Approximation sensor on Xiaomi does not work: how to fix yourself

The proximity sensor issues on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most common malfunctions faced by Redmi, POCO and Mi users. This small but important sensor is responsible for turning off the screen during a call when you hold the phone to your ear, as well as for automatically adjusting the brightness in some scenarios. If the sensor stops working, it is not only annoying, but also leads to accidental taps during a conversation, rapid battery discharge and even overheating the device.

In most cases, the malfunction is software-based and fixes itself without visiting a service center, but sometimes the problem lies in the hardware, such as after a phone drops or moisture hits. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes, from banal settings to serious breakdowns, as well as give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X The series where the problem is most common.

Before you start repairing, it's important to understand exactly how the malfunction manifests itself.

• 🔴 Do not respond completely – the screen does not go out during the call.
• 🟡 Working with delay - goes out through 5-10 seconds after being applied to the ear.
• 🟢 Falsely activate – the screen turns off for no reason or at the slightest movement of the hand.
• ⚪ The screen is turned off, then turned on during the conversation.

1. Check the operation of the sensor through the engineering menu

The first step is to make sure that the sensor is physically fit, so you don't have to take your phone apart, just go to Xiaomi's hidden engineering menu, which works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (for some models, #4636##).
3. Select Proximity Sensor (Proximity Sensor).
4. Put your hand to the top of the screen (where the front camera is located).

If the sensor is in good shape, you'll see a change from 5.00 cm (or Far) to 0.00 cm (or Near). If the numbers don't change or there's an error, it's hardware. If the values change but the screen doesn't go out during the call, it's the software's fault.

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On some MIUI firmware, the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case use the Sensor Test app from Google Play, which will show the same data without entering the codes.

2. Software failures: resetting settings and software updates

In 60 percent of cases, the proximity sensor stops working because of a firmware failure or a conflict with the update, and this is especially true for phones on MIUI 13/14, where sensor bugs are a known problem.

• 📱 Reboot your phone – sometimes it resets temporary driver errors.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• ⚙️ Reset your network settings (does not delete data!): Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🧹 Clear the sensor cache through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system-based → Sensor Service → Clear the cache.

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous version.

1. Download the archive with firmware from en.miui.com.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Press Volume Up + Power, select Recovery → Install update.zip.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback will reset all data if you do not use the Fastboot method. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

3. Hardware causes: what breaks physically

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is the hardware. The proximity sensor on Xiaomi is an infrared sensor that consists of two parts:

• Transmitter (emitting IR rays).
• Receiver (receives the reflected signal).

Any damage to one of the elements causes a failure.

Critical information: On Xiaomi 12T and Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the proximity sensor is combined with the light sensor in one module. If one of them fails, you will have to change the entire unit!

4.Firmware problems: custom ROM and root rights

If you have installed custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or received root rights, the proximity sensor may not work properly due to:

• 🐛 No drivers for the sensor in the custom firmware.
• 🔧 Incorrect settings in the build.prop file.
• 🛠️ Conflict with Magisk modules (e.g. XiaomiEU or DisableMIUI).

How to fix it:

1. Check if your firmware supports the proximity sensor for your model (see the XDA Developers forum).
2. Remove conflicting Magisk modules through Magisk Manager → Modules.
3. Edit the file. /system/build.prop, line: ro.vendor.sensors.prox_cal_path=/persist/sensors/prox_cal.data

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop.Always backup before changes!

Check firmware compatibility with model |Remove all Magisk modules |Return to stock MIUI |Call the sensor circuits with multimeter-->

5. Influence of covers, films and accessories

Often, the proximity sensor stops working because of mechanical obstacles.

• 📱 Thick covers with high sides cover the IR ray.
• 🖼️ Protective glass with a metallized layer shields the signal.
• 🧲 Magnetic holders (for example, for cars) create interference.

How to check:

1. Remove the cover and the safety glass.
2. Wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol napkin (removes fat and dust).
3. Try calling without accessories.

If the sensor is working, the problem is in the accessories. For the Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5 models, choose a case with a notch for the sensor or use thin silicone options.

6. Repair in the service center: when it is impossible to do without it

If all of the above methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Self-replacement of the sensor (requires experience in soldering) SMD-component).
2. Contact the service center (recommended for most users).

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services (for 2026):

• 🔧 Diagnostics — 500-1000₽.
• 🔄 Replacement of sensor plume — 1500-3000₽.
• 📱 Replacement of the entire module (sensor) + lighting + frontal) — 4000-8000₽.

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Keep all data (repair may require a complete reset).
• 🔍 Check if the center has experience with your model (e.g., Xiaomi 14 requires special equipment to calibrate sensors).
• 💰 Compare prices in 2-3 Services – the range can reach 50%.

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If the phone is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself! opening the case will void Xiaomi's warranty obligations.

7. Alternative solutions: how to use a phone without a sensor

If repairs are delayed and the sensor is not working, you can temporarily do without it:

• 📞 Turn off the screen manually while the power button rings.
• 🔕 Use a headset (Bluetooth or wired) – the screen will not go out.
• 📲 Install an app like Proximity Sensor Fix (simulates the sensor through a gyroscope).

For the POCO F4 GT and Redmi K50 Gaming, there is another lifehack: turn on the Game Turbo mode (Settings → Special Opportunities → Game Turbo).

Important: Long-term use of a phone without a working proximity sensor can lead to:

• 🔋 Quick battery discharge (the screen remains on during calls).
• 🔥 Overheating of the processor (constant operation of the display loads GPU).
• 🤳 Accidental clicks (risk of disabling a call or dialing a number during a call).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's proximity sensor