Why does Xiaomiβs screen respond to random touches during a call?
You're talking on the phone and the screen suddenly reacts to being touched with your cheek or ear - a familiar situation? This problem is common for all Xiaomi touchscreen smartphones, especially models with large displays (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X5 The reason for this is the high sensitivity of the sensor, which is necessary for smooth operation of the interface. MIUI, but interferes with calls.
The manufacturer has provided several built-in ways to lock the screen when talking, but they are not always activated by default. Moreover, depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, MIUI 13 or MIUI 14), the location of the settings may vary. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from standard functions to hidden features of the engineering menu.
It is important to understand that random taps are not only annoying, but can lead to undesirable consequences, such as accidentally ending a call, activating the hands-free communication or even sending messages. So setting up a lock screen is not just a matter of convenience, but also protection from errors.
Method 1: Enabling screen locking through call settings
The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in lock-in feature during a conversation, which is available in the standard Phone app on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later.
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Call Settings (or Calls, depending on version).
- Find the screen lock option during a call (could be called Accidental Pressing Ban) and turn it on.
Once activated, the screen will automatically lock when you hold the phone to your ear, and you can unlock it only after you complete the call or press the power button. Note that on some models (for example, Redmi 10C), this option may be hidden in the submenu of Additional settings.
Call another phone.
Hold the device to your ear - the screen should go out
Try to swipe your finger across the screen (no reaction should be made)
Finish the call and unlock the phone with the power button-->
β οΈ Note: On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5) The lock may not work properly due to the Always On Display function. If the screen does not go out completely, turn off the screen. AOD display-setting.
Method 2: Using the βLift to the earβ gesture to block
MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to lock the screen not only during a call, but also when you hold your phone to your ear, which is useful if you often listen to voice messages or use your phone as a voice recorder, activated through gesture settings:
- Go to Settings β Display.
- Choose gestures (or motions in some versions).
- Find the option to raise to the ear to block (may be called Blocking when lifting).
- Turn it on and set the delay (recommended 1 second).
Now, when you hold your phone to your ear, the screen will lock automatically, and this method works whether or not the call is coming, so it can be used as a universal solution, but keep in mind that on some models (like the Redmi A2), this feature may conflict with the proximity sensor.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
Method 3: Disable the sensor through the engineering menu (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can manually turn off part of the sensor during a call through an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, because it requires care. Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the screen!
Instructions for Xiaomi on Qualcomm processors (most Redmi and POCO models):
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
- You will be placed in the CIT (Factory Test Mode) menu.
- Select the Touch Screen Test (or TP Test).
- Click Menu β Settings β Glove Mode and turn off this mode if it is active.
- Go back to the main CIT menu and select Proximity Sensor, and check if the sensor doesn't respond, the screen won't lock.
For smartphones running MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO C50), the combination is different:
##4636##In the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing β Touch Screen and check your sensitivity settings.
β οΈ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu do not persist after the phone has restarted.If the problem has returned, reset or use other methods.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for the engineering menu | Partition to adjust the sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ##36446337## | Touch Screen Test β Glove Mode |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | ##4636## | Hardware Testing β Touch |
| Xiaomi 12/13 series | ##6484## | Manual Test β TP Test |
| Redmi 9/10/Note 9 | ##36446337## | CIT β Touch Panel |
Method 4: Apps to lock the screen during a call
If integrated functions MIUI They can't do it, you can use third-party apps, and they offer flexible settings, like locking only when you call or when you activate the speakerphone.-3 tested:
- π Call Screen Off is a simple utility that blows the screen when you hold your phone to your ear. It works on all versions of Android, including Android. MIUI. Download to Play Market.
- π± Proximity Screen Off β locks the screen using a proximity sensor. Supports delay and exclusion settings for individual applications.
- π‘οΈ Gravity Screen is an advanced solution with automatic locking when calling, in your pocket or on your desk.
Check the reviews before installing, some applications may conflict with MIUI due to aggressive battery optimization.
- Open the app and provide all the permissions you request (especially Overlay over other windows and Special Features).
- In the settings, select Blocking When Calling or Proximity Lock.
- Test the work by making a test call.
π‘
If the app doesnβt work, add it to the battery optimization exception list: Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β All apps β Find a utility β No restrictions.
Method 5: Manually adjust the sensor sensitivity
Some Xiaomi models (especially with the AMOLED-You can manually reduce the sensitivity of the sensor, which will help reduce the number of false positives, but does not block the screen completely:
- Go to Settings β Display β Additional settings.
- Find the Sensor Sensitivity (or Touch Sensitivity) section.
- Move the slider to the left to reduce sensitivity, and the recommended value is 70-80% of the maximum.
If there is no such section, try an alternative path:
- Install the Touchscreen Calibration app from the Play Market.
- Start calibrating the sensor and follow the instructions on the screen.
- After calibration, restart the phone.
Note that too low sensitivity can impair the responsiveness of the screen in normal use, and the optimal balance is when the sensor does not respond to light touches (for example, with the cheek), but works normally when pressed with a finger.
π‘
Reducing sensor sensitivity is a temporary solution, and to lock the screen completely when making calls, it's best to combine this with the second or fourth method.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of the above methods solves the problem, the reason may be:
- π§ Hardware malfunction: Incoming sensor or screen plume is damaged, and this is true if the phone has fallen or been repaired. Check the sensor by calling the phone and covering the top of the screen with your hand -- if the screen is not going out, the sensor is defective.
- π± Incompatible firmware β if you use custom software (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the lock function may not work properly. MIUI.
- π Application conflict β some utilities for recording conversations or modifying the interface may block standard features.
In extreme cases, perform a reset (not to be confused with a full reset to factory settings!):
- Go to Settings β System β Resetting settings.
- Select Reset App Settings (this wonβt delete your data, but will reset the default permissions and settings).
- After restarting, check the screen locking.
If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi Service Center. In some cases (for example, if the proximity sensor is damaged), you may need to replace the display module.