How to turn off screen dimming on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: the full guide

The problem of suddenly quenching the display while talking or using multimedia applications is one of the most common queries faced by owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 7. Often users mistakenly believe that the device is faulty, however, in most cases it is a correct but overly sensitive operation of the proximity sensor. This sensor is designed to save energy and prevent accidental cheek presses during a call, but sometimes its calibration is confused.

In this article, we will discuss the mechanics of the sensors in the MIUI shell and offer several effective solutions. You will learn how to accurately calibrate through the engineering menu, what system settings can lock the screen without your knowledge, and whether to resort to radical methods such as turning off the sensor through ADB. Understanding these processes will allow you to regain the comfort of using a smartphone.

Before we go into complex manipulations, we need to eliminate the trivial physical obstacles, and often the cause of the darkening is the protective glass that covers the sensor area, or the banal dust at the top of the case, and we'll look at everything from simple cleaning to software adjustments, so you can choose the most suitable solution for your situation.

The principle of the approach sensor and its effect on the screen

The main culprit behind the dimming is the proximity sensor located at the top of the front of the smartphone, usually next to the speaker. The Redmi Note 7 uses an optical or capacitive sensor that responds to the change in distance between the screen surface and the foreign object. When you hold the phone to the ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and signals the system to turn off the display matrix to save charge.

But MIUI algorithms sometimes misinterpret the data, for example, if you hold your phone horizontally while watching a video and your finger accidentally closes the top end, the screen can go out, and the problem is often software-based: once you update the firmware, the sensitivity thresholds can change, leading to false positives even in the absence of physical contact.

It's important to understand the difference between autooblokirovkoy (autolocking) on a timer and sensor dimming. The first occurs after a predetermined period of inactivity, the second - instantly when you close the sensor area. If the screen goes out exactly when you put the phone to your face or touch the top frame, then we are talking about the Proximity Sensor. Ignoring this feature can cause you to cheek-to-chall or hold them.

Checking physical factors and accessories

Before you go into deep system settings, you need to do an external audit. 80% of Xiaomi problems are solved at this stage. Owners often forget that even high-quality 3D glass can have an opaque edge that, if you stick it sloppy, covers the "eye" of the sensor, which creates a permanent shadow that the system perceives as an object approach.

And you should also look at cases. Some of the case models have high-pitched sidebars that can push down the top of the screen or create a micro shadow over the sensor. If you recently changed the accessory and the problem came immediately after that, the likelihood of conflict is very high. Try removing the case and checking the screen performance in its pure form.

• 🧼 Carefully wipe the top of the screen with a microfiber, paying attention to the area above the speaker where fat traces can accumulate.
• 📱 Remove the protective glass or film and check if the sensor cutout matches the real sensor location on the Redmi Note 7.
• 🔦 Turn on the flashlight and light into the area of the speaker to identify possible contamination inside the grid.
• 📵 Remove any magnetic rings or holders that may be attached to the back cover and cause interference.

If after removing all the accessories and thoroughly cleaning the problem persists, then it is a software part or hardware malfunction of the module itself. However, do not rush to bring the phone to the service, as software calibration often works wonders.

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Use the Cleaning app from the standard MIUI toolkit. There's a speaker cleanup feature that plays sound waves of a certain frequency, blowing dust from the speaker grid and the sensor.

Engineering menu and precise sensor calibration

The most effective way to solve the problem of false dimming is to calibrate through the CIT engineering menu, a built-in diagnostic tool available on all Xiaomi devices, which allows you to reset the current sensor readings and record new reference values that take into account the current state of your device (glazed glass, scuffs, etc.).

You don't need superuser rights or computer connection to enter the test mode. You just need to type a special code in the Phone app. Note that the code may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the Redmi Note 7 standard is a universal character set. Once you enter the code, you will open a menu with a black background and a test list.

In the menu that opens, look for the Proximity sensor. You'll see two values: Distance and status (Near/Far). Put your phone on a flat surface and make sure nothing closes the top. Press Calibrate. The system will ask you to remove your hand from the sensor, and then, on the contrary, close it with your palm. After you pass the test, you'll see the Pass. Be sure to press OK and reboot the device completely.

