How to Calibrate the Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 Proven Methods

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 7 smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a call when you hold the phone to your ear. If it does not work correctly, the screen can go out arbitrarily or, conversely, remain active, which leads to accidental pressing. The problem often occurs after drops, software updates or prolonged use of the device. In most cases, calibrating the sensor solves the problem without going to the service center.

However, before starting the procedure, it is important to rule out hardware malfunctions. For example, if the sensor is physically damaged (a crack on the glass in its area, moisture), software calibration will not help. Also check whether the sensor is blocked by a protective film or case. In this article, we will look at three methods of calibration: through an engineering menu, using secret codes, and using third-party applications. Each method is suitable for the Redmi 7 based on MIUI (including global and Chinese versions of the firmware).

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

How do you know if the proximity sensor on Redmi 7 needs calibration?

• 📵 The screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear during a call (the risk of accidental pressing).
• 🔦 The screen goes off arbitrarily, even when the phone is on the table.
• 🔄 The sensor is triggered with a delay (for example, the screen is switched on through the 2-3 seconds after the phone was withdrawn).
• 🛠️ In the phone settings there is no item "approximation sensor" (may indicate a software failure).

If you see at least one of these signs, the probability of problems with the sensor is 80-90%, but before calibrating, make sure that the problem is not related to:

• 📱 A protective film or cover covering the sensor area (usually located to the right of the speaker).
• 🔄 Firmware errors (try restarting your phone).
• 💧 Getting moisture under the body (in this case, it is necessary to disassemble the device).

You can use AIDA64 (available on Google Play) to diagnose it, run it, go to Sensors and check Proximity sensor readings. Normally, when you approach your hand, the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm. If the readings are static, the sensor is faulty or requires calibration.

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Before calibration, remove the protective film and cover – they can block the sensor signal, even if you can not visually see it.

Method 1: Calibration through the engineering menu

The most reliable way is to use the hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 7, but requires caution: improper actions can disrupt the operation of other sensors.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##6484## After dialing, the MTK Engineer Mode menu will automatically open (if the code doesn't work, try ##4636## and select Hardware Testing).
2. In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing → Sensors → Proximity Sensor.
3. You'll see a graph showing the current readings of the sensor, and you'll cover the sensor with your hand (or hold the phone to your ear) and it'll change from 5 to 0.
4. Press the Calibration button (or Do Calibration) and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 5-10 seconds).
5. Restart the phone and check the sensor during the call.

If the Calibration option is not in the engineering menu, then your version of MIUI is blocking manual configuration.

Charge your phone at least 50%|Make sure that SIM-Card active (required for test call)|Take off the cover and film.|Remember the original sensor settings (you can take a picture of the screen)-->

⚠️ Note: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, changing the values of the Gyroscope or Accelerometer can lead to incorrect operation of the autorotation of the screen.

Method 2: Secret codes for resetting the sensor

If the engineering menu is not available or calibration through it did not help, try hardware resetting the sensor using service codes. This method works on Redmi 7 with MIUI 10-14 firmware.

Sequence of action:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##64663## The MIUI Hidden Settings menu will appear on the screen.
2. Select All Tests → Single Test → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Start Test and watch for readings. If the sensor does not respond to the approach of the hand, press Reset (or Restore Default).
4. Reboot your phone and make a test call.

Alternative codes for Redmi 7:

• #4636## → Usage Statistics → Sensors
• ##36446337## (for some versions) MIUI opens the sensor menu).

If the codes don’t work, it could mean that the manufacturer has blocked access to the service functions in your firmware version, leaving you with two options: use a third-party application or reset (see section below).

Method 3: Calibration with applications

If the standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue.

• 📱 Proximity Sensor Reset (Simple interface, no root rights required).
• 🛠️ Sensor Calibration Tool (extended settings, supports) MIUI).
• 🔧 CPU-Z (allows you to check the current readings of the sensor).

Instructions for Proximity Sensor Reset:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and press the Calibrate Proximity Sensor.
3. Follow the hints on the screen: the application will suggest closing the sensor with your hand and removing it (repeat 3-5 times).
4. Once completed, restart the phone.

If the app reports a Sensor not found error, it could mean:

• The sensor is physically damaged (replacement required).
• The firmware blocks access to the sensor (try updating the software).
• No permissions are required (give the application access to Phone and Sensors in settings).

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The app side is the only way to calibrate on phones with locked engineering menus, but they require caution: download utilities only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror).

Resetting settings as a last resort

If none of these methods work, it's factory reset, which is a radical solution, but it often restores the sensor to work, especially if the problem is caused by a software failure.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
4. After the reboot, check the sensor with a test call.

Important: Reset removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Pre-backup through Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If the sensor is still not working after reset, the problem is likely hardware.In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center - self-repair (for example, replacing the sensor) requires special equipment and can lead to loss of warranty.

Prevention of problems with the proximity sensor

To avoid repeated failures, follow simple guidelines:

• 🛡️ Use covers and films that do not cover the sensor area (usually marked by a dot next to the front camera).
• 🚿 Avoid getting moisture on the top of the phone.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware (in new versions) MIUI Frequently correct sensor errors).
• 📱 Don’t drop your phone – even a small impact can shift the sensor relative to the body.

It is also useful to check the sensor every 2-3 months through the AIDA64 or CPU-Z application. If the readings begin to “float” (for example, the sensor shows 2.5 cm instead of 0 cm at closing), repeat the calibration.

If you make frequent calls in poor communication conditions (such as the subway), the sensor may be falsely triggered due to interference, in which case temporarily turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → System applications → Phone.
2. Turn off the Approximation Sensor option (in some firmware, the item is called Automatic Screen Shutdown).

Remember that when the sensor is turned off, the screen will remain active during calls, which increases the risk of accidental taps.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Redmi 7