple pressing the power button or clamping the volume buttons) will help quickly regain control if it happens again.
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Remember the combination for a quick shutdown of TalkBack: most often it is a long clamping of two volume buttons for 3-5 seconds.
Resetting and resolving conflicts
If none of the above methods helped to get rid of the problems with the screen, there may be a software failure or application conflict in the system, in which case the effective solution may be to reset the settings to the factory.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase all data. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will turn on in a “store-like” state, guaranteed to remove any hidden settings of the simple mode if they were caused by a system error.
The alternative to a full reset could be safe mode. Press the off button, and when the off icon appears on the screen, press and hold it with your finger, and you will be prompted to go to safe mode, and if the problem disappears in this mode, then one of the apps you installed is to blame.
⚠️ Warning: Full reset permanently deletes photos, contacts, and messages if not saved to the cloud or on the cloud SIM-You're going to be careful.
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A complete reset is a radical but most effective way to eliminate software errors associated with the interface and sensors.