How to turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with risks and alternatives

Why to turn off the proximity sensor and when it is dangerous

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone conversation. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear, but many users feel the desire to turn off this sensor — for example, due to improper operation (the screen does not go out or, conversely, turns off too early), inconvenience when using cases or a desire to save battery power.

But before you start manipulating, you have to understand that turning off the proximity sensor makes you less protected from random taps during a call, which means you can inadvertently tap the screen with your cheek, activate the speakerphone, complete a call, or even send a message. This is especially true for models with AMOLED-In some cases, for example, on Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi, the touchscreen is more sensitive. 9T) Disabling the sensor can cause firmware malfunctions if done through informal methods.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to disable the proximity sensor, from the simplest (through standard settings) to the most advanced (using ADB), and learn how to check the sensor performance, which Xiaomi models allow you to do this without risks, and what to do if you have problems after the disconnection.

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

The safest and most recommended method is to use built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, not all firmware versions provide direct access to the sensor settings, but most modern Redmi (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and later) have this option.

1. Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone → All settings (or additionally, depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Find Call or Call Settings (may be in the System Applications submenu).
4. Activate the option to turn off screen when approaching (or deactivate if it is already on). On some models (Redmi 10, Redmi K40), this item may be called the Proximity Sensor.

If you don't have one on your menu, the manufacturer has hidden it for your model, so move on to the next one.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup copy of important data

Make sure the battery is more than 30% charged.

Close all background applications-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi 7, Redmi) 8A) After turning off the sensor through the settings, the function of automatically reducing the volume during the call may disappear. MIUI connects the operation of the proximity sensor and the adjustment of sound.

Method 2: Engineering menus – hidden settings for power users

If the standard method didn’t work, you can try to disable the sensor through the engineering menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models, but requires caution – incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of other sensors (for example, a light sensor or a gyroscope).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##6484## (or #4636## for older versions of MIUI).
2. You'll be taken to the Testing menu. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. In the window that opens, you will see the current state of the sensor. To turn it off, click on the Disable (or Turn Off) button.
4. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

If the sensor is activated again after the reboot, your firmware is blocking the changes, and then the third way, through ADB, will help.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable, but also the most difficult, method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter the command to disable the proximity sensor: adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1
4. Reset the phone. The sensor will be disabled until the next reset.

To return everything, use the same command, but with 0 at the end:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

💡

If the screen stopped turning off during calls after the sensor was turned off, but false positives appeared (for example, when using a case), try calibrating the sensor. To do this, select Proximity Sensor Calibration in the engineering menu (#6484##) and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi) K30) after the sensor has been removed ADB It can be that the Lift to Wake function is missing, because the firmware connects multiple sensors, and to get it back, you have to reset the sensor settings to the factory.

How to check if the proximity sensor is working

Before you turn off the sensor, make sure it is really faulty. Users often confuse the sensor malfunction with firmware problems or mechanical damage (such as cracked glass above the sensor).

1. Open the engineering menu (#6484##) and select Proximity Sensor.
2. Look at Value: 0 - the sensor does not fix the obstacle (the screen should be on). 1 - the sensor is triggered (the screen should go out).

Close the sensor with your hand (usually located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker). The value should change from 0 to 1. If this does not happen, the sensor is defective.

Third-party applications can also be used, such as:

• 📱 Sensor Test (shows the state of all sensors).
• 📱 Phone Tester (tests sensors, camera, speakers).
• 📱 CPU-Z (displays sensor information in the Sensors section).

Yeah, through the settings.

Yeah, through the engineering menu.

Yes, through ADB.

No, I haven't.

I don't know what that is.-->

What to do if after disconnecting the sensor there are problems

Disabling the proximity sensor can have unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If after disconnecting the sensor, the phone began to work unstable (for example, spontaneously restarts or turns off), reset the settings to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Reset (do not delete data from the memory card!).
3. After restarting, the proximity sensor will return to factory settings.

💡

If you are not sure about your actions, it is best not to turn off the proximity sensor via the ADB or engineering menu. On some Xiaomi models, this may lead to a loss of warranty or the need for flashing.

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

Before fully deactivating the proximity sensor, consider alternative options:

• 🔧 Sensor calibration. Sometimes malfunctions are due to improper calibration. In the engineering menu (#6484###), select Proximity Sensor Calibration and follow the instructions.
• 📲 Third-party applications: Applications like Proximity Sensor Fix or Sensor Disabler allow you to temporarily disable the sensor without interfering with system files.
• 🎧 If the problem is only when you're calling, use wireless or wired headphones, in which case the proximity sensor is not activated.
• 🛡️ Replacement of the protective glass.If the sensor is not working properly due to cracks or thick glass, replacing it may solve the problem.

Some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Redmi K60) have a hidden One-Ear Mode feature that reduces sensor sensitivity to activate it:

1. Enter the code ##36446337##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Earphone Mode and turn it on.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shutting down the proximity sensor