The proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a small but critical component that is responsible for turning off the screen during phone calls. When it fails, users experience accidental taps on the screen with their cheek, ear or shoulder, leading to conversational disruptions, hands-free activation or even call completion. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by software, but sometimes hardware repairs are required.
In this article, we will look at all possible causes of malfunction, from the commonplace contamination of the sensor to damage to the plume, and provide step-by-step instructions with photos and videos (where necessary). Particular attention will be paid to the hidden function of the MIUI engineering menu, which allows you to test the sensor without third-party applications. If you are not sure of your skills, some methods (for example, disassembly of the case) are better left to the service center - but most of the solutions are available even for beginners.
Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor
Before you start repairing, it is important to accurately diagnose the problem. The proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro can behave unpredictablely, and its failures are often confused with screen or firmware malfunctions.
- π± The screen does not go out during the call, even when the phone is pressed to the ear.
- π The sensor works chaotically: the screen then goes out on its own, then does not respond to the approach.
- π§ In headphones or on speakerphone, the sensor works correctly, but in a normal conversation - no.
- π¦ In the dark, you can see that the screen lighting does not turn off (you can check with a flashlight).
- π After a fall or impact, the phone stopped correctly processing the approach.
If any of these signs are present, the problem is with the sensor or its software setting, except that if the screen does not respond to touch at all, it is a fault of the touchscreen, not the proximity sensor.
Causes of failure of the proximity sensor
On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the proximity sensor can fail for several reasons, divided into software (solved without disassembly) and hardware (requires intervention in hardware).
| Type of malfunction | Reason. | How to eliminate |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Misfire in MIUI firmware | Update the system or reset the settings |
| Software | Incorrect calibration of the sensor | Calibrate through the Engineering Menu |
| Hardware. | Sensor pollution (dust, fat) | Cleaning with alcohol or compressed air |
| Hardware. | Damage to the plume or connector | Replacement of the plume in the service center |
| Hardware. | Mechanical damage to the sensor | Replacement of the sensor or display module |
The most common cause (according to service centers statistics) is sensor contamination. The proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker, and often gets clogged with dust or sebum, and the second most common problem is a failure after the MIUI update, especially if the firmware was installed informally.
β οΈ Attention: If the sensor stops working after the phone falls or moisture gets in, do not try to disassemble the device yourself. In such cases, there is a high probability of damage to the flexible plume that connects the sensor to the motherboard.
Method 1: Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu
MIUI hides the engineering menu from users, but it has tools to diagnose and calibrate the proximity sensor, which works 60 percent of the time and doesn't require root rights.
To open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #4636## for older versions of MIUI).
- Select Hardware Testing β Sensor β Proximity Sensor.
In the window that opens, you'll see a graph of the sensor response.
- Cover the sensor with your hand (or hold the phone to your ear).
- Wait 2-3 seconds β the value should change from 5 (maximum distance) to 0 (near object).
- If the values do not change or the graph is βfrozenβ at the same level, the sensor is malfunctioning hardware.
- For manual calibration, press Calibrate (if the option is available).
Make sure the screen is clean (wipe with a napkin)
Close all background applications
Connect your phone to charge (the battery should be >30%)
Do not hold your fingers near the sensor during the test.-->
If the sensor doesn't work after calibration, then move on to the next method. Importantly, some firmware may not have an engineering menu or have a different path, for example, global versions of MIUI 13+ have limited access to it.
Method 2: Cleaning the sensor from contamination
The proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is located to the right of the front camera, under the screen glass, and over time, it gets clogged with dust, sweat fat traces and cosmetic particles, leading to false positives or complete inoperability. Cleaning takes 5 minutes and often solves the problem.
You'll need:
- 𧴠Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or wet wipes for electronics.
- πͺ₯ Cotton swabs (better with a plastic rod).
- π¨ Compressed air container (optional).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
- Gently wipe the top of the screen with a napkin dipped in alcohol.
- With a cotton swab, slightly moistened with alcohol, clear the area around the speaker and the front camera.
- If there is a can of compressed air, briefly (1-2 seconds) blow the area of the sensor, holding the balloon vertically.
- Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.
π‘
Do not use acetone, solvents or household chemicals to clean the screen, which can damage the oleophobic coating, and avoid paper wipes, which may remain under the glass.
After cleaning, check the sensor by calling a friend or through an engineering menu. If the problem persists, proceed to software methods.
Method 3: Resetting settings to factory
Sometimes the proximity sensor crash is due to a conflict of MIUI system files. This can happen after updating, installing custom firmware or cleaning the cache manually, in such cases, a soft resetting of settings (without deleting data) or a complete reset to factory parameters helps.
How to perform the reset:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (this wonβt delete your files, but will reset your network, sound, and display settings).
- If the problem persists, perform Reset to factory settings (pre-reverse!).
After discharge:
- π Do not restore settings from backup immediately β check the sensor in a βcleanβ state.
- π₯ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β Updating the system.
- π Install official firmware if you have previously used custom.
β οΈ Note: If you have installed root rights or modified reclaims (TWRP), Factory resets can cause the phone to "brick" (inoperability) in which case, return the stock receptacles via fastboot first.
Method 4: Checking for hardware damage
If the software didn't work, the problem is probably hardware. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the proximity sensor is integrated into the display module, so replacing it requires disassembling the phone. Before you carry the device to the service, you can check a few points yourself:
Visual inspection:
- π Light a flashlight on the top of the screen β whether there are cracks or breakages of glass above the sensor.
- π± Check if the battery is swelling (take care to press the back cover - if there is a backlash, it's a bad sign).
2. The plume test:
If the phone fell or got wet, it could damage the plume that connects the sensor to the motherboard, to check this out.
- Remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade and a hair dryer will be needed to soften the glue).
- Disconnect the battery (required!).
- Find the display plume (going from screen to motherboard) and check it for breaks or oxidation.
What to do if the plume is damaged?
Multimeter sensor check:
This requires a multimeter and a slinging scheme Redmi Note 10 Pro. the proximity sensor usually has a resistance of 5-10 kΞ©. If the device shows a cliff or short circuit, the sensor is faulty.
If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service. The average cost of replacing the proximity sensor (together with the display module) is 2,500-4000 rubles.
Method 5: Using third-party diagnostic applications
If the MIUI engineering menu is not available or doesn't show sensor data, you can use third-party utilities, which not only test the sensor, but also allow you to manually calibrate it.
Top.-3 apps for Redmi Note 10 Pro:
| Annex | Functions | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| CPU-Z | It shows the status of all sensors, including the approximation | Google Play |
| Sensor Test | Tests the sensor response in real time | Google Play |
| Proximity Sensor Reset | Resets sensor calibration (requires root) | Google Play |
How to use the Sensor Test:
- Install the application and open it.
- Select Proximity Sensor.
- Cover the sensor with your hand β the value should change from Far (far) to Near (close).
- If there is no reaction, the sensor is faulty.
π‘
Sensor testing applications require permissions to access equipment. If they don't show data after installation, check permission settings in Settings β Apps β Permissions.
Method 6: Replace the proximity sensor with your own hands
If all the previous methods didn't work, all that remains is a sensor replacement. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it's soldered into the display module, so it's easier to replace the entire screen, but there's a more budget option, which is to replace only the sensor, but it requires soldering and experience.
What you need:
- π οΈ Set of screwdrivers (star) T3, T4).
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station (to unplug the screen).
- 𧲠Suction cups for display removal.
- π New Proximity Sensor for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (gently putting on a plastic shoulder blade).
- Disconnect the battery to avoid short circuit.
- Unplug the display module by heating the glue with a hairdryer (temperature ~60Β°C).
- Unpold the old sensor and install a new one (use a soldering iron with a thin sting).
- Put the phone back together.
β οΈ Warning: Self-replacement of the sensor will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may damage other components. If you have never soldered chips, you should trust it to professionals. The average cost of replacing in the service is 1,500-2,500 rubles.
Where to buy the original sensor?
Prevention of malfunctions of the proximity sensor
To make the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro last longer, follow these recommendations:
- 𧴠Clean the top of the screen with alcohol wipes regularly (1 every 2 weeks).
- π± Avoid falls and bumps β even a small dent can displace the sensor.
- π§ Do not use your phone in the rain or in high humidity without a cover.
- π Do not install custom firmware unless you are sure of its stability.
- π¦ When transporting your phone in a bag, use a case with hard inserts.
Also avoid:
- β Stickers or film covering the sensor area.
- β Excessive heating of the phone (for example, leaving the sun in the car).
- β Use of metal objects for cleaning (needles, knives).
If you talk on your phone often without headphones, consider buying a protective glass with a notch under the sensor, which will prevent contamination and mechanical damage.