How to remove the screen switch on Xiaomi when talking: fix the problem with the proximity sensor

You're having an important phone conversation, but Xiaomi's screen suddenly goes out and doesn't respond to touch? This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand's smartphones, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13. The reason usually lies in the failure of the proximity sensor, which is responsible for turning off the display when you hold the phone to your ear. But sometimes the MIUI settings, which conflict with the firmware, are also to blame.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to turn off the screen automatically during a call, from standard settings to hidden engineering menu features, how to check the sensor’s performance, reset it, and even manually edit system settings if other methods don’t work, and why this problem often occurs after a MIUI update and how to avoid it in the future.

Why does Xiaomi’s screen go out during a call?

The main reason is that the proximity sensor is not working properly, and it's located at the top of the screen (usually next to the speaker) and it detects when you bring the phone to your ear. Normally, the screen should only go out when you're in direct contact with skin or tissue, but in practice, the sensor often works falsely because:

• 📱 Sensor contamination – dust, greasy traces, or protective film can block the signal.
• 🔄 Failure after update MIUI — New firmware versions sometimes reset the sensor calibration.
• 🛠️ Damage after falling – even a minor impact can shift the sensor relative to the screen.
• 📲 shell conflict – some themes or launchers interfere with the correct operation of the sensor.

Less commonly, the problem lies in power saving settings that aggressively turn off the display at any time, such as if you have Ultra-Economic Mode activated or if you have automatic screen shutdown enabled after 5 seconds of inactivity.

Method 1: Calibration of the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

The most reliable method is to manually calibrate the sensor in a hidden engineering menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires care, as the wrong settings can make things worse.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484###
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.

After calibration, check the sensor:

• 📞 Dial the number and hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out.
• 🖥️ Take the phone away - the display should immediately turn on.

If the screen is unresponsive or is not behaving in a stable way, recalibrate or try the following method.

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Before calibration, wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol napkin - greasy fingerprints can distort the sensor readings.

Method 2: Turn off the automatic screen switch in MIUI settings

Some versions of MIUI (especially 12-14) have a hidden option that allows you to turn off the screen during a call.

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
2. Choose Special Opportunities → Physical capabilities.
3. Activate the switch Turn off the screen when approaching (in some firmware, the option is called Ignore the proximity sensor).

If this option is not available, try an alternative route:

• 🔍 In the settings search bar, enter the proximity sensor.
• 📱 The results may appear Settings sensor – open it and deactivate the automatic shutdown.

Method 3: Reset sensor settings (without data loss)

If calibration doesn't work, try resetting all sensors to factory settings, and it won't delete your files or applications, but it will bring back the original sensor settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the engineering menu (combination ##6484##).
2. Select the Sensor Test (Sensor Test).
3. Scroll down and press Reset All Sensors.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After you restart, check the proximity sensor. If the problem persists, move on to the next method.

Make sure your phone is over 30% charged |Close all apps |Close all apps |Call backup important data (just in case) |Remember your account passwords-->

Method 4: Editing system parameters through ADB

For advanced users, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to manually disable the system's response to the proximity sensor, but requires a connection to a computer.

Steps:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 2500 This command increases the sensor response delay to 2.5 seconds.
4. To completely disable the sensor response, use: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0 ⚠️ Warning: After this command, the screen will not go out when you call at all. 0 on 1.

This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but after resetting settings or updating MIUI parameters can return to factory.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use Google Play apps that force the proximity sensor to turn off its response.

Check reviews before installing, some apps may conflict with MIUI or require root rights. Also note permissions: If the program requests access to calls or SMS for no apparent reason, it is better to refuse to use it.

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Third-party apps are a temporary solution. Once you update MIUI or reset your settings, the problem may come back.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, the problem may be hardware:

• 🔧 Approximation sensor damaged – replacement is required at the service center.
• 📱 Screen plume detached – a common problem after falls or self-replacement of the display.
• 🔋 Failure of the power controller - in rare cases, it is not the sensor that is to blame, but the chip that controls its operation.

Before visiting the service, check:

1. Does the sensor work in the Equipment Test (engineering menu, Sensor Test item)?
2. Does the screen go out when using headphones - if so, the problem is precisely in the sensor.
3. Is there a problem after falling or getting moisture?

⚠️ Note: If the phone is warranty, do not try to disassemble it yourself! Xiaomi may refuse repairs under warranty if there are traces of autopsy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching off the screen on Xiaomi