Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: how to turn on, configure and check

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for turning off the screen during phone calls. On the Redmi Note 10S model, the sensor sometimes malfunctions due to software failures or incorrect settings. Users face problems when the screen does not go out when the phone is held to the ear, which leads to accidental taps during a conversation.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to turn on and configure the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10S, including checking its health through the engineering menu and third-party applications, paying special attention to the typical errors that users make when trying to activate the sensor, and also consider the software and hardware reasons for its malfunction, if you notice that the screen does not turn off during calls or, conversely, locks for no reason, these instructions will help to return the device to work correctly.

Note: Redmi Note 10S was released with MIUI 12.5 firmware and later, so some features may vary depending on the version of the shell.

Where is the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10S

On the Redmi Note 10S, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, to the right of the speaker, and it's a miniature infrared sensor that detects the distance to an object (like your ear) and sends a signal to the system to turn off the backlight. It's not visible on the outside, it's hidden under the display glass, but its position can be determined by a small hole next to the front camera.

Unlike some flagship Xiaomi models, where the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor, the Redmi Note 10S separates these sensors, which means that problems with automatic brightness control (light sensor) are not always associated with a malfunction of the proximity sensor, but both sensors can fail simultaneously when mechanical damage to the upper part of the body.

To accurately identify the location of the sensor:

• 🔍 Light the flashlight on the top of the screen – the sensor is to the right of the speaker.
• 📱 Turn on the camera on another phone and bring it to the top of the Redmi Note. 10S: The sensor will be slightly glowing in the infrared spectrum (seen through the camera).
• 🛠️ When disassembling the device, the sensor is attached to a flexible plume running from the main board to the upper module.

If you suspect physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a phone drop), its performance can be checked programmatically - we will talk about this in the next section.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor

Before you set up or turn on the sensor, make sure it works correctly. The Redmi Note 10S has several diagnostic methods:

Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
3. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

Method 2: Use of the CPU-Z application

• 📱 Install. CPU-Z Google Play.
• 🔧 Go to the Sensors tab and find the Proximity bar.
• 👆 Cover and open the top of the phone – the values should change from 5.00 to 0.00.

Method 3: Checking by call

1. Hold the Redmi Note 10S to your ear, and the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.

If the sensor does not respond to obstacles or shows a constant value (5 or 0), the problem may be:

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If the engineering menu does not open with ##6484##, try the alternative combination: ##4636## → Hardware info → Sensors tab.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the proximity sensor

In most cases, the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10S is turned on by default, but its operation may be disrupted due to:

• 🔧 Incorrect settings in MIUI.
• 📱 Installation of third-party applications that block sensors.
• 🔄 Updates to the firmware that reset parameters.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings (this will remove the cache and return the standard permissions).
3. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Special features.
4. Scroll down and make sure that the Autoturn screen option or Motion Sensors are not turned off (they indirectly affect the proximity sensor).
5. Reboot the phone.

If the sensor is still not working, calibrate:

1. Install the Proximity Sensor Reset app.
2. Run it and follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to bring and withdraw your hand from the sensor 3-5 times).
3. Reset the device.

Sensor checked through engineering menu | Phone rebooted after settings reset | Problem persists after calibration | There is no protective film on the phone blocking the sensor-->

Typical errors when setting up the sensor

Many Redmi Note 10S users make common mistakes when trying to turn on or calibrate the proximity sensor.

❌ Use unofficial firmware

Custom MIUI builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) may have bugs in sensor drivers. If the sensor stops working after firmware, return to the official global version.

❌ Clean the sensor with alcohol or liquids

The proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10S is coated with a special filter that can be damaged with aggressive solvents. Use a dry soft brush or compressed air to clean.

❌ Disable permissions for system applications

Some SEOs advise that you ban sensors for com.android.server.telecom, which will make the proximity sensor completely inoperable.

❌ Ignore firmware updates

In older versions of MIUI 12.5 for the Redmi Note 10S, there was a bug that caused the sensor to go off with a delay. Update the phone to MIUI 13/14 via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

❌ Try to replace the sensor yourself

The approach sensor on this model is soldered to a flexible plume, and replacing it requires soldering equipment. Non-professional repairs can damage the display module.

Software and hardware causes of malfunction

If the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10S doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work properly, the reasons can be divided into two categories:

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, don't try to disassemble the device yourself.In Redmi Note 10S display module is connected to the board through fragile plumes, which are easily damaged.

⚠️ Attention: Some "masters" suggest turning off the proximity sensor software so that the screen does not go out during calls. This is dangerous: during a long conversation with the screen on, the phone will become very hot, and accidental pressing can lead to the end of the call or turn on the speakerphone.

💡

If the proximity sensor doesn't work after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot first. 80% of the time, this solves the problem without repair.

How to turn off the proximity sensor (if it interferes)

In rare cases, users want to turn off the proximity sensor — for example, if it works too often or interferes with the headset.

• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (the screen remains on during calls).
• 📞 Accidental pressing (completion of the call, turn on speakerphone communication).
• 🔥 Overheating of the phone (display is one of the main sources of heat).

If you still want to turn off the sensor, do it temporarily through the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Disable (disable).

Permanent shutdown will require:

1. Get root rights (risk of loss of warranty!).
2. Install the BuildProp Editor app.
3. Add ro.proximity.delay=255 to build.prop.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After the sensor is turned off, the screen will remain on during calls. To avoid accidental pressing, use the headset with the answer/complete call button.

Frequently asked questions