Full sensor check on Xiaomi: from gyroscope to Hall sensor

Sensors in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are responsible for automatic screen settings, gestures, positioning in space and even security (for example, a fingerprint sensor). If your phone starts to behave strangely - the screen does not go out during a call, does not turn when you turn the device or GPS determines the location with a large error - the problem can be hidden in the sensors.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to check sensors on Xiaomi devices: from built-in tools MIUI You'll learn how to test a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, light sensor, magnetometer, barometer and other sensors, and what to do if one of them is not working properly. Instructions are relevant for models 2018-2026, including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6.

What sensors are in Xiaomi smartphones and what they are responsible for

Xiaomi’s current devices are equipped with up to 10-15 different sensors, but not all models have a complete set of sensors.

• 📱 Approximation sensor – turns off the screen during a call when you hold the phone to your ear.
• 💡 Light sensor – adjusts the brightness of the screen depending on the ambient light.
• 🔄 Accelerometer – determines the position of the phone in space (screen rotation, pedometer).
• 🌀 Gyroscope – responsible for accurate tracking of movements (used in games, VR, panoramic).
• 🧲 Magnetometer (compass) – determines the direction north for navigation.
• 🌡️ Hall sensor – fixes the closure of the case (in models with support for smart cases).
• 📏 Barometer – Measuring atmospheric pressure for more accurate GPS (Not all models are available).
• 👆 Fingerprint Sensor – Unlock scanner (can be optical or ultrasonic).

On budget models (such as the Redmi A2 or POCO C55), some sensors may not be available. To find out which sensors are installed in your phone, use the AIDA64 app (Sensors section) or enter the service code ##4636## (does not work on all firmware).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The Hall sensor can be software-enabled to shut down even if it's physically present, and it's done to save battery power.

Method 1: Checking sensors through the Engineering Menu (CIT)

The most reliable way to test sensors is to use Xiaomi’s built-in engineering menu, called the CIT (Comprehensive Interface Test), which is available on all devices with MIUI firmware, but the path to it may differ.

To open CIT:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636## or ##2486### (on new models).
3. Select Testing (or Hardware Testing)
4. Go to the Sensor Test section.

In the Sensor Test menu, you'll see a list of all the sensors available. Click on each of them to check if they work:

• 🔄 For the accelerometer, tilt the phone in different directions - the values on the X, Y, Z axes should change.
• 🌀 For a gyroscope, turn the device: the graph should display changes in real time.
• 🧲 For a magnetometer, hold the magnet - the needle of the compass must react.
• 📱 For the proximity sensor, cover the top of the screen with your hand - the value should change from Far to Near.

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If the engineering menu doesn't open, try entering the code ##6484## (MTK Test Mode) or ##64663# (Qualcomm Test).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro), the engineering menu may be blocked by the manufacturer).

Method 2: Applications for testing sensors

If the engineering menu is not available or does not show all the sensors, install one of the specialized applications.

• 📊 CPU-Z (Sensors section – shows the current values of all sensors in real time.
• 🛠️ Phone Doctor Plus automatically tests all sensors and reports.
• 🧭 GPSTest - Checks the work GPS, magnetometer.
• 🔍 Sensor Box for Android – visualizes data from each sensor separately.

Checking with Sensor Box:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select the sensor you want (such as the Accelerometer).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (e.g., tilt the phone for the accelerometer test).
4. If the graph or numbers don’t change, the sensor is faulty.

On models with a Qualcomm processor (such as the Xiaomi 13T), the AIDA64 app can show false alarms of the Hall sensor, even if it is not physically present.

Method 3: Service codes for diagnostics

Besides the engineering menu, Xiaomi has other service codes that help check individual sensors:

• 📞 ##0*## - screen test (checks the proximity and illumination sensor indirectly).
• 📡 ##4636## → Usage statistics → Sensor status – displays sensor activity.
• 🔋 ##36446337## - information about the battery and temperature sensors.
• 🧭 ##1472365## - Test GPS Magnetometer (not working on all models).

For example, to check the proximity sensor:

1. Enter the code ##0*##.
2. You'll see a color test on the screen, and you'll cover the top of the phone with your hand.
3. If the screen is gone or changed color, the sensor works. If it's not, it needs to be replaced.

Method 4: Checking the fingerprint sensor

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi can be optical (under screen) or ultrasonic (on flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

1. Remove all saved fingerprints to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Add the print again by following the instructions on the screen.
4. If the scanner is not responding, check if there is any physical damage (scratches on the sensor or cracks on the screen).

For diagnosis through CIT:

1. Open the engineering menu (see Method 1).
2. Select the Fingerprint Test.
3. Put your finger on the scanner, and if you pass the test, the sensor is in good condition.

⚠️ Note: On models with optical scanner (e.g. Redmi) K60) The sensor may stop working after the protective glass is replaced, and this is due to a change in the thickness of the coating above the sensor.

Delete all prints.|Reboot the phone|Check for damage|Testing in the Engineering Menu|Update firmware-->

Method 5: Checking the Hall sensor (for smart cases)

The Hall sensor is responsible for detecting the closure of the case. If your smartphone does not respond to the opening / closing of the Smart Cover cover, follow the following steps:

1. Make sure the cover is original or supports Smart Cover.
2. Enable the option in the settings: Settings → Display → Lock when closing the case.
3. Check the sensor through the Hall Sensor Test.
4. If the test fails, try reconnecting the case or resetting the phone settings.

On some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro), the Hall sensor may conflict with magnetic holders for the phone in the car. If after installing such a holder, the phone begins to behave strangely (independently locks, turns on the screen), calibrate the sensor through CIT or turn off the Smart Cover function.

What to do if the sensor is not working

If tests show that one or more sensors are faulty, try the following solutions:

• 🔄 Phone reboot – sometimes sensors “hang” due to software failures.
• 📲 Update of the firmware - in new versions MIUI Frequently correct sensor errors.
• ⚙️ Reset settings – return the phone to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).
• 🔧 Clean connectors – if the sensor is physical (such as approximations), check if the holes are clogged with dust.
• 🛠️ Replacement of sensor – if nothing helps, contact the service center.

On removable battery models (like the Redmi 9A), it sometimes helps to reconnect the sensor plume, but it is not recommended to do this yourself - the risk of damaging the board.

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If the proximity or illumination sensor is not working, first check the protective film or glass - they can block the infrared port of the sensor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi sensors