How to turn off screen dimming when calling Xiaomi Redmi: all working methods

Have you ever missed an important call because the Xiaomi Redmi screen suddenly went dark in your pocket or on your desk? This problem is familiar to many owners of MIUI-based smartphones - the branded shell often aggressively reduces the brightness of the display during incoming calls to save battery power. But what if you need to keep the screen bright, for example, for ease of response or to avoid missing the call in a noisy place?

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to turn off dimming when calling, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings, how to set the display so it doesn’t dim on incoming or outgoing calls, and what nuances are important to consider for different Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and new devices on MIUI 14).

Warn right away: some methods require changing system parameters, so before experimenting, check the version of MIUI in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version) - this will help to avoid conflicts with the firmware.

Why does Redmi's screen darken during a call?

The reason for the blackout lies in the operation of three system mechanisms:

• 🔋 Adaptive brightness is a feature that automatically adjusts the backlight of the screen depending on the lighting, and during a call it may not work correctly, especially if the phone is lying down the screen.
• 📱 The proximity sensor turns off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. On some Redmi models, it is delayed or falsely triggered.
• ⚡ Energy saving mode – in order to save battery MIUI Forcefully reduces brightness during active processes (calls, video playback).

Interestingly, older versions of MIUI 11 and below didn’t have this problem — the dimming came after updates starting with MIUI 12. The manufacturer has motivated this by “energy optimization,” but users often face inconveniences, such as the screen can darken even when the phone is on the table and you are trying to respond through the headset.

Before you go to the settings, check if the dimming is due to physical damage to the proximity sensor, and if the screen dims even when the adaptive brightness is off, it may be contaminated or defective, and only the service center will help.

Method 1: Disabling adaptive brightness in display settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate automatic brightness control, which doesn't always solve the problem completely (since the proximity sensor can still work), but it does eliminate dimming in 60% of cases.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Find the option "Adaptive brightness" (or "Automatic brightness control").
3. Turn the slider to the "Off" position.
4. Manually set a comfortable brightness level (recommended 70-80% for daytime).

Call your phone from another device

See if the screen fades when you touch your ear.

Check the brightness in the dark room.

Restart your phone to apply changes-->

If you're still dimming after this manipulation, it means that the problem is the proximity sensor or the energy saving sensor.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) can automatically turn on adaptive brightness after rebooting. To avoid this, also turn off the option "Darklight Autobrightness" in the same menu.

Method 2: Configure the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

The proximity sensor is a little sensor next to the front camera that detects when you're holding your phone to your ear, and if it's not working properly, the screen will go out even when you're not talking, to check and calibrate the sensor.

Steps to enter the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (some firmware may not work, then try ##4636##).
3. Select the "Proximity Sensor" option.
4. Check the current values: 📊 Value: should be 0 (sensor not closed; or 1/5 (sensor). ✅ Status: If you're writing FAIL, sensor malfunction.

If the sensor is working, but it is too sensitive, you can turn it off programmatically:

• 🛠️ Install the Sensor Disabler app from Google Play (rights required) ADB).
• 🔧 In the application settings, find the “Proximity Sensor” and deactivate it.

⚠️ Warning: Turning off the proximity sensor will keep the screen from turning off during a conversation, which can cause occasional tapping of the cheek or ear (e.g., hands-free). Use this method only if you are willing to tolerate side effects!

Method 3: Disabling the power saving for the telephone module

MIUI aggressively optimizes power consumption, and sometimes it affects the phone module, to eliminate the effect of energy saving modes on the brightness of the screen during calls:

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select "Apps Select" (or "Battery Optimization").
3. In the search bar, enter "Phone" (calling app).
4. Click on it and select "No Limits".
5. Do the same for the Contacts app.

After these changes, restart your phone and check if the problem persists. If the screen still dims, move on to more radical methods.

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If after the power saving shutdown, the battery starts to discharge faster, return the settings back and try Method 4 (configure via ADB).

Method 4: Change system parameters through ADB (for advanced)

If standard settings don’t work, you can manually turn off screen dimming when calling through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the phone to a computer, but produces 100% results.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download it here).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi.
4. Use the command to disable dimming when calling: adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0 This command determines the delay of the probe in 0 MS, effectively disabling its effect on the screen.
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If the problem persists after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global window_smartscreen_on false

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Change system settings. Misuse can cause phone malfunctions. Backup your data through Settings before experimenting. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If you don't want to go through the settings or use ADB, you can use specialized utilities that work on top of the system and block the screen from dimming.

Top.-3 Applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🌟 Keep Screen On - keeps the screen on while you're calling and using certain apps.
• 🔦 Proximity Sensor Fix calibrates the proximity sensor and prevents false positives. 9/10/11.
• ⚡ No Screen Off allows you to configure exceptions for calls, games and navigation. ADB full-time.

How to set up Keep Screen On:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Turn on the "During calls" option.
3. Give all necessary permissions (including "Overlaying Other Applications").
4. In the settings, select "Hold the screen always" or "Only when used actively".

The downside of these applications is that they consume an extra battery (about 2-5% per day), but it is the fastest way to solve the problem without making a deep change to the system.

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Third-party apps are a good option for those who don’t want to risk system settings, but they can conflict with MIUI updates, so check their performance after the firmware update.

Additional Advice and Frequent Mistakes

If none of these methods helped, check out these points:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI New firmware often fixes sensor bugs. Check the updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clear the sensor cache. Go to Settings for that. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system-based → Sensor Service → "Clear the cache".
• 🛠️ Check the integrity of the sensor. If there are cracks or chips on the screen at the top (where the sensor is located), it may not work properly.
• 🔋 Reset the battery settings. Sometimes the energy savings are lost after long-term use. → Battery → Three dots (menu) → Optimizing the battery → Reset the settings.

A common mistake users make is to confuse dimming with completely turning off the display. If the screen goes out completely (turns black), the problem is not the brightness, but the lock settings.

• Screen lock time (Settings) → Screen locking → Later. 30 sack/1 mine/5 mine).
• Settings "Lift to wake up" and "Double touch to wake up".

If you use a magnet case (like a book), it can also affect the proximity sensor. Try calling without a case.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions