Have you noticed that while you're on the phone on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, the screen stays on even though it used to automatically go out? Not only is this an annoying problem, it also drains the battery quickly, and in some cases can lead to accidental taps during the call, and in most cases, the fault of the proximity sensor or software failures is to blame, but sometimes the root of the problem lies deeper.
In this article, we'll look at all the possible reasons why the screen doesn't turn off when you hold your phone to your ear, from simple settings to hardware malfunctions. You'll learn how to diagnose a problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when to go to the service center. And for those who like specific instructions, we've prepared step-by-step guides with illustrations and useful widgets.
If your Redmi 8 Pro falls or comes into contact with moisture, there is a high probability of physical damage to the sensor, and in other cases, the problem can almost always be solved software-free without disassembling the device.
1. How the proximity sensor works and why it might fail
The proximity sensor in Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is responsible for automatically turning off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. It works on the principle of infrared radiation: it emits an invisible beam and tracks its reflection. If the beam comes back (for example, from the hand or face), the system understands that the phone is near the user, and extinguishes the display.
Failures in the operation of the sensor can occur for several reasons:
- 🔹 Sensor contamination – dust, greasy traces or protective film block infrared signal.
- 🔹 Software glitch – firmware errors or application conflict interfere with correct data processing.
- 🔹 Mechanical damage – after a fall or impact, the sensor may shift or fail.
- 🔹 Incorrect settings – disabled function of automatic screen shutdown in call parameters.
To test the sensor's performance, you can use an engineering menu or special applications (for example, the Phone Tester), if the sensor does not respond to the approach of the hand at all, the problem is likely hardware. If it responds, but with a delay, it is the fault of the software.
2. Check settings: what could have turned off itself
Before you sin on hardware malfunctions, make sure that the problem is not in the settings. MIUI has several parameters that can affect the behavior of the screen during the call:
- Automatically turn off the screen. Go to Settings → Apps → Calls → Additional settings and check if the option to turn off the screen when approaching is enabled.
- In your pocket mode. In Settings → Screen → In your pocket mode must be turned off or configured correctly (otherwise the phone may ignore the proximity sensor).
- Energy savings: Some battery saving modes limit sensor performance. Check settings → Battery and performance → Battery mode.
Also, look at the settings of a particular call app (if you’re not using a standard Google Phone, but, for example, Truecaller or WhatsApp). Some messengers have separate options for controlling the screen during a call.
Is automatic screen shutdown enabled in call settings
Is Pocket Mode off?
Are there any restrictions on energy saving?
Are the call apps updated?-->
Cleaning of the proximity sensor: step-by-step instruction
If the settings are fine but the screen is still on, the first physical cause is contamination of the sensor. On the Redmi 8 Pro, it's located at the top of the screen, next to the front camera (usually to the left or right of it), to clean it up:
- Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
- Take a soft lilaless napkin (for example, for glasses) and moisten it with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
- Gently wipe the sensor area in circular motions.
- Let the phone dry 2-3 minutes before turning on.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use wet wipes, paper towels or aggressive cleaning products, which can damage the oleophobic screen covering or the sensor itself. Also make sure that the phone is not covered with a thick protective film that blocks the infrared signal.
After cleaning, check the sensor using the engineering menu:
##6484##In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor and hold your hand to the top of the screen. The value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).
4. Software failures: resetting settings and software updates
If the sensor is clean and responsive to the tests, but the screen still doesn't go out, the problem may be the firmware. On the Redmi 8 Pro, these glitches often occur after MIUI updates or custom firmware installation.
- 📱 Update the software. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
- 🔄 Reset the settings of the Phone app. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 🧹 Reset all settings (does not delete files!) Way: Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Reset network settings/all settings.
- 🛠️ Fly the phone through the Mi Flash Tool if other methods don’t help (requires an unlocked bootloader).
⚠️ Note: Before resetting or flashing, back up your data. On Redmi 8 Pro, you can use the built-in Settings feature. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
Critical information: If the problem occurred after upgrading to MIUI 12.5+ and does not disappear after resetting, it may be a bug of a particular firmware version, in which case only a rollback to the previous stable version or waiting for a patch from Xiaomi will help.
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Before updating your firmware, check the reviews of other Redmi 8 Pro users on forums (such as 4PDA or Mi Community).If many complain about a similar issue, it’s best to wait with an update.
5. Application conflict: who prevents the sensor from working
Sometimes the screen doesn't go out because of third-party apps that block the proximity sensor, and most often the fault is:
- 📞 Alternative Calls (Truecaller, Drupe, ExDialer).
- 🔒 Screen locking applications (e.g. Keep Screen On).
- 🎮 Gaming Utilities (Game Turbo, GFX Tools).
- 🛡️ Antiviruses and optimizers (Clean Master, 360 Security).
To identify the culprit:
- Launch the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → long tap on "Switch off" → "Safe Mode").
- Call someone and check to see if the screen is going off.
- If everything works in safe mode, delete the applications one by one until you find the problem.
Pay special attention to applications with permissions SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW or BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE — They can intercept the screen, and you can see the list of these programs in Settings. → Annexes → Special access rights.
6. Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do
If all software methods have been tried, but the screen still doesn't turn off, it's the hardware. The Redmi 8 Pro is most likely to have the following hardware problems:
| Malfunction | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Approximation sensor damaged | The sensor does not respond in the engineering menu, cracks next to it are visible on the screen. | Replacement of the sensor (cost) ~800–1500 ₽) |
| The sensor plume has gone. | The sensor works periodically, the problem appears after the impacts | Reconnecting the plume or replacing it (~500–1000 ₽) |
| Motherboard's damaged | The sensor is not determined by the system, there are other glitches (the camera does not work, the speaker) | Diagnostics in the service, repair or replacement of fees (~3000–6000 ₽) |
| Moisture intrusion | On the screen are divorces, the phone overheats, the sensor is working intermittently | Cleaning from corrosion, replacing damaged components |
⚠️ Note: If you don’t have experience in electronics repair, don’t try to disassemble the Redmi 8 Pro yourself – the risk of damage to plumes or board is very high.
The cost of diagnosis is usually 300-500 ₽, And repairs are cheaper than buying a new phone, like replacing the proximity sensor with work rarely exceeds 1,500. ₽.
How to check if the moisture got into the phone?
7. Alternative solutions: if nothing has worked
If you can not fix the problem, but the phone is still working, you can use the workarounds:
- 🔘 Manually shut down the screen. Press the power button to lock the screen during the call.
- 📱 Forced shutdown applications: Utilities like Proximity Sensor Fix or Screen Off and Lock can emulate the sensor.
- 🔧 Use a headset. Connect wireless or wired headphones - the screen will go out when the phone is removed from the ear.
- 📲 Switching to an alternative call: Some applications (like Simple Dialer) have their own screen control algorithms.
Of course, these are temporary measures, but they will help you to hold out until you visit a service center or buy a new phone. If you decide to sell a Redmi 8 Pro with such a malfunction, be sure to include it in the description - it will affect the price, but will eliminate the claims of the buyer.
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If the proximity sensor is completely out of order and repair is not feasible, consider buying a cover that will physically close the screen during the call, preventing accidental tapping.