What is the “In the pocket” mode and why it is needed
Pocket Mode is a smart feature of Xiaomi smartphones that automatically locks the screen when the device is in your pocket or bag. It prevents accidental taps, face calls or application launches, saving battery power and nerves. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this option works thanks to a combination of proximity sensor, accelerometer and MIUI software algorithms.
Without activation, the smartphone can discharge faster due to constant touching of the screen in your pocket, as well as creating inconveniences - for example, turn on music or make calls while moving. The feature is especially useful for those who wear a phone in tight jeans or sports pants, where the screen often comes into contact with fabric.
It is important to understand that the In-pocket mode does not replace the standard lock screen, but complements it. It only works when the proximity sensor is completely blocked (for example, when the phone is lying down on the table or in a closed pocket).
Where is the “In your pocket” setting on the Redmi Note 10 Pro
On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the option is hidden in the Screen menu, but the path to it depends on the version of the MIUI firmware. In recent updates (starting with MIUI 13), the interface has changed a little, so let’s consider both options. If you have custom firmware installed (for example, Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), the location of the item may differ.
For the standard MIUI (global or Russian version), follow the following steps:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Screen section.
- Scroll down to the Additional screen settings block and select Mode in your pocket.
- Activate the switch to the position on..
On some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5), the path may look like: Settings → Display → Screen Lock → Mode in your pocket. If you don’t find this item, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware – in older builds, the feature is sometimes missing or hidden deeper.
How the proximity sensor works and why the mode may not work
The In-Pack feature relies on proximity sensor data, the same one that shuts down the screen when you hold the device to your ear when you hold it on the phone. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker, and if it's contaminated or damaged, the mode will not work properly.
The main reasons why the function may not work:
- 🔹 Sensor contamination: dust, greasy traces or protective film interfere with the correct definition of the obstacle.
- 🔹 Damage after a fall: Even a minor impact can displace the sensor or disrupt its contacts.
- 🔹 Conflict with other apps: Some gesture control programs (e.g. Edge Gestures) may block the mode.
- 🔹 Older versions: in older versions MIUI The pocket recognition algorithm was less accurate.
To test the sensor, call someone and cover the top of the screen with your hand, the screen should go out. If that doesn't happen, the sensor is faulty. You can also use Google Play test apps like Sensor Test to measure how it reacts.
💡
If the proximity sensor is dirty, gently wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use sharp objects - this can damage the sensor!
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on and configure the mode
Now, let's go through the activation process in detail, taking into account the possible nuances, and follow the instructions Step-by-step to avoid errors.
- Open Settings and go to Screen. If you have MIUI 14, the path may be called Display.
- Find the option "Mode in your pocket." If it is not, update the firmware or check for the feature through a search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
- Activate the switch. After you turn on, you'll see a brief description of the function.
- Adjust sensitivity (if available). In some versions of MIUI, you can adjust the sensor's threshold.
After activation of the mode, it is recommended to test its work:
- 📱 Put the phone down on the table with a screen – in 1-2 seconds the screen should go out.
- 👖 Place the device in your pocket and move your hand – the screen should not respond to touch.
- 🔦 Pull out your phone and unlock it – the feature automatically deactivates.
Mode enabled in settings | Approximation sensor clean | Phone locked in pocket | Screen does not respond to accidental touches-->
If the function doesn't work after you turn it on, try restarting the device. Sometimes MIUI system processes require restarting the new settings to work properly.
What to do if the “in your pocket” mode does not work
If you've turned on a function, but it doesn't work, it can be software or hardware, and we'll start with the simplest solutions.
- Reboot your phone. That helps 30 percent of the time when system services are stuck.
- Clean the proximity sensor. Use a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and check for updates.
- Reset the screen settings. Go to Settings → System → Resetting → Reset the display settings.
If the problem persists, the sensor itself may have malfunctioned. To make sure of this, run a test:
- Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
- Run the proximity sensor test.
- Cover the top of the screen with your hand – the value should change from 5.0 cm (maximum distance) to 0.0 cm (obstacle detected).
If the sensor does not respond, contact the service center. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, replacing the proximity sensor costs an average of 1,500-2,500 rubles, depending on the region.
How to temporarily bypass a non-functioning proximity sensor?
Comparison of “In your pocket” mode with other screen locking methods
There are several alternative ways to prevent accidental clicks on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, and consider the pros and cons of this compared to In-Pack mode.
| Method of blocking | Pluses | Cons | Is it pocket-friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the pocket mode | Automatic activation, does not require user action, saves battery | May not work when the sensor is partially blocked, depending on the purity of the sensor | Yes. |
| Double-press to lock | Quickly shutting down the screen, always working | Requires manual action, does not protect against pressing in the pocket | No. |
| Fingerprint. | Quick unlocking, high reliability | Does not prevent accidental pressing in the pocket, discharges the battery with constant scanning | No. |
| Smart lock (in the face) | Easy to unlock, works without touching | Does not lock the screen in your pocket, high power consumption | No. |
| Magnet case | Reliably locks the screen, protects against mechanical damage | Requires the purchase of an accessory, not always convenient | Yes. |
As you can see from the table, In-Pack is the only solution that is fully automated and requires no additional action. Alternatives are either less convenient or do not solve the problem of random taps. For example, double-pressing to lock (Settings → Screen → Screen Lock → Double-touch to lock) is convenient, but does not protect against tapping when the phone is already in your pocket.
💡
In your pocket mode is the only feature on the Redmi Note 10 Pro that automatically locks the screen when you put the phone in your pocket, without requiring cases or manual actions.
Additional settings to optimize the mode
To make the In-pocket mode work as efficiently as possible, you can adjust several associated settings, which will help to avoid false positives and extend the battery life.
Setting the screen lock time:
- Go to Settings → Screen → Sleep mode.
- Set a minimum time (e.g. 15 seconds) to allow the screen to fade faster when inactivity is involved.
2.Switching off the always active display (AOD):
- The Always-on Display feature interferes with the In-Pack mode, as the screen remains partially active.
- Turn it off in Settings → Screen → Always-on Display and lock screen.
Calibration of the proximity sensor:
- Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) has the option of calibrating the sensor in the engineering menu.
- To access the phone application, dial the code ##6484## (sensor test).
4. Excluding applications from optimization:
- Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can interfere with the mode.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart and disable Autostart for unnecessary programs.
It is also useful to turn off gestures on a locked screen (Settings → Screen → Gestures on a locked screen), as they can accidentally trigger in your pocket even if the In-pocket mode is active.
💡
If you carry your phone in your bag often, increase the sensitivity of the proximity sensor through the engineering menu. To do this, type the code ##36446337## and select Proximity Sensor.