How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi

Many owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones face an annoying problem: during a conversation or listening to voice messages in messengers, the screen suddenly goes out and stops responding to touches. This is because the proximity sensor is working, which mistakenly identifies the palm or even the invisible case as an object next to the ear, and this is made worse by the standard settings menu. MIUI Often does not provide the user with a direct control lever of this sensor.

In this article, we will explore all the available solutions, from simple calibrations to advanced computer techniques, why the touch screen locks at the wrong time and how to regain control of your device. We will look at both the software and hardware nuances of the Android system on the shell of MIUI.

Before we get to the radical measures, it is worth understanding the nature of the failure. Often the problem lies not in the breakdown of the module itself, but in the software conflict or contamination of the upper body. On Xiaomi devices, the proximity sensor is often combined with the front camera or built into the speaker, making it sensitive to any overlaps. An improperly selected protective glass or thick case can create a permanent shadow, which the system perceives as the application of the phone to the ear.

Ignoring this problem leads to constant resets and the inability to control audio playback. In some cases, users can not even complete the call, because the screen remains black until the end of the timeout, so the issue of deactivation or correct adjustment of the sensor becomes critical for comfortable use of the gadget.

Diagnostics and verification of the sensor

The first step before any interference is to make sure that the problem is really in the sensor, not in the freeze of the operating system or a particular application. Xiaomi smartphones have built-in engineering menus that allow you to test all hardware modules without installing third-party software.

To start the diagnosis, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the CIT menu will appear on the screen. Here is a complete list of all the components of the device.

• 📱 Hold your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.0 to 0.0 (or vice versa, depending on the version).
• 👀 Remove your hand – the readings should return to their original state instantly.
• 🧹 Wipe the top frame of your smartphone to rule out the effects of dirt and fat.
• 🔄 Restart the device if the test shows a constant zero or a constant unit.

If you test your values that change randomly or don't change at all even when you press your finger tightly, it may indicate a hardware malfunction, and in such cases software shutdowns may not help, and you need to replace the plume or module, but if the test is successful, but in real life the screen goes out on its own, then the problem is in the sensitivity or the software settings.

Importantly, on some models, such as the Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi series, the sensor can be virtual, meaning that it is software-enabled based on accelerometer and gyroscope data. In such cases, it is physically impossible to “disable” it, but you can adjust the trigger threshold through special engineering codes or ADB-The teams that will be discussed below.

Standard settings and hidden MIUI functions

The MIUI shell, despite its functionality, often hides important switches from the user. In some versions of the firmware (especially the Global ROM), it is possible to disable the use of the proximity sensor for certain actions, although the developers did not provide a global switch switch switch for "Switch off all."

First, check your call settings. Open the Phone app, click three dots in the corner, or go to Settings, then select Incoming Calls. There may be a point called Approximation Sensor that you can deactivate. If that's not there, try to find the Mode in Your Pocket section and turn it off, as it often conflicts with the basic sensor functions.

There is also a hidden debugging feature available through the Developer Menu. To activate this mode, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on MIUI Version. Once you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu, select "Additional" → "Developers".

Inside the developer menu, scroll down to the "Input" or "Sensor" section. This may include the "Quick start" option or settings associated with locking the screen. Be careful: changing the settings in this section can affect the operation of the entire interface. If you find a proximity option, try changing its value. However, most often, a command line is required to completely disable it.

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Before changing the settings in the developer menu, write down the initial values of the parameters so that in case of a failure, everything can be returned as it was.

One of the most effective ways to treat false positives is to recalibrate the sensor. Even if the sensor is correct, its readings may get confused over time. The engineering code allows you to reset these values to factory or set new reference points. This method is safe and does not require rights. To perform the procedure, you will need to dial again the CIT menu. Dial ##6484# and select "Proximity Sensor." In the window that opens, you will see the current reading. Press the "Calibration" button or "You will be asked to close the screen from the root. Action Expected value Result Hand Status removed 5.0 (Or Max screen burns Success fingers on sensor 0.0 Screen goes out Success Frequent blinking Race 0-5 Flicker Failure Permanent 0 0.0 Black screen Error If after calibration the problem persists, you can try a deeper reset. CIT Find the "Pass" or "Fail" button (paradoxically, but sometimes it helps to press Fail and then reboot ##64663##, Pass the test completely, sometimes the system finds and corrects the driver's logical errors. ⚠️ Warning: Do not try to seal the sensor with tape or nail polish.This is a temporary solution that will lead to condensation accumulation under the screen and eventual corrosion of contacts.

