Xiaomi screen does not go out when you lift it to the ear: 7 ways to fix the problem with the proximity sensor

During a phone call, Xiaomi’s smartphone should automatically turn off the screen when you hold it to your ear, not only saving battery power, but also preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear, but many users face a situation where the screen does not go out when approaching – stays active, responds to touches and can even complete the call at the most inopportune moment.

The problem most often involves a proximity sensor, a small sensor next to the front camera, which detects the distance to the object (in this case, your ear) and sends a signal to the system to turn off the display, if the sensor is contaminated, damaged or misconfigured, the function stops working, and in some cases, the software is to blame: failures after the MIUI update, application conflicts, or incorrect power saving settings.

In this article, we will explore all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s screen does not go out when it is brought to the ear, and offer step-by-step solutions – from simple reboot to sensor calibration and resetting, and learn how to check the performance of the sensor and what to do if a problem occurs after the phone falls.

Why does Xiaomi’s screen not go out during a call?

There are several reasons for the proximity sensor malfunction, most often divided into hardware (physical damage, contamination) and software (software failures, incorrect settings).

In 80 percent of cases, the problem is with the sensor being contaminated -- dust, fat, or protective film that blocks the infrared signal, and the sensor is located next to the speaker and the front camera, so it's easy to clog when you're in active use, and the sensor can also fail after the phone falls or moisture hits.

Another common cause is firmware failures: After updating MIUI or installing custom firmware, the sensor may stop interacting correctly with the system, and third-party applications, especially those that have access to phone functions (such as recording conversations or spam blockers), are sometimes to blame.

In some Xiaomi models, the automatic screen shutdown function during a call can be manually disabled or reset after an update, and the problem can manifest itself when the power saving mode is activated, which limits the operation of the sensors.

How to check the work of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

Before you start repairing or resetting your settings, make sure the sensor is really faulty, and you can use built-in diagnostic tools or third-party apps to do this.

The easiest way is to call your phone and hold your hand to the top of the screen (where the sensor is located).If the screen doesn’t go out, try doing it in a dark room: some Xiaomi models use an infrared sensor that is visible through the camera of another phone (should flash red when an object approaches).

For a more accurate check:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models may not work).
2. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
3. Close the sensor with your hand – the value should change from 5.00 (maximum distance) to 0.00 (object nearby).

If the sensor doesn't respond or it doesn't show the correct values, it's hardware, and if the values change, but the screen doesn't go out, it's the software.

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On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) to check the sensor you need to enter ##4636##, then select Phone Information → Sensors

Cleaning the proximity sensor: step-by-step instructions

If the sensor is contaminated, you can clean it yourself, which requires a soft brush (for example, for makeup), a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, and a magnifying glass (optional).

Attention! Do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) - they can damage the sensor. Also avoid excess fluid so that it does not get inside the case.

Cleaning algorithm:

Turn off the phone and get it out. SIM-map (if necessary)

Carefully swipe a dry soft brush over the sensor area (near the front camera)

Wet the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) and wipe the sensor

Let the phone dry. 5-10 minutes before switching on-->

If the sensor is covered with a protective glass or film, try temporarily removing it - sometimes it blocks the infrared signal. On Xiaomi Mi 11 and newer models, the sensor can be hidden under the display, so mechanical cleaning will not help.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor doesn't work after cleaning, don't try to disassemble the phone yourself, which can lead to a loss of warranty.

Calibration of the proximity sensor through the engineering menu

If the sensor is physically functional but not working properly (e.g., it is delayed or does not turn off the screen completely), it can be recalibrated via a hidden engineering menu.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4):

1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Once completed, restart the phone.

On some firmware (MIUI 13+), the engineering menu may be blocked.

• 📱 Install the app MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm EngineerMode (for Snapdragon) from Google Play.
• 🔧 In the application, find the Hardware Testing section → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
• 🔄 Press Do Calibration and wait until it is completed.

If after calibration the sensor began to work even worse (for example, the screen goes out arbitrarily), reset the sensor settings through the same menu or go back to the factory settings of the phone.

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Calibration only helps with software failures, and if the sensor is physically damaged, the calibration will not work.

MIUI settings that may interfere with sensor performance

Sometimes the problem isn't with the sensor itself, but with the system settings, and here are the key parameters that are worth checking:

Energy saving mode

In some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the aggressive battery mode can turn off the sensors to save energy.

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and performance → Battery mode.
• 🔄 Choose Balanced or Performance over Energy Saving.
• 📱 In the Battery Optimization section, find the Phone app and disable the restrictions for it.

2. Call settings

MIUI has a separate switch to automatically turn off the screen during a conversation:

• 📞 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Call settings.
• 🔍 Find the Auto Shutdown or Approximation Sensor option and make sure it’s turned on.

Permissions for the telephone application

If the system application does not have access to sensors, the function will not work:

• 🛡️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits.
• 📱 Make sure that the permissions Body Sensors and Phone are enabled.

Resetting and flashing: extreme measures

If none of the previous methods worked, it may be that the problem lies in deep system failures, in which case resetting the settings or reinstalling the firmware will help.

Resetting to factory settings will remove all data from the phone, so pre-reverse:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset.
2. 🔄 Select Reset and confirm the action.
3. 🔐 After restarting, check the sensor (do not restore data immediately – first make sure the problem is solved).

If the reset doesn’t work, try reflashing your phone through the Mi Flash Tool:

⚠️ Warning: Flashing deletes all data and can lead to a loss of warranty if the phone is not officially unlocked.

Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If all software methods have been tried, but the proximity sensor still doesn't work, the problem is probably hardware.

🔴 The sensor does not respond to calibration and cleaning.

If after all the manipulations the values in the engineering menu do not change (remain 5.00 regardless of the approach of the hand), the sensor is physically defective.

🔴 The phone fell or came into contact with water.

Impacts and moisture often disable the proximity sensor, especially if it is located under glass (as in the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra).

🔴 The screen is turned off arbitrarily or with a delay.

This may indicate damage to the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard.

The cost of replacing the sensor in the service center Xiaomi varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model. on Redmi cheaper, on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro) — more expensive. If the phone is warranty, repair will be free.

What to do before visiting the service:

• 📋 Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#).
• 🔄 Make a backup copy of the data.
• 🛠️ Check with Xiaomi support if there is an authorized service center in your city.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's proximity sensor