How to permanently disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a conversation, preventing accidental taps. However, many users face situations where this sensor does not work correctly: the screen does not go out when you call, buttons are accidentally pressed, or, conversely, the display does not turn on after a call is completed. In some cases, the sensor is not necessary at all – for example, if you use a headset or often call on speakerphone.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard MIUI settings to system file editing. You’ll learn which methods are safe and which require root rights, and the risks of permanently shutting down the sensor, if you’re tired of crashing during calls or just want more control over your smartphone, this guide is for you.

Why does the proximity sensor interfere?

Before you turn off a function, you need to understand where it actually causes problems, and here are the most common scenarios.

• 📞 False positives – the screen goes out for no reason or, conversely, remains active during the call, which leads to the pressing of the buttons with the cheek.
• 🔧 Sensor malfunction – after falling or getting moisture, the sensor may not work properly, requiring replacement or software shutdown.
• 🎧 Headset use – if you call through headphones or Bluetooth device, the proximity sensor becomes useless.
• 🔄 Conflict with the shell - after the update MIUI Or install custom firmware sensor may fail.

Interestingly, on some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro), the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor, which means that when it is turned off, the automatic brightness adjustment may stop working.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of the shell (starting with MIUI 12), the direct option to disable the proximity sensor has been removed, but it can be returned through hidden settings.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the Phone app (standard or Google Phone if installed).
2. Dial the combination: ##6484## (this is a code for testing sensors).
3. In the menu that opens, find the Proximity Sensor and tap it.
4. If the sensor is in good shape, you'll see 5.00 cm (or similar) when you remove your hand and 0.00 cm when you approach it, and you can see a Disable or Turn Off button.

If there is no shutdown button, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap the MIUI version several times to activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the option to Disable the proximity sensor (on some firmware it is hidden - use the search by settings).

Check the sensor with ##6484##

Make sure the problem isn’t with the cover or the protective glass.

Make a backup copy of settings

Record the initial values of the sensor (if any)

-->

Important! On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K40), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, so move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (without root, but with PC)

If standard settings don’t help, you can turn off the proximity sensor via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the smartphone debugging by USB (Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → For developers → debugging by USB).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
6. Execute the command to disable the sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
7. Reboot your smartphone.

To get the sensor back to work, use the same command by replacing 1 by 0.

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 1

This duplicates the setting in another branch of system parameters.-->

Warning: Some Xiaomi firmwares reset ADB after the MIUI update, and you will have to repeat the procedure after each update.

Method 3: Editing system files (requires root)

For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, a radical method is available - editing Android configuration files, which is guaranteed to turn off the sensor at the system level, but requires caution.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone with root access (for example, through Magisk).
• 📂 Root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 Backup of the system (in case of errors).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager and go on the path: /system/build.prop
2. Find ro.lge.proximity.delay=25 or similar (may vary depending on the model).
3. Add a new line to the end of the file: persist.sys.proximity.disable=1
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

If there is no build.prop file or the changes didn’t work, try editing: /system/vendor/build.prop or /system/system.prop.

Critical! Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device. If you are not sure of your actions, use other methods.

Method 4: Disconnecting through Engineering Mode (engineering menu)

On some Xiaomi models (especially older or Chinese firmware versions), the proximity sensor can be turned off via an engineering menu, which does not require root, but does not work on all devices.

How to get into Engineering Mode:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##36446337## (or #4636## for the alternative menu).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing or Sensor section.
4. Find Proximity Sensor and select Disable or Turn Off.

If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try the alternative codes:

• ##6484## is a sensor test.
• #64663## - Extended sensor settings

On new models (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case use ADB or root method.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If none of the above methods worked, the last option is to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS). In most alternative builds, the proximity sensor can be disabled through configuration settings or editing.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ Full control of the system.
• ✅ No restrictions MIUI.
• ✅ Regular updates and bug fixes.

Cons:

• ❌ Installation difficulty (requires unlocking the loader).
• ❌ Risk of loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC camera).

If you decide to do this, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

💡

Custom firmware is the most reliable way to turn off the sensor permanently, but is only suitable for advanced users.

What is the danger of constantly turning off the proximity sensor?

Before permanently deactivating the sensor, assess the possible consequences:

If you make frequent calls in noisy places, turning off the sensor can cause microphone problems – the screen will respond to touches and you can accidentally press the microphone switch off button.

💡

Before you shut down the sensor completely, try using a transparent film on the sensor area, which sometimes helps reduce false positives without drastic measures.

Alternative solutions: if you do not want to turn off the sensor

You don't always have to deactivate the sensor completely. Here are some alternative ways to fix the problem:

• 🔄 Sensor calibration: In the engineering menu (#6484###) you can reset the sensor settings.
• 📱 Use of gestures: in MIUI There is a gesture option to lock the screen (double touch).
• 🛡️ Replacement of protective glass: sometimes thick or poor quality glass interferes with the sensor.
• 🔧 Update of the firmware: in new versions MIUI Often fix sensor bugs.

If the problem occurs after a fall or moisture, the sensor may be physically damaged, in which case it is better to contact the service center for diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor