Approximation sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: where is and how it works

Introduction: why you need a sensor approach in a smartphone

The proximity sensor is one of those small but critical components of a smartphone that users only remember when they break. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T, this module is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone conversation when you bring the device to your ear. Without it, you would constantly press buttons with your cheek or ear, translating calls to speakerphone or accidentally completing them.

The sensor problems are different: the screen doesn't go out when you call, you accidentally press buttons, or vice versa, the display turns off too early, interfering with control. Most often, it's not hardware malfunctions, but software failures or sensor contamination. But before you try to fix it, you need to know exactly where the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8T is located - its location is not obvious to most users.

In this article, we will not only show the exact location of the sensor with the photo, but also explain how to check it, calibrate it and fix typical problems, and if the problem is more serious than it seemed, we will tell you whether to repair yourself or better contact the service.

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

In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T, the proximity sensor is integrated into the top of the screen, next to the front camera and speaker, specifically, a small circular hole to the left of the selfie camera, if you look at the phone in a standard orientation (the speaker on top).

It's important to understand that this is not a separate physical module, but part of a display unit, and the sensor is an infrared sensor that emits and picks up the reflected signal, and when you hold the phone to your ear, the signal bounces off the surface and comes back, so the system knows that the screen needs to be turned off.

Here are the key visual landmarks to find the sensor:

• 📱 Located in the upper frame of the screen, under glass (not on the case!).
• 🔍 It has the appearance of a tiny circular hole with a diameter ~1 mm.
• 🎯 It is located to the left of the front camera (if you hold the phone vertically).
• 🔊 Next to it is a conversational speaker and a light sensor.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor

Before you take your phone apart or bring it to the service, make sure the sensor is the problem. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party apps to diagnose it. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Test through the engineering menu (the most reliable way):

Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##.

Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).

- Cover the sensor with your hand - the value should change with 5.00 cm 0.00 cm. if the numbers do not change or the sensor shows N/A, sensor malfunction.

Verification via CPU-Z:

Install CPU-Z from Google Play.

Go to the Sensors tab and find the Proximity bar.

Put your hand in the sensor, the value should change from 5 to 0.

3. Visual test during the call:

Call another phone or use a voice assistant.

Hold the Redmi Note 8T to your ear – the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds.

- Take the phone away - the display should light up again.

Check the sensor through the engineering menu

Make sure the problem is not with the protective film/glass

Test with another SIM-card (in case of network problems)

Update. MIUI last-minute-->

If the sensor does not respond to any of the actions, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Maternity problems (rarely, but sometimes).

Typical sensor faults and their causes

The proximity sensor problems on the Redmi Note 8T are usually divided into two categories: software and hardware.

About 60 percent of the problems are solved software-based, whether by updating the system or resetting the sensor, another 30 percent are related to pollution that can be eliminated on your own, and only 10 percent of the cases require major repairs.

💡

If the sensor stopped working after the phone fell, do not try to fix it yourself - most likely, the plume broke off or the board was damaged, in which case professional soldering is required.

The most common cause of malfunction is a protective film or a glass that covers the sensor, and many users glue the film sloppyly, blocking the sensor hole, and as a result, the signal does not pass, and the sensor stops responding. Check this first!

How to Clean the Approach Sensor Yourself

If the sensor is contaminated, you can clean it neatly without breaking the phone.

• 🧻 Soft lilac-free napkin (for example, for glasses).
• 💧 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol).
• 🔦 Lighting lamp.
• 🧲 Lupa (optional, for accuracy).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
2. Hold the flashlight to the top of the screen to see the sensor hole.
3. Slightly moisten the napkin in alcohol and gently wipe the sensor area (do not press!).
4. Let the alcohol evaporate (1-2 minutes) and turn on the phone.
5. Check the sensor through an engineering menu or call.

Warning: Do not use cotton swabs, toothpicks or sharp objects! They can scratch the glass or damage the sensor. Also avoid excess liquid - alcohol should not leak under the screen.

Calibration of the proximity sensor: step-by-step instructions

If the sensor is unstable (for example, the screen goes out too early or with a delay), it needs to be recalibrated. MIUI has a hidden feature for this, but it requires access to the engineering menu.

1. Open the Phone application and enter the code:

##6484##

(Some firmware may require ##4636##, then select Hardware Testing.)

2. In the engineering menu, select Proximity Sensor.

3. Press Calibrate and follow the instructions on the screen.

• Put the phone on a flat surface.
• Cover the sensor with your hand for 5 seconds.
• Remove your hand and wait for the process to be completed.

4. After calibration, restart the phone and check the sensor.

💡

Calibration is reset after resetting the phone to factory settings or updating MIUI. If after the update the sensor began to work worse, repeat the procedure.

If your MIUI version does not have a calibration point, try an alternative method:

1. Install the eBay app (yes, that’s it – it has a hidden sensor test).
2. Open the app and type in the proximity sensor test.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen for calibration.

When to Replace the Sensor and How Much Does It Cost

If neither cleaning nor calibration helped, the sensor or its plume is likely to be physically damaged, in which case a replacement will be required.

Self-sustaining replacement:

The proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8T is soldered into the display module, so you can not replace it separately - you need to change the entire screen.

The cost of a new screen with a sensor: ~3,500-5000 rubles (depending on the supplier).

- Difficulty: high (requires the disassembly of the phone, disconnection of plumes, soldering).

Risks: damage to other components, loss of leakage.

Repairs at the service centre:

The average cost of replacing the screen with a sensor: 4000-6000 rubles (including work).

In official Xiaomi services, the price may be higher, but a guarantee is given.

Advantage: professional equipment and experience of the master.

Before replacing, make sure that the problem is in the sensor, not in the plume or board, and for this, the service must conduct a full diagnosis and check:

• 🔌 Integrity of the display plume.
• 🔧 Contacts on the motherboard.
• 🔋 Sensor feed chains.

💡

If the phone is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself! Opening the case will void the Xiaomi warranty. Contact an authorized service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)