Location of the proximity sensor Xiaomi: search and setup

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often experience a situation where the screen goes out too early or doesn’t turn off during a conversation, leading to occasional cheekstrokes, all of which are directly related to the sensor’s response to the distance to the object. Understanding where the item is physically located helps not only in diagnosis, but also in the proper use of accessories.

The layout of the component depends on the type of display design that is installed in your device. In modern models with a cutout or hole in the screen ("leaky" screen), the sensor is integrated directly into the matrix or into the upper frame. In older models with wide frames, it is easy to find it next to a conversational speaker in the form of a small black circle or transparent glass.

This module is often caused by software failures or contamination, not physical breakdowns. Before you bring your device to the service, you need to accurately determine the type of your screen and perform software calibration. In this article, we will detail how to find the sensor, check its health and adjust the sensitivity for the perfect operation.

Physical location depending on the type of screen

The first thing you need to do is visually look at the top of your smartphone. In classic models like the Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 9A, the proximity sensor is a separate element. It's on the front panel, usually to the left or right of the speaker grid, and it looks like a small round or oval spot that can be barely noticeable when the screen is off.

The situation is changing dramatically in devices with Virtual Proximity Sensor technology. In smartphones like the Xiaomi 13 series or the Redmi Note 12 Pro, there is no separate window. Infrared emitter and receiver are hidden under the display layer. This allows manufacturers to make the frames minimal and increase the usable screen area, but creates difficulties when sticking protective glasses.

It's important to consider that some budget models use AI Call technology, where the sensor is partly taken over by the accelerometer and the gyroscope, analyzing the position of the phone in the ear. However, the physical IR sensor is still present in most cases, and if you don't see the obvious hole, then the technology is hidden, and you need to look for the "hole", and check the software.

• 🔍 Classic type: Separate window next to the speaker (models up to) 2020-2021 year-end).
• 📱 Screen type: Hidden under the matrix, invisible to the eye (flagships and middle segment).
• 🤖 Hybrid type: Software emulation based on gyroscope data.

When buying protective glass for models with a hidden sensor, it is critical to choose accessories with a special notch or black frame at the top. Conventional transparent glass can block the path of the infrared beam, which makes the phone “think” that it is in your pocket, and extinguish the screen whenever you move your hand.

Diagnostics through CIT Engineering Menu

The most reliable way to test the sensor is to use the built-in CIT (Cellular Identity Tag) menu, which is available on all Xiaomi devices without the need for superuser rights, and allows you to test each hardware module separately from the operating system.

To start the diagnosis, you need to open the standard Phone app and enter a special code. Once you enter the last digit, the menu will open automatically. If the code does not work, your version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS may require you to go through the settings.

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Once you're in the test menu, look for Proximity sensor or Proximity Sensor. Click on it. You'll see a screen with two values: current distance in centimeters and status (Near/Far). Put your palm to the top of the screen without touching it. The value should change, and the status switch from Far (far) to Near (close).

If the values don't change or change randomly, it can indicate a software failure or physical damage to the plume. In some cases, it helps to simply reboot the device, which resets driver errors. If the CIT test is successful on the menu, but the screen behaves strangely in life, the problem lies in the calibration or third-party applications.

Calibration of the proximity sensor

Even a good one (hardware) can malfunction due to downed sensitivity settings. Calibration is the process by which you train a smartphone to determine the zero point and maximum distance, especially after replacing the display or protective glass.

The procedure is also done through an engineering menu. After you enter the Proximity sensor test (as described in the previous section), pay attention to the bottom of the screen. There will be control buttons. You will need to remove the protective film from the screen to eliminate any interference, and put the phone on a flat horizontal surface.

⚠️ Attention: During calibration, nothing should cover the top of the screen. Remove the case, wipe the screen from grease and dust, otherwise the calibration will be mistaken, and the phone will assume that the object is always nearby.

Press the Calibration button. The system will ask you to remove your hand first (Far status) and then close the sensor with your finger (Near status). After you successfully pass the steps, a Pass or Success message will appear. If you see Fail, repeat the procedure, making sure that the finger is tight, but without strong pressure, overriding the sensor area.

Some firmwares offer advanced calibration via the Service and Feedback app (or Services).The path may be different: Settings → About Phone → All settings → Click on the Kernel Version several times (if the developer menu is hidden) or simply search for the word calibration settings. However, the CIT method remains the most versatile for all versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS.

Problems with protective glasses and covers

One of the most common causes of failures is incompatibility of accessories. As mentioned earlier, in modern Xiaomi smartphones, the sensor is often under the screen. If you paste a solid protective glass with a black frame that covers the area of the sensor, the phone will be permanently locked.

The black bezel on the protective glass is opaque to infrared radiation. Even if the notch appears to match, a fraction of a millimeter shift causes the function to be completely inoperable, and in such cases, the screen goes out immediately after you put the phone to your ear and does not turn on until you move the device a considerable distance.

The solution is to replace the accessory, look for protective glass labeled "Compatible with Proximity Sensor" or just transparent films that don't have a black edge at the top. For models with a clear sensor window (the old Redmi), it's important that the glass cutout matches the sensor exactly.

Program conflicts and MIUI settings

It's not always the hardware that's to blame. The MIUI and HyperOS shells have a lot of features that can conflict with the sensor. For example, Pocket Mode uses the same sensor to prevent random calls. If it doesn't work properly, it can lock the screen at inappropriate times.

Try turning off or switching the sensor mode. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Pocket mode. Try changing settings or completely disabling the function for verification. Also, you should pay attention to call management applications if you use third-party callers instead of the system one.

Resetting sensor settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a more advanced method that requires a connection to a PC. the adb shell input keyevent 26 command emulates pressing the power button, but it is the proximity sensor that is often used to reset the cache of system services.

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.settings

Using ADB commands requires caution. Incorrect input can lead to resetting other system settings. Before using such methods, it is recommended to create a full backup of data. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to resetting settings through the phone menu.

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If the sensor stopped working after the firmware update, try resetting the network and Bluetooth settings. Sometimes the sensor drivers conflict with new communication modules.

Mechanical damage and repair

If software and glass replacements don't work, there's a physical malfunction. The proximity sensor is an optoelectronic device, and it can fail when it hits, when it gets moisture, or just occasionally. It's inexpensive to replace it in models with a separate module. It's more complicated in models with a hidden sensor.

In smartphones where the sensor is embedded in the display plume, it can only be replaced with the screen. However, some Xiaomi flagships use a separate small module, soldered on the board or connected by a connector. Diagnostics at the service center will show the exact reason: the plume break, contact oxidation or death of the sensor.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to disassemble Xiaomi's modern smartphone to replace the sensor can damage the display plumes or lose water protection.If the phone is warranty, any autopsy will invalidate it.

A common problem is the oxidation of contacts after moisture (even condensation or rain), in which case professional cleaning of the board with ultrasound and special solutions helps, self-heating with a hairdryer or drying in rice - ineffective and sometimes harmful methods that can drive moisture deeper into the case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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In most cases, the problem is solved by replacing the protective glass with a compatible or simple calibration using the code # # # # # #6484#.