Xiaomi Approximation Sensor: Why It Doesn't Work and How to Fix It

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical component that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a call. When you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, Redmi users, POCO And Mi often has problems: the screen doesn't go out when you call, the sensor is delayed or it's chaotic?

In this article, we will analyze all possible malfunctions of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones – from software failures to hardware breakdowns. You will learn how to check the performance of the sensor without special tools, calibrate it through the engineering menu, as well as when to contact the service center. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 mi 11/12, where sensor problems are most common.

How the proximity sensor works in Xiaomi smartphones

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi is an infrared sensor that consists of two key elements:

• 🔦 Infrared LED (IR-LED) — light that is invisible to man.
• 👁️ Photodiode – captures a signal reflected from an object (such as your ear.

When you hold the phone to your face, the infrared beam bounces off the surface and comes back, and the sensor analyzes the intensity of the reflected signal and tells the system to turn off the screen, and normally the sensor fires in 0.1 to 0.3 seconds.

On most Xiaomi models, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera and speaker.

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 — selfie-camera.
• 📱 POCO X3 Pro – left of the camera, under the protective net.
• 📱 Mi 11 Ultra - in the display notch, next to the light sensor.

It's important to understand that the proximity sensor is closely related to the light sensor (automatic brightness control). Sometimes the failure of one sensor affects the operation of another. For example, if the screen does not go out during a call, but does not automatically adjust the brightness, the problem may be the general controller.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

How do you know if your Xiaomi approximation sensor is not working properly?

If you notice any of these signs, check if it's due to sensor contamination. Dust, fat, or protective film can block the infrared signal. Try gently wipe the top of the screen with a soft tissue dipped in alcohol. Don't use abrasive materials -- they can scratch the sensor!

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Another common cause of false positives is cases with magnets or metal elements, which can interfere with the infrared signal, and try to remove the case and test the sensor again.

How to check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

Before you bring your phone to the service, make sure that the sensor is the problem. There are several ways to do this:

Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu

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

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##6484## (some models may not work).
3. Select Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor).
4. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.00 (no obstacle) to 0.00 (there is an obstacle).

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If the code ##6484## doesn't work, try the alternative: #4636## →"Testing of equipment" →"Sensors".

If the values do not change or show incorrect data (for example, always 0.00), the sensor is faulty. If there is a reaction, but with a delay, the problem may be in the firmware.

Method 2: Checking through applications

If the engineering menu is not available, install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Phone Doctor Plus – Tests all sensors, including the proximity sensor.
• 📱 Sensor Test – shows the sensor response in real time.
• 📱 CPU-Z — Sensors displays the state of the sensors.

When testing, pay attention to the reaction time. The normal value is 100-300 ms. If the delay is more than 500 ms, the sensor requires calibration or replacement.

Method 3: Manual test during a call

The simplest, but less accurate method is:

1. Call another phone (or use a voice assistant).
2. Hold the smartphone to your ear – the screen should go out.
3. Take the phone away, the screen should turn on.

Repeat the test 3-4 times. If the screen does not respond or if it fires again, the problem is confirmed.

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If the sensor doesn't respond in any of the tests, try restarting the phone first. Sometimes the crashes are temporary and disappear after the reboot.

Calibration of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

If the sensor is working, but with delays or false positives, it can be calibrated, especially after a firmware update or a setting reset.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced)

This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of other sensors.

1. Enter the code ##36446337## (on some models Xiaomi works #4636###).
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (if the option is available).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold your hand several times).

Make sure the screen is clean.|Take off the cover and the protective film.|Close all background applications|Connect your phone to charge (in case of a crash)-->

If there is no calibration option, then your Xiaomi model does not support manual sensor tuning, in which case only resetting or flashing will help.

Method 2: Resetting settings to factory

If calibration is not available, try resetting.This will delete all user data, so back up first!

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, the sensor should be operating normally, and if the problem persists, it's hardware.

Programmatic causes of malfunction and their elimination

In 60% of cases, the proximity sensor on Xiaomi is bugged due to software failures.

