How to increase screen sensitivity on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from basic settings to hidden MIUI features

Xiaomi Redmi 5 screen may eventually become less responsive to touch, such as ignoring light touches, requiring repeated taps, or triggering with a delay. The reasons range from surface contamination to software failures in MIUI firmware. 80% of the time, the problem can be solved without repair using built-in tools and hidden settings.

Many users mistakenly believe that low screen sensitivity is a “disease” of budget smartphones. In fact, even Xiaomi’s flagship models can suffer similar problems after upgrades or prolonged use. The key difference between the Redmi 5 and the screen supports sensor calibration through an engineering menu, which is not found in the newer devices in the series, which provides a unique opportunity to fine-tune to your personalized interaction style.

Before you start settings, make sure that the problem is not related to physical damage. Conduct a visual inspection of the screen for cracks or chips, and check the reaction to touch in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).

Screen cleaning and screening of protective films

To start with, dirt, greasy traces, or poor-quality protective film can block up to 30% of sensor sensitivity. Redmi 5 is equipped with a capacitive screen that responds to the electric field of the finger – any dielectric barriers (dust, air bubbles under the film) impair the response.

Use a microfiber wipe and a special screen cleaner (no alcohol!) Avoid paper wipes, they scratch the oleophobic coating.

• 🔍 Check it for bubbles or detachments at the edges
• 🧴 Remove the old film and paste the new one using an applicator for even distribution.
• 🚫 Do not use liquid glass over the film, this creates an additional insulating layer.

Once cleaned, test the screen in the Touch Screen Test app (available on Google Play), which visualizes all touches so you can see if the sensitivity is evenly distributed across the surface.

2. Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu

Redmi 5 hides a sensor calibration tool that is not available in standard settings, which is effective if the screen does not recognize the coordinates of the touch (for example, you press in one place and the cursor appears in another).

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone application
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337##
3. Select Touch Screen (or Sensor Calibration)
4. Follow the instructions on the screen – you usually need to click on all the points displayed.

Once calibrated, restart the device. If Touch Screen is missing, your version of MIUI will block access to this menu. Alternatively, use the MTK Engineering Mode app (requires ROOT rights).

3. Sensitivity setting in developer parameters

MIUI has hidden parameters that allow you to increase the response speed of the screen.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Developer settings

In the parameter section, find:

• 🔧 Minimum touch time – reduce the value to 100 ms (by default 150–200 ms)
• 🔧 Sensor sensitivity – move the slider to the maximum (if the item is available)
• 🔧 Disable window animation – this will speed up the visual response of the system

Note that excessive reduction in touch time can lead to false positives (for example, random taps while holding the phone).

1. to make a backup copy of important data

2. Record the current values of the parameters (take a picture of the screen)

3. to check the sensitivity after the change of each item

4.Reboot the phone after all the changes-->

4. Update firmware and reset to factory settings

If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, there is a high probability of a software bug. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to correct sensor errors, so first of all check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Settings → About the phone → System update
2. Click on “Check Updates” and install the latest version.

If the update didn’t help, do a soft reset (without data loss):

1. Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset
2. Select Resetting (not to be confused with Factory Resetting!)

For a radical solution, perform a full reset (Factory Reset), but save the data beforehand. Statistics show that in 60% of cases, the reset eliminates the sensor software lags.

💡

Before resetting, untie your Mi Account in the settings. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter the account to which it was associated.

5. Checking for conflicts with applications

Some programs (especially optimizers, launchers, and games) can intercept touch events, causing delays.

1. Load your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode)
2. Test the sensitivity of the screen – if the problem has disappeared, it is the fault of third-party software
3. Remove newly installed apps by checking screen response

Pay particular attention to:

• 🎮 Games with custom controls (for example, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty)
• 🔄 Memory Optimizers (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster)
• 📱 Alternative Launchers (Nova Launcher, Action Launcher)

Critical information: Apps overlaying other windows (like chatbots or floating panels) can completely block some touches. Check permissions in Settings → Apps → Special Access → Overlay over other apps.

Hardware methods: sensor replacement and plume diagnostics

If the software methods did not help, the problem may lie in physical wear:

• 🔌 Oxidation of plume contacts is a common problem after moisture is ingested
• 📱 Wear of the sensor layer - after 3-4 years of operation
• 🔋 Screen controller malfunction – requires replacement of motherboard

For self-diagnosis:

1. Remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade and hair dryer are required to soften the glue)
2. Check the density of the adjoining sensor plume to the motherboard
3. Clean the contacts with alcohol (90%+ concentration) and gently press the plume

The cost of replacing the sensor in the service centers:

⚠️ Note: When you repair the Redmi 5 yourself, it is easy to damage the flexible battery plume that runs next to the screen plume.

7. Alternative solutions: gloves, styluses and gestures

If you can’t increase the sensitivity of the screen, consider the workarounds:

• 🧤 Use special gloves with conductive threads (Redmi 5 supported)
• ✍️ Connect the stylus with Palm Rejection (cutting off palms)
• 👆 Activate gestures in Settings → Additional settings → Gestures

For Redmi 5 owners with a damaged sensor, a free Floating Touch app that creates a floating panel with virtual buttons is a temporary solution, but it allows you to use the phone until repairs are made.

⚠️ Attention: When using styluses, disable the developer's settings item Show touch - this will reduce the load on the processor and improve the smoothness of drawing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi screen sensitivity 5