The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a small but critical element that makes calls feel comfortable. If it doesn't work properly, the screen doesn't go out when you hold the phone to your ear, leading to accidental taps, battery drain, and even hearing damage due to the speaker being turned on, a problem that's particularly relevant for the brand's budget and some flagship models, where the manufacturer saves on components.
In this article, we will analyze which Xiaomi smartphones are stable and which are most likely to fail. Consider the models of the last 5 years (2019-2026), including the Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi series numerical. We will also analyze how to test the sensor yourself, why it may fail and what to do if the problem has already occurred. Data are based on reports from service centers, reviews of technical experts and user feedback from 4PDA, Mi Community and Reddit forums.
Why does Xiaomi’s proximity sensor often break down?
The main cause of the malfunction is the cheap infrared sensors that Xiaomi installs in budget and mid-budget models. Unlike ultrasonic sensors (used, for example, in the Samsung Galaxy S or iPhone), infrared sensors over time become contaminated, lose sensitivity or fail due to mechanical damage.
- 🔋 Overheating of the processor - at high loads (games, video shooting), the sensor can give false positives.
- 💧 Moisture intrusion – even after minor contact with water, sensor contacts oxidize.
- 📱 Phone drop – a hit on the top of the body often damages the sensor chip.
- 🛠️ Poor build - in some Redmi Note batches 8/9 and POCO X3 The sensors were poorly sealed on the board.
Another common problem is software bugs, such as when upgrading to MIUI 14, many Xiaomi 11T and Redmi Note 11 Pro users complained about spontaneously turning on the screen during calls, in which case a reset or a firmware rollback helps.
TOP-5 Xiaomi models with the most reliable proximity sensor (2026)
Based on the data of service centers and tests of the GSMArena portal, we have compiled a rating of Xiaomi smartphones, where the proximity sensor works without complaint in more than 95% of cases.
- 🔍 Sensitivity: Reaction to the approach of the hand/face from different angles.
- ⏱️ Response speed – response time when raising / withdrawing the phone.
- 📊 Stability – No false positives during 100 test calls.
| Model | Type of sensor | Average service life (years) | Percentage of marriage (according to SC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Infrared + ultrasonic | 5+ | 0.3% |
| POCO F5 Pro | Infrared (enhanced) | 4 | 0.8% |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | Infrared | 4.5 | 0.5% |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | Infrared | 3.5 | 1.2% |
| Xiaomi Civi 3 | Infrared | 3 | 1.5% |
Important: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro models use sensors with a dual verification system (infrared + software algorithm), which practically eliminates false positives.
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If you choose a smartphone for frequent phone conversations, give preference to models with an ultrasonic sensor or at least with an improved infrared (for example, the POCO F5 Pro).
Xiaomi models with troubled proximity sensors: anti-rating
Some Xiaomi smartphones are notorious for frequent proximity sensor breakdowns, and according to service center statistics, the leaders in the number of calls are:
- 📵 Redmi Note 8/8 Pro – the sensor fails on average through 1.5–2 year-end.
- 📵 POCO X3 NFC — Problems begin after falls or moisture.
- 📵 Xiaomi Mi 9T — sensor loses sensitivity due to design features (located too close to the speaker).
- 📵 Redmi 9A/9C — Cheap sensors often break down for no apparent reason.
The owners of these models complain about:
- 🔄 Spontaneously turning on/off the screen during a call.
- 📞 Inability to complete the call (screen does not respond to touch).
- 🔊 Constant operation of the front speaker at full volume.
⚠️ If you have a Redmi Note 8 or POCO X3, Avoid using high-sided covers – they can block the sensor signal, exacerbating the problem.
How to check the proximity sensor on Xiaomi?
Before you bring your phone to the service, make sure that the sensor is the problem.
- Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models run ##0*##).
- In the test menu, select Proximity Sensor.
- Close the sensor (top of the screen) with your hand - the screen should go out, and when opened - again light up.
If the test fails:
- 🔧 Try to clean the sensor of dust with a soft brush.
- 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes crashes are caused by temporary errors MIUI.
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (don’t forget to make a backup!).
Call the test code.
Check the response to the closing/opening
Clean the sensor of dirt
Update MIUI to the latest version
Reset the settings (if nothing helps)-->
If the sensor does not respond even after reset, it will most likely need to be replaced, and the average cost of repair in service centers is from 800 to 2,500 rubles (depending on the model).
Software solutions to the problem
In 30 percent of cases, the proximity sensor malfunction is not due to hardware, but to software errors.
- 📲 Turn off "Smart Assistant" in settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Smart assistant. This feature sometimes conflicts with the sensor.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI — In new versions of firmware often fix bugs with sensors.
- 🛠️ Install alternative software (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) if official updates don't help.
For advanced users, there's a radical way to turn off the sensor software, and you can do that through ADB:
adb shell settings put global proximity_delay 0
adb shell settings put global proximity_offset 0However, after that, the screen will not go out during calls, which is uncomfortable and unsafe.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the proximity sensor through ADB This method can lead to increased battery consumption and occasional taps during a conversation!
Hardware repair: when without service can not do?
If none of the software methods worked, the problem is the hardware.
- 🔧 Replacing the sensor is the most reliable option. In Xiaomi services, the original sensor costs from 500 to 1,500 rubles (depending on the model).
- 📱 Replacement of the display module – sometimes the sensor is soldered into the screen plume (relevant for the Redmi Note) 7/8). The cost of repairs - from 3 000 ruble.
- 🔨 Cleaning contacts - if the problem is oxidation, the master can restore performance without replacing parts (price - 500-1000 rubles).
Average prices for repairs in Moscow and the regions (2026):
| Service | Moscow | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics | 300–500 ₽ | 200–400 ₽ |
| Replacement of the proximity sensor | 1 200–2 500 ₽ | 800–1 800 ₽ |
| Replacement of the sensor plume | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | 2 500–4 000 ₽ |
If your smartphone is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - contact the official service center Xiaomi. otherwise the warranty will be canceled.
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Replacing the proximity sensor is better entrusted to professionals, self-repair can damage the plume of the display or motherboard.
How to extend the life of the proximity sensor?
To avoid sensor problems, follow simple guidelines:
- 🧴 Clean the top of the screen from dust and grease regularly (use a lilac-free wipe).
- 🚫 Do not use high-sided covers – they can block the sensor signal.
- 💧 Avoid moisture – even a little humidity can cause contact corrosion.
- 📵 Do not put the phone down on soft surfaces (sofa, bed) – this increases the risk of mechanical damage to the sensor.
Also, check the sensor periodically through the engineering menu (code # # #6484##). If you notice the first signs of a malfunction (delays when quenching the screen, false positives), immediately clean the sensor or contact the service.