The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical element that is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation, preventing accidental clicks with the cheek or ear. When this sensor breaks, the phone starts to “glut”: the screen goes out on its own, does not respond to the approach of the hand or, conversely, remains active during the call. The cost of repair depends on the Xiaomi model, the type of breakage and the place of circulation – the price range can reach 500-3,000 rubles.
Many users face a dilemma: give the smartphone to the service center, find a private master or try to fix yourself. In this article, we will analyze current prices for 2026, compare costs in official and unofficial services, and also tell you how to diagnose a malfunction and save on repairs, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and Other.
How the proximity sensor works and why it breaks
The proximity sensor in Xiaomi is an infrared sensor that measures the distance to an object (usually the head of the user during a call) and consists of two parts: an emitter (sends an IR signal) and a receiver (reflects the signal), and if an obstacle (such as a glass with a crack or dust) falls between them, the sensor begins to fail.
The main causes of breakdown:
- 💥 Mechanical damage: phone fall, cracks in glass in the sensor area (usually at the top of the screen next to the speaker).
- 🌊 Moisture intrusion: Even after successful drying, contact oxidation can disrupt sensor performance.
- 🔋 Software failures: rare, but it happens that the sensor “hangs” after the update MIUI or reset.
- ⚡ Wear: in older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) sensors can degrade over time.
And interestingly, in some cases, the problem is not with the sensor itself, but with the glass or the protective film. For example, if you recently pasted a new glass with a poor enlightenment ability, the IR signal may not pass, and it's worth checking before repairing this, sometimes just taking the film off is enough.
Signs of malfunction: how to diagnose a breakdown
The symptoms of a failed proximity sensor are often confused with firmware or touchscreen glitches. To pinpoint the problem, perform simple tests:
- Test during the call: call another phone and hold your hand to the top of the screen. If the screen doesn't go out or turns off for no reason, the sensor is faulty.
- Check through the engineering menu: enter the code ##6484## (on some models ##0*##). In the Proximity Sensor section, check the reaction to the approach of the hand. If the values do not change (left 5.00 cm), the sensor is dead.
- Application usage: Install the Sensor Test utility from Google Play, which will show if the sensor is responsive to obstacles.
Important: If the sensor is running on the engineering menu but doesn't respond during calls, the problem may be in the firmware. Try resetting to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset).
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the proximity sensor malfunction with the light sensor problem (regulates the brightness of the screen), which is located in the same place, but is checked differently - for example, in a dark room, the screen should become dimmer.
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If the sensor is delayed (for example, the screen goes out after 2-3 seconds after you touch your ear), try calibrating it through the Proximity Sensor Reset app (available in the Play Market).
The cost of repairs in 2026: comparison by model
Prices for replacement of the proximity sensor vary depending on the model Xiaomi and the type of service. In the official centers, repairs will cost more, but you will get a warranty (usually 6 months), private workshops charge cheaper, but the risk of running into a poor part is higher.
| Smartphone model | Official service (₽) | Private workshop (₽) | Self-sustaining replacement (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 / 12 Pro | 1 800 – 2 500 | 1 200 – 1 800 | 400 – 700 |
| POCO X5 / X5 Pro | 2 000 – 2 800 | 1 300 – 2 000 | 500 – 900 |
| Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro | 2 500 – 3 500 | 1 800 – 2 500 | 800 – 1 200 |
| Redmi 10 / 10A | 1 200 – 1 800 | 800 – 1 300 | 300 – 600 |
| Mi 11 / 11 Ultra | 2 200 – 3 000 | 1 500 – 2 200 | 700 – 1 100 |
The price in official centers usually includes:
- 🔧 Diagnosis (free of charge or ~300₽).
- 🛠️ Sensor replacement (includes phone disassembly and post-repair check).
- 📄 Work and Parts Guarantee (6-12 months).
Private workshops may offer cheaper, but:
- ❌ Often used non-original sensors (Chinese analogues), which fail faster.
- ❌ The warranty is given only for work (1-3 months), not for detail.
- ✅ Repairs are faster (sometimes in 1-2 hours).
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The highest repair price is for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mi 12S), as their sensors are assembled with other modules (for example, with a speaker or a front camera).
Self-replacement: step-by-step instructions
If you decide to save and replace the sensor yourself, prepare for the fact that the process requires accuracy and minimal electronics skills. Complexity: 7/10 (need a hairdryer, tweezers and patience).