1. Conflict with the annexes

Some messengers (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or call apps (e.g. Skype, Zoom) can block the sensor.

• 📵 Close all background applications through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📞 Call using the standard Phone app (not via messenger).

If the sensor is running, it's a problem with one of the third-party apps, so find the culprit by eliminating the culprit: remove the apps one by one and test the sensor.

2. Failures after MIUI update

Firmware updates MIUI Sometimes they break the sensors. If you have a problem after the update, try it:

• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version MIUI (if available).
• 🔧 Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Install the update manually through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If the sensor stopped working after the update, check other users’ reviews on forums (for example, check the feedback from other users, 4PDA or XDA Developers? may be a massive bug, and Xiaomi has already released a patch.

3. Viruses or malware

Rarely, viruses can interfere with sensors.

• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
• 🔍 Scan the system for threats.
• 🚫 Remove suspicious apps (especially those that request access to sensors).

4. Special Opportunities settings

V MIUI There's a gesture control feature that can conflict with the sensor:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Gesture Management.
2. Turn off the Autoturn and Gesture options for convenience.
3. Reboot the phone.

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If the sensor starts to glittle after installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem is incorrect drivers. MIUI.

Hardware causes and repairs

If the software didn't work, the problem is hardware. Here are the most common hardware malfunctions.

1. Damage to the sensor plume

The plume that connects the sensor to the motherboard can be rubbed or oxidized, and this often happens after:

• 🔧 Disassembly of the phone (for example, to replace the battery).
• 💥 Falls or impacts.
• 🌡️ Overheating (if the phone was in the sun for a long time or charged with a damaged cable).

Signs of plume damage:

• The sensor is running once again.
• The screen flashes when the phone is tilted.
• The light sensor is not working either.

2. Factory defect or sensor wear

The proximity sensors have a limited lifespan, and over time, their sensitivity decreases, especially if the phone often fell or was operated in high humidity conditions.

• 📉 The sensor is only activated from close range (less than 1 cm).
• ⏳ Reaction is delayed by 1-2 seconds.
• 🔄 It is not stable (it works, it does not work).

In this case, you need to replace the sensor, the cost of repair in the service center is from 800 to 2500 rubles, depending on the model.

3. Damage after moisture is injected

If the phone fell into water or was operated in a wet environment, the sensor could oxidize.

• 💧 Under the grid speaker visible traces of corrosion.
• 🔋 The phone discharges quickly (oxidation affects other components).
• 📵 The light sensor doesn't work either.

⚠️ If the phone has been in contact with liquid, don't try drying it with a hair dryer or rice, it will aggravate corrosion.

4. Damage after screen replacement

If you've recently changed your display, the proximity sensor could have been damaged when you disassemble it.

• 🔧 Improper disconnection of the plume.
• 🔨 Damage to contacts in rationing.
• 📱 Installation of a non-original screen without a sensor.

If the screen has been changed in an unofficial service, go back there and demand warranty repair. In official Xiaomi service centers, after replacing the display, all sensors are necessarily tested.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods, but the proximity sensor on Xiaomi still doesn’t work, there are a few options:

1. Disable the sensor programmatically (temporary solution)

If the sensor is running randomly and it's interfering with your phone, you can turn it off.

• Install the Proximity Sensor Fix app from Google Play.
• Activate the Disable Proximity Sensor option.
• Keep in mind: the screen will not go out during calls, which can lead to occasional taps.

⚠️ Warning! Turning off the proximity sensor increases the risk of random dialing or closing your cheek calls. Use this method only as a temporary solution!

2. Contact the service center

If the sensor is physically damaged, it needs to be replaced.

• 🏢 Mi Service - warranty and post-warranty repair.
• 🔧 Authorized partners (list on the website) mi.com/ru/service).

Cost of sensor replacement:

3. to buy a new phone (in extreme cases)

If your Xiaomi is older than 3-4 years, and the sensor is not the only problem (for example, the battery also goes down in an hour, or the camera does not focus), it may make sense to think about replacing the device. POCO (For example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO X6 Pro) are equipped with more reliable sensors and are better protected from moisture.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi