Adjusting the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide

Why does the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro require customization?

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a small but critical component that shuts down the screen during a phone call. When you hold the device to your ear, the sensor picks up the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental taps and saving battery power. However, over time, this module can start to crash: the screen does not turn off when you call, spontaneously goes out in your pocket or reacts with a delay.

Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (M1906G7G) often face this problem after updating MIUI or mechanical damage (such as falls). 80% of the time, the malfunction is fixed by software calibration, a procedure that can be performed independently without going to the service center. But before you start setting up, it is important to eliminate hardware problems: cracks in the glass in the sensor area, moisture or dust under the body.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

How do you know if the sensor needs to be adjusted?

• 📱 The screen does not go out during the call, even when the phone is pressed to the ear.
• 🔄 The light flashes or spontaneously turns on/off in the pocket.
• 🕒 Reaction delay: the screen goes out only 2-5 seconds after application.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to constant sensor operation.
• 📞 It is impossible to complete the call with a button on the screen (you have to use physical keys).

If you know any of these, there's a 90 percent chance of software failure, and less often, the problem is that the sensor plume is damaged or detached from the motherboard, which requires disassembling the device -- but it's always software-based.

Preparation for adjustment: what to do in advance

Before calibrating the sensor, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid errors:

1. Clean the sensor area. Wipe the top of the screen (near the speaker) with a dry microfiber wipe. Dust and greasy traces can block the infrared signal. Don't use alcohol or wet wipes - they can damage the oleophobic coating.
2. Check the integrity of the glass. Cracks in the sensor area (usually to the right of the front camera) often cause false positives.
3. Update MIUI. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update system and install the latest firmware. In some MIUI builds, 12-14 sensor bugs were patched.
4. Remove the protective film or cover. Thick accessories can block the sensor signal, especially if they cover the top of the screen.

If you still have a problem after this manipulation, you can proceed to calibration. Importantly, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor does not have a separate hardware test in the standard diagnostic menu, so you will have to check it through the engineering menu or third-party applications.

Remove the cover and film |

Clean the sensor area with a dry wipe |

Check the integrity of the glass |

Update MIUI last-minute-->

Method 1: Calibration through the engineering menu (no root)

The most reliable way to adjust the sensor is to use the hidden MTK Engineer Mode, a method that requires no superuser rights and works on all versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (including global and Chinese firmware).

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (or #3644637## for some regions), the last character being an asterisk, not a grid!
2. Select Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate. The sensor will automatically determine the minimum and maximum distance values.
4. Once you've finished the process, restart your phone. The settings will apply after the reboot.

If the combination doesn't work, try the alternative code: ##4636## → Testing → Sensor Test. In some firmware, the path may be different. After calibrating, check the sensor by calling another phone or using the Google Play Sensor Test app.

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If the engineering menu doesn’t open, make sure you enter the code in the standard Phone app, not in messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

Method 2: Manual adjustment through applications

If the engineering menu is not available, use third-party utilities.The best options for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 📱 Proximity Sensor Reset – Resets sensor settings to factory values, suitable for eliminating software glitches after updates.
• 🔧 Sensor Test - checks the performance of all sensors, including the proximity sensor.
• 🛠️ MTK Engineering Mode: An alternative to the standard engineering menu. APK-file (download only from trusted sources, such as APKMirror).

Instructions for Proximity Sensor Reset:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and press Reset Proximity Sensor.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
4. Check the sensor during the call.

If the app shows a Sensor not found error, this may indicate a hardware malfunction, in which case try the ADB reset method (described below) or contact the service.

Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods didn't work, try resetting the sensor settings via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge. Importantly, the wrong ADB commands can disrupt the system!

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




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

If root rights are not available, try an alternative command:

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

Once you've done the commands, restart the phone, and this method resets the sensor calibration data to factory values, and if it didn't work, there's a possible hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB with superuser rights (su) may result in loss of warranty. MIUI The su command will not work - you will need to unlock the loader and install a custom Recovery.

Hardware malfunctions: when adjustment will not help

If all software methods have been tried, but the sensor still doesn't work, the problem lies in the hardware.

The average cost of repairing the proximity sensor in service centers is from 800 to 2500 rubles (2026). In 60% of cases, the masters are limited to cleaning contacts or replacing the plume, which is cheaper than replacing the module completely. If the phone is warranty, contact the official Xiaomi service - repair can be free.

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Before visiting the service, check if the problem is caused by a software failure. Reset the phone to factory settings (Settings) → Resetting the settings if other methods have not worked. MIUI.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro