Approximation sensor in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: appearance, location and features

When you call Xiaomi Redmi, the screen automatically goes out when you approach the ear — it's a proximity sensor. But what if it stops working? Or do you just want to know where it is and what it looks like? In this article, we'll look at the look of the proximity sensor in different Redmi models, its location under the body, and give you tips on diagnostics and repairs.

Many users mistakenly think that the proximity sensor is a separate part that can be easily replaced. In fact, in most Xiaomi smartphones, it is integrated into the speaker/audition capsule module or the front display panel, we will show how to identify it visually without disassembling the phone, and what to do if it fails.

What is a proximity sensor and why you need it

The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor that detects the distance between a smartphone screen and an object (such as your ear while you're ringing).

• 📞 Turn off the screen during a conversation to avoid accidental taps.
• 🔋 Battery savings as backlight goes out when phone pressed against ear.
• 🛠️ Damage protection – prevents the screen from heating from prolonged skin contact.

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones use two types of sensors:

1. Infrared (IR) — The most common, works on the basis of the reflected signal.
2. Capacitive – less common, reacts to changes in the electric field (for example, in some flagships Redmi K).

If the sensor fails, the screen does not go out during the call, which leads to accidental pressing (for example, turning off the call or turning on the speakerphone), and this can cause a quick battery discharge, since the backlight works unnecessarily.

Where is the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi: location on the body

In most Xiaomi Redmi models, the proximity sensor is located next to the front camera (in the so-called "fingers" or screen notch).

• 📱 Redmi Note 12/11/10/9 — upper right corner next to the speaker.
• 📱 Redmi K50/K40 — centrally cut (drop-shaped or point-shaped).
• 📱 Redmi 8/7/6 — banged.
• 📱 Redmi A-series (budget models) – can be hidden under glass without visible holes.

Visually, the sensor looks like a small circular hole (diameter). ~1 mm) or a transparent dot under the glass, which is covered by an infrared filter on some models, so it can be almost invisible.

To accurately identify the sensor, you can use a flashlight: illuminate the top of the screen at an angle - the working sensor will slightly reflect light (especially noticeable in models with a high-speed light). IR-sensory).

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If you can’t find the sensor visually, try calling the phone and covering the top with your palm – the screen should go out with the sensor working properly.

What does the proximity sensor inside the smartphone look like (photos and diagrams)

If you take apart the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, the proximity sensor can be seen in two versions:

1. A separate module is a small chip with wires soldered to the motherboard (found in older models, for example, Redmi). 4/5).
2. Part of the auditory speaker - in most modern Redmi (Note) 10/11/12) sensor is soldered into a hybrid module that includes a speaker, microphone and proximity sensor.

Below are diagrams and descriptions for popular models:

• 🔧 Redmi Note 12: the sensor is integrated into the Flex-cable display, located next to the connector of the auditory speaker.
• 🔧 Redmi Note 11: a separate chip STK3311 (or similar) on the motherboard, next to the battery socket.
• 🔧 Redmi 10: the sensor is soldered into the module of the front camera, replaced only with it.

Pictured, the disassembled Redmi Note 10 Pro sensor looks like a black rectangle 2×3 In the Redmi K-series, it can be hidden under a protective film on a flexible plume.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor without disassembly

Before you bring your phone to the service, you can diagnose a sensor malfunction yourself. Here are 3 ways to check:

1. Test call: Call your Redmi from another phone, and when you approach your hand to the top of the screen, it should go out, and if the screen doesn't respond, the sensor is faulty or disabled in the settings.
2. Secret engineering code: Open the Phone app. Enter ##6484## (or ##0*## for display test). From the menu, select Proximity Sensor — if the value does not change when you approach your hand, the sensor is broken.

Diagnostics appendix

• Install. CPU-Z Phone Doctor Plus from Google Play.
• Run the sensor test - the program will show the status of the proximity sensor.

If the sensor does not respond, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 Pollution of the hole (dust, sweat, cosmetics).
• 🛠️ Damage to the plume after falling or repairing.
• 📱 Firmware failure (solved by resetting settings).
• 🔋 Wear of contacts (in models older than 3 years).

Call your phone and check the screen reaction.|

Enter the engineering code ##6484##|

Testing with the Phone Doctor Plus app|

Clean the top of the screen from dirt-->

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor stops working after the screen is replaced, the problem is most likely a damaged display plume, which requires re-disassembly and contact checks.

Frequent proximity sensor faults in Redmi and how to fix them

According to statistics of service centers, 80% of problems with the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi are related to:

The most common fault is that it contaminates the sensor, because it's accreted in dust or fat, and it stops seeing obstacles.

1. Take a soft brush (for example, for the camera lens).
2. Carefully clean the sensor hole without pressing.
3. Wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol napkin.

If the sensor doesn't work after the phone falls, it's likely that the contact on the plume has broken off, and only disassembly and soldering (or replacing the plume) will help. 10/11 The sensor plume stands ~300–500 RUB, in the service for replacement will take more ~1000–1500 ruble.

⚠️ Note: In smartphones Redmi A-series (for example, Redmi) A1+) The proximity sensor is often physically absent, and its functions are emulated by a software algorithm, in which case the repair is possible only by updating the firmware.

Can I replace the sensor by myself?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it's quite difficult for beginners.

• 🔧 Requires soldering experience - sensor soldered to the board or plume.
• 🛠️ Special tools are needed: soldering station, flux, tweezers.
• 📱 Risk of damaging other components (e.g. speaker or microphone).
• 💰 The cost of parts may exceed the price of repairs in the service.

If you are still going to do your own repair, follow the instructions:

Buy the original sensor (check the article by model)|

Disassemble the phone by following the guide for your model|

Solder off the old sensor (solding temperature) ~300°C)|

Selling new, check contacts with a multimeter|

Build a phone and test the sensor-->

For Redmi Note models 12/11 It is easier to replace the entire module of the auditory speaker (it is soldered sensor). 500 before 1200 Redmi. 10/9 The sensor often goes along with the front camera plume, so you will have to change the entire unit.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service.Average price of repair of the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 - 1200-1800 rubles.
• 📱 Redmi Note 11 - 1000-1500 rubles.
• 📱 Redmi 10/9 — 800–1200 ruble.

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In 90% of cases, the proximity sensor malfunction in Redmi is not due to the sensor itself, but to damaged display plume or contamination. Check these points before replacing the sensor!

Software methods of disabling / setting the proximity sensor

Sometimes the sensor doesn't work properly because of a software failure, and in this case, you can try:

1. Resetting settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Select Reset All Settings (data will not be deleted).
2. Firmware Update: Open Settings → Update the system if there is a new version MIUI — set it up.

Disconnecting the sensor through the engineering menu

• Enter the code ##6484##.
• Select Proximity Sensor and turn it off (not recommended!).

You can also use applications to calibrate the sensor, for example:

• Proximity Sensor Reset (resets sensor settings).
• Sensor Test (allows you to manually test the reaction).

If the sensor is software-enabled, the screen will not go out during the call, which can lead to accidental tapping.

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities.


2. Find the item "Automatically switching off the screen" and turn it on.




3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: In some firmware (for example, custom LineageOS), the proximity sensor may not work due to the lack of drivers. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi