The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 8T is a small but critical component that automatically shuts down the screen during a phone call. When you hold your smartphone to your ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, over time, this module can fail: the screen does not go out when you call, the reaction becomes delayed or, on the contrary, it works spontaneously. If you encounter such problems, the first thing you need to precisely locate the sensor, this will allow you to check its operability or begin repair.
In this article, we will take a closer look at where the proximity sensor on the Redmi 8T is physically located, how it looks on the board and on the front of the device, and provide step-by-step instructions for its diagnosis. You will learn what tools you will need to check, how to distinguish sensor malfunction from software failures, and what to do if the module fails.
Xiaomi Redmi 8T Anatomy: Where to Look for Approximation Sensor
In the Redmi 8T, the proximity sensor is integrated into the top of the display module, next to the front camera and speaker, and is structurally a miniature infrared sensor that consists of two elements:
- 🔦 The emitter sends an invisible IR signal;
- 📶 Receiver – captures the reflected signal and transmits data to the processor.
On the front of the smartphone, the sensor is hidden under a black strip (called an eyebrow) above the screen, and if you look closely, you can see two tiny holes, which is the emitter and the receiver, and on the motherboard, the module is soldered next to the display connector and labeled as PROXIMITY SENSOR or PS.
It's important to understand that the Redmi 8T (codename willow) doesn't have a proximity sensor in common with the light sensor, unlike the newer Xiaomi models, which makes it easier to diagnose: if the problem is just the approximation, it's this module, not the combined sensor.
Photo and diagram: visual location of the sensor
To make it easier for you to navigate, below are photos of the disassembled Redmi 8T with an indication of the exact location of the sensor:
| species | Description | Photo/schematic |
|---|---|---|
| The front | Two small holes to the left of the front camera (under a black strip). | [There must be a marking image here] |
| Maternity fee | The module is soldered next to the display connector, marked with PS or PROX. | [There must be a picture of the board] |
| Connection scheme | The sensor is connected to the processor through a flexible plume of the display module. | [Schematic should be here] |
Critical detail: in the Redmi 8T, the proximity sensor does not have a separate loop – it is soldered into the display module, which means that when you replace the sensor, you will either have to change the entire screen or unsolve the module from the board (which requires professional equipment).
⚠️ Note: If you notice that the sensor stopped working after the fall of the smartphone or the change of the screen, most likely, the flexible plume of the display is damaged.
How to check the proximity sensor for performance
Before you disassemble the phone, make sure the sensor is the problem.
- Visual inspection. Put a flashlight on the sensor area (left hole next to the camera). If you see a reddish glow, the emitter is working. Lack of glow may indicate a malfunction.
- Software diagnostics. Enter the code ##6484## (or #4636## → "Equipment Testing") in the phone app. Select Proximity Sensor and check for your hand's response.
- Test through Engineering Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line. Then, in the developer menu (Settings → Additional → Developer) activate the Engineering Menu Mode.
If the sensor does not respond to any of the tests, the problem may be:
- 🧹 Pollution (dust, fat, moisture in the holes);
- 🔌 Poor contact of the display plume;
- 🛠️ Failure of the module itself (replacement required).
Turn off the smartphone from charging
Make sure there is no protective film or glass on the screen.
Use clean hands (fat can interfere with the IR signal)
Prepare a flashlight for a visual test-->
Typical malfunctions of the proximity sensor and their causes
According to the statistics of service centers, the most frequent problems with the proximity sensor on the Redmi 8T are associated with the following factors:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen does not go out during the call. | Sensor contamination, plume damage | Cleaning, replacing the display module |
| The screen goes out arbitrarily | Failure of the software, damage to the emitter | Resetting, sensor replacement |
| Sensor's running late. | Module wear, weak IR signal | Replacement of the sensor or the entire screen |
| The test shows "0 cm" when approaching. | Receiver malfunction | Diagnostics of the board, replacement of the module |
About 60 percent of the cases of a broken sensor are due to contamination of the holes, and dust, potassium fat deposits, or residues of adhesive from a protective film can block the IR signal. The solution is simple: gently clean the sensor area with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (do not use sharp objects!).
⚠️ Warning: If the sensor doesn't work after cleaning, don't try to warm it up or unheat it yourself. 8T the module soldered to the flexible plume of the display, and careless actions can lead to damage to the matrix.
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Before cleaning the sensor, back up the data. In rare cases, alcohol can penetrate the screen and cause a short circuit.
Self-replacement of the sensor: step-by-step instructions
If the diagnostics confirm that the sensor malfunctions and the cleaning didn't work, there are two options: replacing the entire display module or soldering the old sensor with the subsequent installation of a new one. The second method requires experience with the soldering station and the microscope, so we recommend it only to professionals. For beginners, replacing the screen as a whole is suitable.
Tools required:
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, torks) T3-T5);
- 🧲 Screen suction cup;
- 🔥 Hair dryer or glue heating station;
- 📱 New display module (compatible with Redmi) 8T, willow).
Step-by-step process:
- Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map.
- Heat the screen edge with a hair dryer (~60°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully suction the top of the display and separate it from the body.
- Disconnect the battery and display plumes (use a plastic mediator).
- Install a new display module, connect the plumes and assemble the phone in reverse order.
The cost of the new display module for the Redmi 8T is ~1,500-2,500 rubles (2026).If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service - errors in replacement can lead to damage to the motherboard.
What happens if you connect the display loop incorrectly?
Software failures: how to reflash the proximity sensor
In 20% of cases, the proximity sensor stops working due to a firmware failure or conflict with the MIUI update. If the hardware diagnostics did not detect problems, try the following methods:
- Reset. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset all settings. This will return the factory settings of the sensor.
- Update MIUI. Install the latest firmware version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Handheld firmware. If the update doesn't work, run your smartphone through Fastboot or Recovery using Xiaomi's official ROM.
For hand-held firmware:
- Download the Redmi 8T firmware from MIUI Download.
- Unpack the archive and move the update.zip file to the root of the phone’s memory.
- Boot to Recovery (clip Power + Volume up) and select Install update.zip.
⚠️ Warning: If the sensor doesn’t work after firmware, check the file. /system/etc/sensors.conf. In rare cases after updating MIUI Sensor parameters are reset and manual configuration adjustment is required (root rights are required).
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Before you run your firmware, always back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC. Settings reset deletes all user files!