Mode in your pocket on Xiaomi: where is it, how to set up and troubleshoot

Have you ever noticed that Xiaomi's screen accidentally activates in your pocket or bag?This not only drains the battery, but can lead to unwanted taps, from random calls to camera turn on.The solution to the problem lies in the "Mode in your pocket" feature**, which locks the screen when it detects darkness (such as when the phone is in your pocket).

In this article, we’ll look at where exactly the mode in your pocket is hiding in different versions of MIUI (12 to 15), how it interacts with the proximity sensor, and what to do if your smartphone ignores your settings. You’ll also learn about hidden nuances — for example, why the feature may turn off after an update or how it behaves with cases. If your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi discharges too quickly or spontaneously turns on music in your bag — this guide is for you.

What is a mode in the pocket and how it works

Pocket Mode is a hardware-software solution that prevents accidental touches of the screen when the smartphone is in a dark space (pocket, bag, case).

• 🔹 Proximation Sensor – detects whether the screen is closed (e.g., during a call or in a pocket).
• 🔹 Light sensor – detects the level of light: if it is dark, the system assumes that the phone is in your pocket.
• 🔹 Algorithm MIUI — Analyzes sensor data and blocks the screen if conditions match the pocket scenario.

It is important to understand that the regime is in your pocket. ≠ It doesn't turn off the display completely, it just ignores the touch until you reach the phone:

• 📱 Notifications will come (LED flashes, vibration works).
• 🔔 The alarms and calls will work as usual.
• 🔋 Battery consumption is reduced as the screen is not activated accidentally.

In practice, the function is particularly useful for models with AMOLED-screens that are sensitive to random taps (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or the X-rays). POCO F5). However, it has limitations, such as whether it might not work if you carry your phone in a transparent case or with an open camera hole.

Where to find the mode in your pocket in MIUI: step-by-step instructions

The path to customizing the feature depends on the MIUI version and smartphone model. Below are the current instructions for MIUI 12-15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions). If your interface is different, check the "Additional" section at the end of the article.

MIUI 14/15 (2023–2026)

In the latest versions of firmware, the option is hidden deeper than before.

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Scroll down and select Screen Lock.
3. Slip on Pocket Mode (or Pocket Mode in English).
4. Activate the switch and adjust the sensitivity (if available).

Put a case on or put your phone in your pocket | Try unlocking the screen (must ignore touches) | Get the phone out to light - the screen must unlock | Check if random switching on is working in 5-10 minutes

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MIUI 12/13 (2020–2022)

In older versions, the path is shorter, but may be different for Redmi and POCO:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and password.
2. Select the screen lock settings.
3. Find the Mode item in your pocket and turn it on.

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the option may be called Preventing Accidental Presses or Smart Lock. If you do not find it, use a search by settings (the magnifying icon at the top of the screen).

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If you don’t have “Mode in your pocket” in your settings, try updating your MIUI to the latest version. In older firmware (below MIUI 11), the feature may not be available or may not work.

Why the pocket mode doesn’t work: 5 main reasons

Even after the function is turned on, the smartphone may continue to activate accidentally, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Critical feature: on some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the mode in your pocket conflicts with the Lift to wake function. If both options are enabled, the sensors may not work correctly. Turn one of them off in Settings → Display → Raise to wake up.

How to Calibrate Sensors for Correct Function

If the pocket mode is triggered too often or ignores the pocket, the problem may be the sensors are not calibrated correctly.

Calibration of the proximity sensor

1. Open the phone app and type ##6484## (some models run ##2664##).
2. Select the Proximity Sensor Test.
3. Cover the top of the phone with your hand, the screen should go out. Remove your hand, the screen will come back.
4. If there is no reaction, press Calibrate (if available) or reset the sensor settings through Settings → System → Resetting → Reset sensor settings.

Setting up the light sensor

If your phone doesn’t recognize darkness (such as in your bag), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Brightness.
2. Turn off Automatic Brightness and manually set the minimum value.
3. Put your phone in a dark place (like under a blanket) and check if the brightness changes. If not, the sensor needs to be cleaned or replaced.

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After calibrating the sensors, restart the phone, which will help the system to apply new parameters and avoid conflicts with the background processes.

What to do if the mode in the pocket is not in the settings

On some Xiaomi models (especially low-end ones like the Redmi A1 or POCO C50), the feature may be hidden or missing altogether.

• 🔒 Use it. PIN-Even if the screen is activated, it will remain locked without unlocking.
• 📱 Turn off “Wake Up”** in Settings → Display.
• 🛠️ Install a third-party app like Gravity Screen or Pocket Lock that emulates the mode in your pocket.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Update - sometimes the function appears after the update.

If you are sure that there should be an option but it is not, check:

• 📌 Firmware region: in the Chinese version MIUI Some functions are hidden.
• 📌 Modified firmware: custom ROM (For example, LineageOS can remove standard options.

⚠️ Attention: Google Play apps for locking the screen in your pocket (Pocket Lock and similar) require permission Special features. Before installing check reviews - some of them may contain ads or collect data.

Compatibility with covers and accessories

Many users find that the mode in the pocket stops working after buying a case, which is due to the way the case interacts with the sensors:

• 📦 Closed covers (with a cover) usually do not interfere with the function, as they completely block the light.
• 📱 Transparent or thin cases can let in enough light so that the light sensor thinks the phone is outdoors.
• 🔄 Magnet cases (for example, for wireless charging) sometimes affect the proximity sensor, causing false positives.

To check the compatibility:

1. Put the phone in your case and close it.
2. Try unlocking the screen – if it doesn’t respond, the function works correctly.
3. If the screen turns on, try a case with the top closed or calibrate the sensors (see section above).

For models with an infrared proximity sensor (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro), even a small hole in the case can disrupt the work, in which case it is recommended to use cases with full protection of the top panel.

Frequent Questions and Myths About the Regime in the Pocket

There's a lot of rumors going around this feature, and we'll look at the most popular ones.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) The default mode in your pocket is disabled due to aggressive battery optimization. To activate it, first add the Settings app to auto-start exceptions.