How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9: safe methods and risks

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation when the device is brought to the ear. However, many users face situations when this sensor does not work correctly: the screen goes out too early, does not respond to gestures or, conversely, remains active during the call, which leads to accidental pressing. In some cases, the sensor can interfere with the use of the phone in non-standard scenarios, for example, when listening to music through a speaker with a device held to the ear.

In this article, we will discuss three official and informal ways to disable the proximity sensor on Redmi 9, including methods through standard settings, engineering menus and the use of a new approach sensor. ADB-It's important to understand that deactivating the sensor can affect the usability of the phone during calls, so we'll also analyze the possible consequences and alternative solutions. If you're willing to sacrifice automatic screen control for stability, read on.

Why turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Before we get to the instructions, we need to figure out where to turn off the sensor, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📞 False positives – the screen goes out when you hold your phone in your hand, not while you call.
• 🔄 Sensor freezes - after the call the screen does not turn on, a reboot is required.
• 🎵 Discomfort when listening to music – if you put your phone to your ear to hear the speaker better and the screen shuts down.
• 🛠️ Damage to the sensor – after falling or repairing it does not work properly.
• 🔧 Software testing – when debugging applications where it is required to simulate the absence of a sensor.

On the other hand, disabling the sensor has negative consequences:

• ⚠️ Accidental taps during a call (the cheek may touch the screen).
• ⚠️ Fast battery discharge as the screen stays on longer.
• ⚠️ Discomfort in speakerphone communication – you will have to manually lock the screen.

If the sensor problems are temporary, try restarting your phone first or rubbing the sensor area (located next to the front camera) – sometimes dust or contamination interferes with its operation.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (MIUI 12–14)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions, Xiaomi has removed direct access to the sensor settings, but the workaround still works.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the phone application (standard call).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls section → Additional settings.
4. Find the option of the Approach Sensor (may be called Automatic Screen Shutdown).
5. Move the slider to the off position.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings.
2. Choose Special Opportunities → Physical buttons.
3. Scroll down and find Turn off the screen when approaching.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global) may not have this item, so move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

The engineering menu allows you to access hidden settings Xiaomi Redmi 9, including sensor control.This method works on most versions of MIUI, but requires caution – improper changes can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
2. You'll see the MTK Engineer Mode (or similar) menu. Select Hardware Testing.
3. Go to the Sensor section. → Proximity Sensor.
4. Click Disable (or uncheck Enable).
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If ##6484## does not work, try the alternative codes:

• ##4636## → Usage statistics → Sensor test.
• #36446337## (for some versions of MIUI)

Attention! Changes to the engineering menu can lead to:

• ⚠️ Failures in the operation of sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer).
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty if the phone is in service.
• ⚠️ Unstable operation of the phone (hangs, overheating).

⚠️ Warning: If after disabling the sensor in the engineering menu, the phone begins to behave inadequately (for example, does not respond to touch), return the settings to the original state or reset to factory parameters through Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line, and it is the most reliable method, since changes are made at the system level, but it requires preparation.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Execute the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

To get the sensor back to work, use the command:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

Important: Some MIUI firmwares reset the ADB settings after the system update, and you'll have to repeat the procedure after each update.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or using Google’s universal USB Driver. Also check if File Transfer (MTP) mode is enabled when you connect.

What to do if the sensor does not turn off?

If none of the methods worked, the following reasons are possible:

If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), software methods will not help.

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center to Replace Sensor (Cost) ~1 000–1 500 ₽).
2. Use a phone without a sensor, getting used to manually locking the screen during calls.

Alternative solutions: if you do not want to turn off the sensor

Before radically disabling the sensor, try alternative ways to solve the problem:

• 🔄 Sensor calibration: Enter in ##6484###. Select Proximity Sensor → Calibration. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold and move your hand from the sensor several times).

Use of third-party applications

• Proximity Sensor Reset – Resets the sensor settings.
• Sensor Box for Android – Tests the operation of all sensors.

Cleaning the sensor

Resetting settings

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

If false positives only occur in certain applications (for example, during calls via WhatsApp or Telegram), check the settings of these programs – some messengers have their own screen control options during calls.

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Before turning off the sensor, be sure to test it through an engineering menu or the Sensor Test application. Perhaps the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in the firmware or glass that covers it.

Risks and consequences of disconnecting the proximity sensor

Disabling the proximity sensor may seem like a harmless procedure, but it carries a few hidden risks:

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (especially Chinese) after the sensor is switched off ADB Or the engineering menu may stop working, because the light and proximity sensors sometimes use common drivers.

Main implications:

• 📵 Accidental taps during a call (cheek or ear can activate hands-free functions, complete a call, or even send messages).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the screen stays on longer than it should.
• 🚫 No response to gestures – some functions (such as holding a phone to your ear to answer a call) will stop working.
• 🔄 Problems after update MIUI — settings may reset and the sensor is activated again.

If you decide to turn off the sensor, we recommend:

• Use a magnetic lock case to lock the screen during calls.
• Set the power button to lock the screen with one click (Settings → Lock screen → Lock power button).
• Install an app like Gravity Screen that will automatically lock the screen when the phone is in a certain position (e.g. in your pocket).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Redmi 9