How to turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 8 Pro: detailed instructions with nuances

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro model (also known as the Mi 8 Pro), this sensor sometimes malfunctions or shuts down after system updates. Users often face the problem when the screen does not go out when the phone is held to the ear, which leads to accidental pressing and battery discharge.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enable the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi 8 Pro, including hidden settings. MIUI, Checking through the engineering menu and software diagnostic methods, we will pay special attention to the typical errors that users make when setting up, and give recommendations for troubleshooting without contacting the service center.

If your smartphone is no longer responsive to the approach to the ear or the sensor does not work at all, do not rush to carry it for repair. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved software, and we will show you how to do it yourself.

What is the proximity sensor and how it works on the Xiaomi 8 Pro

The proximity sensor is an optical sensor located at the top of the Xiaomi 8 Pro screen (near the speaker and front camera), its main task is to detect when the user brings the phone to the ear during a call, and instantly turn off the screen to avoid accidental touches. The sensor works on the basis of infrared radiation, it emits an invisible beam and analyzes the reflected signal.

The Mi 8 Pro uses a sensor from STMicroelectronics. VD6283), It is highly sensitive, but can sometimes fail because of:

• 📱 Glass contamination in the sensor area (dust, greasy prints, protective film)
• 🔄 Firmware failures after update MIUI
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage (cracks on glass, impacts)
• 🔋 Energy-saving modes that disable background processes

Important: On the Xiaomi 8 Pro, the proximity sensor is also used for the Raise to Wake function, so its incorrect operation may affect this option.

If the sensor fails, the screen remains active during the call, resulting in:

• 📞 Accidental keystrokes (disabling the call, turning on the speakerphone)
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (due to constant screen illumination)
• 👂 Discomfort when talking (screen light blinds in the dark)

Where is the proximity sensor setting in MIUI

Unlike many other smartphones, the Xiaomi 8 Pro does not have a separate proximity sensor switch in standard settings. the feature is controlled automatically by the system, but its operation can be checked and adjusted through several menus.

The main ways to access settings:

1. Call settings: you can turn on/off the screen response to the approach here. → Annexes → Calls Select Incoming Calls Activate the option to Turn off the screen when approaching (if you have one in your version) MIUI)
2. Special features: sometimes the settings are hidden here. Go to Settings → Special features Find the System settings or Sensors section

If you don't have an explicit switch on your menu, it doesn't mean that the sensor is off, it's probably controlled at the system level, and you need to check it in other ways (which we'll talk about later).

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On some firmware MIUI (The approach sensor option may be called Proximity Sensor or Screen off during calls. If you have an English-language interface, look for these particular wordings.

Attention! On Xiaomi 8 Pro with firmware older MIUI 12 The path to settings may be different. If you don't find the right item, upgrade the system or use alternative diagnostic methods (see next section).

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without a call

To make sure that the proximity sensor is working correctly, you don't have to call someone. There are several ways to test:

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu (code ##6484##)

This is the most reliable way to check, but it requires entering a special code:

1. Open the phone application
2. Enter the combination: ##6484###
3. In the menu, select Proximity Sensor.
4. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5 (far) to 0 (close)

If the values do not change or an error is displayed, the sensor is faulty or disabled at the software level.

Method 2: Using the application CPU-Z

Utility. CPU-Z (Available in Play Market, shows the status of all sensors:

1. Install and open. CPU-Z
2. Go to the Sensors tab.
3. Find the Proximity Sensor line
4. Check your reaction to the approach of the hand

Method 3: Through a test call (no connection)

You can simulate a call without a real connection:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times press the version MIUI (activates the developer mode)
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers
4. Turn on Debugging. USB Allow imitation of location
5. Install the Sensor Test app from the Play Market and check the sensor

Make sure there is no protective film in the sensor area on the screen.|Check that the glass is clean (wipe with an alcohol napkin)|Turn off the energy-saving mode.|Close all background applications-->

⚠️ Note: If the sensor shows a 0 even when the phone is lying on the table, it is a sign of a hardware malfunction.

Step-by-step instruction for activating the proximity sensor

If tests show that the sensor is physically functional but not working during calls, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset the settings of the Phone application

Sometimes failures occur due to corruption of application data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find your phone (or calls) and open its settings.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear Data and Clear Cache
4. Reboot the phone.

Step 2: Enable through Developer Settings

On some firmware, the option is hidden in the menu for developers:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI phone)
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For Developers
3. Find the option to turn off the screen when approaching (or Proximity wake-up)
4. Make sure the switch is active.

Step 3: Update the firmware

If the sensor stops working after the update, try:

• 📲 Install the latest version MIUI through settings → Updating the system
• 🔄 Reverse to the previous stable firmware (if the problem appeared after the update)
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where sensor bugs are fixed

Attention! If you roll back firmware or install the custom version, you will lose all data on the phone. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Table: Frequent causes of a broken sensor and ways to eliminate

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If none of the software methods worked, and the sensor still does not work, the problem is 90% hardware. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro, replacing the proximity sensor costs 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the service).

What to do if the proximity sensor is not turned on

If you have tried all the methods, but the sensor has not worked, follow the following steps:

1. Check for physical damage

Take a look at the top of the Xiaomi 8 Pro screen:

• 🔍 Are there any cracks or chips on the glass above the sensor?
• 📱 Is there a protective film in this area?
• 💧 Are there any signs of moisture (oxidation of contacts)?

2. Diagnosis through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have experience working with ADB, You can check the sensor through the command line:

adb shell


su




cat /sys/class/sensors/proximity/proximity_state

When approaching the hand, the value should change from 1 to 0.

3. Alternative ways to turn off the screen during a call

If the sensor is not repairable, workaround solutions can be used:

• 📱 Install the Proximity Sensor Fix app from the Play Market (emulates the sensor’s performance)
• 🔄 Turn on Autoturn and turn the phone down while you call.
• 🎧 Use a headset with a response/switch button

⚠️ Attention: Approximation sensor emulator applications may conflict with system processes MIUI And you can only install them as a last resort!

How to calibrate the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 8 Pro

If the sensor is working, but it's going too late, or if it's going to turn off the screen for no reason, it needs to be calibrated.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Enter the code ##6484##
2. Choose Proximity Sensor
3. Press Calibrate (or Calibration)
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold your hand several times)

Method 2: Sensor Calibration App

Download the utility from the Play Market and perform automatic calibration of all sensors.

Method 3: Manual calibration (for experienced users)

If automatic calibration does not help, you can manually change the threshold values of the sensor through the ADB:

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/proximity_calibrate

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After calibration, restart the phone and check the sensor in real conditions (during the call).If the problem persists, repeat the procedure or reset the settings to the factory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 8 Pro