How to turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long been popular due to their excellent price-to-function ratio, but sometimes users encounter incorrect on-screen sensors during a conversation. The situation when the screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear or, conversely, constantly flashes in your pocket, causes serious discomfort.

Device owners often wonder how to turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi, unaware that by default it may be activated but not work properly due to software bugs or physical contamination. The proximity sensor is an important component that uses infrared radiation to determine the distance to the object. Its proper operation saves battery power and prevents accidental cheek pressing during a call.

In this article, we will take a look at all the diagnostic and setting methods, including the standard MIUI shell settings and the engineering menu available for deeper calibration, and understanding how this module works will help you avoid false positives and return your phone to its normal responsiveness.

Principle of operation and location of the sensor

To manage settings effectively, you need to understand the physical nature of the device. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones use an optical sensor that is located at the top of the front panel, often hidden under the protective glass or in a narrow frame above the display. It emits an invisible infrared beam and analyzes its reflection. If the beam is reflected, the system receives a signal that the object (your ear) is close, and turns off the touchscreen.

Importantly, newer models with notch or punch-holes can combine the sensor with a speaker or a camera. Infrared port is highly sensitive to contamination. Fat spots, dust or thick security glass can distort readings, creating the illusion that the function is off, which is why you should always make sure that the top of the screen is clean before you program the setting.

Some users mistakenly believe that this function is the function of an accelerometer that responds to the position of the phone in space. This is not true. The accelerometer only tells the system that the phone is flipped, but the direct shutdown of the display is due to a signal from the optical distance sensor. If your screen goes out when the phone is lying on the table, but does not go out in the ear, the problem is precisely the calibration of the range of operation.

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Use a microfiber to wipe the top of the screen before setting up the sensor – greasy finger marks are responsible for 80% of false positives.

Basic activation through call settings

The easiest way to check and turn on the proximity sensor on Xiaomi is in the phone’s standard settings menu.This method is suitable for most users who have just had the function accidentally deactivated in the interface. To start, open the standard Calls app and navigate to the settings menu, which is usually hidden under three dots or a gear in the corner of the screen.

In the list of parameters that opens, you have to find the item that handles incoming calls. In different versions of MIUI, it can be called differently, but the essence remains the same. You have to find a switch that controls the response of the screen to the proximity of the object. If it is turned off, the screen will burn all the time of the conversation, which is inconvenient and energy-consuming.

The algorithm for activation is as follows:

• 📞 Open the Calls app and click on the settings menu.
• 🔍 Find the section “Incoming calls” or “Call settings».
• ✅ Activate the "approximation sensor" switch».
• 📞 Make a test call to check the result.

Once this option is turned on, the system will start blocking the touchscreen as the face approaches, and if the switch is already active but the problem persists, then it is not a software shutdown, but a calibration or hardware malfunction, in which case we move to deeper settings.

Calibration through CIT Engineering Menu

If standard settings don't work, you need to calibrate. The CIT (Customer Integration Test) is a powerful tool for diagnosing hardware components in a smartphone, accessed through a special dial code. Enter the combination ##6484## or ##4636## in the Calls app.

Once you enter the code, you'll see a list of tests, and you'll find the item associated with Proximity Sensor or Approximation Sensor, and in this mode you'll see two values: Raw Data and Status. When you close the sensor with your finger, the values should change. If there's no change, it's possible that the sensor is locked by the system or physically malfunctioning.

To perform calibration, perform the following actions:

• 🛠️ On the menu. CIT Choose "Proximity Sensor».
• ✋ Close the top of the screen with your palm without touching it.
• 📉 Watch for changes in values in real time.
• 💾 Press the button “Calibrate” or “Pass” if the values are stable.

It is important to calibrate in good light, but avoid direct sunlight on the sensor, because strong outside light can knock the readings. Once successfully calibrated, the phone will automatically restart or apply the settings. This action resets previous erroneous data and sets new sensitivity thresholds.

Using hidden developer settings

In some cases, standard methods don't allow you to access the fine sensitivity settings, and here comes the hidden settings available through the Developer Menu. To activate this mode, you need to go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version. Once you have become a developer, a new section will appear in the settings menu.

Inside the developer menu, you should look for items related to "Input" or "Sensor." However, be careful: changing the parameters in this section can affect the operation of other functions of the phone. Input options can include multi-touch and distance sensor settings. If you find "Disable proximity sensor on pocket mode", it must be deactivated so that the sensor works always.

Sometimes it helps to reset sensor settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) if you have access to a computer.

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_enabled 1

This command compulsorily sets a "1" (on) value for the sensor's system flag, which is especially useful if a software bug has blocked sensor operation at the system level and conventional switches are not responsive to pressing.

Comparison of diagnostic methods

To make it easier to choose a solution, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is suitable for your situation, based on the symptoms of a malfunction.

As you can see from the table, it's always the least risky approach to start with. The switch to ADB or a full reset is only justified if simple switches and calibration in CIT have failed. Remember, interfering with system files always carries potential risks.

Typical problems and their solution

Even after the right setup, users may experience relapses, and one of the common problems is phantom cheek pressing, which occurs when the sensitivity is too high, and in such cases, it helps to use a special protective glass with a cutout under the sensor or stickers that slightly obscures the area of the sensor, reducing its sensitivity to glare.

Another common situation is working in a case. Some protective cases have too high sides or a solid front panel that covers the infrared beam. If you notice that after buying a new case, the screen stopped turning off, try removing it and checking the sensor. You may need to replace the accessory with a more compatible Redmi model.

Also worth mentioning are software conflicts: Third-party call management apps or smart blockers can intercept the sensor. If a problem occurs after installing new software, try removing it. In rare cases, cleaning the phone app cache through the application management menu helps.

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If the sensor is not operating in any mode (even in CIT), it is likely that the problem lies in the plume or module itself, and a replacement is required at the service center.

⚠️ Warning: Do not seal the top of the screen with dense materials forever.This can cause the sensor to overheat and fail, as it is pulsed and requires minimal heat exchange.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

⚠️ Attention: When using commands ADB Make sure that the phone is on debugging. USB. Incorrect command entry can lead to unstable system operation.