How to turn off screen dimming on Xiaomi when calling: all working ways

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter the unpleasant feature of MIUI firmware: when an incoming call, the screen automatically darkens, making it difficult to see who is calling, or accidentally take a call with the cheek. This feature, designed to save battery power, seems more annoying than useful to many. Fortunately, it can be turned off - and we will tell you how to do this on all current versions of MIUI 12-14, including hidden settings and methods for advanced users.

The problem is compounded by the fact that in standard phone settings, the option to turn off the dimming is often absent. The manufacturer does not provide a direct switch, so you have to use workarounds - from editing system parameters to using the system. ADB-In this article, we have collected all the working methods, including those that work even after firmware updates.

If you're tired of the screen going off when you call and getting in the way of call management, follow our instructions. We'll look at both simple novice techniques and technical solutions for power users. Importantly, some methods require developer rights or a PC connection, so prepare for the procedure in advance.

Why does Xiaomi darken the screen when you call?

The automatic dimming feature appeared in MIUI as part of the power optimization, which Xiaomi engineers intended to reduce battery consumption when the user holds the phone to his ear and does not look at the display.

🔹 The screen becomes too dark and it is impossible to see the call control buttons.

🔹 Accidental cheek pressing on sensor due to low contrast.

🔹 Slow reaction to touch after darkening.

In earlier versions of MIUI (up to 12th), this feature could be disabled via the call settings menu, but in the new firmware, the option is either hidden or absent, due to Xiaomi's policy of unifying the interface and automating processes.

Interestingly, on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the dimming works differently: the screen does not go out completely, but only decreases the brightness. This depends on the version of MIUI and the hardware platform. If your phone behaves like this, the problem can be solved more easily through the proximity sensor settings.

Method 1: Disconnection through proximity sensor settings

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the screen dimming when you call is controlled by a proximity sensor. If it is triggered incorrectly (for example, due to a protective glass or case), the screen can darken even when the phone is not pressed to the ear.

1. Open the phone (calling) application.

2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.

3. Go to Incoming Calls (or Calls, depending on the version of MIUI).

4. Find the option of Approximation Sensor or Automatic Dimming and turn it off.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Additionally.
2. Choose Special Opportunities → Approximation sensor.
3. Turn off the function or set the delay to the maximum value.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Or Redmi 10, the proximity sensor can be locked at the firmware level, and that's where it's going to help. ADB-commanding or editing system files.

Make sure there is no protective film in the sensor area on the phone.

Check the sensor in the engineering menu (#6484##)

Turn off the "Stop" option in the screen settings

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (code ##)

If standard settings don’t work, you can try turning off the blackout via the engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but it requires caution – incorrect changes can disrupt the phone.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination:

##6484##

(Some models may require #3646633##.)

2. In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor.

3. Check the current values:

Proximity Sensor Value should be 0 (the sensor is not closed) or 1 (closed).

If the value is always 1, the sensor is locked or faulty.

4. Find the Proximity Sensor Calibration option and calibrate.

5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If there is no direct option in the engineering menu to turn off dimming, try the following method:

🔹 Go back to the main menu and select Hardware Testing. → Sensor.

🔹 Find it. Light/Proximity Sensor and turn it off (if possible).

🔹 Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Changes in the engineering menu can cause sensors to malfunction. If after manipulation, the screen has stopped responding to the approach at all (for example, does not lock during a conversation), return the settings to the factory through Settings. → System system → Resetting settings.

Method 3: ADB-commands to disable the dimming (for experienced)

If previous methods have failed, the most reliable way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling developer mode, but is guaranteed to disable system-level dimming.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Enable Developer Mode: - Go to Settings → About Phone. - Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You became a developer" appears.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate Debugging over USB and Allow OEM unlocking.

Step 2: Connect to a PC:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
3. In the command line (Windows: Win + R → cmd), type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).

Step 3: Turn off the dimming:

Enter two commands in turn:

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500


adb shell settings put global proximity_wake_lock_enabled 0

The first command increases the sensor delay to 2.5 seconds (this will prevent instant dimming), and the second command disables the screen lock when approaching.

🔹 For complete shutdown of the blackout, use:

adb shell settings put global device_provisioned 1


adb shell settings put secure doze_enabled 0

⚠️ Attention: After application ADB-Some of the energy saving functions may not work properly. If you notice an accelerated battery discharge, return the settings with the command:

adb shell settings reset global

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers manually.

2. switch USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP).

3. Use another USB-cable (not all support data transmission).-->

Method 4: Editing system files (root access)

For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, there is a radical method of editing system files, which is suitable if others did not help, but requires caution: incorrect changes can lead to a device “brick”.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/vendor/build.prop
3. Find the line: ro.lge.proximity.delay=25 or persist.vendor.proximity.delay=25
4. Change the value to 2500 (delay in milliseconds).
5. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
6. Reboot the phone.

If there is no build.prop file or no string, add them manually to the end of the file. For devices running MIUI 14, you may need to edit the file:

/vendor/build.prop

🔹 Alternative path (for some models):

/system/etc/device_features/xiaomi.xml

Find the parameter. proximity_sensor_enabled and set the false value.

⚠️ Note: Before editing system files, be sure to make a backup copy through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery. If you make an error, your phone may stop loading!

💡

Editing system files is an extreme method. If you don't have root experience, use it better. ADB-Team or contact the service center.

Method 5: Third-party applications for sensor control

If you don't want to dig into settings or connect your phone to your PC, you can use third-party apps. They don't require root rights and work on most Xiaomi devices.

📌 Best Apps to Turn Off Darkness:

• 🔧 Proximity Sensor Reset – Resets the proximity sensor settings and allows you to temporarily disable it.
• 📱 Sensor Disabler – blocks the sensor during the call (requires permission to access notifications).
• 🔄 Proximity Fix calibrates the sensor and prevents false positives.
• 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden options MIUI, including dimming settings.

How to use:

1. Install one of the apps (available on Google Play).

2. provide all necessary permissions (access to sensors, notifications).

3. In the application settings, find the option Disable Proximity During Call and activate it.

4. Reboot the phone.

🔹 Applications may conflict with system optimizations MIUI. If after installation the phone started to brake, delete the program and clear the cache in Settings. → Annexes.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Dr.Web) may block such applications as suspicious. Add them to exceptions or temporarily disable protections.

Comparison of methods: which method to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective – they work depending on the phone model and the version of MIUI. In the table below, we compare the main methods for reliability and complexity of execution.

🔹 Recommendation: Start with the simplest method (sensor settings or engineering menus). If it doesn't work, go to the next one. ADB. Leave system files editing for an emergency.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When you try to turn off screen dimming, users often encounter problems, and we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them.

🔸 The proximity sensor does not respond to settings

🔹 Cause: Sensor contamination or damage, firmware incompatibility.

🔹 Decision:

• 🧹 Clean the sensor area (top of the screen) of dust and dirt.
• 🔄 Calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu (#6484##).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

🔸 ADB can't see the device

🔹 Reason: There are no drivers, no debugging on USB, faulty cable.

🔹 Decision:

• 🖥️ Set up Mi. PC Suite for Automatic Driver Installation.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔄 Switch the connection mode to File Transfer (MTP).

🔸 After the changes, the screen is not locked during the call.

🔹 Reason: The proximity sensor is completely disabled.

🔹 Decision:

• 🔙 Return the sensor settings to the original state through the engineering menu.
• 📱 Use it. ADB-Reset command: adb shell settings delete global proximity_delay
• 🔧 Install Proximity Screen Off app for manual lock control.

🔸 Settings are reset after the update MIUI

🔹 Reason: Update firmware resets user settings.

🔹 Decision:

• 📲 Repeat the procedure of turning off the blackout after the update.
• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version MIUI (if the blackout is critical).
• 🛠️ Use Magisk modules to permanently disable the function (root required).

💡

If none of these things work, check the phone for hardware problems, and the proximity sensor may be physically damaged and need to be replaced.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions