Approximation Sensor in Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: where is located, how it works and what to do in case of malfunction

Why the Redmi Note 7’s proximity sensor is so important – and where to look for it

The proximity sensor in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a tiny but critical element that is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during a phone call. When you hold your smartphone to your ear, the sensor detects the obstacle and extinguishes the backlight, preventing accidental taps and saving battery power. However, many users face the problem: the screen does not turn off when you call or, conversely, goes out for no reason, most often due to contamination, damage or improper calibration of the sensor.

Unlike the flagship models, where sensors are integrated into the display module, the Redmi Note 7 approximation sensor is located separately — next to the front camera and speaker. It is easy to overlook: it is a small hole (sometimes covered with a protective grid), which is often confused with the light sensor. In this article, we will not only show the exact location of the sensor on the board and the case, but also explain how to check, clean or replace it without going to the service center.

Where exactly is the proximity sensor in Redmi Note 7: photo and diagram

In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, the proximity sensor is installed at the top of the screen, to the right of the front camera (if you look at the front side of the smartphone), visually it can be identified by the following features:

• 🔍 Diameter hole ~1mm – usually located between the speaker and the camera.
• 📱 Black or gray dot – can be covered with a protective grille (on some models).
• 🛠️ On the board - when disassembling the sensor is soldered to the plume of the display, next to the connector of the front camera.

Below is the layout (front view):

If you take a phone apart, the sensor is soldered to a flexible plume of the display, and it looks like a little black chip with a transparent plastic cap, and it's important that when you change the screen or the plume, the sensor is often damaged, which causes the sensor to malfunction.

How to check the operation of the proximity sensor on the Redmi Note 7

Before you take your phone apart or carry it for repair, make sure the sensor is the problem.

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##6484## (test code to check sensors).
2. In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor.
3. 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 the sensor shows 0 constantly, the problem may be:

• 🧹 Pollution – dust or fat blocks infrared signal.
• 🔧 Damage to the plume – after falling or replacing the screen.
• 📱 Failure of software – requires calibration or resetting of settings.

If the sensor is running in test mode but does not turn off the screen during the call, the problem may lie in system settings or application conflict (for example, third-party launchers).

Why the approximation sensor stops working: top-5 cause

A proximity sensor malfunction in the Redmi Note 7 rarely occurs on its own, usually preceded by specific user actions or external factors.

1. Screen or plume replacement: 80% of faults are caused by damage to sensor contacts during repair, and even if the screen is installed correctly, microscopic cracks in the plume can disrupt the signal.
2. Fall or impact: The sensor is attached to the board through fragile contacts, and a strong impact on the top frame often causes it to detach.
3. Pollution — dust, sweat, or residues of adhesive from a protective film block the infrared sensor, especially for users who carry a phone in their pocket without a cover.
4. Firmware failure: After updating MIUI or rooting, the sensor may stop interacting correctly with the system, most often resetting to factory settings helps.
5. Humidity – getting liquid into the upper part of the body oxidizes the contacts of the sensor, which leads to false positives.

Fun fact: The Redmi Note 7 uses an infrared proximity sensor that emits invisible light and picks up its reflection, and if it gets direct sunlight or bright artificial light, it can fire falsely, which is one of the reasons why the screen sometimes goes out for no apparent reason.

How to clean the proximity sensor in Redmi Note 7: step-by-step instructions

If the diagnostics show that the sensor is responding to obstacles but is not working smoothly, first aid is cleaning.

• 🧻 Cotton swab (better with a plastic base, so as not to leave the villi).
• 💧 Alcohol (70% or higher) or special liquid for cleaning electronics.
• 🔦 Lantern – to better view the sensor hole.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
2. Moisten the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe the area around the sensor (don't press hard!).
3. If the contamination is severe, use a toothpick wrapped in wet cotton wool to clean the hole.
4. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

💡

Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor – a strong jet can damage the speaker’s membrane or drive dust deeper into the body.

After cleaning, check the sensor through the test menu. If the problem persists, you may need a deeper diagnosis or a plume replacement.

Replacement of the proximity sensor: when it is necessary and how much it costs

If cleaning and software methods didn't work, there are two options: replacing the sensor or the entire display module. In Redmi Note 7, the sensor is soldered to the screen plume, so its separate replacement is only possible with soldering equipment and experience.

• 🔧 Replacement of the plume (from 800 to 1500 rubles) - if the sensor is defective, but the screen itself is intact.
• 📱 Replacement of the display module (from 2500 to 4000 rubles) - if both the screen and the plume are damaged.
• 🔄 Sensor soldering (from 1000 rubles) is a rare service, not available in all services.

The cost depends on the region and the status of the service center. Xiaomi’s official services usually offer replacement of the entire module, while small workshops can try to repair the plume.

⚠️ Warning: When changing a screen or plume in unofficial services, make sure that original parts are used. Cheap Chinese counterparts often come without a proximity sensor or with defective sensors, which will lead to repeated failures.

If you decide to replace the plume yourself, consider:

• You will need a dryer to heat the glue (temperature ~80 ° C).
• The new plume must be compatible with the Redmi Note 7 version (check the marking on the old one).
• After replacement, the sensor may need to be calibrated through the engineering menu.

Software methods for solving problems with the proximity sensor

If the sensor is physically functional but not working properly, the problem may lie in the firmware or system settings.

1. Sensor Reset: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Sensor Reset This option is not available in all versions of MIUI, but if you have it, try it.
2. Calibration via the engineering menu: ##36446337## → Proximity Sensor → Calibrate After calibration, restart your phone.
3. Power saving switch off for phone application: Settings → Applications → Application management → Phone → Battery → Without restrictions Sometimes battery optimization interferes with the correct operation of the sensor.

If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.In rare cases, installing custom firmware (such as the Pixel Experience) helps, but this is a risky move for beginners.

⚠️ Note: Some Google Play "optimizers" and "cleaners" may block sensors if you use such applications (e.g. Clean Master or Clean Master). DU Speed Booster, temporarily remove them and check the sensor.

Frequent questions about the proximity sensor in the Redmi Note 7