Xiaomi Approximation Sensor Calibration: 5 Working Ways (2026)

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation when you bring the device to your ear. If it does not work properly, the screen can go out spontaneously or, conversely, remain active during the call, which leads to accidental pressing. The problem is especially relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12 models, POCO X3/X4 and flagship Xiaomi 13/14, where the sensor is integrated into the top bezel of the display.

Many users find that after updating MIUI or mechanical damage (for example, after changing the glass), the sensor begins to fail. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by software calibration, a procedure that resets the sensor parameters to factory values or adjusts them again. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of calibration, including hidden engineering menus and third-party utilities.

It's important to understand that calibration can make the problem worse, for example, if a sensor is physically damaged (a crack on the glass above it or a plume has detached), software methods will not help. In such cases, diagnostics are required in a service center, but in most situations - especially after resetting settings or firmware - calibration restores the sensor to work in 5-10 minutes.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you start calibrating, make sure the problem is really with the sensor, and here are the typical symptoms of the sensor malfunctioning:

• 📱 The screen goes out during the call, even if the phone is not held to the ear (false positives).
• 🔦 The screen does not turn off during a conversation, which causes the buttons to accidentally press.
• 🔄 The sensor is triggered with a delay (for example, the screen goes out 2-3 seconds after the phone is lifted).
• 📉 In some applications (such as Truecaller or WhatsApp), the sensor works normally, but in a standard call it does not.
• 🚨 After updating MIUI or resetting the sensor has stopped responding.

If you see any of these signs, the probability of software failure is ~90%, and physical damage (for example, after a fall or repair of the screen) manifests itself differently: the sensor may not work at all or only work at a certain angle.

You can use the sensor test for diagnostics. In most Xiaomi models, it is hidden, but it can be run through the engineering menu or the Sensor Test application from Google Play. If the proximity sensor shows static values in the test (for example, always 0 cm or 5 cm), this confirms the need for calibration.

Method 1: Calibration through the engineering menu (without root)

The most reliable method is to use the hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which is found in all Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to manually reset the sensor settings or perform automatic calibration. MIUI 12-14, including Redmi, POCO Xiaomi.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (for some models, #36446337##)
3. The Engineer Mode menu will appear on the screen – select Proximity Sensor.

In the sensor menu, you will see the current values (usually in centimeters) and buttons for calibration:

• Calibrate is an automatic calibration (it is recommended to try it first).
• Reset - reset to factory settings.
• Test – check the operation of the sensor in real time.

If the automatic calibration didn’t help, try manually adjusting:

1. Press Manual Calibration.
2. Place your phone on a flat surface (like a table) and press Start.
3. Put your hand to the top of the screen (where the sensor is located) at a distance of ~1 cm and wait for the signal.
4. Remove your hand and wait for confirmation again.

Charge your phone at least 50% | Make sure the sensor doesn't get direct light |Close all background apps |Use the original firmware (not custom)

-->

After calibration, restart your phone and check the sensor when you call. If the problem persists, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) The engineering menu can be blocked, in which case, try entering the code ##4636## and selecting the Sensor Test.

Method 2: Calibration with Sensor Reset

If the engineering menu is not available or calibration through it did not help, you can use the third-party Sensor Reset app (available on Google Play), which supports most Xiaomi models and allows you to reset the proximity sensor settings without root rights.

Instructions for use:

1. Download and install Sensor Reset.
2. Launch the application and provide access to the sensors (when a request appears).
3. In the sensor list, find the Proximity Sensor and click on it.
4. Select Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold your hand and remove it from the sensor 2-3 times).
5. Once completed, restart the phone.

The advantage of this method is that the application automatically determines the model of the smartphone and selects the optimal calibration parameters, but some firmware (for example, MIUI Global with limited rights) may need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings.

If the sensor still doesn't work properly after calibration, check its performance in real time through the Test tab in the same application.

• 📱 No obstacles: 5–10 cm (or 255 in some models).
• 🖐️ With an obstacle (hand on the sensor): 0-1 cm (or 0).

💡

If the app doesn’t see the proximity sensor, try turning off the power saving mode for Sensor Reset in the battery settings.

Method 3: Reset sensor settings via ADB

For advanced users, there is a method of resetting sensors through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works even on locked firmware and does not require root, but you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

File transfer

ADB Tools

cmd

ADB

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

adb shell settings put system proximity_offset 0

Reboot the phone.

This command resets the sensor shift (proximity_offset) It's a zero value, which often solves the problem of false positives. If you want a more accurate value, you can experiment with parameters from the same number of positives. -5 before 5:

adb shell settings put system proximity_offset 2

Critical information: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+) wrongness proximity_offset If the screen stops turning off completely after the command, return the value to the 0.

⚠️ Attention: If after the commands ADB The phone stopped responding to touch, don't panic -- it's a temporary driver glitch. USB-Cable, then execute adb kill-server and adb start-server.

Method 4: Manual calibration through configuration files (for root)

If you have root rights, you can manually edit the sensor configuration files, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with system files.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/vendor/etc/sensors or (for new models): /system/etc/sensors
3. Find a file with a name that contains proximity (for example, proximity_calibration.conf or sensors_proximity.xml).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines with the parameters: proximity_offset=X proximity_threshold=Y
5. Change the values to standard: proximity_offset=0 proximity_threshold=5 (where 5 — centimetre-detection).
6. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

To check the sensor visually:

1. Hold your phone to a bright light source and look at the top of the screen.
2. The proximity sensor looks like a small circular or rectangular hole (usually next to the speaker).
3. If the hole is clogged with dust or closed with a protective film, gently clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.

For deep cleaning:

• Use isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and a cotton swab.
• Do not use metal objects or abrasive materials.
• After cleaning, let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes.

If the sensor is physically damaged (a crack on the glass above it, the plume has detached), you will need to replace the display module. In Xiaomi service centers, this service costs from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model.

Frequent calibration errors and how to avoid them

Many users make mistakes that exacerbate the sensor problem, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔧 Use of informal firmware.Castom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) often doesn't have the correct drivers for the Xiaomi sensor.Before calibrating, go back to stock. MIUI.
• 📱 Calibration with battery dead. If the charge is below 20%, the sensor may not be properly reset. Charge the phone to at least 50%.
• 🔦 Direct sunlight to the sensor. Infrared sensors (which are used in some models) get confused in bright light. Calibrate in the shade.
• 🛠️ Reset settings without backup. If you edit files manually, backup the folder. /system/etc/sensors.

Another common mistake is ignoring updates. Newer versions of MIUI often fix sensor bugs. Before calibrating, check for updates in Settings → System Update.

If after all the manipulations, the sensor still doesn't work properly, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version.

1. Download the old version of MIUI for your model from en.miui.com.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
3. Install the downloaded file and wait for the reboot.

💡

If the proximity sensor started to glitches after the MIUI update, a rollback to the previous firmware version solves the problem in 70% of cases.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions