How to turn off the screen when talking on Xiaomi Poco X3

Many smartphone owners face a situation where the device’s screen goes out during a conversation without reacting to touch, which is due to the proximity sensor that automatically locks the display when you hold the phone to your ear. In the Xiaomi Poco X3 model, this feature is implemented quite aggressively, which sometimes causes inconvenience, especially if you are used to using a speakerphone or headset.

Understanding how to turn off the screen when talking to the Xiaomi Poco X3 is not only necessary for comfort, but also for saving battery power. However, completely turning off this feature can lead to accidental cheek presses, so it is important to find a balance between convenience and functionality. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to control the sensor.

It is worth noting that the MIUI shell on which the smartphone system is based does not have a single button to turn off the sensor, the process of managing this function requires a comprehensive approach, including call settings, calibrating engineering menus and checking security accessories.

The principle of the proximity sensor in the Poco X3

The proximity sensor is a small sensor located at the top of the display, often hidden under a black bezeel or the screen itself in the case of the Poco X3 NFC and Poco X3 Pro. Its main task is to determine the distance to the object. When you bring the phone to your face, the sensor sends a signal to the system, and the screen goes out to prevent accidental ear pressing.

Xiaomi devices use both physical infrared sensors and software algorithms that analyze data from the accelerometer and gyroscope, which means that even if the physical sensor is closed, the software can simulate its operation based on the device’s position in space.

⚠️ Warning: Blindly shutting down all sensor-related services can disrupt autobrightness and screen rotation, so act carefully.

Sometimes users confuse the light sensor and the proximity sensor, the first adjusts brightness depending on the light in the room, and the second responds specifically to the proximity of objects. In the Poco X3, these two sensors are often combined into one module under the screen, making their tuning interrelated.

Settings of the application "Phone" and calls

The first step in solving the problem is to check the standard settings of the call app. The MIUI shell has built-in options to control the behavior of the screen during a conversation. First, open the Phone app and go to the settings menu through three dots in the corner.

You should look for a partition that deals with incoming calls or conversational status, and some firmware versions have a random tap lock option that can work in tandem with the sensor, and disabling this feature can make the screen more responsive, but it won't shut down the sensor completely.

If you use third-party calling apps like Google Dialer or Truecaller, the settings may be inside those programs. In Google Phone, the path often looks like: Settings → During a call, where you can find the Approximation Sensor switch.

It's important to understand that standard settings are often limited by the manufacturer, and if you have to ignore the sensor completely, the system tools may not be enough and you'll have to resort to deeper methods of system tuning.

Use of the Engineering Menu for Calibration

The most efficient way to control the sensor is to log into the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system designed to test hardware components. To get there, open the Phone app and type in the code ##6484##. If the code doesn't work, try ##4636###.

In the CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu that opens, you need to find the Proximity Sensor. You click on it and you'll see the current readings of the sensor. Put your hand above the top of the screen and remove it: values should change from 5.0 to 0.0 (or vice versa, depending on the version).

If the sensor doesn't respond or shows incorrect values, the Calibration button is often available on the same menu. Press it, cover the top of the screen with your hand, and follow the instructions on the screen. After successful calibration, restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the values in other sections of the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose, as this may lead to unstable operation of Poco. X3.

In some cases, after calibration, you need to reset the sensor data, and for this purpose, the calibration menu can have a Clear Data button or similar, which will return the parameters to the factory settings, which often helps if a software failure caused false positives.

Problems with protective films and covers

One of the most common reasons why the screen goes out on its own or doesn't go out when needed is because of protective accessories. In the Poco X3, the proximity sensor is in a very narrow area at the top of the screen. If the protective glass has a black bezel or poor-quality adhesive in that area, it covers the sensor.

A poorly pasted air bubble film above the sensor can also distort the readings. The system sees a permanent obstacle and thinks that the phone is in the ear all the time, or vice versa, it does not see anything and does not extinguish the screen. Check the cleanliness of the top of the display.

High-sided cases can mechanically press on the sensor area or create a shadow that the infrared sensor perceives as an object. Remove the case and see if the screen behavior changes during the call.

If you recently replaced the glass and the problem appeared after that, most likely, the master used an unoriginal component or poorly cleaned the area of the sensor from dust and glue, in which case only reglazing or replacing the glass with a better one will help.

Third-party applications for sensor control

If standard methods don't work, you can use apps from the Google Play store that allow you to flexibly customize the sensors, and programs like Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix or Sensor Box give you extended control.

Some applications allow you to completely disable the proximity sensor software without affecting system files. This is convenient if you often use loudspeaker or video calls where the sensor only interferes. However, remember that this can lead to accidental taps.

There are also calibration tools that are simpler than the engineering menu, which take the user through a step-by-step process of adjusting the sensitivity, such as the Phone Tester app, which shows the sensor's schedule in real time.

A unique feature of some applications for Poco is the ability to create profiles: for example, disable the sensor only for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), leaving it active for ordinary calls.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

To make it easier to choose the best way to solve the problem, we have compiled a table comparing different approaches, which will help you understand what method will suit you in your situation with the Xiaomi Poco X3.

As you can see from the table, the safest method is to check settings and accessories. The engineering menu gives the best result in software failures, but requires care. Using third-party software is a compromise option for advanced users.

Keep in mind that newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS may have different sensor algorithms, and what worked on Android 10 may be different than Android 12 or 13. Always update when you upgrade.

Additional tips and nuances MIUI

Poco X3 owners should be aware of Pocket Mode, which prevents random calls when the phone is in their pocket, and sometimes it conflicts with the proximity sensor, which is located in Settings → Screen Lock.

Also, look at the "In your pocket" mode in the screen settings, and if it's activated, the phone can go out when you put it in your bag or when you have a sudden change in light, which is mistaken for a touch to your ear.

For those who use video calls, there is a life hack: turning on the hands-free mode before starting a conversation often forcibly turns off the proximity sensor for the duration of the call, which is a standard behavior of the system that can be used for your own purposes.

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If you talk frequently over video, turn on the “Do not turn off screen” feature in the developer settings, but be sure to turn it off after the call to save energy.

Regularly cleaning the cache of the Phone app can also help. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files that may have caused a setting conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Proper calibration through the engineering menu solves 90% of the approximation sensor software problems on the Xiaomi Poco X3 without the need to go to the service.