Why the proximity sensor on Xiaomi phone works poorly: from software glitches to hardware breakdowns

Have you noticed that while you're talking, your Xiaomi screen doesn't go out when you reach your ear, and random taps interrupt the call or turn on speaker? Or vice versa, the display turns off too early and you don't have time to press the call end button? These symptoms are 95% likely to indicate a malfunction of the proximity sensor, a small but critical sensor that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during calls.

The problem is relevant for all Xiaomi lines, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. 60% of cases are to blame for the software (downed settings, errors). MIUI It's a conflicting application, but sometimes the root of the evil lies in hardware defects, from a clogged infrared port to physical damage to the plume. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes, starting with the simplest (which you can eliminate in 5 minutes) and ending with complex (requiring the intervention of a service center).

Before you run to the workshop, check if the problem only manifests itself during calls or if the screen goes out arbitrarily in other situations, and if the sensor is running randomly, it's probably the firmware or the factory calibration that's been erased, and if the reaction is not complete, it's possible that the sensor is physically damaged.

1. How the proximity sensor works in Xiaomi smartphones

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi is an infrared sensor that consists of two elements: IR-the emitter (sends invisible light) and IR-When you hold the phone to your ear, the infrared beam bounces off the surface and comes back, which is the command for the system to turn off the screen. Modern models (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Xiaomi 11) use an optical sensor that is less prone to false positives, but can still fail.

The location of the sensor depends on the model:

• 📱 Classic placement: to the right of the speaker (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO X3).
• 🔄 Under the display: in frameless models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60).
• 🔍 Hidden in the notch: in phones with a “drop-shaped” or central notch (for example, POCO F5).

Important: the proximity sensor does not work separately – its data is processed MIUI If the service crashes or is blocked by third-party software (such as the green battery mode), the sensor will stop responding. Xiaomi also has a Smart Assistant feature that can override the standard sensor behavior.

2. Programmatic reasons: when firmware or settings are to blame

In 70% of cases, the proximity sensor on Xiaomi stops working due to failures in the system. MIUI Or the user settings that are wrong, and we'll start with the simplest one, which is to check if the sensor is on.

Checking the sensor activation in the settings

Go to Settings. → Display. → Automatically shut down the screen during the call. If this is missing, it's:

• 🔧 Your version. MIUI hides the setting (relevant to Redmi on global firmware).
• 📱 You have custom firmware installed (for example, Pixel Experience), where the logic of the sensor is different.
• 🚫 Sensor disabled at kernel level (meeting after failed firmware via Fastboot).

Check for the “Automatic Screen Shutdown” option in the settings

Make sure the Smart Assistant function does not block the sensor

Turn off power saving mode for system applications

Try to make a call in safe mode (without third-party applications)-->

If you have an option but the sensor is not responding, try resetting the sensor settings:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (test code for the phone) MIUI).
2. Select Proximity Sensor and press Calibrate.
3. Place your phone on a flat surface and wait until the process is complete (don’t touch the screen!).

⚠️ Note: ##6484## does not work on all versions MIUI. If it doesn’t work, use an alternative method: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Mode, then find Sensor Calibration in additional settings).

Application conflicts and energy saving

A common cause of sensor glitches is aggressive battery optimization, which puts the system down.

• 🔋 B Settings → Battery → Power saving mode disable restrictions for Phone and SensorService.
• 🛡️ B Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone Allow Auto Start and Background Operation.
• 📱 Remove cache cleaner applications (such as Clean Master or Cache Cleaner) DU Speed Booster – They often delete critical calibration files.

If the problem occurs after installing new software, try booting in Safe Mode (hold the power button). → long-press on "Switch off» → «Safe mode. If the safe mode sensor is working, it's one of the applications that you've installed.

Hardware malfunctions: from dust to damaged plume

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably physical. Xiaomi's proximity sensor may fail for the following reasons:

Critical: In 80% of hardware damages, the proximity sensor fails along with the front camera or speaker, because they are located on the same plume. + screen does not go out), this is almost guaranteed to indicate a plume break or damage to the connector on the motherboard.