Screwdriver T3/T4 (for screws)
Plastic mediator (to open the case)
Fryer (for softening glue)
Tweezers and suckers
New proximity sensor (original or analogue)
Double-sided scotch (for fixing the plume)
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Step 1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover
Carefully warm up the hair dryer edge of the phone (temperature ~60°C), then lid the plastic mediator. Carefully watch the plumes - they are easy to damage! In models Redmi Note 11/12, the cover is attached to latches and glue, in POCO X3/X4 can be additional screws.
Step 2. Unplug the battery.
This is a must-see to avoid short circuits! Unscrew the propellers that hold the battery and gently unplug the plume. In some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T), the battery is glued to the plastic blade.
Step 3: Find and replace the sensor
The proximity sensor is usually located next to the front camera and speaker, soldered to the motherboard or connected through a plume. In the Redmi 9/10 models, the sensor is assembled with a flexible plume that is attached to the board with two screws, carefully disconnect the old sensor and install a new one, fixing it with double-sided tape.
⚠️ Attention: In smartphones Xiaomi 13/14 The proximity sensor is often integrated into the TrueDepth module (along with the front camera and IR emitter), which will cost more to replace and require a complete disassembly of the top of the phone.
Step 4: Get your phone and check the work
After assembly, turn on the phone and check the sensor through the engineering menu or Sensor Test app. If the screen doesn't respond to the approach, you may have badly secured the plume or damaged the contacts.
What if the sensor does not work after replacement?
Where to buy spare parts: original vs analogues
The quality of the sensor depends on how long it will last after replacement. Original parts are more expensive, but more reliable. Analogues (for example, from Huaqin or Wingtech) are cheaper, but can fail in 3-6 months.
Where to look for parts:
- 🛒 Official dealers: Mi Store or authorized service centers, prices are high, but there is a guarantee.
- 🌍 AliExpress: cheap analogues (from 200)₽), But delivery is 2-4 weeks. Look for sellers with a rating above 98%.
- 🏬 Local stores: in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are points for the sale of spare parts for Xiaomi (for example, FixPriceService or ChinaParts).
- 🔧 Forums and groups: in Telegram-channels like @XiaomiRepair They often sell used sensors.
Selection advice:
- 🔍 For Redmi Note models 10/11/12 Huaqin (the article usually begins with the XM-).
- 🚫 Avoid “no-name” sensors without labeling – they are often uncalibrated.
- 📦 When buying on AliExpress, ask the seller for a photo of the real product (sometimes they send the wrong thing).
Example of Parts Prices (2026):
- Original sensor for Redmi Note 12: 800–1,200₽.
- Analogue for POCO X3: 300–500₽.
- TrueDepth Module for Xiaomi 13: 2,500–3,500₽ (includes the front camera).
How to save money on repairs: 5 working ways
If the official service is asking too much and self-replacement seems difficult, there are intermediate savings options:
- Look for promotions: many service centers offer discounts for repairs (for example, Communication Service or TechnoDoctor>).
Secret Lifehack: In some services, the price depends on how you describe the problem. For example, if you say that "the screen does not turn off during a call" and not "broken proximity sensor", the wizard may offer a cheaper repair option (for example, flashing instead of replacing the sensor).
⚠️ Warning: Don't settle for "temporary repairs" using insulating tape or glue - this can make the problem worse. For example, if the sensor is oxidized, it should be cleaned with alcohol rather than sealed.
Frequent Repair Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional costs, and here are the most common:
- 🔥 Overheating when soldering: if you decide to solder the sensor yourself, do not hold the soldering iron for longer than 3 seconds - you can damage the motherboard.
- 🧲 Loss of screws: in Xiaomi used screws of different sizes (T3, T4, T5). Take a picture of their location before the disassembly.
- 📱 Trail damage: when disconnecting the flexible cable of the sensor, do not pull it by the wires - take on the plastic connector.
- 🔋 Forgetting to turn off the battery: this can lead to short circuit and failure of the entire board.
- 🧴 Use superglue: only bilateral tape or special glue is suitable for fixing the sensor B-7000. Superglue can get on contacts.
If the sensor is not working properly after repair (for example, it is triggered with a delay), try:
- Reboot the phone.
- Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Reset).
- Update the firmware through Settings → Update the system.
80 percent of the time, the problem is software-solved, and if it's not, the sensor is installed incorrectly or defectively.