How to remove the screen lock when calling Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but the branded MIUI shell or the new HyperOS sometimes brings surprises. One of the most annoying problems for users is spontaneously locking the screen while talking. You bring the phone to your ear, the screen goes out — this is normal, but when it does not light up again, and the interlocutor has already finished the phrase, or, conversely, the cheek accidentally resets the challenge, it causes true frustration.

The reason is because the proximity sensor works, which is designed to save charge and prevent accidental pressing. However, sensor calibration can get lost, and software conflicts can disrupt the logic of the system. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to remove the lock screen when calling Xiaomi, from simple settings to deep calibration.

Don't ignore this problem, because it affects basic communication, and often the solution lies in a hidden menu or a non-obvious switch, and we'll look at the techniques that are relevant to current firmware versions so that you can quickly regain the comfort of your device.

Why the screen goes out when talking to Xiaomi

The main culprit is the proximity sensor, which is an infrared sensor that sits at the top of the display, and its job is to determine the distance to the object, and when you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor detects proximity and tells the system to turn off the display, and if the screen doesn't light up after you've removed the phone, then the system thinks the object is still nearby.

The second reason may be software failures in the MIUI shell. System updates sometimes change the algorithms of telephony, which leads to incorrect processing of sensor signals, and third-party applications that intercept call management or access to sensors can also have an impact.

The third reason is physical: a low-quality security glass, a cover covering the top edge, or a trivial mud in the dynamic conversational speaker area can block the sensor, and it's important to understand that if the sensor is glued or contaminated, the software settings won't help until you remove the physical barrier.

⚠️ Note: If the problem occurs immediately after replacing the display or protective glass in the service center, the likelihood of using non-original components with improper sensor calibration is high.

Setting up the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

The most effective way to solve this problem is to recalibrate, and Xiaomi and Redmi have a hidden engineering menu that is accessible through standard dialing, which requires no root rights and is data-safe.

To enter, open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484##. If the code didn't work, try ##4636##. In the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu, find the "Proximity sensor" or "Draw-up Sensor" option. Here you will see the current distance value. Close the top of the screen with your hand - the value should change from 5.0 to 0.0.

If the values change in jerks or don't change at all, press Calibrate. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually you need to close the sensor with your hand and then open it. After successful calibration, the system will overwrite the reference values.

Disabling the lock in the system settings

If the calibration didn't work, you can try software to turn off the lock function during the call, and it won't turn off the sensor completely, but it will change its behavior. In the new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, the path to settings may be different.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the Phone (or Calls) app in the list. Click on it and select Other Permits. Check if you have restricted sensor rights. Also go to Settings → Lock screen and disable the option “In-pocket Mode” if it is active.

In some cases, resetting the call app itself helps. In the Phone app menu, find "Clean Data" and select "Clean All" and it will return the call settings to factory, but it will not delete your contacts.

💡

Before resetting the app data, make sure your important numbers are saved to the Mi Cloud or Google Contacts cloud, although when clearing the cache and caller data, contacts are usually not affected, it is better to be safe.

Using third-party applications to manage calls

When Xiaomi’s regular funds fail, Google Play apps come to the rescue, replacing the standard dialing bar completely and offering more flexible sensor management, and Truecaller or dedicated Dialers is a popular solution.

Such applications often have their own approach sensor processing algorithms, ignoring MIUI system errors. For example, the Proximity Sensor Reset app allows you to force the sensor to restart with each incoming call, which resets the error states.

But installing third-party calls requires broad permissions, and you have to be willing to give access to contacts, microphones, and call history, which is a trade-off between functionality and privacy.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps for calls may cause the conversation recording feature (if built into the call recording feature) to MIUI) will stop working or will work in an unstable manner.

Here is a list of popular solutions worth trying:

• 📱 Truecaller - a powerful number detector with its own call panel.
• 🔧 Proximity Sensor Reset – a utility for forced reset of the sensor.
• 📞 Simple Dialer – an easy replacement for a standard call with a minimalist interface.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and effectiveness of each method for your specific situation with a Redmi or POCO model.

Radical measures: disabling the sensor via ADB

If nothing works, you can completely disable the system-level proximity sensor, which is guaranteed to remove the lock, but the screen will burn all the time, and this will require a computer and an ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge).

First, turn on USB debugging in the Developer menu. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command at the terminal:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.sensor.proximity

This command deactivates the sensor system service. To get things back to normal, use the adb shell pm enable com.android.sensor.proximity command. Be careful: on some models, this can cause a cyclical reboot.

💡

Disabling the sensor through ADB is a last resort: The screen will respond to touches with the cheek, so while talking, it is better to keep the phone at a distance or use a headset.

Hardware problems and repairs

And remember, hardware. If software is powerless, it can be a physical failure, often the plume connecting the top board to the motherboard, or the sensor itself, and in models with a notch, the sensor is in a narrow strip that is easily damaged when it falls.

You can check the integrity visually. Look at the top of the screen when the display is off under bright light. You should see the dark spot of the sensor. If the area around it has cracks or impact marks, there's a hardware malfunction.

And the problem can also be a cheap protective glass, so if it has a black frame that covers the sensor, or it's just too thick, the infrared light will reflect back, creating the illusion of a nearby object. Take the glass off and check.

• 🔨 Mechanical damage – requires replacement of the module or soldering of the sensor.
• 💧 Moisture – oxidation of sensor contacts after water enters.
• 🛡️ Accessories – an inappropriate glass or cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)