3.1 How to Clean the Approach Sensor

If the problem is pollution, try cleaning the sensor carefully:

1. Turn off the phone and get it out. SIM-memory-card.
2. Take a soft brush (for example, for camera lenses) or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (no more than 70%).
3. Carefully clear the area around the speaker and sensor! IR-port.
4. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

⚠️ Warning: Never use compressed air to clean the sensor! The jet can damage the microphone membrane or move the internal components. Also avoid acetone-based liquids - they erode the sensor's protective coating.

4.Diagnostics of the sensor using the engineering menu

To determine exactly if the proximity sensor is working at the hardware level, use the engineering menu (hidden menu), which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, except the newest ones (starting with the Xiaomi 14, where access is limited).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Testing (or Hardware Testing in newer versions).
3. Find the Sensors section and tap on the Proximity Sensor.
4. Put your hand up to the top of the phone. If the sensor is in good condition, Value will change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm.

Alternative code for new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 newer):

##284##

If the sensor shows the reaction in the engineering menu, but in reality the screen does not go out – the problem is that the sensor is not a problem. MIUI If you don't have a reaction at all, the sensor is physically malfunctioning.

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If you put a Value sensor on the engineering menu, it shows you 5.0 cm and it doesn't change when you put your hand up, it's 100% hardware failure. Software methods won't help, you need repairs.

5. Flashing and resetting settings: extreme measures

If the approximation sensor worked before, but stopped after the update MIUI, Try to roll back on the previous firmware version or perform a reset.This is true for Xiaomi owners who have encountered a bug after upgrading to the previous version. MIUI 14/15 (Famous problem in firmware for Redmi Note 11 and POCO X4 Pro).

Resetting sensor settings

In some cases, a complete reset of calibration through Fastboot helps:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and download the firmware for your model.
2. Download your phone to Fastboot mode (hold power) + Loudness down).
3. In the command line, run: fastboot erase persist
4. Reboot the device. The system will automatically recalibrate all sensors.

⚠️ Warning: The fastboot erase persist command will reset all calibrations, including gyroscope, accelerometer and fingerprint data. After the reboot, gesture and biometrics may need to be retuned.

5.2. Retracement to the old version MIUI

If the problem has occurred after the update, try going back to the previous firmware:

• 📥 Download the archive with the desired version MIUI from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Threefold → Select a firmware file.
• 📁 Specify the downloaded file and wait for the process to complete (do not interrupt!).

If the rollback doesn't work, the last option is a full reset to factory settings. Before that, make sure to back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Before resetting, check if your contacts are saved to your Google or Mi Account account, and once reset, they can be easily restored.

6.When repairs are required: prices and nuances

If all of the above methods do not work, you need to contact the service center. The cost of repairing the proximity sensor on Xiaomi depends on the model and the type of breakdown:

Important nuances:

• 🔧 In official service centers Xiaomi repair warranty does not cover damage to the sensor, if they are caused by a fall or moisture.
• 📱 For models older than 2 years (e.g. Redmi Note 9, POCO X3 NFC) It is cheaper to buy a new phone than to change the fee.
• 🛠️ Informal workshops may offer cheaper, but the risk of poor-quality repairs is higher (for example, the use of used plumes).

Before you take your phone to the service, check the price of parts for your model. For example, the sensor plume for the Redmi Note 10 Pro is worth it. ~1 200 ₽, And for Xiaomi 13, it's already ~3 000 ₽. If repairs cost half the cost of the phone, it makes sense to consider buying a new device.

7.Temporary Solutions: How to Use a Phone Without a Sensor

If repairs are delayed and the proximity sensor is not working, workarounds can be used:

• 📞 Turn off touch lock: In Settings → Display deactivate the option Automatically turn off the screen during the call.
• 🔊 Use a headset: Connect wireless headphones (such as Xiaomi Buds) – the screen will not go out, as the call goes through Bluetooth.
• 🤖 Install an alternative caller: Apps like True Phone or ExDialer let you manually adjust screen behavior during a call.

For models with MIUI 12+ There's another life hack:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI version).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to turn off sensors when blocking and deactivate it.

⚠️ Attention: These methods do not solve the problem, but only mask it. Prolonged use of a phone with a faulty proximity sensor can lead to damage to the screen (due to accidental pressing during the call) or overheating (if the screen remains on near the ear).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi