Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the screen during a conversation does not go out when you lift it to the ear or, conversely, does not light up when the device is removed. This is a classic problem associated with the operation of the proximity sensor. In the Redmi Note 10S model, this sensor is built directly into the design of the display, making it invisible to the eye, but critical for comfortable use of the device.
Understanding the exact location of this element is necessary not only to diagnose software failures, but also to properly stick protective glasses. Wrong film or glass with a cutout in the wrong place can completely block the sensor, turning the phone into a device that can not be used for voice calls.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is located, how to check its operability through the engineering menu and what to do if the screen has stopped responding to your movements. We will also touch on the topic of calibration and analyze common myths about the “sticking” of the sensor.
Design and hidden location of the sensor
Unlike older smartphone models, where the proximity sensor was a separate window next to a speaker, the Redmi Note 10S uses sensor integration technology under the display, which allows manufacturers to increase the usable screen area and remove the black bezels at the top of the case.
The physical touch element is located at the top of the display module, directly above the area of the speaker, and it is not visually highlighted on the screen off, but if you look closely at the top frame in bright light, you can see a subtle dimming or a specific texture under the protective glass.
This is where the infrared beam goes, which bounces off objects (like your ear) and signals the system to turn off the touchscreen and turn off the matrix, and any obstacle along the way — whether it's thick protective glass, dirt or greasy film — leads to malfunction.
⚠️ Warning: When you stick a protective glass, make sure it has a special cutout or clear area in the upper central part.All-black glass ("privacy" or simply black bezels) can block the sensor.
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Before buying a security glass, check the reviews: some users note that certain brands of glass override the sensor, causing false positives during calls.
Diagnostics through the MIUI Engineering Menu
To make sure that the problem is in the sensor, and not in the software failure of the system, you need to conduct a diagnosis. In the shell MIUI installed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, there is a built-in tool to check all hardware components.
To run the test, open the Phone app and dial the combination ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, you will be taken to the CIT (Customer Interface Test) menu. In the list of tests, find the item "Proximity Sensor" or "Proximity Sensor".
Click on this. You'll see a screen with two digits: "0" means the object is close (sensor closed), and "1" means the path is clear. Hold your hand to the top of the screen and remove it. The numbers should change instantly. If there are no reactions or the numbers are floating, you need to calibrate or check for physical obstacles.
Sensor calibration process
If the diagnostics are unstable, but the sensor is physically intact, it's likely that the software sensitivity settings have gone wrong. Calibration is a process that "trains" the system to understand what counts "close" and "far away."
To perform this procedure, log back into the engineering menu using code ##6484## and select the proximity sensor test. The bottom of the screen or menu (depending on the MIUI version) should have a button called Calibration or Calibration.
Follow the instructions on the screen: normally, the system will ask you to remove your hand from the screen, then close the sensor with your palm. Once you're done successfully, you'll see a message "Pass" or "Success." Reboot the device so that the changes take effect.
☑️ Checklist before calibration
Table of common problems and solutions
A variety of factors can cause sensor malfunction, and here is a table that will help you quickly identify the cause of the malfunction on your Redmi Note 10S and choose the method of elimination.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen doesn't go out when you ring. | Pollution or thick glass | Cleaning the sensor area, replacing the glass |
| The screen goes out, but it doesn't turn on. | Calibration failure | Calibration through the Engineering Menu |
| The screen blinks during a conversation. | Unstable software or conflict | Resetting or system update |
| Sensor fails to respond in tests | Hardware plume cliff | Repairs at the service centre |
It is important to note that software methods only work when the hardware is in good working order. If after all the manipulations in the engineering menu, the sensor shows a constant "0" or "1" regardless of the position of the hand, the problem may be physical.
Influence of protective accessories and covers
One of the most common reasons Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S owners complain about the sensor is poor-quality accessories. Cheap security glass manufacturers often don't take into account the exact location of the sensors under the screen.
The black glass frame can be wider than necessary, blocking the active area of the signal reception, and the problem can be created by dense covers with high sides, which when pressed against the ear mechanically press on the sensor area or create a shadow.
Remove all additional coatings and test with a bare screen, if the problem is gone, then it was the accessory, in which case it is better to purchase an original protective glass or model labeled "Compatible with proximity sensor".
Can we tape the sensor?
Hardware malfunctions and repairs
If software calibration and replacement of accessories did not help, there may be a hardware breakdown. In the Redmi Note 10S, the proximity sensor is part of the display module. Replacing it separately from the screen is usually not made or economically inefficient.
Signs of hardware breakdown can serve:
- 📉 Complete lack of reaction in the engineering test.
- 💧 Infection of moisture in the upper dynamics region.
- 🔨 Mechanical impacts or phone drop screen down.
- 🔌 Detachment of the display plume after self-repair.
If you get moisture, you need to turn off the device immediately and not try to charge it. Corrosion of the sensor contacts can spread to other components of the motherboard. If you do not have the skills to solder the chips, the best solution is to contact an authorized service center.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to disassemble the Redmi Note 10S If you replace the sensor, it can damage the plumes and lose warranty.
System settings and third-party applications
Sometimes the problem isn't with the sensor itself, but with how the operating system processes its signals. There are features in MIUI that can conflict with the sensor's performance, like Pocket Mode or aggressive battery optimization.
Check settings in Settings → Lock and Protection → Pocket Mode. If this feature is enabled, the phone may ignore the proximity sensor in certain scenarios, relying on other sensors. Try turning this option off.
Also worth paying attention to call apps. If you use a third-party dialer (like Truecaller or Google Phone instead of the standard MIUI Dialer), try resetting it or going back to the standard app. Third-party software may have its own sensor data processing algorithms.
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In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by correct calibration or replacement of poor-quality protective glass, which does not require a trip to the service.
Prevention and care of the sensory zone
In order for the proximity sensor on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S to work consistently for many years, it is enough to follow simple rules of operation. Regular hygiene of the device is the key to its serviceability.
Rub the top of the screen with a soft microfiber cloth, especially after talking. Fat marks from the skin can create a dense film that distorts infrared radiation. Don't use aggressive chemistry to clean a lightly moistened wipe.
Keep an eye out for system updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that fix bugs in sensor drivers. If the problem reappears after a firmware update, try resetting it to factory settings, saving important data beforehand.