Why Xiaomi screen doesn’t go out during a call: 7 reasons and how to fix it

You've noticed that when you're on a phone, your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO screen doesn't go out as it should? It's not just an annoying glitch -- the constant backlighting of the display drains the battery, distracts the conversation, and can lead to random taps. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 5 minutes, but you need to pinpoint the source.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes, from the trivial settings of the proximity sensor to system failures after the MIUI update, how to check the sensor manually, what applications can block automatic screen shutdown, and what to do if none of the standard methods worked, and at the end, you'll find an FAQ with answers to the most common questions on this topic.

Important: if the problem appeared after a phone drop or moisture hit, immediately go to the section about hardware malfunctions - there are signs of sensor breakdown and diagnostic methods.

1. Approximation sensor: how it works and why it may fail

The main reason Xiaomi's screen doesn't go out during a conversation is because the proximity sensor is not working properly, and this little sensor is located next to the front camera, and it detects when you're holding your phone to your ear, and normally it sends a signal to the system saying, "The screen can be turned off." If the sensor is contaminated, damaged, or disabled by software, it doesn't get that signal.

How to check the sensor manually:

• 📱 Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models run ##0*## → Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor).
• 👆 Put your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.00 cm to 0.00 cm.
• ❌ If the readings do not change or the sensor is not in the list, the sensor is defective or disabled.

On Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi Note 11/12 and later, the proximity sensor is often combined with a light sensor, and if you don't have the screen brightness adjustable at the same time, the hardware is the problem.

2.Settings check: what could turn off the automatic screen shutdown

Before you sin on iron, make sure that the problem is not the software settings. MIUI has several parameters that can affect the operation of the proximity sensor:

1. In your pocket mode: go to Settings → Display → In your pocket mode and make sure the feature is active. On some firmware, it's called Accidental Touch Prevention.
2. Energy saving: in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode, check if the background processes for the Phone application are turned off.
3. Special features: in Settings → Special. features → Physical buttons should be enabled item Turn off the screen when approaching.

If you use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion), it could override standard gestures.Try temporarily returning the standard MIUI launcher and check if the problem persists.

Checked "In the pocket" mode"|Power saving for the "Phone" application is disabled"|The screen switching function is enabled in special. possibilities|The problem persists at the standard launcher-->

3.Apps that block the proximity sensor

Some programs may conflict with Xiaomi's system services, interfering with the correct operation of the sensor.

• 🔒 Antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky, 360 Security) – block access to sensors for security".
• 🎮 Gaming Utilities (Game Turbo, GFX Tools – can turn off sensors to reduce lags.
• 📱 Launchers and themes – some custom shells override the handling of approximation events.
• 🔄 Automation applications (MacroDroid, Tasker) – could create a rule that interferes with the sensor.

How to find the culprit:

1. Run your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) If the problem has disappeared, the third-party app is to blame.
2. Turning to remove newly installed programs, checking the sensor after each removal.
3. For POCO F4/F5 and Redmi K50 there is a well-known bug with the Mi Video app - its update to version 6.5.7+ solves the problem.

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If you don’t want to delete apps, try disabling the “body sensors” resolution for them in Settings → Apps → Permissions.

4.Failures after MIUI update: what to do

Massive complaints about the non-extinguishable screen come after major MIUI updates, especially on transitional versions (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14).

• 📲 Update "fly" incorrectly, and the system does not see the sensor approach.
• 🔄 Conflict between new firmware and old settings.
• 📥 A temporary bug that Xiaomi fixes in the following patches.

Decisions of the order:

1. Reset sensor settings: Settings → About Phone → All specs → MIUI version (tap 5 times) → Additional menu → Reset sensor settings
2. Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cache of the system
3. Reverse to the stable version of MIUI via Fastboot (instructions below in the table).

5. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If all the software methods have been tried and the screen is still on, the problem may be a physical breakdown.

• 🔍 The proximity sensor does not respond to anything (checked through the engineering menu).
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration.
• 🔧 After replacing the screen or battery (often, the masters forget to connect the sensor plume).
• 📉 The problem arose after the phone fell down.

On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) the proximity sensor is often integrated into the display module. 30-50% Before repairing, check if it's cheaper to buy a device on the secondary market.

How to temporarily resolve the problem before repair:

• Use headphones with a microphone – the screen will go out when you connect the headset.
• Install the Proximity Sensor Fix app from Google Play – it emulates the sensor’s performance.
• Turn on manually switching off the screen with the power button during the call.

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If the sensor does not respond even in the engineering menu, and the phone has not been physically damaged - this is a guarantee case.

6.Castom firmware and root: specific solutions

If you use custom software (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, xiaomi.eu) or you have root rights, standard methods may not work.

1. Check the kernel: some custom cores (like FrancoKernel) disable sensor support to save charge. Try changing the kernel to a standard one.
2. Edit build.prop: ro.vendor.xiaomi.proximity.dynamic_calibration=true persist.vendor.proximity.calibration=1,0,0,80,1000 (You need a root editor, such as BuildProp Editor).
3. Refresh the persist section: fastboot erase persist fastboot flash persist persist persist.img (see your firmware documentation for persist.img file).

For firmware xiaomi.eu, there is a known sensor bug on devices with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: editing root-righted system files can cause a device to blink.Always back up NANDroid before changes.

7. How to prevent a problem in the future

To avoid repeated failures with the proximity sensor:

• 📥 Update regularly MIUI, Do not install the beta version on the main device.

For Android 12+ models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60), turn on the option Automatic Sensor Calibration in Settings → About Phone → All specs → MIUI version (5 taps) → Additional settings.