How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: all working methods

The proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of irritation: it accidentally turns off the screen during calls, interferes with the use of covers or reacts to hair. Unlike the standard disconnection through settings (which is reset after reboot), a complete shutdown requires deeper manipulation of the system. This article covers all current methods, from simple tricks to complex modifications, including methods for devices without ROOT and with it.

The MIUI is that the manufacturer restricts access to some system functions, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13 runs one way, and the POCO F5 with MIUI 14 runs another way, and we tested all the methods on devices from 2020 to 2026 and identified those that are guaranteed to work.

If you're tired of the constant sensor failures, or if you want to use a smartphone with a case that locks it, this guide will help. But remember, some techniques require technical skills and can affect the warranty, and let's start with the safest options and gradually move on to the advanced ones.

Why is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi not working properly?

The proximity sensor problems on Xiaomi are usually due to three factors: hardware malfunctions, MIUI software bugs, or external interference.

• 📵 The screen goes off when you call, even if the phone is not pressed to your ear.
• 🔄 The sensor is triggered with a delay (for example, when you take the phone away from the ear, the screen does not turn on immediately).
• 📱 Autorotation or gestures that depend on the sensor do not work.
• 🛠️ After updating MIUI sensor has ceased to function properly.

Xiaomi and Redmi devices often use an infrared proximity sensor that is located next to the front camera, which can become contaminated or fail over time, but in 80% of cases the problem is software-based: MIUI aggressively optimizes the sensors to save battery power, leading to false positives.

Another common reason is that it's incompatible with the covers, for example, if the case has a sensor cutout but is too thick, the light doesn't pass properly, and the system perceives this as an object approaching, and in such cases, turning the sensor off completely becomes the only reliable solution.

Method 1: Disconnect via the engineering menu (without ROOT)

The easiest and safest method is to use the engineering menu (##6484## or #4636##). MIUI 12-14, but it may vary depending on the model. ROOT-Reversible and correct (you can return the settings back).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
2. If the code didn’t work, try ##4636## → select Hardware testing → Sensors.
3. In the list of sensors, find the Proximity sensor.
4. Click on it and select Disable or Turn off.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the engineering menu may be missing or blocked. In this case, try the following method.

If the engineering menu is not available, try using sensor testing apps like Sensor Test or CPU-Z. These sometimes allow the sensor to be temporarily deactivated, but the effect may reset once the sensor is restarted.

Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without ROOT but with PC)

If the engineering menu didn't work, the next step is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting the phone to a computer, but doesn't violate warranty or require superuser rights. It works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
4. Open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
5. Reset the device.

To get the sensor back to work, use the command:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

🔹 Note: On some firmware MIUI This command may not work because of the manufacturer's limitations, so try an alternative method:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS

(This will temporarily shut down the sensor until the next reboot).

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager (select “Update Driver” → “Search on this computer” → specify the folder with ADB).

Method 3: Using applications to disable sensors (without ROOT)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use third-party apps, some of which emulate the shutdown of the proximity sensor through system settings.

• 📱 Sensor Disabler is a simple tool to deactivate sensors (requires Android 8.0)+).
• 🛠️ QuickShortcutMaker – allows you to create a shortcut to disable the sensor through hidden settings.
• 🔧 MacroDroid – Automatically disable the sensor by triggers (for example, when a call starts).

Instructions for QuickShortcutMaker:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. In the search, enter proximity.
3. Find the action com.android.settings.SensorSettings (or similar).
4. Create a shortcut on the home screen and use it to turn off the sensor.

⚠️ Note: Applications may not work on the latest versions MIUI 14 because of tightening security policies. If the sensor doesn't turn off, move on to the methods with ROOT.

Method 4: Completely disable via build.prop editing (ROOT required)

For users with ROOT-The most reliable way to do this is to edit the build.prop system file. This method is guaranteed to turn off the proximity sensor forever, but requires caution: an error in the file can lead to the inability to boot the system.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with ROOT support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Create a backup of the file (copy it elsewhere).
4. Open build.prop in the text editor and add the line at the end: persist.sys.proximity.disable=1
5. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
6. Reset the device.

If the sensor is still working, try alternative lines:

ro.vendor.sensor.prox.calibration=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0


ro.vendor.sensor.prox.threshold=0

💡

Editing build.prop is the most radical method, but it can disrupt other sensors (such as lighting). Always back up the file before making changes!

Method 5: Disconnect via Magisk modules (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi is stitched with Magisk, you can use special modules to turn off the sensor, a method suitable for power users, as it requires installed Magisk and knowledge of working with custom firmware.

Best modules:

• 🔧 Disable Proximity Sensor – a special module for deactivation of the sensor.
• 📱 Sensor Disabler – a universal module for managing all sensors.
• 🛠️ MIUI Tweaks – includes options for fine-tuning MIUI, sensor-inclusive.

Instructions:

1. Download a module (e.g., Disable Proximity Sensor) in.zip format.
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install Module and select the downloaded file.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some modules may conflict with MIUI, Check the forum reviews before installing. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If all of these methods fail, the problem may be hardware.

• 🔍 Sensor pollution: Wipe the area around the front chamber with an alcohol wipe.Dust and fat can block the infrared signal.
• 📦 Case: Remove the case and check the sensor without it.Some cases (especially with metal inserts) interfere with the sensor.
• 🔧 Train damage: If the phone fell or disassembled, the sensor plume could come off.
• 📱 Resetting: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

If the sensor is physically defective, it can be turned off software, but it can affect other functions (such as autorotating the screen), in which case consider replacing the sensor in the service center.

💡 Alternative solution: If the sensor is only disturbing while making calls, use headphones or turn on speakerphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi