The situation when while talking on a smartphone Xiaomi continues to burn the display, familiar to many users. it is not just an annoying factor, distracting from the conversation, but also the real risk of accidentally hitting the cheek reset button, transfer to speakerphone or open menus. At best, the conversation will be interrupted, at worst, you will hear the chills, thinking that the interlocutor is still in touch. MIUI or hyperos.
The main reason is that the proximity sensor is not working properly, and this small sensor, which is located at the top of the case, should detect the phone's lift to the ear and send a signal to the system to darken the matrix. But software failures, security windows or contamination often disrupt this process. It is important to understand that ignoring this malfunction can lead to rapid battery discharge and heat of the device during long conversations.
In this article, we'll look at all the ways that we can solve this problem, from simple cleaning of the speaker to deep calibration through the engineering menu, and learn what interface settings can conflict with the sensor and how to force the screen to go out when you call. We'll look at both software methods and physical factors that affect the operation of the sensor.
The principle of operation of the proximity sensor in MIUI
The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is an infrared emitter and receiver. When you hold the phone to your head, the infrared beam bounces off the surface of your cheek and returns to the receiver, which the system interprets as a signal to turn off the display. In modern models, this sensor is often hidden under glass next to the speaker, making it vulnerable to contamination. The accuracy of the operation depends on the purity of this zone.
The Android software and MIUI shell process sensor data with a certain delay to avoid screen blinking when random movements. If the software filter is set too aggressively or, conversely, has too wide a threshold of sensitivity, the screen may not go out at all or go out in the pocket. The system algorithms constantly analyze the readings of the light sensor and the proximity in the bundle.
It's worth noting that some budget models use a virtual sensor that relies on accelerometer and gyroscope data, which is less reliable. However, most current Redmi and Poco devices have a physical module installed, and its failure or contamination is the most common reason why the screen remains active during a conversation.
- 📱 The physical IR sensor is located at the top of the front panel, often hidden by a black frame.
- ⚙️ Software data processing occurs through the Phone system service and hardware drivers.
- 🛡️ Protective glass and films can shift the point of reflection of the beam, disrupting the sensor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not glue the area above the speaker with dense stickers or thick protective glasses with a black frame that does not coincide with the design of the smartphone.
Basic settings of the phone interface
Before you go to complex manipulations, you need to check the standard settings of the call. There are options in the MIUI shell that can intercept the control of the screen. Often users accidentally activate the "Gesturing during the call" function, which requires the display to read the movements of the hand, disabling this feature is the first step to solving.
To access the settings, open the Phone app and tap the gear icon or the three dots in the corner of the screen. Find the Incoming Calls section. Here you should carefully examine the options list. If you have "Prepare to your ear for an answer" or the like, try deactivating it. Sometimes the conflict arises between gestures and the standard logic of the sensor.
Also check if there is any third-party launcher or theme that changes the call interface. Third-party themes may not work properly with the system lock widgets. Go back to the standard Classic or No Name to rule this out.
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Use the standard "Unnamed" theme in the Topic app if you suspect an interface conflict, and this is guaranteed to return the standard call widget.
If simple switches didn't work, maybe the crash is in the app's cache. Cleaning up the call data won't delete your contacts, but it will reset the app's settings to factory ones. It's a secure procedure that often resolves software conflicts.
Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu
The most effective way to get the screen to go out correctly is through hardware calibration. Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu that allows you to test and customize the sensors. It uses a special code to enter it, which works on most devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors.
Open the Phone app and dial the combination ##6484##. If the code is correct, the CIT menu will open. In the test list, look for the Proximity Sensor or Approximation Sensor. When you click on it, you will see the current sensor readings. In the normal state (the phone is on the table), the value should be 5.0 or close to maximum. If you close the top of the screen with your hand, the value should drop to 0.0.
What if the code doesn't work?
The calibration process is usually automatic: the system will ask you to remove your hand from the screen and then close it. After passing the test, press the Pass or Success button. If the sensor does not respond even in test mode, the problem is most likely physical (the plume dump or breakage).
- 🔧 Enter the code ##6484## in the login call app CIT menu.
- 🖐️ During the test, tightly cover the sensor area with your palm, simulating a conversation.
- ✅ Successful calibration captures new sensitivity thresholds in memory.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in other sections of the engineering menu (for example, Battery or Display) if you are not sure about your actions.
Influence of protective accessories and covers
Often the reason why the screen doesn't go out is because of the wrong accessories. The wide black bezel can block the invisible IR sensor. Even if the glass appears transparent in this area, the material may have a coating that blocks infrared radiation. The quality of the glasses directly affects the performance of the sensors.
Also, look at smart view book cases, which are based on magnets and Hall sensors, but sometimes they conflict with the proximity sensor, and if you close the lid and you don't call in the open case, try removing the case to check. Magnetic fields can interfere with electronics.
The glued glass could shift over time. Even a tiny 1-2 millimeter shift can close the sensor. Remove the protective coating and wipe the screen with an alcohol-containing wipe, paying special attention to the top. Often, once the accessory is removed, the problem disappears instantly.
Comparison of problem-solving methods
There are several approaches to troubleshooting, and their effectiveness depends on the specific cause of the failure. Below is a table that helps you choose the best method of diagnosis and repair. Don't try all methods randomly; it's better to go from simple to complex.
Mechanical cleaning and glass removal help 60 percent of the time, software calibration works 30 percent more of the time, and the remaining 10 percent is usually hardware defects that require intervention in the service center, and a comprehensive approach that can help you identify the root of the problem.
| Method of decision | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal of protective glass/case | Low. | Tall. | No. |
| Cleaning the cache of the phone application | Low. | Medium | No (contacts retained) |
| Calibration via CIT menu | Medium | Tall. | No. |
| Reset to factory settings | Tall. | Maximum | Yeah (needs backup) |
As you can see from the table, it's always the least invasive way to start, and resetting your phone to factory settings is an extreme measure that you should only resort to if the software errors are systemic and calibration is not helpful. Backing up data before resetting is mandatory.
Additional software settings and reset
If the calibration didn't work, there may have been a critical amount of errors in the system. Try turning off Smart Response or Gesture Management in the special features settings. Sometimes these services capture the focus of screen control. Go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Special Options and check for active services.
Another method is to update the firmware or, conversely, roll back to the previous version. New versions of MIUI and HyperOS can have driver bugs. Check for updates in the About Phone section. If the problem occurred after the last update, it makes sense to search the forums for information about specific bugs in your version of the software.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the phone
In extreme cases, complete a Wipe Data reset, which will return all sensor settings to factory values. Remember, after the reset, it will take up to 30 minutes for the system to recalibrate all sensors in the background. Don't panic if the phone behaves strangely immediately after turning on.
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Full resetting eliminates software driver conflicts, but takes time to reconfigure the device and install applications.