The proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi does not work: how to fix yourself

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation. When it fails, the phone starts to “glue”: the screen goes off on its own, does not respond to touches or, conversely, remains active during a call, which leads to accidental taps. If your Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9 or other model of the series behaves like this, do not rush to carry it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by yourself without disassembling the case.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of malfunction – from software failures to physical damage, as well as give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. You'll learn how to test the sensor without special applications, reset it, clean the contacts and even replace the module if you really need it (IR) sensors, as they require a separate approach.

Before you start repairing, check if the problem only occurs during calls or constantly? The screen responds to the approach of the hand in any application or only in the standard phone module?

Causes of failure of the proximity sensor

The proximity sensor can fail for several reasons, and not all of them are related to physical failure.

• 📱 Software failure: Firmware errors MIUI, Application conflict or incorrect system settings often occur after updating or installing third-party launchers.
• 🔧 Module pollution: Dust, sweat, or residues of protective film block the infrared signal, relevant for open-sensor models such as Redmi 5/6/7).
• 💥 Mechanical damage: A hit, fall or moisture can damage both the sensor and its plume. 8T, Redmi 10).
• 🔋 Firmware problems: Unofficial (castom) firmware or a failed "over-the-air" update can knock down sensor calibration.
• 🛠️ Contact wear: Over time, the contacts on the sensor plume oxidize or depart, which leads to unstable operation.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi Redmi models used infrared-based sensors until 2019, while newer ones (starting with the Redmi Note 8) used capacitive sensors, which are less susceptible to contamination but sensitive to screen damage.

⚠️ Attention: If the sensor stopped working after the display was replaced, the problem almost always lies in the wrong connection of the plume or damage to the flexible cable.

How to check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi

Before you fix it, you need to make sure that the sensor is the problem, and there are a number of ways to do that, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party applications.

Method 1: Integrated MIUI test

The hidden engineering test allows you to check the operation of the sensor without additional programs:

1. Open the Phone app and dial the code: ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
3. Put your hand up to the top of the screen (where the listener is located) and if the sensor is in good condition, the value will change from 5.00 to 0.00.

Method 2: Appendix CPU-Z

The CPU-Z utility shows the status of all sensors, including the proximity sensor:

1. Download CPU-Z from Google Play.
2. Go to the Sensors tab.
3. Find the Proximity string and check for your hand's reaction.

If the sensor doesn't respond in both tests, it's a hardware problem, and if it does, but the screen doesn't go out when you call, it's the system settings or the firmware.

Calibration of the proximity sensor

Often the sensor is working but it's not calibrated correctly, like it's going too early or late, and then resetting the settings will help.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click on the string with the firmware version 7 times in a row to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Debugging Point of the Approach Sensor and turn it on.
5. Reboot the phone.

If this method didn’t help, try hard resetting the calibration through the engineering menu:

1. Dial the code ##4636##.
2. Select Usage Statistics (Usage Statistics).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset calibration.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting the calibration, the sensor may temporarily be unstable. Give the phone 10-15 minutes to reset the process without interrupting the process.

Cleaning the proximity sensor

If the sensor is dirty, you can clean it neatly without disassembling the phone.

• 🧴 Cotton swab (better with a plastic base, so as not to leave the villi).
• 💧 Alcohol (isopropyl or medical, at least 70%).
• 🔍 Lupa (optional, for accuracy).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and wait for it to cool down completely.
2. Slightly moisten the cotton swab in alcohol (it should be wet, but not wet!).
3. Gently wipe the area around the speaker and sensor (usually a small hole or a transparent window next to the front camera).
4. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes.
5. Turn on the device and check the sensor.

For models with a capacitive sensor (like the Redmi Note 11), mechanical cleaning won’t help — it’s built under the glass, in which case it’s just calibrating or replacing the display module.

Replacement of the proximity sensor

If all previous methods have failed, the last resort is to replace the sensor, which is a complex procedure that requires disassembling the phone, so we recommend it only to users with experience in electronics repair.

What you need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, tweezers).
• 🔥 A hair dryer or a glue heating station (to separate the screen).
• 🛠️ Suction cups for display removal.
• 📱 New proximity sensor (you can buy on AliExpress or in specialized stores).

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the screen edge with a hair dryer (temperature ~60°C) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.
3. Disconnect the display and battery plumes (be sure to take a picture of their location!).
4. Find the proximity sensor – it’s usually located next to the front camera or speaker.
5. Set off the old sensor and install a new one, observing polarity.
6. Put the phone back together.

⚠️ Note: When replacing the sensor on models with OLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K40) Be very careful, the plumes are very fragile, and one wrong move can cause damage to the matrix.

💡

Before buying a new sensor, check its compatibility by model number (printed on the back cover of the phone). For example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, a sensor labeled XM-2029-1 will suit.

Software solutions: if the sensor is serviceable but not working

Sometimes the sensor is physically functional, but the screen doesn't go out during the call due to MIUI failures.

• 🔄 Resetting the settings of the Phone app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find your phone and select Warehouse. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.

Related: Rejection of MIUI Update

If the problem appears after the update, go back to the previous firmware version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select the Service Pack.

Disabling Battery Optimization for the Sensor

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization.
2. Find the Approach Sensor (or Sensor Service) and select Unlimited.

You should also not believe in “people’s” advice like:

• “Warm the phone with a hair dryer – the sensor will work” (this will lead to detachment of the screen).
• “Knock on the top of the phone” (you can break the gyroscope calibration).
• “Update your firmware to the latest version” (sometimes newer versions of MIUI break the sensor).

Minus: During the call, the screen will not go out, and you may accidentally press the buttons with your cheek.