Xiaomi’s proximity sensor: why it doesn’t work and how to fix it

What is a proximity sensor and why it is needed in Xiaomi smartphones

The proximity sensor is a small but critical component in any modern smartphone, including Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO. Its main task is to determine when you hold your phone to your ear during a call to automatically turn off the screen.This prevents accidental tapping of the cheek or ear, saving battery power and improving the user experience.

Xiaomi smartphones typically use two types of sensors: infrared (based on an IR emitter and a photodiode) and capacitive (responsive to changing electric field), the former are more common in budget models, the latter in flagships, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro has a capacitive sensor, and the Redmi Note 12 has an infrared one.

This sensor can be affected in many ways: the screen doesn't go out during the call, buttons are accidentally pressed, or the display doesn't turn on after the conversation is over. In some cases, the problem may be software (software failure), in others, hardware (sensor or plume damage), and then we'll discuss how to accurately determine the cause and fix the problem.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

The first step in diagnosis is to identify symptoms. If your Xiaomi approximation sensor isn't working properly, you may notice the following problems:

• 📱 The screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear during a ringing.
• 🔄 The display spontaneously turns on/off during a conversation.
• 🤏 The screen responds to touch when the phone is lying on the table (false positives).
• 🔋 The battery is quickly down due to constant sensor activity.
• 📞 The phone app gives an error such as "approach sensor does not respond".

It is important to distinguish between a sensor malfunction and a firmware or setting problem, for example, if the screen does not go out only in certain applications (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram during voice calls), the problem may be the settings of these programs, not the sensor itself.

⚠️ Note: If the screen does not respond to touch at all (not just during the call), the problem is most likely related to the touchscreen or motherboard, not the proximity sensor.

It is also worth checking whether the Do Not Disturb or Charge Saving mode is activated, which can affect the operation of the sensors. → Battery and productivity → Power saving mode and disable all restrictions.

How to check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Before you carry your phone to the service center, you can check the sensor's performance yourself, and you don't need any special tools, just your hands and standard smartphone functions.

Method 1: Test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

The most reliable method is to use a hidden engineering menu.

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (on some models it may not work – see the alternative below).
3. Select the "Proximity Sensor" option.
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen (where the speaker is).
5. If the sensor is in good shape, it will say "Near" (close) or "Covered" (closed) on the screen.

On new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi) POCO F6) The engineering menu can be blocked, in which case use an alternative method.

Method 2: Checking through the application "Equipment Test"

If the engineering menu is not available, install the free "Phone Doctor Plus" app or "CPU-Z" And they're from Google Play, and they allow you to test all the sensors, including the proximity sensor:

Install Phone Doctor Plus from Google Play

Open the Sensors section.

Find the Proximity Sensor.

Put your hand on the top of the phone.

Check if the status changes from Far to Near"-->

If the application shows that the sensor is not responding or gives an error, the problem can be either software (reflashing is required) or hardware (fault of the sensor or plume itself).

Method 3: Visual inspection

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The proximity sensor is next to the front camera and speaker:

• 🔍 Pollution (dust, fatty spots).
• 💥 Cracks or chips on the glass.
• 🛠️ Repair marks (e.g. careless display replacement).

⚠️ Note: If you have recently changed the screen or glass on your Xiaomi, there is a high probability that the master damaged the sensor plume.

Xiaomi Approximation Sensor Calibration: When It Helps and How to Do It

If the sensor is working but not working properly (for example, the screen goes out too early or does not respond), the problem may be its calibration, which is especially true after updating the firmware or resetting the settings.

Unfortunately, on most modern smartphones Xiaomi (starting with the MIUI 12) there is no built-in proximity sensor calibration function:

Method 1: Reset sensor settings through engineering menu

If you manage to open the engineering menu (see the previous section), try resetting the sensor settings:

1. Enter ##6484##.
2. Select "Proximity Sensor."
3. Click on "Calibrate" or "Reset" (if any).
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If the engineering menu is not available, you can try to reset the sensor through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge:

1. Install ADB on your computer (instructions are available on the XDA Developers website).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and turn on "Debugging by" USB" developer-setting.
3. Enter the command line: adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 0 This command resets the sensor's delay.
4. Reset the device.