If the CIT menu values are not changed after calibration or the test immediately shows Fail, this may indicate a hardware problem. However, in most cases, triple recalibration and subsequent reboot eliminates the software glitch. Remember that you need to calibrate at least 50% of the screen brightness so that the light sensor does not make its adjustments.

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Calibration through the engineering menu is a secure procedure that does not delete your data, but requires careful follow-up to the instructions on the screen.

System Functions and Lockings Settings

In addition to the proximity sensor, other system functions may be responsible for dimming the screen, which the user accidentally activates or forgets about. There are many use cases in the MIUI shell that automatically adjust the brightness or block the display.

First of all, check the lock settings on the timer. You may have too short a time slot and the screen goes out early. You should also look at Pocket Mode, which uses the same proximity sensor to lock the phone when it's in the bag, and a failure in this feature can cause the phone to "think" it's in your pocket even when lying on the table.

• 🌙 Check the autobrightness settings: Settings → Screen. → Brightness level and turn off auto-tuning for the test.
• 🔒 Turn off "Mode in your pocket": go to Settings → Lockdown and protection → Mode in your pocket and turn off the switchboard.
• 📵 Check out Child Mode or third-party launchers that may impose their screen time limits.
• ⏱ Increase screen sleep time: Settings → Screen and brightness → Sleeping mode, choosing 2 minutes or more.

Special attention should be paid to the Remote Control feature. If it is enabled, the phone can be locked when trying to connect to a PC or other devices. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Special Permits → Access to use and check the list of applications. Also on the developer menu (Settings → About Phone → 7 times tap on the version of MIUI), you can find the item “Do not turn off the screen when charging”, which is useful for testing.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Mode in Your Pocket can lead to accidental taps if you carry your phone in your bag with your keys.

Use of third-party applications and ADB commands

If Xiaomi’s regular tools don’t work, more advanced methods can be used. There are Google Play apps like “Proximity Sensor Reset & Fix” or “Sensor Test” that force sensor cache resets or change the threshold of sensor sensitivity. These snails often have more flexible settings than the standard engineering menu.

For power users, the method of disabling the sensor through USB debugging (ADB) is a radical method that completely disables the signal processing from the driver-level proximity sensor. Be careful: after that, the screen will stop turning off during a conversation, and you will have to manually lock the phone or use speakerphone.

To execute the command, you will need a computer, a USB cable, and installed ADB drivers. Connect your phone in debugging mode and enter the following command in the terminal:

adb shell settings put system proximity_on 0

To get it back to normal, use a command with a value of 1 instead of 0. You can also use press emulator applications that will programmatically unlock the screen if the sensor is false, but this puts additional strain on the processor and battery.

Diagnostics of hardware faults

When all software methods are exhausted, there is a possibility of physical failure. The proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 7 can fail due to impact, moisture or production defect. The symptoms of hardware failure are usually stable: the screen either never goes out, or, conversely, it burns black constantly, even in the hands.

A common cause is the unplugging of the sensor plume inside the case, which often happens after unskilled repairs, such as replacing the battery or screen, when the master forgot to glue the sensor into place or damaged its contacts, in which case calibration will not help, since the sensor does not physically transmit data to the board.

• 🔨 Check the repair history: if the phone was opened, the problem may be in a poorly connected plume.
• 💧 Check moisture indicators (if available) as oxidation of sensor contacts is a common consequence of water intrusion.
• 📉 Pay attention to the behavior of the screen when heated: if the problem appears only in the cold or heat, it is a sign of degradation of components.
• 🔌 Try gently pressing the top of the screen (no bigotry): if the screen starts blinking, contact is broken.

If you suspect a hardware breakdown, the best solution is to go to an authorized service center, and replacing the sensor module or plume is an inexpensive procedure, but it requires professional tools and soldering skills.

⚠️ Warning: Self-opening of the case Redmi Note 7 will lead to loss of warranty.If the device is still warranty, do not break the seals.

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