Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones come with a variety of smart features designed to make life easier for the user, one of which is called “mode in the pocket”, which is activated using a proximity sensor, which prevents accidental tapping when the device is in the bag or pocket, but often works incorrectly, causing annoyance to owners.
Many users experience a situation where the screen goes out during a conversation or the phone stops responding to touch, mistakenly believing that it is in the dark, this is due to high sensitivity of the sensor or contamination on the security glass, in which case the only right solution is to force the option to be turned off through system settings or hidden engineering menus.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can control this function, how to find hidden switches in MIUI, how to calibrate the sensor, and what to do if a software failure does not allow you to remove the lock by standard methods, and we will look at the nuances for different versions of firmware and device models.
What is a mode in the pocket and why it is needed
The pocket mode is software protection against false touchscreens. When a Xiaomi smartphone detects that it is in a confined space (pocket, bag), it locks the screen and turns off touch control, which prevents random dialing, sending messages or launching apps while you are wearing the device.
It's based on the proximity sensor at the top of the body, and if the object closes the sensor, the system thinks it's in your pocket, but MIUI algorithms are sometimes too aggressive, and for example, when you're talking, when you're pressing the gadget against your ear, the screen may go out ahead of time, preventing you from completing the call or turning the volume.
While it’s good for data security, it’s more problematic than it’s good for models with a droplet or hole in the screen where the sensor is out of the box, and users often look for ways to fully deactivate the mode for comfortable use.
Search for settings in the screen lock menu
In most current versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell, the switch is in the standard settings menu, and the path to it may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA) and the Android version. You need to open the Settings app and go to the security and lock section.
Usually, the algorithm of actions is as follows: find the item "Screen lock" or "Screen lock and password." Inside this menu, you should look for an option called "Mode in pocket." If the switch is active, just click on it to deactivate the function. After that, the phone will stop blocking the screen when you close the top of the case.
It's worth noting that on some devices with a simplified version of MIUI, this item may be hidden or renamed, for example, in older builds it could be called "Protection against random clicks." If you didn't find the right switch right away, search by settings by typing the phrase "pocket" or "pocket".
Use advanced settings through search
The MIUI interface hides a lot of useful features that are difficult to reach through the standard menu. Use the built-in search to quickly access hidden options. Click on the magnifier at the top of the settings screen and type in the "Mode in your pocket" request. The system will prompt you to go to the desired switch if it is available in your version of the software.
If the search doesn't produce results, try typing in English keywords like Pocket mode or Pocket. Often the system names aren't completely localized, and the English query helps you find hidden sections, and you can also try searching for "Sensor" or "Approximation."
In some cases, the setup may only be available through a developer menu or special engineering codes, but before you go to complex methods, make sure you have the latest version of the system installed, as updates often change the location of menu items.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Engineering menu and sensor calibration
If a standard shutdown is not possible or the function is not working properly even after it is turned off, it may require calibration of the sensor. This uses the CIT (Customer Integration Test) Menu. To get there, open the Phone app and type in the combination ##6484##. Some models may have different codes, such as ##4636##.
In the menu that opens, look for the "Proximity Sensor" option. Click on it to enter the test mode. Here you will see the current sensor readings. Close the top of the screen with your hand - values should change. If there is no reaction or data jumps, click the "Calibrate" button and follow the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other parameters in the engineering menu unnecessarily. recalibration of sensors can lead to incorrect screen operation and call functions.
After a successful calibration, restart the device, which often solves the problem of false positives better than completely shutting down the mode, and if the calibration does not help, it may be that the sensor is physically defective or that it is closed with a poor-quality protective glass.
Comparison of Function Management Methods
There are several ways to solve the problem of locking the screen, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and below is a table that will help you choose the best option for your case.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | Low. | Tall. | No. |
| Search the menu | Low. | Medium | No. |
| Engineering menu | Tall. | Tall. | Medium. |
| Removal of the protective glass | Medium | Depends on the case. | No. |
As you can see from the table, the safest and easiest way is to switch off the standard settings. The engineering menu should only be used in extreme cases when a software bug does not allow you to change the parametre in the usual way.
Why is the sensor lying on new models?
Influence of accessories and protective glasses
Accessories are a common cause of incorrect operation of the pocket mode, cheap protective glasses or films can cover the proximity sensor area even if it is not visible to the eye, especially for glasses with a black frame around the perimeter that enters the sensor area.
If you notice that the problem occurred after you stick a new glass, try to remove it carefully and check the phone's performance, and thick or opaque cases can create a shadow that the sensor perceives as being in your pocket, in which case it helps to replace the accessory with a better or transparent one.
Dirt and greasy plaque at the top of the screen also affect sensitivity. Rub the area around the speakers and the front camera regularly. Sometimes it's enough to clean the surface so that the mode stops spontaneously turning on.
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Before buying a safety glass, check the reviews: often users write that a particular model covers the sensor on the Redmi Note or Poco.
Solving problems with software failures
Sometimes the problem isn't with settings, but with bugs in the operating system itself. If none of the above methods worked, try resetting your app-calling settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find Phone and Contacts, then select Clear → Clear Everything.
This action won't delete your contacts, but will return the call settings to factory values. Often it helps to correct errors related to the processing of sensor signals during the call.
In extreme cases, if the problem is massive and known to your model, waiting for a firmware update can help. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that fix sensors. Check for updates in the About Phone section.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by removing the protective glass or simply cleaning the top of the screen from contaminants.