How to turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 8: detailed instructions with tips for setting up

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a small but critical element that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone calls. When you hold your smartphone to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, many users are faced with the fact that this feature is either disabled by default or does not work correctly after updating the firmware.

In this article, we will explore not only the standard way to turn on the sensor through settings, but also alternative methods for diagnosing its health. You will learn how to check if the sensor is working, what to do if the screen does not go out during calls, and how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI if the option is hidden in your version of the firmware.

If your Redmi 8 ignores the ear or turns off the screen too aggressively, this will help you regain control of the device. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14) and do not require root rights.

What is a proximity sensor and why you need it in Redmi 8

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 8 is an infrared sensor located at the top of the screen next to the front camera, and its main task is to determine the distance between the phone and an object (for example, your ear) and transmit this information to the system. MIUI automatically:

• 📞 Turns off the screen during a call to prevent accidental tapping of the cheek or ear.
• 🔋 Saves battery power by reducing display power consumption at unnecessary moments.
• 🎧 Adapts screen behavior when using a headset or wireless headphones.
• 🛠️ Runs additional functions in some applications (for example, automatically turning on hands-free communication in instant messengers).

Redmi 8 uses a sensor like STK3311 (or similar) that uses infrared radiation, emits invisible light and analyzes the reflected signal, and if an object is too close (usually 2-5 cm), the system interprets it as "the phone is held to the ear" and turns off the screen.

The lack of proper operation of the sensor leads to two main problems:

1. The screen does not go out during calls – this is not only annoying, but also leads to accidental presses (for example, on the call completion key).
2. The screen goes out too early or does not turn back on, which prevents you from using your smartphone in hands-free mode or with a headset.

⚠️ Attention: If the proximity sensor stopped working after the phone fell or moisture hit, the problem may be hardware, in which case the software methods will not help - you need a diagnosis in the service center.

How to check if the proximity sensor is working on Redmi 8

Before you set up the sensor, make sure it's working, and MIUI has a built-in sensor testing tool.

1. Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##6484## (or #4636## → select Equipment Testing).
2. In the test menu, find the Sensor Test or Proximity Sensor.
3. Hold your hand or any opaque object to the top of the screen (where the front camera is located).
4. If the sensor is working, the screen will appear the inscription Near (Close) or the value will change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm.

Alternative verification method:

• 📱 Install the app CPU-Z Phone Doctor Plus from Google Play.
• 🔍 Run the sensor test and find the Proximity Sensor section.
• 🖐️ Put your hand in the sensor, the value should change from 1 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

If the sensor is not responding:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes sensors freeze after a long period of work.
• 🛠️ Check if the sensor is covered with a film or cover (even a thin protective film can block the infrared signal).
• 📲 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were sensor bugs.

Standard way to enable proximity sensor through MIUI settings

In most cases, the proximity sensor is activated automatically, but sometimes you have to manually turn it on. Here is a step-by-step instruction for the Xiaomi Redmi 8:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to System Applications → Calls (or Call Settings).
3. Find Incoming Calls or Call Settings.
4. Activate the Approach Sensor option (or Turn off the screen during a call).
5. If you don’t have an option, check the section Additional settings → Special features → Physical buttons.

In some versions of MIUI, the path may be different, for example, in MIUI 12.5, the option is hidden here:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Sensors

If you don’t find an item on the menu, try an alternative method:

• 🔍 In the search bar in Settings, enter the request for the proximity sensor - the system will show all related parameters.
• 📲 Install Google Phone (the standard Google Phone app) from the Play Market – there is always the option to turn on the sensor.

Make sure there is no protective film in the sensor area on the phone |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Restart the device before setting up |

Check the sensor through the engineering menu-->

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the proximity sensor may not work properly due to the lack of drivers. MIUI.

Alternative ways to turn on the sensor if the option is hidden

If the standard method doesn’t work, try one of these methods:

Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

This method requires caution, as incorrect changes in the engineering menu can disrupt the operation of the phone.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633##.
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Sensor section.
3. Find the Proximity Sensor and check its condition.
4. If the sensor is disabled, try changing the PS Calibration setting to 1.

Method 2: With the help of ADB-commands without root)

If you have a computer, you can turn on the sensor via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 0


adb shell settings put system proximity_on_call_enabled 1

These teams:

• 🔧 Set the sensor response delay of 0 ms (instant screen shutdown).
• 📞 Forced to turn on the sensor during calls.

Method 3: Installation of a third-party application

If system settings do not allow access to the sensor, install one of these applications:

• 📌 Proximity Sensor Reset – Resets sensor settings to factory.
• 📌 Sensor Box for Android – allows you to manually test and calibrate sensors.
• 📌 MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden options MIUI, including sensor settings.

Adjustment of the proximity sensor sensitivity

In some MIUI firmware, you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to make it work more accurately.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times to unlock the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Debugging by USB and turn it on.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use it ADB-Sensitivity change command: adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_calibration 1

Calibration values:

If the sensor is too aggressive to turn off the screen (for example, when using a headset), set the value of 0. If, on the contrary, the screen does not go out during calls, try 2.

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If the sensor stops working completely after the sensitivity change, reset the settings via the adb shell settings delete system command. proximity_sensor_calibration.

Solving common problems with the proximity sensor

Even after switching on, the sensor may not work properly. Consider typical scenarios and their solutions:

Problem 1: The screen doesn’t go out during calls

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔹 A protective film or case blocks the sensor → remove the protection or cut the sensor hole.
• 🔹 Failure in the "Phone" application" → Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔹 Conflict with other applications (e.g. Green Phone or Truecaller) → Temporarily remove third-party call apps.
• 🔹 Wrong firmware → refresh MIUI until the last stable version.

Problem 2: The screen goes off too quickly or doesn't turn back on

What to do:

• 🔹 Reduce sensor sensitivity (see section above).
• 🔹 Enable the option to raise for activation (Settings) → Display. → Raise for activation – this will help to “wake up” the screen faster.
• 🔹 Check your energy saving settings: some modes (e.g., Ultra-Economic) can affect sensor performance.

Problem 3: The sensor only works with the native phone app

If the sensor does not work in WhatsApp, Telegram or other messengers:

• 🔹 Enable sensor permission for these applications (Settings) → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Permits → Sensors).
• 🔹 Update your messengers to the latest versions.
• 🔹 Some firmware requires manual activation of the option to turn off the screen during calls for each application separately.

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If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. Often, sensor bugs are fixed in the next updates.

Additional tips for optimizing the sensor

To ensure that the proximity sensor works stably, follow these recommendations:

• 📵 Avoid magnetic covers – they can affect the work of sensors.
• 🔄 Clean the sensor area regularly of dust and dirt (use a soft brush or compressed air).
• 📱 Do not install “optimization” apps – they often conflict with system services. MIUI.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the charge level – at a discharge below 10%, some sensors may turn off to save energy.

If you use a headset or wireless headphones frequently, set up the sensor exceptions:

1. Put the headset on.
2. Open Settings → Connected Devices → [Name of your headset].
3. Activate the option Do not turn off the screen when connected (if available).

Important: On the Xiaomi Redmi 8, the proximity sensor is used not only for calls, but also for the Smart Cover function. If you use a magnet case, make sure that the sensor does not conflict with this feature.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Approach Sensor on Redmi 8