Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi Redmi: where is it, how to check and fix

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for turning off the screen during a phone conversation. When you hold the device to your ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and extinguishes the display, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, over time, this module can fail: the screen does not turn off when you call, reacts with a delay or, conversely, goes out for no reason. In such cases, the first thing is to accurately determine the location of the sensor on your Redmi model, its position varies depending on the series and year of release.

In this article, we will look at where to look for the proximity sensor on popular Xiaomi Redmi models (Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C), how to visually identify it, and check its performance with hidden tests and third-party applications. Separately, we will focus on typical malfunctions — from contamination of the module to damage to the plume — and how to fix them without going to the service center. If you notice that the screen is not behaving inadequately during calls, this manual will help diagnose the problem in 10 minutes.

Where is the proximity sensor: location on different models Xiaomi Redmi

The location of the proximity sensor depends on the design of the front panel of the smartphone. In most modern Redmi, it is integrated into the top frame of the display, but the exact position may vary.

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12 The sensor is located to the left of the front camera (when viewed vertically) and is usually hidden under a black masking net and visually looks like a small hole with a diameter. ~1 mm.
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C: The module is shifted to the right of the speaker for the conversation, next to the LED notification indicator (if it is in the model), on these devices, the sensor is often confused with the light sensor.
• 📱 Redmi 13C/12C and new models: the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor in one chip and is located in the center of the upper frame, just below the display glass.
• 📱 Redmi K-series (K50, K60): This is a sensor that's hidden under the display, so you can't see it from the outside.

To accurately identify the module, shine a flashlight at the top of the screen at an angle of ~45°. The proximity sensor will look like a small dark spot (sometimes with a metallic glow), while the light sensor is usually transparent or white. Some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may have an infrared port nearby — it is easy to confuse with the sensor, but it has a reddish hue when illuminated.

What the proximity sensor looks like: photos and visual differences

Visually, the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi is a miniature sensor that can only be seen in good lighting.

• 🔍 Size: ~1×1 mm (may be oval or round).
• 🎨 Color: dark gray or black (masked as a screen frame) on older models (Redmi) 5/6) could be silvery.
• 💡 Reaction to light: when illuminated with a flashlight, it does not glow (unlike a light sensor, which can reflect light).
• 📏 Location: Always at the top of the screen, but never at the edges (there are usually microphones or speakers).

For clarity, the following table is presented with a comparison of the appearance of the sensor on different models:

Important: on models with a bang cutout, the proximity sensor is always on the left or right of the camera, but never under the notch itself. If you can't find it, it's probably hidden under the display (as in the Redmi K-series) or paired with another sensor.

How to check the work of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi

Before you disassemble your smartphone or carry it for repair, make sure the sensor is really faulty. There are several ways to do this, from built-in tests to third-party apps.

Method 1: The Secret Test in the Engineering Menu

Any Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden engineering menu where you can test all the sensors.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Testing (or Sensors in newer versions of MIUI).
4. Find the Proximity Sensor string.
5. Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5.0 cm (or Far) to 0.0 cm (Near).

If the values do not change or the No data error is displayed, the sensor is faulty. On some firmware, the engineering menu may be blocked - in this case, use alternative methods.

Method 2: Diagnostic applications

Download one of these apps from Google Play (all free):

• 📱 CPU-Z (sensors).
• 📱 Phone Doctor Plus (Proximity Test).
• 📱 Sensor Box (Proximity tab).

In any one of them, you'll see the actual sensor readings.

• 🔄 Far (far): 5.0-10.0 cm (screen on).
• 🖐 Near (close): 0.0 cm (screen goes out).

Bring your hand to the top of the screen | View the reaction in the engineering menu | Check the values in the CPU-Z| App to make sure the screen goes out when you call-->

Method 3: Manually check during a call

The simplest test:

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

If the screen fails to respond or goes out with a delay of >3 seconds, the problem is confirmed. Also note false positives (the screen goes out for no reason) - this is a sign of sensor contamination or damage to the plume.

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If the sensor is unstable, try calibrating it through the Proximity Sensor Calibration menu, which solves the problem without disassembling on some models.

Typical malfunctions of the proximity sensor and their causes

If the tests show that the sensor is not working, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

• 🧹 Module contamination: dust, sweat, or residues of protective film block the infrared signal, often after screen repair or prolonged use without a cover.
• 🔌 Train damage: Falling or sloppy disassembly can cause sensor contact to break away from the motherboard.
• 🦠 Software failure: after the update MIUI Or if you reset the settings, the sensor can freeze in one state.
• 💥 Mechanical damage: a crack in the glass above the sensor or a blow to the top of the body.
• 🔋 Battery malfunction: with a strong discharge (<10%) The sensor can turn off to save power.

The most insidious problem is false positives, when the screen goes out for no reason (for example, when reading or scrolling tape).

• 📱 Sensitivity of the sensor: in the settings of some firmwares, you can adjust the trigger threshold (the option of Proximity delay).
• 🧲 Magnetic interference: if there is a case with a magnet or wireless headphones nearby.
• ☀️ Bright light: Direct sunlight can knock down the light sensor, which sometimes affects the approach sensor.

How to fix the proximity sensor yourself

If the problem isn't a software failure, you can try to restore the sensor without going to the service. Below are step-by-step instructions for different cases.

1.Mud-cleaning sensor

Most often, the sensor stops working because of the accumulation of dust or grease, to clean it.

1. Turn off your smartphone and get it out. SIM-map.
2. Take a soft brush (for example, for the camera lens) or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
3. Carefully swipe the top of the screen, paying attention to the area around the front camera.
4. Dry your smartphone for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) - they can damage the protective glass of the sensor.

2. Flashing or resetting settings

If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

• 🔄 Roll back the firmware to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions are on the forum) 4PDA).
• 📲 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. Pre-reverse backup!
• 🔧 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) and sew clean MIUI.

3. Replacement of sensor or plume

If the sensor is physically damaged, it's going to have to be replaced.

1. Buy a new module on AliExpress (cost) ~300–800 ₽ Make sure it is suitable for your Redmi.
2. Disassemble your smartphone by following the guide for your model (for example, on YouTube, look for “Redmi Note 11 disassembly”).
3. Disconnect the old sensor plume and connect the new one. Be careful, the contacts are very fragile.
4. Get your phone together and check it.

⚠️ Note: Under-display sensor models (e.g. Redmi) K60) Replacement requires a complete disassembly of the screen.

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Before disassembling the smartphone, be sure to discharge the battery to 20-30% - this will reduce the risk of short circuit in case of accidental damage to the plume.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center: 🏢 Official Xiaomi services (list on mi.com). 🔧 Unofficial workshops with good reviews (check on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS).

Cost of repair: from 500 ₽ (cleaning) up to 2000 ₽ (sensor-replacement + In official centres, a work guarantee of 6 months.

Use a smartphone without a sensor

If repairs are too expensive, you can turn off the screen response to the approach:

1. Install the Proximity Sensor Fix app from Google Play.
2. Activate Screen Always On During Call.
3. Or shut down the sensor completely through ADB: adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0

Cons: The screen will not go out during calls, which can lead to accidental taps.

If you decide to repair yourself, consider the risks ahead of time. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, replacing the sensor requires removing the screen, which without experience can damage the display module, in which case the savings on service will turn out to be more expensive repairs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi