Replacement of the sensor approach to Xiaomi: a complete analysis with photos and tips

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi 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 gestures or, conversely, remains active during the call, which leads to accidental pressing. If you notice these symptoms, the sensor most likely needs to be replaced.

In this article, we will look at the whole process, from fault diagnosis to final testing, you will learn what tools you need, how to carefully disassemble Xiaomi (in the case of popular models like Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4), where to buy the original sensor and how to avoid soldering errors. And if you have never held a soldering iron in your hands, don’t worry: we will consider the option of replacing without soldering for some models.

We warn you right away: repairs require care and patience. 90% of failed replacements are due to damage to plumes or improper installation of the sensor, not a defect. If you doubt your abilities, you better contact the service center. But if you are ready to try, go ahead!

Signs of malfunction of the proximity sensor

Before you disassemble the phone, make sure the sensor is the problem.

• 📱 The screen goes off when you call, even if you don’t bring your phone to your ear.
• 🔄 The screen does not go out at all during a conversation, because of which the cheek presses the buttons.
• 🔍 Settings menu → The phone. → Diagnostics (or through an engineering menu) the sensor shows incorrect values (for example, always "1" or "0»).
• 🎧 Problems only occur in headphones with a microphone - the sensor "thinks" that the phone is pressed to the ear.
• 🔄 After falling or getting moisture, the screen began to behave unpredictable.

If one of the items matches, the sensor is probably faulty. But before you change, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset). Sometimes the problem lies in the firmware, not the hardware.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11, Redmi) K40) The proximity sensor is often built into the display module, in which case only the sensor cannot be replaced, you need to change the entire screen.

What tools will be needed to replace

To replace the proximity sensor on Xiaomi, you will need:

If the sensor is soldered to the board (as in most models), you will additionally need:

• 🔥 A soldering iron with a thin sting (power) 30-40 Watt).
• 🧲 solder and flux (it is better to use lead-free solder).
• 🧴 Alcohol for cleaning contacts.
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass (the sensor is very small!).

For models where the sensor is attached to the plume (for example, some Redmi 8/9), soldering is not necessary - it is enough to gently disconnect the old sensor and connect a new one.

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Before disassembling, take a picture of all the plumes and screws. This will make it much easier to reverse assemble!

Where to buy the original proximity sensor for Xiaomi

The proximity sensor is not a component that you should save on. Cheap Chinese analogues often give incorrect readings or quickly fail.

• 🛒 Xiaomi’s official service centers are the most reliable option, but prices are higher than the market.
• 🌍 AliExpress – look for sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews about compatibility with your model, APDS-9960 for many Xiaomi models).
• 🏬 Local parts stores – in major cities there are specialized points (for example, Chip and Deep in Moscow).
• 🔧 Donor-telefons – you can buy a broken Xiaomi of the same model on Avito and pull out the sensor.

The average price of the original sensor is from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the model. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the STK3311 sensor costs about 500 rubles, and for the POCO X3 NFC - 350 rubles. Always check compatibility by part number (it can be found on the old sensor or in the phone circuit).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) 10T) The proximity sensor is aligned with the light sensor, so you have to buy a prefabricated module, not a separate sensor.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor

The replacement process can be divided into 4 steps: disassembling the phone, dismantling the old sensor, installing a new one and reverse assembly. Let’s take each step with the example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro (for other models, the differences are minimal).

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Remove the back cover (carefully, without sudden movements)|Disconnect the battery (required!)|Take a picture of the location of the plumes|Prepare your workspace (good lighting, no dust)

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1. Disassembly of the telephone

Most Xiaomis have the back cover attached to the latches and glue to remove it.

1. Heat the hair dryer of the edge of the cover (temperature ~60°C) to soften the glue.
2. Insert a plastic blade into the gap between the lid and the body (start at the bottom edge where the charging connector is).
3. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter, snapping the clamps. Don't force it, the lid should come off without creaking!

Once the lid is removed, unscrew all the screws that attach the metal plate to the battery. Then unplug the battery plume (which is usually at the bottom of the board). This is a must! It is dangerous to work with the battery on - the risk of short circuit.

2. Dismantling of the old sensor

The proximity sensor is usually located at the top of the board, next to the speaker connector, and it looks like a little black chip with a transparent window. In the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this is the STK3311 chip.

If the sensor is on the plume:

• Carefully tuck the plume connector with tweezers and disconnect it from the board.
• Remove the old sensor (it can be glued - dent with a spatula).

If the sensor is soldered:

1. Put the flux on the sensor contacts.
2. Heat the contacts with a soldering iron and remove the sensor with tweezers. Don't overheat! The temperature must be minimal so as not to damage the board.
3. Clear the contact areas with alcohol.

Installation of a new sensor

For the sensor on the plume, simply connect the new module to the connector and fasten it to a double-sided tape.

For rations:

1. Apply a thin layer of solder to the contact areas.
2. Install a new sensor by combining contacts.
3. Carefully solder each contact, avoiding the jumpers. Use a magnifying glass!

4. Assembly and testing

After installation:

• Connect the battery and check if the phone is switched on.
• Run the engineering menu (code ##6484##) and check the sensor readings.
• Call someone and make sure the screen goes out when you hold the phone to your ear.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing the proximity sensor.

• 🔥 Overheating of the board, leads to detachment of the tracks. Always use a soldering iron with temperature adjustment (maximum 300).°C).
• 🧲 The wrong polarity, if you confuse it «+» And the -- when soldered, the sensor will burn.
• 📏 Displacement of the sensor -- if you put it curved, the window won't "see" the approach. Use a template or tags from the old sensor.
• 🔌 Battery plume damage -- if you hit it with a spatula, the phone won't turn on. Always disconnect the battery first thing!
• 🧴 Flush residues can cause corrosion. After soldering, clean the board with alcohol.

Another common problem is that the sensor is running, but it's "lagging," which means it's either poor quality or it's not soldered, so check the contacts and re-drink if you need it.

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If the sensor is unstable after the replacement, 90 percent of the time the soldering is the problem, not the sensor itself.

Xiaomi models, where the sensor is soldered into the display module

In some Xiaomi smartphones, the proximity sensor is integrated into the display module, which means that you can't replace it separately, you have to change the entire screen.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Lite – sensor built into the device AMOLED-matrix.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Mi 10T — sensor combined with front camera.
• 📱 Xiaomi Black Shark 4/5 — Smartphones with integrated sensors.
• 📱 Xiaomi Civi, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro - sensor in the display module.

If you have one of these models, replacing the sensor will cost you a new screen (from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles), in this case it is more advisable to contact the service - self-repair without experience can damage the display.

How do you check if your model has a sensor soldered in? Look into the circuitry of the phone (you can find it on sites like GSMArena) or take the phone apart and look at the board. If the sensor is not on the motherboard, it's right in the screen.

Alternative ways to solve the problem

If it seems too difficult to replace the sensor, you can try to do without it.

• 🔄 Disabling the sensor in settings - in some firmware (for example, MIUI 12+) You can turn off the approach response in Settings → System system → Gestures → Minus: the screen won't go out during calls.
• 📱 Use of headphones – if the sensor only works when talking on speakerphone, switch to wired or Bluetooth headphones.
• 🔧 Sensor calibration – sometimes helps reset calibration through the engineering menu (code ##6484## → Proximity Sensor → Calibrate).
• 🔄 Firmware rollback – if the problem has occurred after the update, try returning to the previous version MIUI.

These methods don't solve the problem, but they can extend the life of a phone before you visit a service, and if the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), software solutions won't help, just replace it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the proximity sensor