How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: the complete guide

The proximity sensor problem on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones remains one of the most annoying for users in 2026: the screen goes out while talking, the person hears you, but you can't see the time of the call and you can't put the phone down. It's due to software failures, malfunctioning calibration or physical contamination of the sensor hidden under the protective glass. Often device owners try to solve the problem of replacing the film or cover, but if the software part is not configured, physical methods are powerless.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove the proximity sensor on Xiaomi software methods without opening the device body. There are several levels of access to the system, from simple settings in the call menu to using the engineering menu and ADB commands. Each method has its own risks and features, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. We will look at the methods relevant to the shells of MIUI 14, HyperOS and earlier versions to cover the maximum number of models.

It's worth noting that turning the sensor off completely can be a inconvenience: the screen will burn when you hold the phone to your ear, which will increase battery consumption and can lead to occasional cheekstrokes. However, if regular calibration doesn't help, this step is the only way to communicate comfortably.

Diagnostics and check of sensor performance

Before we start drastic measures and disable the function, we need to make sure that the problem lies in the software failure, not in the physical failure.Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a complex diagnostic system, accessible through a hidden menu. It does not require Root rights or a connection to the computer.

Dial the combination ##6484## or ##4636##. In the CIT menu that opens, find the option "Proximity Sensor" or "Proximity Sensor." Press it and follow the instructions on the screen. You'll be asked to close the top of the screen with your hand and then remove it. If the values change from 5.0 to 0.0 (or vice versa), then the sensor is physically functional and the problem is in the software logic.

If the test values do not change or stick, try to wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol wipe. Often, the greasy film or dirt in the speaker's grid blocks infrared radiation. Also check whether the protective glass or thick tempered glass covers the sensor area. In some cases, removing the case, which can create a shadow over the sensor, helps.

⚠️ Attention: If in the test CIT The sensor shows constant jumps in values without your involvement, which may indicate a software conflict or hardware damage to the plume, in which case the software shutdown may not solve the problem completely.

Disconnection through the settings of the application “Phone”

The easiest and safest way to disable Xiaomi’s proximity sensor is through the settings of the standard caller. However, this method does not work on all shell versions and depends on regional firmware. In global versions of MIUI and HyperOS, this option is often hidden or removed, but in Chinese builds or older versions it may be available.

Open the Phone app and click on the three dots in the top right corner (or menu button). Go to Settings → Incoming Calls. Look for Approximation Sensor or Disable Screen During Conversation. If you have one, just deactivate it. This will prevent the system from turning off the screen when you close the top zone.

Owners of devices with European firmware (EU) or global versions often have to go the other way. Sometimes the option is hidden in the "Additional settings" section of the app itself. If you don't find the switch, try changing the region in the phone settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or China, then restart the device and check the call menu again.

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After changing the region, remember to return the original value to properly work local services and widgets, but the option in the phone may remain available.

Use of the Engineering Menu for Calibration and Resetting

If standard settings don't work, you need to go to deeper system settings. The engineering menu allows you to not only check, but also reset or force the logic of the sensor to change, and this is the main method of how to remove the proximity sensor on Xiaomi software when simple settings are powerless.

Log in to the engineering menu using code ##6484##. Find the "Proximity Sensor" section. Here you'll see the current readings and the Calibration button. Press it and follow the instructions: Remove your hand from the screen, then close the sensor. The system will record the new reference values. If the calibration is successful, restart the phone.

Some models (especially MediaTek processors or older Snapdragon) have a "Proximity Sensor State" option on the same menu, or the option to choose the type of sensor you want to use. You can try switching the sensor type from "Power" to "Light" or vice versa, if this option is available, which will force the system to use a different hardware survey algorithm.

It's important to understand that recalibration doesn't always mean shutting down completely, it's just an attempt to train the system to respond to distance correctly, and if after calibration the screen continues to go out in your pocket or when you're talking, you'll need to use more powerful tools like ADB or third-party utilities.

Disabling the sensor through ADB-team

For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method to disable the sensor through USB debugging. This method allows you to infiltrate the Android system and change the driver parameters without obtaining superuser rights. You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and an installed package of ADB Tools.

First, activate the developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version) 7 times. Then, in the menu “Additional” → “Develop USB” enable “Debugging by USB”. Connect the phone to your PC with a cable and confirm the request for debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

Open the command line on your computer and enter the following command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is displayed, you can type in a command to turn off the sensor. However, there is no universal command for all models, since the drivers are different. Try the following options that work on many Xiaomi devices:

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 0

Or alternatively:

adb shell svc proximity disable

If the commands are successful, the changes will take effect immediately. The screen will stop responding to the approach of objects. To return the settings, replace 0 with 1 or disable with enable.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-You need to be careful, you can get the wrong commands into the system, you can get the system to run in a mess or you can get the rest of the cycle.

Third-party applications for sensor control

There are many apps in the Google Play store that intercept sensor signals and control their behavior. This is the easiest way for ordinary users who do not want to mess with codes and a computer. Apps like Proximity Sensor Reset & Test or Sensor Fix for Android can force the sensor to turn off or adjust its sensitivity.

Install the app you select and give it the permissions you need. In the interface, find the Disable or Turn Off button. Some applications run in the background and permanently block the sensor signal while running. Others allow you to set up profiles, such as turning off the sensor only in certain applications or at night.

But this method has a significant drawback: these applications consume processor and battery resources. In addition, new versions of Android (13, 14, and 15) actively fight such interceptors, limiting their capabilities.

Compatibility table of MIUI methods and versions

The effectiveness of the methods described above depends on the version of the operating system and the model of your device. Below is a summary table that will help you choose the most suitable method for your situation.

As you can see from the table, with the release of new versions of firmware, the possibility of simple adjustment is limited: owners of devices based on HyperOS will likely have to use ADB or put up with the peculiarities of the sensor, developers strive for a single security standard, removing “extra” switches.

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On new versions of HyperOS, the most effective method is to calibrate through an engineering menu or use ADB, as system constraints block simple switching applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)