Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment even years after its release, but over time, users face typical problems — for example, when the screen does not go out during a call or, conversely, accidentally turns off when you simply hold the phone to the ear, the reason for this is often the proximity sensor, and today we will analyze where it is located in this model, how to check it and what to do if it fails.
Unlike flagship devices, where sensors are integrated into the display module, the Redmi Note 8 has a separate proximity sensor, which makes it easier to diagnose, but requires knowing the exact location. In this article, you will find not only diagrams and photos with markup, but also practical tips for testing the sensor without disassembling the phone, as well as instructions for replacing it in the event of a breakdown.
What is a proximity sensor and why it is needed in a smartphone
The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (like your ear while you’re talking) and its main function is to automatically turn off the display and touch input when you hold the phone to your head to prevent accidental tapping and save battery power.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 uses APDS-9960, a combined chip that combines proximity, light and gesture sensors. It uses infrared radiation to emit an invisible beam and analyze the reflected signal. If an object is too close (usually 2-5 cm), the sensor sends a command to the system to turn off the screen.
- 📞 During a call: The screen goes off when you hold the phone to your ear and turns back on when you move away.
- 🔋 Battery savings: prevents unnecessary display performance in your pocket or bag.
- 🛡️ False touch protection: blocks touch input if the phone is pressed to the cheek.
If the sensor fails, you may encounter the following problems:
- ❌ The screen does not go out during the call (you have to press the lock button manually).
- ❌ Display accidentally shuts down when you normally hold your phone.
- ❌ Automatic brightness control is not working correctly (light sensor in the same chip).
The exact location of the proximity sensor in Redmi Note 8: diagram and photo
In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, the proximity sensor is located to the right of the front speaker at the top of the front panel. If you look at the phone in its normal position (screen to yourself), the sensor is:
- 📱 Left of the front camera (when looking at the screen).
- 🔊 To the right of the speaker hole (when looking at the screen).
- 🕳️ Under a black plastic lattice (not to be confused with an infrared port!).
Visually, the sensor looks like a tiny black hole with a diameter of ~1 mm, behind which lies an infrared emitter and receiver.
How to find the sensor yourself:
- Take your phone and look at the top of the screen.
- Find the speaker for conversations (holes to the left of the front camera).
- To the right of the speaker, you will see two small holes: the first (closer to the camera) is the light sensor, the second is the proximity sensor.
| Element | Location. | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Front camera. | Centre of the upper frame | Round hole with a diameter of ~3 mm |
| Dynamician | Left of the camera. | A rectangular grille with holes |
| Light sensor. | Right of the camera, first hole. | Black dot ~1 mm |
| Approximation sensor | Right of the camera, second hole. | Black dot ~1 mm (slightly larger than the light sensor) |
| Infrared port | Extreme right | Transparent glass with red glow when activated |
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse the proximity sensor with the infrared port! The latter is located on the far right and is used to control equipment (for example, a TV.
How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without disassembling the phone
Before you commit to a hardware malfunction, make sure that the problem is not a software failure. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party applications to do this.
Method 1: Test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##)
The most reliable way to check the sensor is to use a hidden engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484## (some firmware may not work).
- Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
- Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (object detected).
If the values do not change or an error is displayed, the sensor is faulty.
Method 2: Checking with Sensor Test
If the engineering menu is not available, install the free Sensor Test app (available on Google Play):
- Download and launch the app.
- Find the Proximity tab.
- Put your finger or palm to the sensor, and the indicator should change from Far (far) to Near (close).
If there is no reaction, try cleaning the sensor hole from dust with a soft brush or compressed air.
Check the sensor response in the engineering menu|Install the Sensor Test application|Clean the sensor hole from dust|Restart your phone after the tests|Try calibrating the sensor (if available)-->
Method 3: Manual calibration of the sensor
Sometimes the sensor malfunctions because it's calibrated incorrectly, so you can reset the settings.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Click on the MIUI logo 7-10 times until you become a developer.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Calibration point of the proximity sensor and follow the instructions.
⚠️ Warning: If the sensor becomes worse after calibration (for example, the screen goes out at the slightest approach of the hand), reset the settings to the factory.
Causes of malfunction of the proximity sensor and methods of elimination
If tests show that the sensor is not responsive to obstacles, the reasons may be both software and hardware.
| Reason. | Symptoms | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor contamination | The screen does not go out or reacts with a delay | Cleaning the hole with a soft brush or compressed air |
| Firmware failure | Sensor is not stable after update | Reverse to previous MIUI version or reset settings |
| Damage to the plume | The sensor doesn't respond at all, and the other sensors don't work either. | Phone parsing and check of the plume contacts |
| The failure of the APDS-9960 chip | No response to the tests, the light sensor is not working either. | Replacement of the sensor or the entire display module |
Software malfunctions
The sensor usually stops working after:
- 📱 Updates MIUI (especially beta).
- 🔄 Custom firmware installations (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🧹 Clearing cache through Recovery.
Decisions:
- ↻ Reboot your phone – sometimes it resets temporary errors.
- 🔧 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
- 📲 Fastboot your phone (if you are confident in your skills).
Hardware malfunctions
If the software methods didn't work, the problem is the hardware.
- 💥 Phone drop - sensor can move away from board or crack.
- 💦 Infection of moisture - oxidation of the contacts of the plume.
- 🔌 Poor repairs – damaged plume when replacing the screen.
If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center. The cost of replacing the sensor in the Redmi Note 8 is ~ 800-1500 rubles (depending on the region).
What if the sensor is working “on the contrary”?
How to replace the proximity sensor in Redmi Note 8
If you want to change the sensor with your own hands, you will need:
- 🛠️ Screwdriver Set (Phillips #00, Y00, plastic mediator).
- 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (to unplug the screen).
- 📦 New sensor APDS-9960 (check the compatibility!).
- 🧲 Magnetic screw mat.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
- Heat the edges of the screen with a hair dryer (~60°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
- So you can put a plastic mediator on the screen, starting at the bottom, and be careful, the plume is fragile.
- Disconnect the battery plumes and display (use a plastic shoulder blade).
- Find the sensor – it is located on a separate small board next to the front camera.
- Unpold the old sensor and install a new one (or replace the entire board if the sensor is not separate).
- Collect the phone in reverse order, check the sensor before final assembly.
⚠️ Note: When disassembling the Redmi Note 8, it is easy to damage the fingerprint plume (it goes under the battery).If you are not sure of your skills, trust the repair to the professionals - the cost of the error can exceed the price of a new sensor!
💡
Before you take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws. Redmi Note 8 uses screws of different lengths — if you confuse, you can damage the board.
Frequent questions about the proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 8
Can I turn off the proximity sensor if it interferes?
Why does the sensor work too late (the screen goes out with a delay)?
Can I use my phone without a proximity sensor?
How much does it cost to replace a sensor in a service center?
How to check if the light sensor is working (it is in the same chip)?
Conclusion: what to do if the proximity sensor is not working
So let's summarize:
- 🔍 First, check the sensor through the engineering menu or the Sensor Test app.
- 🧹 Clean the dust hole – it’s a common cause of false positives.
- 🔄 Update or reinstall the firmware if the software fails.
- 🛠️ Replace the sensor if it is physically damaged (cost) ~800-1500 rubles).
In most cases, the problem is solved software, but if the sensor fails due to a fall or moisture, you can not do without replacing. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to contact the service - Redmi Note 8 is not the most difficult to repair the phone, but errors in disassembly can lead to additional breakdowns.
💡
The proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 8 is a separate APDS-9960 chip located to the right of the speaker, which can be replaced without completely disassembling the phone, but requires care when working with the plumes.