The proximity sensor on Xiaomi does not work: 7 reasons and ways to repair

Do you hold your phone to your ear while you're ringing, but the screen doesn't go out -- instead, you accidentally press buttons with your cheek or ear? Or vice versa: does the display suddenly turn off when you're watching the video, even though you haven't even touched the device? 90% probability indicate a malfunction of the proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones. POCO, and on the flagships of Xiaomi 13/14 — And you can't ignore it: it's not only annoying, it leads to a quick battery drain, random calls, and even potential screen damage.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of a failed proximity sensor, from software failures to physical breakdowns, and give you step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions, how to check the sensor without special tools, what settings you can set up. MIUI They affect how it works, and when exactly it's time to bring the phone to the service center (IR) sensor and the one where the proximity sensor is used with the front camera.

How the proximity sensor works in Xiaomi smartphones

A proximity sensor is a small module located next to a front-facing camera or speaker, which detects when an object is approaching the screen (like your ear while you're talking) and turns off the display to:

• 📵 Prevent accidental pressing
• 🔋 Save battery power
• 🛡️ Protect the screen from scratches

Xiaomi smartphones use two types of sensors:

1. Infrared (IR) — It emits an invisible beam and analyzes the reflected signal, found in most models, including the Redmi Note. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4.
2. Based on the front camera – uses computer vision algorithms (for example, in Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 13 Pro).

Any failure in the operation of this module manifests itself in the same way: the screen either does not go out during the call, or turns off at the wrong time. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) Faulty sensor can cause "ghost" presses due to parasitic pixel illumination.

Top.-7 Reasons why the proximity sensor is not working

Before you bring your phone to the service, check for these common causes, and 70 percent of the time, it's self-solving.

1. Sensor contamination or protective film

The most common, but common, cause is dust, dirt, or residues of protective film above the sensor. Even a microscopic particle can block the infrared beam or distort the camera signal.+), wherein the sensor is placed in a thin frame.

How to check: shine a flashlight on the area next to the front camera — you should see a small circular hole (sensor) if it is covered with film or dirt, the problem is found.

2. software failure (MIUI or Android)

Firmware errors, application conflicts, or incorrect updates can reset the sensor calibration, often after:

• 📱 Updates MIUI (especially in beta versions)
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings
• 🛠️ Custom firmware installations (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience)

Symptoms of software failure: the sensor is working, then not; the problem appears after a reboot; in the engineering menu shows incorrect values.

3. Damage after falling or impact

The proximity sensor is a fragile element. Even a slight hit on the top of the phone (for example, if Xiaomi fell down the screen) can displace or damage:

• 🔧 The sensor itself (crack in the infrared emitter)
• 🔌 A plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard
• 📶 Antenna (in models where the sensor is integrated into the camera module)

When mechanically damaged, the sensor usually stops working completely, and if the screen does not go out under any circumstances, this is a reason to suspect a hardware failure.

4. Conflict with applications or services

Some programs may block the sensor, especially if they:

• 📞 Use overlays during calls (e.g. recording conversations)
• 🎮 Emulated pressings (autocliquers, cheats for games)
• 🔒 Change the rights to access sensors (antiviruses, optimizers)

Frequent culprits: Truecaller, Call Recorder, Game Turbo (built-in) MIUI). Try to remember after installing what software the problem appeared.

5. Incorrect settings MIUI

Xiaomi likes to hide important options in the depths of the menu, sometimes the sensor is turned off because:

• 🔘 Disabled function "Screen during the call" in Settings → Special facilities → Physical buttons
• 📱 Mode "For left-handed" (changes the logic of the sensors)
• 🔋 Energy-saving mode that disables "unnecessary" sensors

Also check if No Sound mode is activated with the screen turned off - it may conflict with the sensor.

6 Damage after repair or disassembly

If you have recently changed your screen, battery or speaker, there is a high risk that:

• 🛠️ Sensor not connected back to plume
• 🔌 Damaged contacts on the motherboard
• 📏 Incorrectly installed protective glass (blocks the signal)

This is one of the few reasons why self-repair is not possible – you will need to re-disassemble the device.

7. Wear or factory defect

Infrared sensors degrade over time, and their sensitivity decreases due to:

• ⚡ Static electricity
• 🌡️ Temperature variations
• 🕒 Natural ageing of the LED

If the phone is new (up to 1 year), factory marriage is possible - such cases are not uncommon in budget Redmi and the phone is not a big deal. POCO. Check if your model makes it to the list of known problems (more on this below).

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In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the sensor, resetting the settings or updating the software, and only 20% of the breakdowns require a replacement module.

How to check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi: 3 ways

Before you fix anything, you have to confirm that the sensor is the problem, and here are three reliable diagnostic methods.

Method 1: Test through the engineering menu (code ##6484##)

The most accurate way is to use a hidden engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (some models run #4636## → Testing of equipment).
3. Select Proximity Sensor.
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen, and the value should change from 5 (no obstacle) to 0 (there is an obstacle).

If the values do not change or show N/A — The sensor is defective. On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 14) The engineering menu can be blocked – then use alternative methods.

Method 2: Checking through the Sensor Test application

If standard codes don’t work, install the Sensor Test app from Google Play (or analogues: Phone Tester, CPU-Z). In it:

1. Run the Proximity test.
2. Put your finger to the sensor, and the status should change from Far to Near.
3. Check the Max range value – if it is 0, the sensor is not working.

The app will also show you what type of sensor your Xiaomi is using (infrared or camera-based).

Method 3: Manually check during a call

The simplest, but less accurate method is:

1. Call another phone (or use a voice assistant).
2. Hold Xiaomi to your ear – the screen should go out through 1-2 seconds.
3. Take the phone away, the screen should turn on again.

If the screen does not respond or goes out with a delay of more than 3 seconds, the sensor does not work correctly.Exception: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi). A3) A delay of 5 seconds is considered normal.

Checked sensor through the engineering menu|Cleaned the sensor area from dirt|Removed protective films/glasses|The phone is rebooted in safe mode|Settings checked MIUI-->

Xiaomi models with frequent proximity sensor problems

Some Xiaomi smartphones suffer from proximity sensor malfunctions more often than others, and here is a list of the “problem” models and their typical symptoms:

If your model is on this list, try the solutions from the last column first. - For Redmi Note 8/8 Pro and Mi 9T Xiaomi has released official patches – check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Step-by-step: how to fix the proximity sensor

If the diagnosis confirms a malfunction, follow this algorithm – from simple to complex.

Step 1: Clean the sensor and check the protective accessories

Take this:

• 🧴 Cotton swab dipped in alcohol (at least 70%)
• 🔦 Lantern
• 🧲 Antistatic napkin (optional)

Gently wipe the area around the front camera and the speaker. Don't push too hard, the sensor is under the fragile glass. If the phone has a protective glass on it, check if it covers the sensor hole. In extreme cases, you have to glue the glass with the cutout under the sensor.

Step 2: Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu

If the sensor reacts but is not correct (e.g., it is delayed), it can be recalibrated:

1. Enter the dialer: ##6484##.
2. Select Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate (if the option is available).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually hold your hand several times).

On some firmware, calibration is not available - then only resetting the settings will help (see next step).

Step 3: Resetting settings MIUI factory-to-factory

If the problem occurs after an update or application installation, a reset can help:

1. Make a backup of the data in Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting All Data!).
4. Confirm the action.

After the reboot, check the sensor. If it doesn't work, try a full reset (but it will delete all the data!).

Step 4: Update or roll back firmware

For models with known bugs (see table above):

• 📥 Update. MIUI Up to the latest stable version in Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔄 If the problem has occurred after the update, roll back to the previous version via Fastboot (instruction below).

You'll need to pull back:

1. Unsealed firmware from en.miui.com.
2. Computer with Mi Flash Tool installed.
3. USB Type-C Cable (Original!)

Instructions for rollback:

1. Turn off the phone.


2.Put Volume Down + Power to Enter Fastboot.




3. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.




4. Select firmware and press Flash.




5. Once completed, restart the phone.

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Before rolling back the firmware, check whether the bootloader is blocked on your Xiaomi. If so, unlock it through the official Xiaomi website, otherwise after firmware the phone will turn into a “brick”.

Step 5: Checking in Safe Mode

If the sensor is not working properly due to a conflict with the app:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the power off. → There will be an option Safe mode.
3. Confirm the reset.

In Safe Mode, only system applications will be active. Check the sensor -- if it's running, it's one of the apps you've installed that's to blame. Delete them one at a time, starting with the last ones installed until the problem disappears.

Step 6: Manual sensitivity setting (for advanced)

On some firmware (e.g. custom) you can manually change the threshold of the sensor.

1. Install BuildProp Editor from Google Play.
2. Find the option ro.proximity.delay.
3. Change the value from 25 to 100 (increases latency) or 0 (reduces).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect values can lead to permanent shutdown of the screen or its complete inoperability.

Step 7: Replace the sensor in the service center

If nothing works, the sensor is physically damaged.

• 🔧 Contact the official Xiaomi service (the warranty is saved if the phone is not disassembled).
• 💰 Replacement cost: from 800 to 2500 rubles, depending on the model.
• ⏳ Repair period: 1-3 days.

We don't recommend changing the sensor yourself - it's soldered to the plume, and without experience it's easy to damage the motherboard.Exception: models with a modular sensor (for example, Redmi). 4X), where it can be replaced without rationing.

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Before visiting the service, make a backup of the data - when replacing the sensor, a complete phone reset may be required.

What to do if the proximity sensor is turned off in the settings

In some firmware MIUI (Especially on older models, you can accidentally turn off the sensor:

Method 1: Through Call Settings

1. Open the settings → Applications → Phone.
2. Select during the call.
3. Activate the option to turn off the screen when you bring it to your ear.

Method 2: Through special opportunities

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Check if the option to turn off the screen when approaching (should be enabled).

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

If there are no options in the menu, try turning on the sensor manually:

1. Enter ##6484##.
2. Find Proximity Sensor.
3. Make sure that the Enabled status (if not, turn it on).

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2) The sensor turns off after the custom firmware is installed, in which case only the re-firmware with the correct drivers will help.

How to temporarily bypass the problem if the sensor is not working

While you are looking for a solution, you can reduce the inconvenience:

Method 1: Disable the sensor completely

If the sensor is falsely triggered (the screen goes out on its own), it can be deactivated:

1. Install the Proximity Sensor Reset app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select the Disable Proximity Sensor.

Minus: during calls, the screen will not go out, so you will have to manually lock the phone with the power button.

Method 2: Use headphones

Connect wired or wireless headphones – when talking through them, the proximity sensor is not used, and the screen will remain on.

Method 3: Set up gestures

V MIUI You can set up a gesture to lock the screen during the call:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Choose Gestures → Double touch for locking.
3. Now, during the call, you can block the screen with a double tap.

Method 4: Set up alternative calls

Some calls (like True Phone or ExDialer) ignore the system sensor and use their own algorithms. Install one of them and disable the standard Phone app.

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If you make frequent calls in your car, buy a magnetic holder for your phone. It fixes Xiaomi at an angle where the sensor doesn't fire falsely from sunlight.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi