The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10 smartphones is a small but critical element that automatically shuts down the screen during phone calls. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, many users face problems: the screen does not go out when you call, the sensor malfunctions or the sensor does not respond at all to the approach, most often due to mechanical damage, pollution or software failures.
In this article, we will take a closer look at where the proximity sensor is located in Redmi 10 (including modifications of Redmi 10 2022, Redmi 10 Prime and Redmi). 10C), How to check it without disassembling the phone, and what to do if it fails, you will learn whether you can fix the sensor yourself, how much it costs to replace the service center and how to avoid breakdowns in the future. For clarity, we will give layout schemes, photos of the internal structure and step-by-step instructions.
If your Redmi 10 stopped turning off the screen during calls or is permanently locked for no reason, the proximity sensor is a 90% problem, but before you carry the phone for repair, make sure it's not a software failure or contamination, and then you'll find all the tools you need to diagnose and fix the problem.
1.Exact location of proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10
The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10 is integrated into the top display module along with the front camera, speaker and light sensor. Physically, it is a miniature infrared sensor that emits and picks up the reflected signal. It is not visible externally - it is hidden under the screen security glass, but its position can be determined by the characteristic holes in the frame of the phone.
Specific location:
- π Right of the front camera (when looking at the phone screen facing you).
- π Under the black strip at the top of the display (near the speaker).
- π At a distance of about 3-5 mm from the edge of the body.
Redmi 10 2022 and Redmi models 10C The location is identical, but in the Redmi 10 Prime, the sensor can be shifted 1-2 mm to the left due to a different speaker design. To accurately determine its position, shine a flashlight at an angle to the top of the screen - you will see a barely noticeable hole (diameter). ~1 mm), which is the sensor lens.
It's important to understand that the proximity sensor is not a single module, but part of a flexible display plume, which means that when it fails, it often requires the entire screen to be replaced, not just the sensor, but in some cases, the problem is solved by software or by cleaning the contacts.
2. What the proximity sensor looks like: photo and diagram
Visually the proximity sensor in Redmi 10 It is a tiny black square (size). ~2Γ2 It's located next to the light sensor (which regulates the brightness of the screen) and is often confused with it. Below are photos of the phone's interior design, where you can see the exact position of the sensor:
π Location scheme (top view of disassembled phone):
| Element | Location. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Front camera. | Centre of the upper frame | Diameter hole ~3 mm |
| Dynamic (conversational) | Right of the camera. | A slit long ~20 mm |
| Approximation sensor | Right of the speaker | Microhole (~1 mm) under glass |
| Light sensor. | Left of the proximity sensor | Often combined with the proximity sensor in one module |
In the image of the disassembled Redmi 10, you can see that the solder sensor is approaching the flexible plume of the display and connected to the motherboard through a connector. If you plan to clean or replace the sensor yourself, remember: damage to the plume will lead to complete failure of the screen, and it will have to be changed completely.
π§ How to find a sensor without disassembly?
- Turn on the flashlight on the other phone.
- Bring it up at an angle of 45.Β° To the top of the Redmi 10 screen.
- You will see two small holes: one for the light sensor, the second (dimmer) for the proximity sensor.
π‘
If the sensor is contaminated, you can clean it gently with a soft brush or compressed air. Don't use alcohol or liquids, they can damage the protective coating of the screen.
3. How to check the operation of the proximity sensor
Before you carry your phone for repair, make sure the problem is really the sensor, not the software failure. Here are 3 reliable ways to diagnose:
πΉ Method 1: Testing through the Engineering Menu
- Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##.
- Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
- Raise your hand to the top of the screen β the value should change from 5.00 (no obstacle) to 0.00 (there is an obstacle).
πΉ Method 2: Checking through the application
Install Phone Doctor Plus or Sensor Test from Google Play. Run a proximity sensor test and the app will show you if the sensor is recording your movements.
πΉ Method 3: Manual test during a call
- Call another phone (or use a voice assistant).
- Hold the Redmi 10 to your ear, and the screen should go out.
- Take the phone away, the screen will light up again.
β οΈ Warning: If the sensor doesn't respond in any of the tests, but the engineering menu shows changes in values, the problem may be in the firmware. Try resetting to factory settings or updating. MIUI.
Check the sensor through the engineering menu|Clean the top of the screen from dirt|Update firmware MIUI last-minute|Check your call settings (automatic blocking may be disabled)-->
4. Why does the proximity sensor fail?
There are several reasons why the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10 may stop working, which can be divided into hardware and software:
π§ Hardware causes:
- π₯ Mechanical damage (phone drop, hit on top of screen).
- π Moisture falling under glass or on the display plume.
- π§Ή Pollution of the sensor lens (dust, fat, remnants of the protective film).
- π Oxidation of contacts on a flexible plume.
- π₯ Overheating (for example, after a long game or charging).
π± Programmatic reasons:
- π Failure in MIUI (especially after updating).
- π² Conflict with applications (for example, launchers or modified firmware).
- π Incorrect settings (disabled automatic screen lock function).
π Failure statistics (according to service centers):
- 60% - mechanical damage (falls, impacts).
- 25% - contamination or oxidation of contacts.
- 10% - software failures.
- 5% - factory marriage (rarely found).
If the sensor stopped working after the phone fell or water hit, it will most likely require a replacement of the display module. MIUI β Try to roll back the firmware or reset the settings.
What if the sensor is activated on its own?
5. How to fix the proximity sensor yourself
If the diagnostics show that the sensor is not working due to contamination or poor contact, you can try to restore it to work at home. Attention: the following methods are only suitable for software failures or mild contamination.
π οΈ Method 1: Sensor cleaning
- Turn off the phone.
- Take a soft brush (for example, for camera lenses) and walk gently along the top of the screen.
- Use compressed air (a canister to clean the equipment) to blow dust out of the glass.
- Wipe the screen with a microfiber wipe (without alcohol!).
π οΈ Method 2: Reset and reset settings
- Restart your phone (sometimes it helps with temporary crashes).
- If it doesnβt help, reset your settings through Settings. β The phone. β Resetting settings.
- Before resetting, save important data!
π οΈ Method 3: Sensor calibration
- Type ##6484## and select Proximity Sensor Calibration.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold your hand several times).
- Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Warning: If after this manipulation, the sensor still doesn't work, don't try to disassemble the phone yourself! In Redmi 10, the display plume is very fragile and easy to damage.
π‘
The approach sensor can only be repaired by itself if there is a contamination or software failure. Mechanical damage requires a replacement of the display module!
6.How much does it cost to replace the proximity sensor in the service
If a sensor fails because of physical damage, it will cost different amounts depending on the service center and the region, and in most cases, the sensor is not changed by the sensor itself, but by the entire display module, because the sensor is soldered into the plume.
π° Cost of repairs (2026):
| Type of repair | Cost (β½) | Repair time |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor diagnostics | 0β500 | 10.30 minutes |
| Cleaning the sensor (without disassembly) | 500β1000 | 30-60 minutes |
| Replacement of the display module (original) | 5000β8000 | 1-2 hours |
| Replacement of the display module (analogue) | 3000β5000 | 1-2 hours |
| Repair of the plume (in case of oxidation of contacts) | 1500β3000 | 1-3 hours |
π Where is the best repair?
- π’ Xiaomi service centers β 6-12 months warranty, but more expensive.
- π§ Local workshops are cheaper, but the risk of running into poor-quality spare parts.
- π Self-replacement β only if you have the experience and tools (the Redmi 10 display is worth it). ~3000β4000 β½).
β οΈ Note: When replacing the display in informal services, make sure that the wizard uses an original or high-quality analogue. Cheap Chinese copies often have problems calibrating the proximity and illumination sensor.
7. How to avoid a proximity sensor failure in the future
The proximity sensor is one of the most vulnerable elements in the Xiaomi Redmi 10, but it can be protected from premature failure.
π‘οΈ Preventive measures:
- π± Use high-quality protective glass β some glass with metallized coatings block the infrared signal of the sensor.
- π§΄ Regularly clean the top of the screen from dust and grease (with a soft napkin without alcohol).
- π« Avoid hitting the top frame β even a slight fall can shift the plume.
- π Donβt overheat your phone β high temperatures can damage sensor contacts.
- π§ Avoid getting moisture β even condensation can cause oxidation.
π² Software settings to extend the life of the sensor:
- Update. MIUI up to the latest version β in new firmware often fix bugs with sensors.
- Do not install modified firmware (e.g. Custom) ROM), If you are not sure of their stability.
- Periodically check the operation of the sensor through the engineering menu.
π‘ Tip: If you often talk on the phone in dusty conditions (for example, on a construction site or in the shop), stick a thin transparent film on the top of the screen - it will protect the sensor from contamination without interfering with its operation.