How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 proven ways

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone conversation when you bring the device to your ear. However, sometimes this sensor begins to malfunction: the screen goes out for no reason, does not respond to touch or, conversely, does not turn off during a call. In such cases, users are looking for ways to completely turn off the proximity sensor to avoid discomfort.

In this article, we will explore all possible methods of deactivating the sensor, from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menus and ADB commands. It is important to understand that disabling this sensor can affect the usability of the phone, so we will also analyze alternative solutions and possible consequences. If you are willing to sacrifice automatic switching off the screen for stable operation, follow our instructions.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is really sensor-related, not firmware or mechanical damage, and you can use the sensor test (discussed below), and remember that some methods require developer rights or unlock the bootloader, which can affect the warranty.

Why turn off the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

At first glance, the proximity sensor seems like a minor detail, but its malfunctioning can seriously damage the user experience. Here are the most common reasons why owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro decide to deactivate it:

• 📞 False positives during calls: the screen goes off even if the phone is not pressed to the ear, or does not turn off when necessary.
• 🔄 Sensor freezes: the sensor gets stuck in one state (for example, constantly thinks that the phone is pressed against the ear).
• 🛠️ Damage after falling or repairing: physical breakdown of the sensor or its contacts.
• 🎮 Discomfort in games or applications: some programs conflict with the sensor.
• 🔋 Battery savings: the sensor consumes energy, albeit slightly.

Interestingly, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has an approach sensor next to the front camera and uses infrared radiation, and its malfunction can be due not only to software failures, but also to glass contamination or damage to the plume. Before you turn off the sensor, try to wipe the area around the camera with an alcohol napkin — sometimes this solves the problem.

If you're sure that the sensor isn't working properly, and not just needs calibration, you can start turning it off, and let's start with the simplest and safest method, which is through standard MIUI settings.

Method 1: Disable the sensor via MIUI settings (without root)

In most cases, you can deactivate the proximity sensor without using additional tools — right in the phone menu. This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for all versions of MIUI on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. However, it does not guarantee 100% deactivation of the sensor, as it depends on the firmware version.

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the System Applications section → Calls.
3. Select Incoming Calls or Call Settings (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Find the option of Approach Sensor or Automatic Screen Shutdown and turn off the slider.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

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

1. Go to Settings → Screen.
2. Select Advanced Settings or Additional.
3. Find the Sensors or Sensors and turn off the Proximity Sensor.

If none of these things worked, your version of MIUI doesn't support turning off the sensor through the standard menu, and then you'll have to use more advanced methods, which I'll talk about later.

⚠️ Note: In some firmware, disabling the sensor through settings may cause the screen to remain on during calls, increasing the risk of accidental tapping (e.g., turning off the microphone or completing a call).

Method 2: Use of engineering menus (codes and hidden settings)

If standard settings don't work, you can try turning off the sensor through the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system where advanced settings are available, and this method doesn't require root rights, but it does require caution: wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

To enter the engineering menu on Redmi Note 8 Pro, use the following code:

##6484##

Once entered, the MTK Engineer Mode menu (if you have a MediaTek processor) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon) will open.The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a Mediatek Helio G90T chip installed, so the next steps will be for the MTK:

1. In the engineering menu, select Hardware Testing → Sensor.
2. Find Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor) in the list.
3. Click on it and select Disable or Turn Off.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If the menu is in English and you're not sure about the translation, look for the sensor names. The proximity sensor is usually labeled PS Sensor or Proximity.

If the engineering menu does not open by code, try an alternative:

##4636##

It's a generic code for Android that opens the test menu, and you can select Sensor Test and find the proximity sensor, and you can calibrate it or disable it here (if you have an option).

⚠️ Attention: There are parameters in the engineering menu that can cause communication to be lost, settings to reset, or even the phone to "brick up." Do not change anything except the proximity sensor settings!

Method 3: Disable the sensor via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, the most reliable way to disable the proximity sensor is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool that allows you to send commands directly to your phone system without having to get root permissions, but you need to enable USB debugging and install drivers to use it.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your phone, turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

If the phone appears in the list, enter a command to turn off the sensor:

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 1

Once you've completed the command, restart your phone. To get the sensor back to working condition, use:

adb shell settings put system proximity_sensor_disabled 0

This method works on most versions of MIUI, but does not guarantee a one-percent result, as some manufacturers block the change of system parameters through ADB.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-Also check that the developer settings include Allow debugging by USB (safe-haven).

What to do if the sensor does not turn off?

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

• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi can block sensor shutdown at firmware level.
• 📱 Castom firmware: Some modified versions MIUI Remove or modify system settings.
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction: The sensor is physically damaged and it cannot be turned off programmatically.
• 🔄 Conflict with other applications: Some programs (such as third-party lock screens) can intercept sensor control.

In such cases, radical measures remain:

1. Get root rights and manual editing of /system/build.prop file (add the line ro.proximity.disable=1).
2. Flash your phone to custom firmware (like LineageOS), where there are more options to customize.
3. Physically disabling the sensor (only for power users, requires disassembling the phone).

Before you go to extreme measures, try resetting your phone to factory settings (be sure to back it up!) sometimes this helps to get the sensor back up to normal or, conversely, allows it to be turned off through standard settings.

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If the proximity sensor is turned off, the screen will remain on during calls, which can lead to accidental taps, so it is recommended to use a headset or hands-free mode.

Alternative solutions: what to do instead of turning off the sensor?

Before fully deactivating the proximity sensor, consider alternative solutions to the problem:

• 🔧 Sensor calibration: In the engineering menu (##6484###), select Calibration and follow the instructions.
• 📲 Using third-party apps: For example, Proximity Sensor Reset or Sensor Box for testing and resetting the sensor.
• 🛡️ Protective film or cover: Sometimes the sensor will work because of the close-up glass or metal elements of the cover.
• 🔄 Update of the firmware: Outdated versions MIUI May contain bugs that have been fixed in new assemblies.
• 📞 Headset use: If the sensor only interferes with calls, go to headphones or speakerphone.

If the problem occurs after a fall or moisture, you may need to replace the sensor in the service center. the cost of repair is usually low (from 500 to 1500 rubles), but you will retain all the functions of the phone.

It's also worth checking if the sensor is in conflict with other sensors, like the Redmi Note 8 Pro, where the light sensor is located next to the proximity sensor, and they can work together, and if you turn off the proximity, the automatic brightness control stops working, that's OK, you have to manually adjust it.

Possible consequences of disconnecting the proximity sensor

Before you deactivate the sensor, evaluate how this will affect your phone’s everyday use:

The most critical consequence is that you can't automatically turn off your screen when you're calling, and it's not only uncomfortable, it's also not safe: you can accidentally tap the screen with your cheek or ear, which will cause you to reset your call or activate other features. If you make frequent calls, consider buying a Bluetooth headset.

Another caveat: on some firmware, turning off the proximity sensor can cause the light sensor to malfunction, in which case the brightness of the screen will cease to adjust automatically, and it will have to be adjusted manually.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell or transfer your phone to another person, return the sensor to working condition, and the new owner may not be aware of the nuances of turning it off, which will lead to inconvenience.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor