How to turn off the screen lock when incoming call on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Are you missing important calls because the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is blocking the screen while you're talking? This is a problem that many MIUI smartphone owners know about -- the phone automatically turns off the display when you lift it to your ear, and it's impossible to unlock it when you call, and it's especially annoying if you need to look at contacts, record information, or switch to speakerphone.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to disable screen locks when you call Redmi 9, from standard settings to hidden engineering menu features. You’ll learn why the screen locks even when the proximity sensor is turned off, how to bypass the limitations of MIUI 12/13/14, and what to do if the settings reset after the update. All methods are tested on Redmi 9 (ginkgo), but will also work for other models of the Redmi Note 9/9T/9 Pro series.

Why does Redmi 9 block the screen while you call?

The main reason for this automatic lock is the proximity sensor, which is located next to the front camera, and it detects when the phone is pressed against the ear, at which point the system turns off the screen to:

• 📵 Prevent accidental tapping of the cheek or ear (such as turning off a call or dialing a number).
• 🔋 Save battery power (display is one of the main consumers of energy).
• 🎧 Automatically switch to speaker when the phone is away from the ear.

However, on Redmi 9, the sensor often fails:

The screen is locked even when the phone is on the table.

Unlocking requires a few taps on the power button.

After the MIUI update, the settings are reset.

⚠️ Attention: If the proximity sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), the software methods for disabling the lock may not work.

Before changing the settings, check the sensor:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##.
2. In the test menu, select Proximity Sensor.
3. Close the sensor with your finger, and the screen should turn green (or show a value of 0). If there is no reaction, the sensor is defective.

Method 1: Disabling the proximity sensor in call settings

The simplest method is to deactivate the sensor directly in the phone application settings, which works on MIUI 12-14 without the need for root rights or engineering menus.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls section → Additional settings.
4. Find the Approach Sensor (or Screen Autolock) option and turn it off.

If the Approximation Sensor is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI is hiding this option, in which case move on to the next method.

⚠️ Warning: Once the sensor is turned off, the screen will not go out during conversation, which can lead to accidental taps. To avoid this, use the power button lock manually.

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (code ##)

If standard settings don't work, you can turn off the proximity sensor through the engineering menu, which works on all versions of Redmi 9, but you need to be careful - incorrect changes can disrupt the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633###
2. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press the Disable Proximity Sensor (or set 0 in the Proximity Calibration field).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If #3646633## doesn’t work, try the alternative codes for Redmi 9.

• 📱 ##4636## - Universal Testing Menu.
• 🔧 ##6484## Direct Sensor Testing.
• 🔄 ##64663## - Reset sensor settings (use with caution!).

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may result in a loss of warranty if the phone is on service diagnostics!

Method 3: Disconnection through "Special Opportunities"

In MIUI 13/14, the approach sensor control option is sometimes hidden in the Special Options section, which is suitable if you don't want to use the engineering menu.

How to find the setting:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Choose Physical Opportunities → Gesture management.
3. Find Automatic Screen Lock during the call and turn it off.

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📞 Find the Phone app and open its settings.
• 🔧 Go to Permits. → Sensors and disable access to the proximity sensor.

💡

If the screen is locked after the sensor is turned off, try resetting the Phone application. Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset.

Method 4: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If previous methods have failed, you can disable the proximity sensor via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your phone: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. 📱 Press 7 times on the version MIUI, until you have become a developer, you have become a developer!.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Redmi 9

ADB

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1

Reboot the phone.

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some functions (such as automatic switching to the speaker) may not work properly. Before executing commands, back up your settings via Mi Cloud!

💡

ADB-commands are the most reliable way to disable the proximity sensor, but it requires a computer and basic command line skills. ADB, It is better to choose another method.

Method 5: Hardware testing of the sensor (if nothing helps)

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be a physical sensor malfunction. On Redmi 9, this occurs after:

• 💥 Phone drops (especially on screen).
• 💧 Moisture in the shell.
• 🔧 Incorrect disassembly (for example, after replacing the display).

How to check the sensor yourself:

1. Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
2. Run the Proximity Sensor test.
3. Close the sensor with your finger – the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm.

If the sensor is not responding:

Try to clean the area with compressed air (possibly dust has accumulated under the glass).

- Contact the Xiaomi service center - replacing the sensor with Redmi 9 costs ~ 800-1500 rubles (depending on the region).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)