How to independently check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a small but critical component that turns off the screen during a phone call. When you bring the device to your ear, the sensor registers the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental pressing and saving battery power. However, over time, this module can fail: the screen does not go out when you call, functions are accidentally activated or, conversely, the display turns off for no reason. These symptoms are often blamed on software failures, but in 60% of cases it is the sensor that is to blame.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and other models of the series – from standard tests through the engineering menu to the use of specialized applications. You will learn how to distinguish hardware from software, what hidden USSD codes allow detailed diagnosis, and what to do if the sensor does not respond at all.

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you start checking, it is important to make sure that the problem is really related to the sensor, not to firmware or mechanical damage.

• 📵 The screen does not go out during the call, even when the phone is pressed against the ear, which leads to accidental pressing of buttons or the completion of the call.
• 🔦 The backlight of the display spontaneously turns off when talking, although you do not close the phone with your hand.
• 🎯 The sensor is triggered with a delay (for example, the screen goes out through the 2-3 seconds after the device is placed in the face).
• 🔄 The function works “once” – then normal, then ignores the approximation.
• 🚨 System logs (e.g., Device Health) contain errors such as Proximity sensor timeout.

If any of these signs are on a regular basis, the sensor needs to be diagnosed, but don't be quick to blame the iron: 30% of the time, the firmware is to blame. For example, after the MIUI update on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, many users have encountered a bug when the sensor stopped working due to a conflict with the telephony module, in which case, resetting or rolling back on the previous version of the software helps.

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F3/F4 redmi K40/K50 The proximity sensor is integrated into the top speaker, and if the sensor problem is lost in a conversation, it's likely that the plume or the dynamic module itself is damaged.

Method 1: Checking through the engineering menu (USSD codes)

The fastest way to diagnose is to use hidden service codes, which work on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and version of MIUI, and you do not need root rights or additional applications.

Open the Phone app and enter one of the following codes:

#6484## - Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor)
#4636## - General Diagnostics Menu (select Sensor Test)
##0*## - LCD and sensor test (on some models)

Once you enter the code, you'll be taken to the engineering menu, and for the proximity sensor, we're interested in two things:

• Value is the current sensor value (0 – no obstacle, 1 – obstacle detected).
• Status – Work Status (OK/FAIL)

Close the top of the screen with your hand – the value should change from 0 to 1, and the status should remain OK. If the numbers do not change or the inscription FAIL appears, the sensor is defective.

Check that you enter characters without spaces|Try another code from the list.|Restart your phone and try again.|Update. MIUI last-minute-->

Method 2: Diagnostics through the Sensor Test application

If the engineering menu is not available or doesn't show the data you need, use third-party utilities. One of the most reliable is Smart Tools' Sensor Test, which is free, ad-free and supports all Xiaomi models.

Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

1. Open the app and give access to the sensors.
2. Select the Proximity tab (or “Approximation Sensor”).
3. A graph or digital value will appear on the screen (similar to an engineering menu).
4. Close the top of the phone with your hand – the indicator should change from FAR (far) to NEAR (close).

Sensor Test also has a calibration function that sometimes helps restore the sensor to work.

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Choose Calibrate.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to put the phone on a flat surface and wait 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9/9A/9C And in other budget models, the proximity sensor is often combined with lighting. If the light sensor is working in the Sensor Test, and the proximity sensor is not, the hardware is the problem.

Hidden. USSD-code|Third-party annexes|Manual check during the call|Contacting the service center-->

Method 3: Manually check during a call

If you're uncomfortable with using codes or applications, test the sensor in real-world conditions, which doesn't give you accurate technical data, but it does allow you to evaluate the performance of the sensor in combat.

Take another phone and call your Redmi, and do the following when you call:

1. Hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out in 0.5-1 second.
2. Take the device away from the face - the backlight should turn on back.
3. Repeat the steps 3-5 times, changing the angle of the phone.

Pay attention to the following nuances:

• 🔍 If the screen goes out only when the upper part is completely closed (for example, with the palm), and during normal conversation it does not, the sensor is poorly calibrated or contaminated.
• ⏱️ Delays of more than 2 seconds are considered a malfunction.
• 📱 On models with Always On Display (e.g. Redmi) K60) The approximation function may conflict with the time display. Try turning it off. AOD customized.

If the screen doesn't respond at all, try calling with headphones (Bluetooth or wired ones), and if the problem disappears, it's the proximity sensor that's to blame.

Method 4: Checking through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods fail, you can get detailed logs of the sensor through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but gives the most accurate information.

You'll need:

• A computer with Xiaomi and ADB Tools drivers installed.
• USB-cable (preferably original).
• USB Debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).

Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:

adb shell


su




cat /sys/class/sensors/proximity/proximity_raw

Close and open the top of the phone with your hand – the terminal should change values from 0 to 1. If the command returns an error, try an alternative path:

adb shell dumpsys sensorservice

In the output, find the Proximity Sensor and check handle and values settings. Lack of data or unavailable status indicates hardware breakdown.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 11T or POCO M4 Pro) the path to the sensor may be different. Use the command adb shell ls /sys/class/sensors/, Finding the Right Catalogue.

Method 5: Visual inspection and inspection of the plume

If software tests show a malfunction, but you want to be 100% sure, physically inspect the sensor.

You'll need:

• Plastic spatula or mediator.
• Screwdriver T3 or T4 (depending on the model).
• Dryer or thermo-air station (for models with adhesive screen mounting).

Carefully tuck the back cover (start at the bottom edge where the connectors are located for the SIM-Most Redmis have a proximity sensor:

• 📍 Next to the top speaker (on board or on a flexible plume).
• 📍 Under the protective mesh of the microphone (on models with infrared sensor).

Consider the following elements:

1. The sensor itself - it should not have cracks, swelling or traces of oxidation.
2. Trail - check if it is moving away from the connector on the motherboard.
3. Contacts – if necessary, clean them with alcohol and a soft brush.

If the sensor is outwardly functional but not working, the problem may be the control chip on the board, which would require professional diagnostics.

💡

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO X3 NFC, the proximity sensor often fails after the phone falls face down.

Causes of sensor breakdown and repair methods

In 80 percent of cases, the proximity sensor breaks down due to external factors, and here are the main reasons and solutions:

Cost of repair in the service center:

• 💰 Sensor replacement: 800-1500 ₽ (model-wise).
• 💰 Replacement of plume: 1500–2500 ₽.
• 💰 Diagnosis: 300-500 ₽ (often free of charge for further repairs).

If you decide to repair yourself, buy an original sensor for your model. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, a module with the XMT-0078-12 article will suit, and for the POCO X3 - XMT-0065-8. Remember that non-original parts may not work correctly or fail in a few months.

💡

If the proximity sensor stopped working after the screen was replaced, it's likely that the master damaged the plume or did not connect the connector. Contact the same service with a claim - they are legally obliged to fix the defect for free.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi