Calibration of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 10: 3 working methods

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a small but critical component that is responsible for turning off the screen during phone calls. When it doesn't work properly, you run into annoying problems: the screen goes out on its own, doesn't respond to touch, or, conversely, remains active during a call, leading to accidental pressing, most often the fault is a calibration failure, a software shift in thresholds that causes the sensor to misinterpret the distance to the object.

In this article, we will look at three proven calibration methods, from standard MIUI tools to manual methods using an engineering menu, and learn how to diagnose a sensor malfunction, how it differs from hardware breakdowns, and what to do if calibration does not help. All instructions are tailored specifically for the Redmi 10 (models 21061119AG, 21061119DG and similar) and tested on current versions of MIUI 13/14.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you start calibrating, it’s important to make sure the problem is really related to the sensor, not the other components of the smartphone.

• 📱 The screen goes out during the call and does not turn on, even if you take the phone away from your ear.
• 🔄 The screen is accidentally activated/deactivated when the phone is tilted or in your pocket.
• 📞 During the conversation, the screen remains on, which leads to the pressing of the buttons with the cheek.
• 🔍 In some applications (such as Phone or WhatsApp), the sensor is not working properly, while in others it is normal.
• 🛠️ After changing the glass or repairing the phone, the sensor stopped functioning properly.

If you see any of these signs, there's a 90 percent chance that the sensor will fail software, but there are exceptions: physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a fall) or contamination of the sensor area (dust, fat) can also cause these symptoms, and calibration won't help, so cleaning or replacing the component is required.

⚠️ Note: If the sensor stops working after the update MIUI, First, try rolling back the firmware or resetting to the factory settings. MIUI 14 detected bugs that affect the operation of sensors.

Calibration preparation: what to check

Before calibration, follow a few mandatory steps to eliminate external factors:

1. Clean the sensor area. Wipe the top of the screen (near the speaker) with an alcohol napkin — greasy prints or dust can block the signal. On Redmi 10, the sensor is located to the right of the front camera.
2. Check the protective film or glass, poorly pasted film or thick glass can interfere with the sensor, try temporarily removing the protection and testing the sensor.
3. Disable third-party apps. Some programs (such as Greenify or Battery Saver) can block sensors. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Other permissions → Sensors and make sure that no apps restrict access.
4. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest patches. Some versions of MIUI fix sensor bugs.

If you still have a problem after this manipulation, you can go to calibration. Redmi 10 has three main ways: through the standard menu. MIUI, by means of the engineering menu and ADB-We'll take each of them apart.

Method 1: Calibration through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require technical skills.

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (this is a universal code for testing sensors on Xiaomi).
2. You'll be taken to the Manual Test menu, and you'll find the Proximity Sensor and tap it.
3. The screen will show a graph with the current readings of the sensor. Normal values for Redmi 10 at rest (no obstacles) - 5-10 cm, when the object is approaching - 0-1 cm. If the values are very different, the sensor requires calibration.
4. Go back to the main menu of the test and select the Calibrate Proximity Sensor (if there is one).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually close the sensor with your hand for 5 seconds, then remove it and wait for the process to complete.

After calibration, restart the phone and check the sensor at the time of the call. If the problem persists, try the second method.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI It may not be a calibration point. It doesn't mean that the sensor is faulty, it's just that the manufacturer has restricted access to the function.

💡

If the sensor is unstable after calibration, try turning off the Smart Block feature in the call settings (Settings → Apps → Phone → Smart Blocker).

Method 2: Calibration through Engineering Menu (MTK)

If the standard method didn't work, use the engineering menu. On Redmi 10 with a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, this menu provides advanced sensor settings.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (or #3644633## on some firmware).
2. You will be taken to Engineer Mode. Go to Hardware Testing → Sensors → Proximity Sensor.
3. The screen will display current sensor readings (Value) and status (Status). If the value of Value with the closed sensor (hand) does not fall to 0, calibration is required.
4. Press Calibrate (or Do Calibration) and follow the instructions.

Save

If there's no calibration item in the engineering menu, try resetting the sensor to the factory settings.

1. In the same menu, find Proximity Sensor.
2. Press Clear Calibration (or Reset).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.
4. Connect your phone to your PC: Install ADB drivers (like Platform Tools). Connect Redmi 10 to USB and select File Transfer Mode.

Open the command line.

ADB

adb devices

Make sure your phone is displayed in the list of devices.

Calibrate:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings


adb shell settings put system proximity_offset 0

Then restart the phone:

adb reboot

If the standard command fails, try the alternative (requires root rights):

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/proximity_calibrate




exit




exit

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB It may vary depending on the version MIUI. If after entering the command, the phone begins to behave unstable, reset the settings through Settings. → Resetting settings.

What if calibration doesn’t help?

If none of the methods solves the problem, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Hardware malfunction: sensor, plume or motherboard is damaged, and this requires diagnostics at the service center.
• 🛡️ Software conflict: Some applications (like Second Space or Game Turbo) can block sensors.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: If the problem appears after the update, try rolling back to the previous version MIUI via Fastboot.
• 📱 Damage after repair: If the phone was taken apart (for example, to replace the screen), the sensor plume could be damaged.

To diagnose hardware problems:

1. Check the sensor on another phone (if possible).
2. Connect Redmi 10 to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool to check firmware integrity.
3. If the phone is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service - self-repair cancels the warranty.

In extreme cases, you can turn off the proximity sensor completely, but this will cause inconvenience during calls (the screen will not be blocked).

1. Install the Sensor Disabler app from Google Play.
2. Find the Proximity Sensor list and turn it off.
3. Or use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put system screen_off_while_call 0

Prevention of problems with the proximity sensor

To avoid repeated failures, follow these guidelines:

• 🧴 Clean the sensor area regularly of dust and fat. Use soft fabric and alcohol wipes.
• 📱 Avoid thick covers or glass that can block the sensor signal.
• 🔄 Don’t interrupt the update process. MIUI — This can cause sensor failures.
• 🛠️ When replacing the screen or glass, make sure the wizard has correctly connected the sensor plume.
• 📵 Do not expose your phone to strong vibrations or shocks – proximity sensors are sensitive to mechanical damage.

It is also useful to periodically check the sensor through the engineering menu (every 2-3 months), which will help to identify problems at an early stage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Redmi 10