If these methods didn't work, it's probably hardware, and you'll need to replace the sensor or the plume.

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Before calibrating the sensor, clean the top of the screen with an alcohol napkin - sometimes dirt or greasy prints interfere with the correct operation of the infrared sensor.

Typical causes of failure of the proximity sensor and repair methods

The proximity sensor malfunction on Xiaomi can be caused by both software and hardware problems.

If you are not sure about the cause of the malfunction, start with software methods (resetting, flashing), as they do not require disassembling the phone. Hardware repair (replacing the sensor or plume) is better to trust specialists, especially if you have no experience with electronics.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a capacitive sensor (e.g., Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4 GT) It's almost impossible to replace the sensor on your own -- it's soldered into the display module, and you'll need to replace the entire screen.

What to do if the proximity sensor does not work after changing the screen

One of the most common causes of proximity sensor failure is unskilled display replacement, and many service centers are saving and installing cheap Chinese screen modules that either lack or are incompatible with the original firmware.

If your Xiaomi approximation sensor stops working after changing the screen, follow the following steps:

1. Check the screen model. Go to the engineering menu (#6484##) and see the display information. If it says "Unknown" or it doesn't match the original, chances are you've got a non-original module installed.
2. Update the firmware. Sometimes sensor incompatibility is solved by an update. MIUI To do this, go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
3. Reset the settings. Reset to factory settings through Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This can help if the problem is a software conflict.
4. If nothing works, go back to the workshop and demand that the screen be replaced with the original or compatible module.

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) you can "cheat" the system by disabling the proximity sensor software:

1. Install the Sensor Disabler app from Google Play.
2. Find the "Proximity Sensor" list and turn it off.
3. Reboot the phone.

Important: Disabling the proximity sensor will keep the screen from going out during calls, which can cause accidental tapping and quick battery drain.

Xiaomi models with frequent proximity sensor problems: what is known

Some Xiaomi models are more prone to proximity sensor problems, due to both design features and firmware errors, and here is a list of "problem" devices and typical malfunctions:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/8 Pro – the sensor often breaks after falls due to a fragile plume.
• 📱 POCO X3 NFC — Problems after updating MIUI 13 (solved by rolling back firmware).
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9/9T — The sensor may conflict with some versions of the Google Phone Dialer.
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C — Cheap screen modules often go without a proximity sensor.
• 📱 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — capacitive sensor sensitive to protective glass.

If you have one of these models, check before repairing if there are any known bugs in your firmware version. POCO X3 NFC forum-wise 4PDA and XDA There are patches that fix the sensor after the update.

When to contact the service center

If you have tried all the software methods (checking through the engineering menu, resetting, updating the firmware), but the proximity sensor on Xiaomi still does not work, it is time to contact specialists.

• 🔧 The sensor is not specified in the engineering menu ("Not available").
• 🔧 Along with the sensor stopped working front camera or speaker.
• 🔧 The phone fell or was exposed to moisture.
• 🔧 The problem occurred after a screen replacement or other repair.

The cost of repair depends on the model and the cause of the malfunction:

• 💰 Replacement of sensor plume: 1,500–3,000 ₽.
• 💰 Replacement of the display module (if the sensor is soldered): 5,000–15,000 ₽.
• 💰 Cleaning/sweetening of contacts: 1000–2 500 ₽.

Before you bring your phone to the service, check the reviews of the workshop. Poor repairs can lead to even more problems. Official Xiaomi service centers usually give a guarantee for work, but their services are more expensive.

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If the proximity sensor stopped working after falling or getting moisture, do not try to repair the phone yourself - this can lead to a short circuit and a complete failure of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi