Where is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: search, inspection and repair

Have you ever noticed that when you call, your Xiaomi screen doesn't go out, even though you put your phone to your ear? Or vice versa, the display shuts down too early, interrupting dialing? Most likely the reason is the proximity sensor, a small but critical component of any smartphone, which is responsible for automatically turning off the screen when the phone approaches your face, saving battery power and preventing accidental tapping.

Xiaomi device owners (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) often face problems with the sensor, from simple contamination to hardware breakdowns. But before you take your phone to the service center, it’s worth figuring out where the proximity sensor is on your model, how to check it, and whether you can fix the problems yourself. In this article, we’ll go through all the nuances from visual sensor search to diagnostics using hidden menus and specialized applications.

What the proximity sensor looks like and where to look for it

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a miniature infrared sensor that is usually located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera and speaker, which looks like a small round or oval hole (sometimes covered by a protective grid), but it is easy to confuse with a light sensor or an infrared port (if it is in the model).

To accurately identify the sensor, note the following signs:

• 🔍 Location: always in the top of the screen, right or left of the front camera, and on models with a cutout ("monobrov") - inside this notch.
• 📏 Size: the diameter of the hole usually does not exceed 2-3 mm (less than that of the front camera).
• 🎨 Color: Under the protective glass can be seen a black or dark gray circle (this is the sensor lens).
• 📱 Models without a physical hole: in some new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) sensor is hidden under the display and visually invisible.

For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the proximity sensor is on the left of the front camera (when you look at the screen), and in the POCO X3 Pro, on the right. In the Mi 11, the sensor is integrated into the top of the display and almost invisible to the naked eye.

Schemas of the location of the sensor on popular models Xiaomi

To avoid guessing where to look for the sensor, we have prepared a table with the exact location of the proximity sensor on the most common Xiaomi devices. Note: on some models, the sensor can be combined (combined with the light sensor).

If your model is not in the table, use a universal method: shine a flashlight on the top of the screen at an angle, the proximity sensor will reflect light differently from the surrounding elements (usually it looks like a dark spot).

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In the models with AMOLED-The sensor can be hidden under the display, in which case its location can be found only from official documentation or by disassembling the phone.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor

Before you take your phone apart or carry it to the service, make sure the sensor is the problem, and there are a number of ways to diagnose it, from simple tests to specialized applications.

Method 1: Testing by bell

The fastest method of verification:

1. Call another phone or activate a voice assistant (Google Assistant).
2. Put your hand on the top of the screen (where the sensor is located).
3. The screen should go out in 1-2 seconds, and if it doesn't, the sensor doesn't work.
4. Remove your hand: the screen should turn on again.

Method 2: Hidden Engineering Menu

Most Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden menu for testing sensors.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484###
3. Select Proximity Sensor (approximation sensor).
4. Cover the sensor with your hand – the value should change from 5 (far) to 0 (close).

Method 3: Applications for testing

If the engineering menu is not available, install one of these apps:

• 📱 CPU-Z — Shows the status of all sensors in the Sensors section.
• 🔧 Sensor Test – a specialized tool for checking sensors.
• 🛠️ Phone Doctor Plus – a comprehensive phone diagnosis.

⚠️ Note: If the sensor does not respond to any of the tests, the problem may be in the firmware (for example, after a failed update). MIUI). Before repair, try resetting to factory settings via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

Frequent malfunctions of the proximity sensor and their causes

The proximity sensor on Xiaomi can fail for several reasons.

• 🧹 Pollution: Dust, sweat, or cosmetic residues enter the sensor hole, blocking the infrared signal, especially for models with open sensors (for example, Redmi). 9A).
• 💥 Mechanical damage: falls or bumps can displace the sensor or damage its contacts on the motherboard.
• 🔋 Firmware problems: after the update MIUI The sensor may not work properly due to driver errors.
• 🔌 Contact oxidation: moisture or corrosion on the sensor plume leads to loss of signal.
• 🔄 Case conflict: Some protective covers (especially metal covers) can block the sensor signal.

On Xiaomi models with an infrared port (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the proximity sensor is often confused with an infrared transmitter. If you notice that the remote control stopped working simultaneously with the sensor problems, the overall plume is likely damaged.

Clean the sensor hole with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol | Check without a case | Update MIUI to the latest version |Reset the phone settings | Test the sensor through the engineering menu-->

How to fix the proximity sensor yourself

If the diagnostics show that the sensor is not working, do not rush to bring the phone to the service. Many problems can be fixed at home.

1. Sensor cleaning

The most common cause of malfunction is pollution, to clean the sensor.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Take a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
3. Gently wipe the sensor hole with circular movements.
4. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

Calibration of the sensor

On some Xiaomi models, the proximity sensor can be calibrated through the engineering menu:

1. Open the menu with ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (if there is no such option, calibration is not supported).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually cover and open the sensor several times).

Replacement of the sensor

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

1. Buy a new sensor (e.g., on AliExpress for "Xiaomi proximity sensor + phone model").
2. Disassemble the phone by disconnecting the battery and plumes (see YouTube for instructions for your model).
3. Seal off the old sensor and solder a new one (a soldering station and experience with microelectronics is required).
4. Collect your phone and check the sensor.

⚠️ Note: On models with integrated sensor (for example, Xiaomi 13) replacement requires a complete disassembly of the screen.

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If the sensor doesn't work after cleaning and calibration, it could be the plume or the motherboard, and if you don't need to repair yourself, you can call the technician.

Software solutions: if the sensor works, but the screen does not go out

Sometimes the sensor is fine, but the screen doesn't turn off when you call, and it could be due to system settings or application conflict.

• 🔄 Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest firmware version.
• 📱 Reset the screen settings: in Settings → Display select Reset settings.
• 🚫 Turn off Smart Assistant: sometimes functions like Wake Up conflict with the sensor. → Additionally.
• 🔍 Check application rights: some programs (such as launchers) can block the sensor. → Annexes → Permits and disable sensor access for suspicious applications.

If the problem occurs after installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), try to return the official MIUI.

When to contact the service center

Not all proximity sensor failures can be repaired by yourself.

• 🔧 Sensor fails to respond to cleaning and calibration, and engineering menu shows Sensor failed error.
• 💻 After the sensor is replaced, the phone does not turn on or artifacts appear on the screen (this may indicate damage to the plume).
• 🌡️ Along with the proximity sensor stopped working other sensors (for example, a gyroscope or accelerometer) – this is a sign of problems with the motherboard.
• 🔋 The phone overheats or discharges quickly after a repair attempt.

The cost of replacing the sensor in Xiaomi service centers varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) repairs are more expensive due to the complexity of disassembly.

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup of the data through Settings → Additional → Backup.
2. Check whether the center uses original spare parts (on some Xiaomi models, the non-original sensors work incorrectly).
3. Check out the reviews about the service center – especially if it is an expensive model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi