Where is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: location, inspection and repair

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it can have problems with the proximity sensor over time. This small but important element is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation, preventing accidental tapping of the cheek or ear. If the sensor fails, the phone stops responding correctly to the approach to the ear, which leads to inconvenience when calling.

In this article, we will discuss in detail where the proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is located, how to visually identify it, and how to diagnose and troubleshoot it, and how to replace the sensor yourself, what tools you will need, and what to do if the problem is not in the hardware, but in the software.

We'll focus on the common mistakes that users make when they search for a sensor, which is often confused with a front-facing camera or a light sensor, and we've also developed a step-by-step photo instruction that will help avoid confusion and pinpoint the location of the sensor.

What is a proximity sensor and why it is needed in a smartphone

The proximity sensor is an optical or infrared sensor that detects the presence of an object (such as an ear or hand) in the vicinity of the screen, and its main function is to automatically turn off the display during a phone conversation to prevent accidental pressing and save battery power.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro uses an infrared sensor that emits an invisible beam and analyzes the reflected signal, so when you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor picks up the obstacle and tells the system to turn off the backlight, and after you pull the device away from your head, the sensor activates the display again.

In addition to the main function, the proximity sensor can be used:

• 📱 For gesture control (for example, in some firmware, the swipe over the sensor includes a flashlight)
• 🔋 To optimize power consumption (the screen goes out when the phone is in your pocket)
• 🎮 In games with support for motion sensors (rare, but encountered)

If the sensor fails, users face the following problems:

• 📵 The screen does not go out during the call, which leads to occasional taps.
• 🔦 The lighting is not turned on after the conversation is over.
• 🤯 The sensor is triggered arbitrarily, even when the phone is on the table.

Where exactly is the proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 8 Pro

In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor is integrated into the top of the display module, next to the front camera, and specifically, it is to the left of the selfie camera, if you look at the phone in a standard position (screen to yourself), visually it can be identified by a small circular hole with a diameter of about 1-1.5 mm, which is often confused with a microphone or light sensor.

To accurately identify the sensor, note the following layout of the elements in the top panel:

Important: In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor and the light sensor are two separate modules, unlike some models, where they are combined into a single chip. This means that if the proximity sensor stops working, the light sensor (responsible for automatic brightness control) can continue to function normally.

For clarity, we give a photo of the top panel of the smartphone with captions:

If you're disassembling a phone to replace a sensor, keep in mind that it's soldered to the flexible plume of the display module. In most cases, the sensor isn't sold separately -- it can only be replaced with a complete display assembly or plume.

How to check the operability of the sensor of approach

Before you take your phone apart or bring it into service, you should make sure that the problem is really the sensor, not the software failure. MIUI, and third-party applications.

Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu

The most reliable way to test the sensor is to use a hidden engineering menu.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #4636## for older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

If the values don't change or if there's an error, the sensor is faulty. If there's a reaction, but the screen doesn't go out during the call, the problem is the firmware or the settings.

Method 2: Checking through applications

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

• 📱 Phone Doctor Plus – Tests all sensors, including the proximity sensor
• 🔍 Sensor Test – shows real values from sensors
• 🛠️ CPU-Z — In the Sensors section, the sensor state is displayed.

When testing, pay attention to:

• 🔄 Reaction delay – the sensor should be triggered instantly
• 📊 Value stability – if the numbers jump for no reason, the sensor is contaminated or damaged
• 🚨 Reading errors – messages like No data or Sensor unavailable are a hardware malfunction

Method 3: Manually check during a call

The easiest, but least accurate way to do this is:

1. Call another phone or activate the voice assistant.
2. Hold the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your ear – the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.
3. Take the phone away - the lights should turn back on.

If the screen is not responsive or is not acting as if it is unpredictable, try:

• 🧹 Clean the top of the screen of dust and dirt (sometimes the sensor does not work due to contamination).
• 🔄 Calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu (command ##6484## → Proximity Sensor Calibration).
• 📱 Reset your phone settings to factory (if software problem).

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If the sensor is only working at a certain angle, the display plume has probably gone, and then reconnecting the connector or replacing the plume will help.

Typical causes of proximity sensor failure

The proximity sensor problems in the Redmi Note 8 Pro can be divided into two categories: hardware (physical damage) and software (software failures).

Hardware causes

Physical malfunctions include:

• 💥 Mechanical damage -- cracks in the display, bumps, falls -- the sensor can move away from the board or get damaged.
• 🌊 Moisture intake – even a small amount of water can cause the sensor’s contacts to corrosion.
• 🧲 Magnetic interference – if the phone has been lying near magnets for a long time (for example, in a magnetic lock case).
• 🔌 Oxidation of the plume contacts - over time, the connectors of the display module can become contaminated.
• 🏗️ Poor build - in some parts of the Redmi Note 8 Pro sensor soldered unreliable.

The most common hardware problem is detachment of the display plume, which occurs due to frequent openings of the phone cover (for example, when changing the battery) or after falls, the plume may shift slightly, and the sensor contacts will stop transmitting normally.

Programmatic reasons

If the sensor is physically functional, but does not work, the fault is the software.

• 🤖 Failures MIUI — After updating the firmware can fly sensor settings.
• 📲 Application conflict – some programs (such as launchers or optimizers) block the operation of sensors.
• 🔄 Incorrect calibration – the sensor can be calibrated under a protective glass, which was later removed.
• 🛠️ root rights or custom firmware – modified software often breaks the work of sensors.

Most often, program failures occur after:

• 📥 Updates MIUI through OTA
• 🔧 Installations of informal themes or launchers
• 🔓 Obtaining root rights
• 🧩 Cleaning the cache of system applications

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If the sensor stops working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version or reset your settings. 80 percent of the time, it solves the problem.

How to fix the proximity sensor: step-by-step instructions

Depending on the cause of the malfunction, the methods of repair will vary, and below we will discuss solutions for hardware and software problems, as well as recommendations for prevention.

Programmatic correction methods

If the sensor is physically healthy but not working properly, try the following steps:

1. Recalibrate the sensor: Enter ##6484##. Select Proximity Sensor Calibration. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually hold and move your hand several times).
2. Reset your phone settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Settings reset. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, but resets system settings).
3. Update or reinstall MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → System Update: If the problem occurs after the update, roll back to the previous version via Fastboot.

Remove conflicting applications

• Boot in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Reboot in Safe Mode).
• If the sensor is operating in safe mode, remove the recently installed programs.

If none of the methods worked, the problem is likely hardware.

Hardware repair methods

To eliminate physical malfunctions, you will need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, torx T3–T5)
• 🧲 Suction cup
• 🔥 Hair dryer or glue heating station
• 🧴 Alcohol and lilac-free napkin (for cleaning contacts)
• 📱 New display module or plume (if sensor is faulty)

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature ~60 ° C) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.
3. Unscrew all the screws holding the battery metal plate.
4. Disconnect the battery connector to avoid short circuit.
5. Heat the display around the perimeter and remove it with a suction cup.
6. Disconnect the display plume from the motherboard.
7. Replace the display module or plume (the sensor is soldered to the plume and is not sold separately).
8. Put the phone back together.

⚠️ Warning: If you've never disassembled a smartphone, you should contact a service center. Incorrect disassembly can damage flexible plumes or motherboard, which will increase the cost of repair by 2-3 times.

Temporary solutions (if repair is not possible)

If the sensor does not work, and it is not possible to repair it, you can use workarounds:

• 📵 Turn off the sensor in settings: Go to Settings → System applications → Phone. → Incoming calls. Turn off the approach sensor option (in some versions) MIUI). Disadvantage: the screen will not go out during calls, which will lead to accidental pressing.
• 🔄 Use headphones: Connect wired or Bluetooth headphones during conversations. The screen will remain on, but the pressing won't interfere.
• 🤖 Install alternative calling software: Apps like Truecaller or Google Phone let you manually lock your screen while you’re talking.

Cost of repair of proximity sensor in service centers

If you choose to consult a professional, the cost of repairs will depend on the cause of the malfunction and the policy of the service center. Below are the approximate prices for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026:

Prices may vary depending on:

• 📍 In Moscow and St. Petersburg, repairs are more expensive than in small cities.
• 🏢 Xiaomi’s official partners charge 20–30% more than local workshops.
• 📦 Availability of spare parts - original display modules are more expensive than analogues.
• 🔧 Difficulties of work – if you need soldering at the level of chips, the price will increase.

⚠️ Note: Before handing over the phone for repair is necessary:

• Make a backup of the data (even if the wizard promises not to touch anything).
• Check if you have a work and spare parts guarantee.
• Check out the reviews about the service center (especially if it’s an informal workshop).

If the phone is warranty, don’t disassemble it yourself – this will void warranty obligations.

How to prevent the sensor from crashing in the future

To ensure that the proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 8 Pro lasts as long as possible, follow these recommendations:

• 🛡️ Use high-quality covers and glass: Avoid thick covers that press on the top of the screen. Don't put protective glass with a cutout under the sensor - they can block the infrared signal.
• 🚫 Avoid mechanical stress: Do not drop your phone or put heavy objects on it. Do not press the screen in the sensor area (for example, when holding the phone in your hand).
• 💧 Protect against moisture: Do not use your phone in the rain or in the bathroom. If the phone is wet, turn it off immediately and dry it in rice or silica gel.
• 🔋 Watch the battery: A bloated battery can push the display module and damage the sensor plume. If you notice the battery bloating, replace it immediately.
• 📱 Update: Install the latest versions MIUI — They fix sensor bugs. Don't use unofficial firmware unless you're sure they're stable.

Also, check the sensor regularly using an engineering menu or apps. If you notice the first signs of a malfunction (delays, accidental switching off of the screen), take action immediately - in the early stages, the problem is often solved by simple calibration or cleaning of contacts.

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Prevention is the best repair, and regular diagnosis and careful handling of the phone will extend the life of the proximity sensor for years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)