Shutdown through ADB (If standard methods have not worked, the only way to completely ignore the commands of the sensor is to use tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method allows you to send commands to the system directly, bypassing the GUI. It requires a computer (Windows, Mac or Linux) and USB-First, you need to start debugging the cable. USB. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 (x) to activate the developer mode. Then, in the Developer menu, insert the item "Debugging by" USB». Connect your smartphone to your PC and install drivers ADB, If not installed, adb shell settings put system proximity_on_call 0 This team is trying to change the system variable that controls the sensor's behavior during a call. MIUI This parameter can be blocked. In this case, you can try to disable the sensor by changing the configuration of the system, but this requires more complex manipulations and may not work on all firmware. ADB Make sure there's a window on the phone asking for debugging permission. Click "Always Allow" and "OK." Also try replacing it. USB-cable, as some cables only support charging, but not data transmission. There is also a method of using specialized assistant apps, such as Sensor Box for Android or Proximity Sensor Fix, that can emulate sensor operation or force the screen to be turned on, but their effectiveness varies from model to model. On Xiaomi Redmi Note, older versions of such applications work better than on new flagships. 💡Method ADB It is the most powerful tool for software configuration, but requires caution and basic command line knowledge.

Solving the problem in messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) Special attention deserves the situation when the screen goes out only in specific applications, such as WhatsApp or Viber. This is because these apps have their own proximity sensor settings for voice messages. Often there is a conflict between system management and the settings of the app itself. Go to the settings of the particular messenger. Go to WhatsApp Settings. → Chat and find the approximation sensor. If it's on, try turning it off. In Viber, a similar option is in the Privacy or Calls section. Disabling this feature will cause the app to ignore the sensor readings when listening to the audio. 🗣️ WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Approximation sensor (off). 📞 Viber: More → Settings → Confidentiality → Approximation sensor (off). ✈️ Telegram: Settings → Chats and messages → Use the sensor (off). 📱 Systemically: Check the app's permissions in your Android settings. If you don't have that option in your app settings, you can use a trick: Install an ad-blocking app or a system modifier that can intercept screen-disable requests. However, it can lead to increased battery consumption, and a more reliable way is to use a headset or put your phone on speaker mode when listening to important messages. ⚠️ Warning: Disabling the sensor in messengers will cause the screen to burn all the time listening to the message, which can lead to accidental cheek pressing (pocket dial effect»).

Hardware causes and physical interventions cannot be ruled out, and physical failures can be excluded. If software methods are powerless, perhaps the sensor has failed or its plume has moved away from the motherboard. In Xiaomi smartphones with a cut-out droplet or leaky screen, the sensor is often located in a thin frame above the display. Falls or moisture can disrupt its operation. In some cases, it helps to neatly tap the top of the case (of course, without fanaticism) to restore the contact. If the sensor is “deadmitted” permanently, the only solution is to replace it in the service center, if you can even make a complete window lock. Often this solves the problem instantly. Also check if the glass is curved — even a millimeter bias can be critical. If you decide to replace the sensor yourself, remember the complexity of disassembling modern smartphones. The back cover is often glued and the internal components are tightly packed.Unprofessional intervention can damage the display plume, which will cost much more than repairing the sensor. 💡When buying a protective glass, choose models labeled "Case Friendly" or specially designed for your Xiaomi model, where the location of the sensors is taken into account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Is it safe to turn off the proximity sensor completely? Yes, it's safe for the system. The only risk is that you can accidentally hit the reset button while talking or run the app in your pocket. Functionally, the phone will work normally. Why did the sensor stop working after the MIUI update? Firmware updates often contain new drivers or changes in the sensor algorithms. Sometimes new versions contain bugs that are fixed in subsequent patches. In such cases, resetting or waiting for a new update helps. Can the driver be removed through Root? Theoretically, the sensor can be renamed, the system's deep-loop loop, however, the system can be renamed, or reset the system's the data can be resets to the system's super-based system. Does the sensor's power loss affect battery consumption? The sensor itself consumes minimal energy. However, if the screen is constantly on or the phone is not going into sleep mode in your pocket, battery consumption can increase significantly. What if the screen is going out on only one side? This is a sure sign that the sensor is partially covered (with dirt, the edge of the case) or damaged its edge. Try to carefully clean the top frame with an alcohol napkin.