Calibration of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 10T: fix errors and adjust the correct operation

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Mi 10T smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone calls when the device is brought to the ear. This prevents accidental pressing and saves battery power. However, many users face problems: the screen does not go out when calling, reacts with a delay or, conversely, turns off for no reason, most often the fault is a calibration of the sensor, contamination of its area or software errors.

In this article, we will discuss how to adjust the proximity sensor on the Mi 10T without resorting to the services of a service center. You will learn about the hidden system settings, methods of fault diagnosis and alternative methods of solving the problem, and pay special attention to the hardware and software nuances that affect the operation of the sensor in this model.

It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi 10T has an infrared proximity sensor that’s located next to the front camera, and it depends not only on the correct calibration, but also on the cleanliness of the surface, as well as the version of the MIUI firmware. If you recently upgraded or dropped your phone, the probability of failure increases significantly.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that the problem is really related to the sensor, and here are the typical symptoms of it not working properly on the Mi 10T:

• 📱 The screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear during a call, which leads to accidental taps.
• 🔄 The screen goes out with a delay (1-3 seconds) or switches on spontaneously.
• 🚫 The sensor works when the hand is approached, even if the phone is on the table.
• 🔦 In the dark, a constant glow of the infrared sensor is noticeable (seen through another phone’s camera).
• 📞 After updating MIUI The sensor stopped working.

If at least one of these signs is present, the sensor needs recalibration or diagnosis, and in rare cases, the problem may be related to physical damage (for example, after a phone crash), but more often the software is to blame.

To check the sensor, you can use the service code ##6484## (on some firmware ##4636##). In the menu that opens, select Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor. If the values do not change when you cover the sensor with your hand (remain on 5.0 cm), this confirms the malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 10T firmware MIUI 13+ Service codes can be disabled. In this case, use the app. CPU-Z (Sensors section or Phone Doctor Plus for diagnostics.

Causes of failure of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 10T

Proximity sensor problems rarely occur on their own, usually caused by the following factors:

• 📲 Sensor pollution: Dust, fat, or protective film can block the infrared signal, and even a thin layer of dirt can distort the readings.
• 🔄 Calibration failure: After update MIUI or resetting the sensor may lose basic parameters.
• 💥 Physical damage: Hits or falls sometimes shift the sensor relative to the body, leading to false positives.
• 🛠️ Incorrect assembly: If the phone was disassembled (for example, to replace the screen), the sensor plume could be damaged.
• 🖥️ Software conflict: Some applications (especially optimizers or launchers) may interfere with sensors.

The Mi 10T is most likely to have software failures because the sensor hardware is quite reliable. However, if the phone has been repaired (for example, the display has been changed), it is worth checking the integrity of the plume.

Another common reason is firmware incompatibility, for example, after installing custom ROM (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the sensor may not work properly due to the lack of drivers, in which case only flashing to the official MIUI will help.

💡

Before calibrating the sensor, clean the area around the front chamber with an alcohol napkin. Even invisible contamination can distort the signal!

Methods of adjusting the proximity sensor

On the Xiaomi Mi 10T, there are several ways to get the sensor back to working order, starting with the simplest and safest methods:

1. Software calibration through the engineering menu

The most effective way is to use a hidden engineering menu.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Once completed, restart the phone.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

This command will open a menu for developers where you can enable debugging over USB and access additional settings.

Clear the sensor area of dirt |

Close all background applications |

Connect your phone to charge (recommended)|

Make a backup copy of the data|-->

2. Reset sensor settings

If the calibration didn’t help, try resetting all sensor settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Tap the version number 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option Reset sensor settings and confirm the action.

This method resets the calibration of all sensors, including the gyroscope and accelerometer, so re-tuning the screen autorotation may be required after the reboot.

3. Manual setting via ADB

For advanced users, there is a way to fine-tune the sensor through ADB. Connect the phone to your computer and execute the commands:

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/proximity_calibrate

This command resets the sensor to factory values, and if finer adjustment is required, the trigger threshold can be changed (e.g., for sensitivity in the dark):

echo "5 1" > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/prox_cal

Mi 10T

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This method can cause a system to fail. Use it only if you are confident in your actions!

Hardware methods of solving the problem

If the software didn't work, maybe the problem is the physical condition of the sensor.

• 🧴 Sensor cleaning: Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to gently clear the area around the front camera!
• 🔧 Train check: If the phone is disassembled, make sure the sensor plume is tightly connected to the motherboard.
• 📱 Replacement of protective glass: Thick or poor quality glass can block the infrared signal.
• 🔄 Firmware Update: Install the latest version MIUI through settings → Updating the system.

On the Mi 10T, the proximity sensor is located to the left of the front camera (if you look at the screen), and you can see it as a small black hole, and if you notice that the sensor is shifted or scratched, you probably need to replace it.

In rare cases, the problem may be due to a malfunction of the motherboard, such as after moisture or short circuit, in which case self-repair is not recommended - contact the service center.

Alternative solutions: disabling the sensor and using third-party applications

If none of the methods worked, you can temporarily disable the proximity sensor or replace its functionality with the help of third-party utilities.

Disabling the sensor through settings

There is no direct option in MIUI to disable the sensor, but it can be done through the developer mode:

1. Activate the Developer Settings (7 taps by build number).
2. Find the option to turn off sensors or Simulate proximity sensor.
3. Enable simulation mode and set a fixed value (e.g., 5 cm).

This solution is suitable if the sensor is triggered too often, but does not eliminate the problem completely.

Applications for functional replacement

Google Play has apps that emulate the approach sensor:

• Proximity Sensor Fix – allows you to manually adjust the trigger threshold.
• Sensor Box for Android – Tests all sensors and offers calibration.
• Gravity Screen – uses a gyroscope to automatically turn off the screen when lifted to the ear.

Note that third-party applications can drain the battery faster, as they are constantly running in the background. Also, they do not always interact correctly with MIUI, so check the user reviews of Xiaomi Mi 10T before installing.

💡

Turning off the proximity sensor increases the risk of accidental tapping during calls. Use this method only as a temporary solution!

Comparison of approach sensor adjustment methods

To choose the best method, compare the effectiveness of each method:

For most Mi 10T users, the best solution is a combination of sensor cleaning and software calibration, and if the problem persists, it’s worth considering flashing or contacting the service.

Prevention of problems with the proximity sensor

To avoid repeated failures, follow these guidelines:

• 🛡️ Use high-quality protective glasses that do not cover the sensor area.
• 🧼 Clean the front camera and sensors from dust and fat regularly.
• 🔄 Don’t interrupt the update process. MIUI — This can lead to driver failure.
• 📱 Avoid falling and hitting, especially on the top of the phone.
• 🔧 If you disassemble the phone, check the density of the connection of the plumes.

It is also useful to periodically check the sensor through test applications (for example, Phone Doctor Plus), which will help to identify the problem at an early stage.

If you use your phone frequently in high humidity or dusty conditions, consider installing a sealed case to protect the sensors from small particles that can distort their operation.

💡

Regularly diagnosing sensors (every 2-3 months) helps prevent serious failures, using built-in tests or third-party utilities.

Frequently asked questions