How to Remove the Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi: All Working Methods in 2026

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO models) is often a source of irritation: it accidentally turns off the screen during calls, blocks the sensor when the phone is tilted, or fires off the protective glass. Many users want to turn off this sensor completely, but the manufacturer does not provide such an option in standard settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of deactivating the sensor, from simple tweaks to deep changes to the system.

It's important to understand that the proximity sensor is not just "interfering" - it saves battery power and prevents accidental taps during a conversation. It can lead to increased energy consumption and false alarms of the sensor when calling. Before you start, assess whether the problem is really so critical, or it can be solved by alternative methods (for example, calibrating the sensor or replacing the protective glass).

Why Xiaomi’s proximity sensor is not working properly

Before we turn off the sensor, we'll look at the reasons why it's not working properly, and 80 percent of the time, it's solved without radical intervention.

• 📱 Protective glass or film: Cheap, low-transparency accessories block the infrared signal of the sensor. AMOLED-screens where the sensor is located under the display.
• 🔄 Sensor contamination: Dust, greasy prints, or glue residue from an old film can distort the readings.
• 📲 Software glitches: After the update MIUI The sensor can be unstable, and it helps to reset or reset.
• 🔧 Hardware damage: Falls or moisture often render the sensor inoperable, in which case turning it off is a temporary solution before repairs.

If you're sure that the problem isn't physical, then you can go to the ways to turn off, and let's start with the safest methods that don't require root rights.

Method 1: Disconnect via the engineering menu (without root)

The most reliable method for most Xiaomi models is to use a hidden engineering menu. It works on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, etc.). For MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9/10A), this method does not work – go to the method with ADB.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. In the menu that appears, select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Disable and confirm the action.
4. Reboot your smartphone to apply the changes.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on devices with MediaTek and some new models on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3.
• ❌ After resetting settings or updating MIUI sensor can be activated again.
• ⚠️ Some versions of the engineering menu do not support Russian - focus on the names of items.

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If the combination ##6484## doesn't work, try ##4636## → Phone Information → Perform a sensor test.

Method 2: Disconnecting through ADB (Universal Method)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including those with a locked engineering menu, and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the trust in the computer on the smartphone screen.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0


adb shell settings put global proximity_distance 0

For verification, enter:

adb shell settings get global proximity_delay


adb shell settings get global proximity_distance

If the commands return 0, the sensor is off.

Note: on some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12), these commands may be reset after rebooting. To fix the changes, use the task in the MacroDroid or Tasker app to automatically execute commands when you start the system.

Method 3: Using Automation Applications

If you only need to temporarily turn off the sensor when you're making calls (like when you're using a headset), apps like MacroDroid or Tasker are good. They don't require root rights, but they provide flexible settings.

Example of settings in MacroDroid:

1. Create a new macro command with a trigger Phone → Call state → Incoming / Outgoing.
2. Add the ADB Command action and type in:

settings put global proximity_delay 0

1. Set the reverse action at the end of the call (optional):

settings put global proximity_delay 250

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require constant shutdown of the sensor – only works during calls.
• ✅ You can configure exceptions for a headset or Bluetooth devices.
• ✅ It's easy to roll back change.

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Automation applications are the safest way to do so, as they do not make permanent changes to the system.

Method 4: Disconnect via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you have custom TWRP recavators installed, you can edit system files directly, a method that is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Make a backup of the /system partition in TWRP.
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find the file /system/build.prop and open it for editing.
4. Add a line to the end of the file:

persist.sys.proximity.disable=1

1. Save the changes, reboot.

Risks of the method:

• ⚠️ Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop (obsessive inclusion).
• ⚠️ After the firmware update, the changes will reset.
• ⚠️ On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4/F5) This parameter is ignored by the system.

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Before editing build.prop, check it for lines with proximity – the manufacturer may have already added similar options.

Method 5: Physically disabling the sensor (extreme case)

If the software methods didn't help, and the sensor is in critical trouble (for example, because of a hardware malfunction), you can physically block it from working. This is a radical step that will deprive you of all the functions of the sensor forever.

Options:

• 🛠️ Sensor sticking: Use opaque tape or tape (suitable for Xiaomi with an external sensor, such as Redmi). 9A).
• 🔧 Contact depolding: Requires disassembly of the phone and soldering equipment, suitable for models with a separate sensor module (for example, POCO X3 NFC).
• 📱 Display replacement: On some models (e.g. Mi 11), the sensor is built into the screen – only a module replacement can turn it off.

⚠️ Attention: Physical intervention voids the warranty and may damage other components (e.g., speaker or front camera). AMOLED-The sensor is often integrated into the matrix with screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) – turning it off will require replacing the entire display.

Alternative solutions: when not to turn off the sensor

Before you fully deactivate the sensor, try alternative methods to solve the problem:

If neither method worked, consider contacting a service center. On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or POCO F5 Pro), the proximity sensor is often integrated with other sensors, and turning it off could disrupt Always-On Display or control gestures.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)