Where is the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 7: location, inspection and repair

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but even such reliable devices can experience sensor problems over time. The proximity sensor is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a call when you hold the phone to your ear. If it fails, this leads to accidental pressing, fast battery drain or inability to complete the call. In this article, we will examine exactly where the proximity sensor on Redmi 7 is located, how to check it and what to do if it does not work.

Many users mistakenly search for a sensor in the front camera or speaker area, but its location depends on the specific model. Redmi 7 (codenamed onc) sensor integrated at the top of the screen, but not always visible to the naked eye, we will show the exact coordinates, give diagrams and tell you how to avoid damage during disassembly.

The article will be useful not only to owners of Redmi 7, but also to those who repair Xiaomi smartphones of other lines – the principles of diagnostics of proximity sensors are largely universal.

Anatomy Xiaomi Redmi 7: where the sensor is hidden

The approach sensor in Redmi 7 is a miniature infrared sensor that sits under the top glass of the display, next to the front camera. Unlike the flagship models, where the sensor can be carried out in a separate module, here it is soldered into the display plume, which means that when the sensor is damaged, the entire screen is often required to be replaced.

Exact position coordinates:

• 📍 To the right of the front camera (when looking at the screen face) - about 5 mm from the edge.
• 🔍 Under the layer OLED-Matrix - externally looks like a small dark spot (0.5×0.5 mm).
• 🛠️ It is part of a flexible plume that connects the display to the motherboard.

The photo below (conditional diagram) shows the location of the sensor relative to other elements of the upper panel:

It's important to understand that the sensor is paired with an infrared LED that's also next to it, so if one of the elements fails, the functionality is lost, for example, if the LED doesn't emit an IR signal, the sensor won't be able to pick it up, and the screen won't lock.

💡

To see the IR LED in action, open the camera of another smartphone and point it over the top of the Redmi 7 as you ring. On the camera screen, you'll see a purple glow -- it's IR backlighting.

How the approximation sensor works: the principle of operation

The proximity sensor in Redmi 7 is an infrared technology, and its work is based on the emission and reception of the reflected IR signal.

1. The infrared LED emits a signal invisible to the human eye.
2. The signal is reflected from objects (such as your ear or hand) close to the screen.
3. The IR sensor picks up the reflected signal and sends the data to the processor.
4. The system analyzes the intensity of the reflected signal and blocks the screen if the object is too close.

Redmi 7 uses a model sensor APDS-9960 (or its equivalent, which is combined with:

• 🔦 Proximity sensor (proximity sensor)
• 🌈 The light sensor (ambient light sensor)
• 👆 Sign sensor (in some firmware)

Interestingly, this same sensor is responsible for automatically adjusting the brightness of the screen, so if you notice that the screen has become too dim or, conversely, blinds in the dark, the problem may lie in the light sensor, which is physically located in the same module.

If the sensor fails, the system can behave unpredictable: the screen will go out for no reason or, conversely, remain active during the call. In some cases, the smartphone begins to dial numbers on its own or activate the functions of the voice assistant due to accidental touches.

How to check the proximity sensor on Redmi 7

Before you disassemble the phone, make sure the sensor is the problem. Here are 3 ways to diagnose:

1. Test through the engineering menu

The most accurate method is to use a hidden engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (or #4636## →"Testing of equipment").
3. Select the Proximity Sensor.
4. 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.

2. Verification through annexes

Install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Phone Tester (Sensors section")
• 🔧 Sensor Box for Android
• 🛠️ CPU-Z (Sensors" tab")

Note: Some applications may not show the proximity sensor if it is disabled at the firmware level.

3.A visual test during a call

Call another phone and do the following:

Hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out in 1-2 seconds|

Take the phone away from your ear – the screen should turn on back|

Repeat the action 3-4 times to observe stability|

Try covering the top of the screen with your finger (without touching the touch buttons) – the reaction should be the same as when you bring it to your ear.

-->

If the screen is unresponsive or is chaotic, the problem is confirmed.

Causes of failure of the proximity sensor

The proximity sensor on Redmi 7 can fail for several reasons.

And especially when you change the screen, it's very common for the sensor to fail, because if you disassemble the plume in a sloppy way, you can damage the plume or you can plug it back in the wrong way, and if you've recently changed the display and you've had problems with the sensor, you've probably made a mistake.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stops working after the phone falls into water, don't try to dry it with a hair dryer! High temperatures can permanently disable the chip. Instead, place the device in a silica gel bag for 24 to 48 hours.

How to repair or replace the proximity sensor

If the diagnosis confirmed the malfunction, you have 3 options for solving:

1. software reset (if the problem is in the software)

Sometimes the sensor stops working because of a firmware failure.

1. Reset settings to factory: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.
3. If the problem occurs after the update, roll back to the previous version using the Mi Flash Tool.

Cleaning the sensor (if contaminated)

Dust or fat can block the IR signal, to clear the sensor.

• 🧴 Use isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and cotton swab.
• 🔍 Gently wipe the top of the screen over the sensor (don’t press hard!).
• 🕒 Let your phone dry for 10-15 minutes before checking.

Do not use abrasive materials or solvents – they can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen.

3. Replacement of sensor or plume

If the sensor is physically damaged, it will require disassembling the phone. For the Redmi 7, the process looks like this:

Turn off the phone and remove the SIM- card and memory card|

Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature 60–70)°C) and gently place it in a plastic blade|

Unscrew 10 screws (T3) and disconnect the battery plume.|

Remove the metal plate covering the motherboard|

Disconnect the display plume (it has a soldered sensor) and replace it with a new one.

-->

⚠️ Note: When replacing the display plume with Redmi 7, be sure to check the compatibility of the part! the proximity sensors in the modules for Redmi Note 7 or Redmi 8 will not work - they use other models of sensors.

The cost of a new plume with a sensor for the Redmi 7 is ~500-800 rubles. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center.

💡

In 80% of cases, the proximity sensor problem on the Redmi 7 is solved by cleaning or replacing the display plume. Complete replacement of the sensor is extremely rare and economically impractical - it is cheaper to replace the entire display module.

Frequent errors in the repair of the proximity sensor

Many users try to fix the sensor themselves, but make critical mistakes.

• 🔥 Overheating the phone when drying or disassembling - this can melt the glue that holds the plumes.
• 🔧 Use metal tools to lick the lid – they scratch the body and can close contacts.
• 💧 Try to flush the sensor with water – even distilled water leaves microscopic deposits.
• 📱 Install non-original plumes – they often go without a sensor or with incompatible firmware.

Another common mistake is ignoring the calibration of the sensor after replacement. MIUI You can do this through an engineering menu (#6484##) or apps like Sensor Calibration.

If the sensor is unstable after repair (for example, the screen goes out at the slightest approach of the hand), try calibrating it:

1. Open the engineering menu.
2. Select Proximity Sensor Calibration.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to bring and withdraw your hand several times).

Alternative solutions if the sensor is not working

If repair of the sensor is impossible or economically unprofitable, you can use workarounds:

1. Disabling the sensor in the settings

If the sensor is operating chaotically, it can be deactivated:

1. Go to Settings → System applications → Phone.
2. Select Incoming Calls.
3. Turn off the Approach Sensor (or Automatic Screen Lock) option.

Cons: During calls, the screen will not lock, which can lead to accidental taps.

2. Use of third-party applications

Applications like Proximity Sensor Fix or Gravity Screen can emulate the sensor’s performance using:

• 📱 Gyroscope (determines the position of the phone in space).
• 🔊 Microphone (responds to the approach of the ear by noise level).
• 🖥️ AI algorithms (analyze your calling habits).

These solutions are not perfect, but can temporarily replace a faulty sensor.

3. Phone flashing

Sometimes the problem is the firmware. Try installing custom software, like:

• 🔄 LineageOS (Pure Android without unnecessary services).
• 🔧 Pixel Experience (with optimized sensor drivers).
• 📱 MIUI Europa (more stable than official firmware).

Before firmware, make a data backup – the process erases all user files!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Redmi 7