How to calibrate the proximity sensor on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a call when you hold the phone to your ear. If it doesn't work properly, the screen can go out spontaneously or, conversely, remain active during a conversation - this leads to accidental pressing and quick battery discharge. The problem is found on models from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Pro, regardless of the version of MIUI.

The causes of sensor failure range from software errors after upgrading to physical contamination of the module. 80 percent of the time, calibration solves the problem without going to the service center. In this article, 5 proven methods, including hidden engineering menus, third-party applications and hardware tests, you will learn how to diagnose a malfunction and return the sensor to work in 10 to 30 minutes.

⚠️ Important: If the sensor is physically damaged (cracks on the glass, ingress of moisture), calibration will not help - you will need to change the module).

1. How to check the operation of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

Before you calibrate the proximity sensor, make sure it's really the problem. Use built-in tests or third-party utilities to do this.

The fastest way is to test the phone:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Type the combination ##6484## (on some models, ##0*####).
3. Select the Proximity Sensor.
4. Close the sensor with your hand - the screen should go out, when opened - light up.

If the test is missing or doesn’t work, use the apps from Google Play:

• 🔍 CPU-Z — Shows the status of sensors in the Sensors section.
• 📱 Phone Doctor Plus – provides comprehensive diagnostics, including proximity sensor.
• 🛠️ Sensor Test – displays data in real time (the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm when the sensor is closed).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) The engineering menu is locked, so use the apps or move on to the next method.

Calibration through the Engineering Menu (MTK and Qualcomm)

The hidden engineering menu allows you to manually calibrate the sensor, but the method differs depending on the phone's processor. You can find out the type of chipset in Settings → About Phone → Full Specification.

For smartphones on MediaTek (Redmi 9, POCO M3, etc.)

Use a combination:

##36446337##

Select from the menu:

1. Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
2. Press Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to close the sensor with your hand and wait 3-5 seconds).
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

For smartphones on Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11, etc.)

Enter:

##4636##

Next:

1. Go to Testing → Sensor Test.
2. Find Proximity Sensor and press Calibrate.
3. Hold your finger to the sensor for 2-3 seconds, then remove it.
4. Confirm the calibration retention.

🔹 Note: On some firmware MIUI 14+ There may be no engineering menu, in which case you can use alternative methods in the following sections.

Charge your phone at least 30%

Make sure the sensor is not covered by a film or cover

Remember the combination for your processor (MTK/Qualcomm)

Prepare a pen or a thin object for accurate guidance on the sensor-->

3. Calibration with Proximity Sensor Reset

If the engineering menu is not available, use the specialized Proximity Sensor Reset app (available on Google Play), which works on most Xiaomi models, including Redmi and POCO, and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the app.
2. Open it and provide access to sensors (when a request appears).
3. Press Calibrate Proximity Sensor.
4. Close the sensor with your hand or an opaque object (such as a book) for 5 seconds.
5. Remove your hand – the app will show you the status of Success.
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after calibration the sensor stopped working completely, return the settings to the factory through Settings → Settings reset (select App Settings Reset, not a full reset!).

📌 Tip: Check reviews before using the app – some Xiaomi 13 users complain about incompatibility with the latest versions MIUI. The Sensor Calibration Tool.

4.Reset sensor settings via ADB

For advanced users, there is a method of resetting via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable if the software methods do not work, but requires connecting the phone to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times; then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Reset the sensor calibration: adb shell settings delete global proximity_delay
4. Reboot the phone.

Critical information: On some models (e.g. Redmi K50), this command can reset not only proximity sensor, but also other system settings. Before running, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

5. Hardware inspection and cleaning of the sensor

If the software didn't work, the problem could be that the sensor is physically contaminated, and the dust, sweat, or residue of the adhesive from the film is blocking the infrared signal, causing the sensor to malfunction.

How to clean the sensor:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Take a soft brush (for example, for the camera lens) or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
3. Carefully clean the area next to the front camera and speaker – there is a sensor (usually a small round hole).
4. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

🔍 Where is the proximity sensor located?

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) - this can damage the sensor or display. If the sensor does not work after cleaning, hardware failure is likely (replacement is required).

💡

Before cleaning, take a picture of the location of the sensor on your model – this will help you not to confuse it with other sensors (for example, light).

6. Update firmware and reset settings

If the sensor started to glittle after the MIUI update, the problem could be in the software. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to fix sensor bugs, so:

1. Check for updates: Settings → About phone → System update.
2. If the update is available, install it and restart the phone.
3. If the problem persists, reset settings (not data!): Settings → Additional → Resets → Reset all settings.

📌 Important: A complete reset will delete all data, including photos and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

After reset, check the sensor through a test call or app. If the problem persists, contact the service center - you may need to flash or replace the module.

💡

Updating the firmware is the safest way to fix software failures of the sensor. Always check for updates before drastic measures (reset, disassembly).

7.When calibration won't help: signs of hardware breakdown

Not all proximity sensor problems are software-solved. Please contact the service if:

• 🔴 The sensor does not respond to calibration by any method.
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was exposed to severe humidity.
• 🔨 There are cracks or chips in the sensor area on the screen.
• 📉 After cleaning/calibration, the sensor works even worse (for example, the screen goes out constantly).
• 🔄 The problem appeared after disassembling the phone (replacement of the display, battery).

The cost of replacing the sensor in Xiaomi service centers varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model. On flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the module is often assembled with a front camera, which increases the cost of repair.

⚠️ Note: If you have disassembled the phone yourself and damaged the sensor plume, Xiaomi's warranty for repair does not apply.

FAQ: Frequent questions about proximity sensor calibration