Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi 10S: How to turn on, check and fix problems

Xiaomi 10S is a flagship smartphone with advanced hardware, but even it can have software failures. One of the most common questions owners ask is, "Why is the proximity sensor not working and how to turn it on?" This feature is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. If the sensor is turned off or malfunctions, this leads to discomfort when calls are made - the screen does not go out, the buttons are pressed arbitrarily, and the battery discharges faster.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for activating the proximity sensor on the Xiaomi 10S, how to test it, and also solve typical problems. We will analyze both the standard MIUI settings and hidden features through the engineering menu. If you encounter the fact that the screen does not turn off during a call, this manual will help to return the smartphone to normal operation.

Why you need a proximity sensor and how it works

The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor located at the top of the screen next to the front camera, and its main task is to detect when you bring the phone to your ear while you're talking. When it's triggered, the sensor sends a signal to the system, and the screen instantly shuts down to avoid accidental touch, which is not only convenient, but also saves battery power.

On Xiaomi 10S, the sensor is paired with MIUI software that processes its signals, and if the sensor is disabled, damaged, or locked by settings, the screen will remain active during the call, which can lead to:

• 📞 Accidental tapping (for example, turning off the cheek ringing).
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge due to constant display operation.
• 🔊 Discomfort when talking, as the ear may touch touch touch buttons.

In some cases, the sensor can be falsely triggered, such as if you're putting your palm over your screen or in a brightly lit room, which also requires adjustment or diagnosis.

How to turn on the proximity sensor through standard MIUI settings

In most cases, the proximity sensor is activated by default, but sometimes it can be disabled after a system update or reset, to check and turn it on:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the search bar, enter your Phone and select the standard call app.
4. Slip it on the Permit. → Other permits.
5. Find the Approximation Sensor and make sure the switch is active (blue).

If the sensor is already on but not working, try restarting your smartphone — sometimes it helps restore the sensor to work properly. If the problem persists, move to the next section.

Make sure there is no protective film or glass on the screen that blocks the sensor.

Check if there is any moisture in the upper part of the body.

Update MIUI to the latest version

- Reboot the phone.-->

Checking the proximity sensor using the engineering menu

If standard settings don't work, you can test the sensor through the Hidden Menu, which allows you to see the actual sensor performance and see if it's working.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #4636## for the alternative menu).
3. Select the Hardware Testing option → Sensor Test.
4. Find the Proximity Sensor string.
5. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5 (far) to 0 (close).

If the values do not change or an error is displayed, this may indicate:

• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (damaged sensor itself).
• 📱 Software failure (reset or flashing required).
• 🔧 Sensor pollution (dust, moisture under the glass).

Reset sensor settings and calibration

If the sensor is unstable (e.g., it is delayed or falsely shuts off the screen), calibration may help. MIUI does not have a built-in tool for this, but you can reset the phone application settings that control the sensor:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

If that doesn’t help, try calibrating the sensor manually through the engineering menu:

1. Open the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
2. Go to Sensor Test. → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibration (if there is one).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold and remove your hand several times).

⚠️ Note: Not all versions MIUI If you don't have a Calibration, don't change the other settings, which can cause your phone to malfunction.

Hardware causes of sensor malfunction

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be a physical sensor malfunction.

Replace the sensor on Xiaomi 10S It's hard to do -- it requires disassembling your phone and soldering. If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to an authorized Xiaomi service center. The cost of replacing the proximity sensor is usually 1,500 to 3,000. ₽ depending on the region.

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Before visiting the service, back up the data. Diagnostics may require resetting the phone to factory settings.

Alternative ways to control the screen during a call

If the proximity sensor is not working and repair is temporarily impossible, alternative methods can be used to lock the screen during a call:

• 🔄 Automatic power button lock: in call settings (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Lock screen) turn on the option to Lock power button.
• 📱 Gestures: some firmware supports turning off the screen with a double tap on it.
• 🔌 Blocking apps: Proximity Sensor Fix or Screen Off and Lock (available on Google Play).

These methods will not replace the full operation of the sensor, but will help to avoid accidental pressing during a conversation, but note that the constant use of the power button to lock can lead to mechanical wear and tear.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 10S

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If the proximity sensor doesn’t work after all the manipulations, the most likely cause is a hardware malfunction, in which case self-repair is not recommended: contact Xiaomi’s service center for diagnosis.