The βDonβt close the speaker areaβ** on the Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO screen appears when the system captures the overhead speaker overlap β such as with a cover, finger, or when the device is improperly assembled after repair β a warning that protects the device from overheating and distortion of sound, but often interferes with users, especially if the speaker is not physically closed.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove the inscription β from simple settings in MIUI to editing system files through ADB. All methods have been tested on current versions of firmware (2023-2026) and are suitable for most models, from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Importantly, some solutions require superuser rights or may affect the warranty β we will warn you about this in advance.
Why is the inscription appearing and can it be ignored?
The warning is triggered by a proximity sensor or a software algorithm in MIUI that analyzes:
- π Sound waves β if the speaker is muted (for example, lying on a soft surface).
- π± Light/approximation sensor β if the top of the screen is closed (case, hand).
- π§ Hardware errors - after falling or disassembling the device (the plume of the speaker departs).
You can only ignore a message if you're sure the speaker isn't physically closed, otherwise you're at risk of:
- π₯ Overheating of the speaker (especially with loud music).
- π΅ Sound distortion or failure of the membrane.
- π Automatically reduce volume by the system.
β οΈ Warning: If the sign appears for no reason (speaker open, cover not), first check the device for hardware malfunctions.
Method 1: Disconnect via hidden MIUI settings (no root)
The safest method is to use the MIUI engineering menu, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 and does not require superuser rights.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
- In the menu that appears, select the MBHC Test (or Audio β Speaker Test on some models).
- Click Stop Test, then search for Speaker Obstruction Detection.
- Switch it to the Disable position.
- Save the changes and restart the device.
If the combination doesnβt work, try the alternative code:
##36446337##Battery charge > 50%
All covers and tapes are off.
Checked that the speaker is not physically closed
Backup of important data is made
-->
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (Xiaomi) EU, Custom assemblies) the engineering menu may be missing or have a different interface.
Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)
If the engineering menu is not available, you can turn off the speaker check via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Googleβs Platform Tools.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (click 7 times), then Settings β Additional β For Developers β Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global speaker_obstruction_detection_enabled 0
- Reset the device.
To get it back, use the command:
adb shell settings put global speaker_obstruction_detection_enabled 1| Xiaomi model | Support ADB-method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | β Yes. | Works on MIUI 12.5-14 |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | β Yes. | Confirmation of permission for PC may be required |
| POCO F3/F4 | β οΈ Partially. | Some firmware requires rooting. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | β No. | Other mechanisms for protecting speakers |
π‘
If the command doesn't execute, try entering adb devices first to make sure the device is identified. If the list is blank, check the drivers or cable.
Method 3: Editing system files (root required)
For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, a radical method is available - editing the build.prop file. This is the most reliable way to turn off the warning forever, but requires caution.
Instructions:
- Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop and open the file in the text editor.
- Add the line at the end: persist.speaker.obstruction.detection=false
- Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r-----).
- Reset the device.
If the inscription remains after the reboot, check:
- π The correctness of the path to the file (on some firmware it may be in the /vendor/build.prop).
- π No typos in the added line.
- π§ Correct access rights (use chmod) 644 /system/build.prop Terminal Emulator).
β οΈ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot!
What if the phone is not turned on after building.prop editing?
Method 4: Disabling the proximity sensor (alternative)
Sometimes the message comes from a false alarm on the proximity sensor, and you can temporarily turn it off, but it will affect:
- π Automatically shut down the screen during a call.
- π¦ Signs (for example, lift to unlock).
How to turn it off:
- Go to Settings β Screen β Approach Sensor.
- Turn off the option to automatically turn off the screen.
- Use the sensor to completely shut down ADB: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0
To get it back:
adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 1π‘
Turning off the proximity sensor is a temporary solution, and it can help diagnose a problem, but it doesn't eliminate the cause.
Method 5: Update or roll back firmware
On some versions of MIUI (especially 13.0.4-13.0.6), a dynamic warning appears due to a firmware bug.
- π Update to the latest stable version (via Settings) β Update of the PO).
- π Recoil on the previous build (if the bug appeared after the update).
How to check if the warning is related to the firmware:
- Go to the Settings β About the phone β MIUI version.
- Check the build number (e.g. V14.0.3.0.TKCCNXM).
- Find out on forums (such as 4PDA or Xiaomi Community) bug information for your version.
| MIUI version | Famous speaker bugs | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 13.0.4β13.0.6 | False positives on the Redmi Note 11 | Update to 13.0.8+ |
| 14.0.1β14.0.2 | Warning after connecting headphones | Recoil on 13.0.9 or wait for patch |
| 12.5.7 (EU) | Permanent inscription on the POCO X3 Pro | Reflashing to the global version |
What do you do if nothing helps?
If youβve tried all the ways, but the βDonβt close the speaker areaβ** continues to appear, the reasons may be hardware:
- π§ Dynamic plume damaged - replacement is required (cost) ~1500β3000 β½).
- ποΈ Faulty proximity sensor - diagnosed in the service center.
- π Factory marriage dynamics - if the device is warranty, contact the store.
For self-diagnosis:
- Call your phone and check if the screen turns off when you bring your hand to the top.
- Turn on loud music and listen β if the sound is distorted for no apparent reason, the problem is the dynamics.
- Try using your phone without a cover and film throughout the day.
β οΈ Warning: If you're not sure about your repair skills, don't disassemble the device yourself. IP-certification (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) disassembly without special tools can violate the tightness.
π‘
Before visiting the service center, reset your phone to the factory settings (Settings β Reset). Sometimes this eliminates software failures that cause a false warning.