Why Xiaomi Redmi screen doesn’t go out during a conversation – and how to fix it

You're talking on the phone, you put Xiaomi Redmi to your ear, and the screen keeps glowing, you accidentally push buttons, and the conversation is interrupted. Familiar situation? This problem is found on models from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 12, and its causes can be due to software failures and hardware malfunctions. In 80% of cases, the proximity sensor is to blame, but sometimes the root of the evil lies deeper — in firmware, energy saving settings, or even mechanical damage.

In this article, we will look at all the possible reasons why the Xiaomi Redmi screen does not go out during a call, and give you step-by-step instructions for eliminating them, learn how to check the proximity sensor, reset the settings to the factory, update the firmware and even what to do if the problem is physical damage to the sensor, and at the end, answer to the most frequent user questions and the compatibility table for different models.

1. How the proximity sensor works - and why it might crash

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi is responsible for automatically turning off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. It consists of an infrared emitter and a photodiode that register the obstacle at a distance of 2-5 cm. If the sensor does not work, the screen remains active, which leads to accidental pressing and communication break.

Causes of sensor failure:

• 🔹 Sensor pollution – dust, grease, or protective film block infrared signal.
• 🔹 Software failure – a firmware error or application conflict (especially after an update) MIUI).
• 🔹 Mechanical damage – a phone drop or moisture can knock the sensor out.
• 🔹 Incorrect settings – disabled feature in the menu or activated mode for people with disabilities.

On Redmi Note 11 and later, the proximity sensor is often combined with the light sensor in one module, so if the screen not only does not go out on the call, but also does not adjust the brightness automatically, then the problem is precisely this component.

2. Checking the proximity sensor: 3 methods of diagnosis

Before you sin on a hardware breakdown, make sure the sensor is really not working.

Method 1. Test through the Engineering Menu

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
3. Close the top of the screen with your hand – the value should change from 5.00 to 0.00.

If the numbers do not change, the sensor is faulty or blocked.

Method 2. Verification through the application

Install the Sensor Test utility (available on Google Play), run the proximity sensor test and check the response to the sensor closing, and the app will show whether the system recognizes your actions.

Method 3: Visual inspection

Examine the top of the screen (near the speaker) for cracks, scratches, or contamination. Even a thin film can block the signal.

3. Software solutions: settings and resetting

If the sensor is good, but the screen is not going out, the settings or the software are to blame.

Step 1. Enable the function in the settings

Go to Settings → System Applications → Phone → Incoming calls and make sure that the option to turn off the screen when you touch your ear is active. On some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Special Features → Physical Features → Turn off the screen.

Step 2. Reset your phone settings

Sometimes the failure is due to a conflict of settings.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only returns settings to factory settings).
3. Reset the device.

Step 3. Update MIUI

Firmware errors are often fixed in newer versions.

1. Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If a new version is available, install it.

On Redmi Note 10 Pro models and later after upgrading to MIUI 14+, the proximity sensor may temporarily crash – a known bug that can be fixed by the reboot.

- Save contacts in Google account

- Make a backup copy of photos and files

Remember passwords from Wi-Fi and applications

- Make sure the battery is charged >50%-->

4. Hardware problems: what to do if the sensor breaks

If the software methods didn't work, it was a physical malfunction.

Scenario 1: Sensor plume is damaged.

After a fall or repair, the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard may move away.

• 🔧 The screen does not go out only when calling, otherwise the phone works normally.
• 🔧 The light sensor is not working (brightness is not automatically regulated).

So the solution is to take the phone apart and check the connection of the plume, and that requires repair skills or help from a service center.

Scenario 2: Sensor sticking due to moisture

If the phone was in water or a humid environment, the sensor could oxidize.

• 💧 The screen is turned off with a delay or arbitrarily switched on/off.
• 💧 There's a noise in the dynamics.

Solution: Dry your phone in rice or silica gel for 24 to 48 hours, and if it doesn't work, replace the sensor.

Scenario 3: A crack in the glass above the sensor

Even a microcrack can block the infrared signal. Look at the top of the screen as it zooms in (for example, through a magnifier) If there is a crack, you will need to change the glass.

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If you've recently glued a protective film, try removing it, and sometimes a thick or poor quality film interferes with the sensor.

5. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If the sensor is faulty and repairs are delayed, you can temporarily bypass the problem:

Solution 1. Use the headset.

Connect wired or wireless headphones – the screen will go out when the phone is taken away from the ear (the function works through the gyroscope sensor).

Solution 2. Install third-party software

Apps like Proximity Sensor Fix (available on Google Play) emulate the sensor through a camera or gyroscope.

Solution 3: Turn off the screen manually

Press the power button during the call, the screen will go out. Inconvenient, but will prevent accidental pressing.

Solution 4: Activate In Your Pocket Mode

Some of the firmware has an option to set up → Lock screen → In your pocket mode, which turns off the screen when you close the light sensor (like when your phone is in your pocket), and it can also work when you call.

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Third-party appendices for emulation of the proximity sensor may conflict with MIUI. Before installation, back up the data.

Table of compatibility of solutions for different models

Not all methods are equally effective for different Xiaomi Redmi smartphones. Below is a summary table with the most effective ways for popular models:

7. When to contact the service center

If you’ve tried all the methods, but the screen Xiaomi Redmi still does not go out during the conversation, it’s time to contact the experts.

• 🛠️ The sensor does not respond to any action (tests, applications, resets).
• 🛠️ The screen goes out arbitrarily, even without a call.
• 🛠️ Artifacts or stripes appeared on the screen after the fall.
• 🛠️ The phone is overheating or discharged quickly.

The cost of repairing the proximity sensor in service centers:

• 💰 Sensor replacement: 1,500–3,000 ₽ (model-wise).
• 💰 Cleaning/sweeping of the plume: 1,000–2,000 ₽.
• 💰 Diagnosis: 500–1,000 ₽ (sometimes free of charge for repairs).

⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to disassemble Xiaomi Redmi yourself if you don’t have experience. Wrong actions can damage the display plume or motherboard, which will increase the cost of repair 2-3 times.

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before visiting, check if there are spare parts for your model for new devices (for example, Redmi). 13C) parts can be supplied to order.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)