Gyroscope on Xiaomi: how to turn on, configure and check the performance

The gyroscope in Xiaomi smartphones is not just a sensor for games PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact. It's responsible for automatic screen rotation, operation. AR-But many users are facing a problem: the gyro suddenly stops working, and there is no obvious switch in the settings to activate it.

In this article, we will discuss how to turn on the gyroscope on Xiaomi (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro models).+, POCO F5, Mi 13 Ultra and others, check its serviceability through the engineering menu, as well as eliminate typical problems - from software failure to hardware breakdowns. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which can bring the sensor back to life without visiting the service center.

What is a gyroscope in a smartphone and why you need it

A gyroscope is a microelectromechanical sensor (MEMS), It measures the angular velocity of the device in three axes: X, Y and Z. It pairs with an accelerometer and allows the smartphone to accurately determine its position in space:

• 🎮 Games: camera rotation control in shooters (e.g. Call of Duty Mobile), tilts in racing (Asphalt 9).
• 📱 Screen Autoturn: Automatic Transitions Between Book Orientation and Landscape Orientation.
• 🎥 Video Stabilization: Smoothing your hand shake when shooting in Mi Camera or CapCut apps.
• 🗺️ Navigation: more accurate determination of the direction of movement in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps.
• 👓 AR/VR: work of augmented reality applications (Pokémon GO, IKEA Place).

Xiaomi’s gyroscope integrated into chip IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit, which also includes an accelerometer and sometimes a magnetometer. 10A) may not have a full-fledged gyroscope - instead, a soft emulation based on an accelerometer is used, which reduces the accuracy.

How to check if there is a gyroscope in your Xiaomi model

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a hardware gyroscope. To avoid needless setup, first make sure your device supports this feature. Here are 3 ways to check:

1. Official specifications: Find your model on Mi.com or GSMArena and check the Sensors section.The presence of the Gyro item confirms support.
2. Annex AIDA64: Install the utility from Google Play, open the Sensors section and find the Gyroscope line.
3. Testing through the engineering menu: enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app. If a menu with sensor tests appears, the gyroscope is present.

Important: In Redmi models 9A, POCO C31 And other ultra-budget smartphones, the gyroscope is often physically missing, and in this case, the autorotation of the screen is driven by the accelerometer, and gyro-controlled games will not be available.

Step-by-step: how to turn on a gyroscope on Xiaomi

Unlike the accelerometer, the gyroscope on Xiaomi does not have a separate switch in its settings.

1. Activation of the autorotation of the screen (indirectly uses the gyroscope).
2. Permissions for applications using the sensor (games, camera, navigators).

Follow this instruction:

Step 1: Turn on the screen autoturn

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Find the Auto Turn option (or Auto Rotation) and activate it.
3. In some firmware (MIUI 14+) The path may be different: Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Crash-turn.

Step 2: Grant permissions for applications

If the gyro doesn’t work in a particular application (e.g. in a game):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (e.g. PUBG Mobile).
3. Go to Permits. → Other permits.
4. Activate the Body Sensors and Physical Activity (if any).

Step 3: Calibration of the gyroscope

If the sensor is not working properly (for example, the screen is turning with a delay), calibrate:

1. Install the app GPU Test or Sensor Box from Google Play.
2. Open the Gyroscope section.
3. Put your phone on a flat surface and press Calibrate.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to rotate the device on all axes).

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If the gyroscope still fails after calibration, try turning off the Adaptive Brightness function in the screen settings - sometimes it conflicts with the sensors.

Engineering menu: hidden settings of the gyroscope

For advanced users, Xiaomi has a hidden engineering menu where you can test the gyroscope and other sensors. Careful: the wrong actions here can disrupt the smartphone.

To open the menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##6484## (for sensor test) or #4636## (general engineering menu).
3. Choose Sensor Test or Hardware Testing.

On the menu that opens:

• 📊 Check the Gyroscope Sensor readings – values should change as the phone spins.
• ⚠️ If the reading is 0.00 or does not respond to movement, the sensor is defective.
• 🔧 In some firmware, manual calibration is available (Calibration button).

⚠️ Note: Do not change the parameters in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, resetting the sensor settings (Reset Sensor) can lead to incorrect operation of the autorotor.

Typical gyroscope problems and their solutions

If the gyroscope on Xiaomi does not work or malfunctions, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Policy solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot: sometimes helps banal reboot device.
• 📲 Update: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Cache cleaning: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Sensors and clear the cache.

Hardware problems:

• 🛠️ Train damage: after a fall or impact, the sensor contact may break off.
• 💧 Moisture intake: oxidation of contacts on the board.
• 🔥 Overheating: If the phone is getting too hot, the sensor may turn off for protection.

⚠️ Warning: If the gyro stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, don't try to disassemble the device yourself. Xiaomi sensors often use adhesive joints, and unprofessional repairs can damage the board.

How to Calibrate a Gyroscope Without Root Rights

If the sensor is working but it's not showing accurate data (like in games, a character turns in jerks), calibration will help. You don't have to get root access, you've got to use standard tools.

Method 1: Using Sensor Box

1. Download Sensor Box for Android from Google Play.
2. Open the Gyroscope tab.
3. Place your phone on a flat surface (screen up).
4. Press Calibrate and wait for the process to be completed.

Method 2: through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

1. Open the engineering menu with the code ##6484##.
2. Choose the Sensor Test → Gyroscope Sensor.
3. Press Do Calibration (if the option is available).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to turn the phone around).

Method 3: Reset sensor settings

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Sensor Reset (not a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

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Calibration of the gyroscope should be carried out on a flat surface - even a small inclination can lead to incorrect data.

What to do if the gyroscope is broken: repair or replacement

If all the software methods have been tried and the gyro still doesn't work, the problem is probably hardware.

• 🔍 Diagnostics in the service: contact the official service center Xiaomi to check the sensor. the cost of diagnosis is usually 500-1000 rubles.
• 💰 Cost of repair: replacement of the gyroscope costs 1500-4000 rubles depending on the model. In some cases it is cheaper to replace the entire camera module (as the sensor is often soldered into it).
• 🛒 Self-replacement: Not recommended without experience. gyroscope at Xiaomi is usually soldered to the motherboard, and it requires soldering hair dryer and microelectronics experience to replace it.

Signs of hardware malfunction:

• The gyroscope stopped working after falling or getting moisture.
• In the engineering menu, the sensor readings are 0.00 and do not change.
• Other sensors (accelerometer, compass) also work incorrectly.

⚠️ Note: If you decide to replace the gyroscope yourself, buy parts only from trusted suppliers (for example, on AliExpress, look for sellers with a rating of 98%+). Counterfeiting can go out of order in a few days.

FAQ: Frequent questions about gyroscope on Xiaomi