Random taps on the screen during a phone conversation are a common problem for Xiaomi users, especially on models with curved displays or sensitive sensors. One awkward touch with the cheek or ear can lead to the activation of hands-free communication, switching to another contact or even completing a call. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to lock the screen on Redmi, POCO and Mi – from standard MIUI functions to hidden settings and third-party solutions.
It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, an extended set of gestures is available, while on the budget Redmi Note 10, some options may not be available. We tested all methods on current versions of the software (2026) and indicated restrictions for older devices.
Why Xiaomi’s screen responds to touches during a call
The main reason is the sensitivity of the sensor layer, which is necessary for accurate gesture recognition and multi-touch, but during conversation, this becomes a disadvantage:
- 📱 Curved screens (for example, on Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Mi 11 Ultra – touches even with minimal skin contact.
- 👂 Even flat displays respond to ear or cheek pressure, especially if the case does not have high sides.
- 🔧 The default sensor settings are optimized for game scenarios where response speed is important, not false positive protection.
- 📲 Control gestures (such as swipe to return) may be triggered when the tube is moved near the face.
The manufacturer partially solves the problem in newer versions of MIUI by adding a screen lock feature during a call, but it is often hidden in the depth of the menu or works unstable. Below we will show you how to turn it on manually and what to do if the option is not available.
Method 1: Enabling screen locking in MIUI settings
The most reliable method is to activate the built-in lock function, but its location depends on the firmware version. On MIUI 12-14, the path is as follows:
- Open the settings → Applications → Phone.
- Go to Call Settings → Additional settings.
- Find the option to Lock the screen during call (or Ban touch) and turn it on.
If there is no item, check:
- 🔍 Update MIUI: function appeared in MIUI 12.5 and later. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📱 Firmware region: Global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions may have different names for the option.
What if the option is not available even after the update?
On the Xiaomi 13T Pro and POCO F5 with HyperOS (2026), the path changed: Settings → Apps → Phone → Lock the screen when calling. If the option is gray, then it conflicts with the gestures on (see Method 3).
Method 2: Using the gesture "Attach the palm"
MIUI has a hidden gesture lock feature that works when you call.
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Enable the option to Attach palm to lock (or Double tap to lock on global firmware).
- During the conversation, touch the screen twice with your palm - it will lock until the call is completed.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It doesn't work on models with AMOLED-Always-on Display (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro).
- ❌ May conflict with the gesture of raising to wake up.
- ✅ It runs on the Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 Pro and other devices with IPS-display.
1. Enable gesture in settings
2. Make sure the screen is not locked by a PIN (gesture won't work)
3.Take your hand twice during the call (not with your finger!)
4. Check that the screen is out and does not respond to touch.-->
Method 3: Disable sensor sensitivity during a call
If the locking doesn't work, you can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor for a specific scenario, and this method requires you to activate the developer mode:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional settings → Developer settings.
- Find the option to turn off the sensor when calling (or Disable touch during call) and turn it on.
If you don’t have an option, try an alternative route:
Settings → Special features → Physical features → Touch management → Disable touching during call⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro) this setting may result in the sensor being completely disabled before rebooting.
| Xiaomi model | Does it support "Sensor Disconnection" | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes, in HyperOS) | Method 1 or 4 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. MIUI 14) | Method 2 |
| POCO F4 GT | ❌ No. | Method 5 (annex) |
| Mi 11 Lite | ⚠️ Partially (may glitch) | Method 3 with caution |
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If the built-in features don't help, install specialized utilities from Google Play.
- 🔒 Proximity Screen Off – Disables screen when approaching the ear (using proximity sensor) Works on all Xiaomi models, but requires permission for Special features.
- 📱 Gravity Screen – locks the screen when the phone changes position (for example, when you hold it to your ear) Supports automatic unlocking when the tube is withdrawn.
- 🛠️ Tasker is for advanced users, and allows you to create a screen lock task when you start a call (requires customization skills).
Instructions for Proximity Screen Off:
- Install the application and provide access to Special Features.
- In the application settings, enable the Turn off screen during calls option.
- Calibrate the proximity sensor (in the Calibrate sensor menu).
- Test on an outgoing call.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Gravity Screen) conflict with energy saving modes MIUI. If the screen is not locked, add the app to the battery exceptions:
Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management → Select the App → Without Limitations💡
Before installing third-party apps, check user reviews of your Xiaomi model – some utilities may not work properly with HyperOS or new versions of MIUI 14+.
Method 5: Mechanical solutions (cases, films)
If software methods don’t help, consider physical protection:
- 📱 High-sided cases (1.5-2 mm) prevent the screen from being touched with the cheek.Such models from Spigen, Ringke or the original Xiaomi Protective Case series will do.
- 🛡️ Oleophobic-coated protective glass reduces the sensitivity to accidental touch, such as Whitestone Dome or AmFilm glass.
- 🎧 Using a headset (wired or Bluetooth) completely eliminates the contact of the screen with the face.
For models with curved screens (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Mi 11 Ultra), we recommend covers with rubber inserts at the edges that lift the body above the table surface and reduce the pressure on the display.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap silicone cases without a rigid frame can exacerbate the problem by increasing the touch area of the screen.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Users often encounter problems when setting up their screen lock, and here are the typical errors and their solutions:
- 🔄 "The lock function is turned on, but the screen still responds to touch" → Check if it conflicts with gestures (e.g. Swipe up for home screen). Turn off unnecessary gestures in Settings → Additional functions → Full-screen gestures.
- 📵 "After locking, the screen will not unlock until the end of the call" → It's a feature. MIUI. To unlock the screen, press the power button or wait for the call to complete.
- 🔋 "Third-party app doesn't work in background" → Add it to battery optimization exceptions (see Method 4).
- 🔊 "When the screen is blocked, the sound is lost" → It's a firmware bug. MIUI or use a headset.
If none of the methods worked, reset your phone settings (without deleting data):
Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset network and system settings💡
On Xiaomi HyperOS models (2026), the locking of the screen during a call is more stable than on MIUI 12-13. If your device supports an upgrade to HyperOS, be sure to install it.