How to turn on the automatic screen shutdown when calling on Xiaomi: all ways

A smartphone screen that doesn't go out during a conversation is a common problem for Xiaomi users. Putting your phone to your ear can put you at risk of accidentally pressing buttons, activating functions, or even interrupting a call. There are several ways to solve this problem in MIUI, but they're hidden in different settings sections. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 14/15), the paths may vary.

Many users mistakenly think that it's enough to turn on the proximity sensor, but this doesn't always work. POCO s AMOLED-Others experience the screen go out, but immediately turn on again. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings and workarounds for older versions. MIUI.

If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some of the features may be missing, in which case only manual adjustment through ADB or installing third-party apps will help, but for most users, standard MIUI tools will be enough.

1.Access sensor check: why the screen doesn't go out

The main reason the screen doesn't turn off during a call is because the proximity sensor is faulty or disabled, and it's located next to the front camera and detects when the phone is pressed to the ear. On the newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the sensor is stable, but on low-end devices (POCO M6, Redmi A2) there may be failures.

To check the sensor:

  1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models run ##0*##).
  2. In the test menu, select Proximity Sensor.
  3. Close the upper part of the screen with your hand - if the sensor is working, the screen should go out, and with the hand removed - light up.

If the sensor is not responding:

  • πŸ”§ Check if it is covered with a protective film or cover (especially important for the use of a protective film). POCO X5 Pro with thick bumpers).
  • πŸ“± Restart your phone – sometimes sensor failures are fixed by a simple reboot.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware: in MIUI 15 patched sensor bugs on Redmi 12 and Xiaomi Civi 3 models.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi smartphones (such as Black Shark 5), the proximity sensor is turned off in game mode.

2. set up automatic screen shutdown in MIUI

If the sensor is working but the screen is still not going out, check the MIUI settings. In the latest firmware versions, the option is hidden deep in the menu and easy to miss.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Permissions.
  3. Scroll down and find Change System Settings.
  4. In the list, find the Phone app and turn on the switch to Turn off the screen during the call.

On older versions (MIUI 12 and below), the path is different:

  1. Open Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Additional settings.
  2. Choose Special Opportunities β†’ Approximation sensor.
  3. Activate the option to turn off the screen when calling.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if the option is not in the settings

Done: 0 / 4

If your MIUI version doesn’t have this option, it may be due to regional firmware, for example, the global version of the Redmi Note 11 is available, while the Chinese version is not.

3.Use of the Developer Mode for Forced Shutdown

If standard methods don't work, the developer mode will help, so you can manually activate the proximity sensor and adjust its sensitivity.

How to turn on the developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
  3. Enter your Xiaomi account password if required.

Now activate the forced screen shutdown:

  1. Return to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ For developers.
  2. Find the option to turn off the screen when approaching (or Proximity wake-up) and turn it on.
  3. If there is a point Sensitivity of the proximity sensor, set the value High.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50 Gaming) in developer mode, there's an option to turn off the screen when you call through your headphones. If you use a wired headset, it should also be activated.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi (Note, K-series)
POCO (F, X, M-series)
Xiaomi (Numerical, Civi, Mix)
Black Shark
Other

4. Third-party applications for forced screen shutdown

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which even work on custom firmware and outdated versions of Android.

Top.-3 applications for automatic screen switching off:

  • πŸ“± Proximity Screen Off is a simple utility that forces the screen to go out when it's close, works without root, but requires permission to access sensors.
  • πŸ”„ Gravity Screen is an advanced version with sensitivity and gesture support. Suitable for Xiaomi with a AMOLED.
  • πŸ› οΈ Tasker is for advanced users, and it allows you to create a rule: If there's a call and the proximity sensor is triggered. β†’ turn off".

How to set up Proximity Screen Off:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Run it and give it access to the sensors.
  3. Enable the Enable Service option.
  4. Select Turn off screen during calls.

Tasker will need to create a profile:

Profile β†’ Condition β†’ Phone β†’ In the call


The action β†’ Display β†’ Turn off the screen




Condition β†’ Sensors β†’ Approximation Sensor = Active

πŸ’‘

If the application doesn’t work, check if it is blocked by MIUI Security. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions Management β†’ Autorun and add the utility to exceptions.

5 Manually shutting down the screen by gesture or button

If the automatic shutdown doesn’t work, you can use gestures or physical buttons, a technique that is suitable for models without a proximity sensor (e.g., Redmi A1).

Manual deactivation methods:

  • πŸ–οΈ Double touch: Include in Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Double tap to lock. During the call, double tap the screen to extinguish it.
  • πŸ”˜ Power button: Quickly press the lock button - the screen will turn off, but the call will continue.
  • πŸ“± Swipe down gesture: Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a swipe from the top edge of the screen to lock.

For owners of the POCO F3 and Redmi K40, there is a hidden feature:

  1. During the call, swipe your finger over the proximity sensor (the top of the screen) from top to bottom.
  2. The screen should go out, and when repeated - turn on.

On models with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro), the screen may not go out completely, but go to minimal backlight mode. To turn this off, go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Always-On Display and deactivate the option in calls.

Resetting the settings of the Phone application

If the problem occurs after updating or changing the firmware, resetting the standard call app will help, which will return all parameters to the factory, including the proximity sensor settings.

How to reset your settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Phone app (or Contacts on some models).
  3. Click Warehouse β†’ Clear the data and Reset the settings.

After discharge:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ“ž Check the sensor during the test call.
  • πŸ”§ If the problem persists, update the Phone app via Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete call history! pre-export it to Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.

7 Problems with Specific Xiaomi Models and Their Solutions

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique screen-disabled bugs, and the table below shows the most common models and solutions:

ModelProblem.Decision
Redmi Note 10 ProThe screen goes out, but it turns on immediately.Turn off Raise for Activation in Screen Settings
POCO X3 ProThe sensor doesn't work on the headphones.Activate Turn off the screen when talking through the headset in developer mode
Xiaomi 12TThe screen doesn't go out in the dark.Increase Sensitivity in Developer Settings
Redmi 9ANo option in the settingsInstall Google Phone as a default call app
Black Shark 4Conflict with the Shark Space regimeTurn off the game mode before the call

For Xiaomi Mi A3 (with Android One) and POCO F1, you may need to install Google Phone:

  1. Download Google Phone.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Default Applications β†’ Phone.
  3. Choose Google Phone instead of the standard app.
Why does Xiaomi not even have a sensor on it?
In the models with LTPS-screens (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) minimum delay in updating pixels can interfere with the correct operation of the sensor, in this case, only manual shutdown or third-party applications will help.

8. Hardware malfunctions: when to contact the service

If neither method worked, the problem could be in the hardware, and here are the signs that the proximity sensor is out of order:

  • 🚨 The screen will not go out under any circumstances (even manually).
  • πŸ”¦ Sensor not responding in test menu (#6484##).
  • πŸ’₯ After falling or getting moisture, the function stopped working.

What to do in this case:

  1. Check the phone for physical damage (cracks near the sensor, bloating screen).
  2. If the warranty is valid, contact the Xiaomi service center.
  3. For self-repair, a flexible sensor plume will need to be replaced (cost) ~1500–3000 β‚½).

On Xiaomi models with a subscreen front camera (Xiaomi Mix 4, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the proximity sensor is built into the display. Its replacement costs more than 5000-7000. β‚½.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble your smartphone yourself if you don't have experience! IP53 (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) with careless opening can damage waterproofing gaskets.

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service, back up your data via Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup. After repair, you may need to reset to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching off the screen on Xiaomi

Why does the screen go out but turn back on?
This is due to the conflict of functions Raise for activation and proximity sensor. disable the first in Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Raise for activation.
How to turn off the screen when calling through a Bluetooth headset?
In MIUI 15, this is done in Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Headset settings β†’ Turn off the screen when you call. On older versions, Tasker will help.
Can I adjust the delay before turning off the screen?
Yes, but only through the developer mode, find the Timeout option for the proximity sensor and set the value of 2-3 seconds.
Why does the POCO X3 NFC not go out in headphones?
This is a well-known bug MIUI 12.5. Update your firmware to MIUI 14+ or use Google Phone.
How to return the function after reset to factory settings?
Once reset, all sensor settings are reset. Go to Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Approximation Sensor and turn the option back on.