How to Reset the Approximation Sensor on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Photos and Videos

The proximity sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is responsible for automatically turning off the screen during phone calls, preventing accidental clicks with the cheek or ear. However, over time, this sensor can begin to work incorrectly: the screen does not go out when you bring the phone to your ear, spontaneously turns off during games or does not respond to gestures. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by software reset or calibration of the sensor – without having to carry the device to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to reset the proximity sensor on Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X/M and others. You will learn how to diagnose a sensor malfunction, calibrate through the engineering menu, reset to factory settings and even manually adjust sensitivity. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and newer versions of the firmware.

Before you start resetting, make sure that the problem is with the sensor, not the protective film or case. On Xiaomi 12 Pro and Redmi K50 models, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen on the right, it can be blocked by a thick bumper or improperly pasted glass. If the problem remains after removing the case, go to the instructions below.

How to check the work of the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

Before reset, you need to confirm that the proximity sensor is defective, not, for example, a gyroscope or software settings.

1. Open the Phone app and type ##6484## (some models run ##0*##) to run a hardware component test.

Alternative verification method:

• 📱 Start a call (you can call another phone or use code 12345 for a test call).
• 👤 Hold the phone to your ear – the screen should go out through the 1-2 seconds.
• 🖐️ Take the phone away from your ear – the screen should turn on immediately.

⚠️ Warning: If the sensor does not respond at all (always 5.00 cm), this may indicate physical damage to the sensor or disconnection of the plume.

On the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the proximity sensor is combined with a light sensor, so if the screen doesn't go out during calls, but automatically adjusts the brightness, the problem is precisely the software settings, not the hardware breakdown.

Method 1: Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu

The most effective reset method is calibration through a hidden engineering menu, which works on 95% of Xiaomi models and does not require root rights.

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337##Some firmware may run an alternative code: ##4636###
2. Select Hardware Testing → Sensors → Proximity Sensor.
3. Press Calibrate and wait until the process is complete (usually 10-15 seconds).
4. Reboot the phone.

If the engineering menu does not open:

• 🔄 Make sure you enter the code without spaces and symbols.
• 📱 Make sure you don’t have third-party launchers installed (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion).
• 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Settings menu → The phone. → Updating the system).

Make sure the screen is clean (no dirt on the sensor)

Remove the cover and protective film

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (recommended)

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After calibration, check the sensor again. If the problem persists, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Reset sensor settings via MIUI

MIUI has a hidden feature in resetting all sensors to factory settings, a method less radical than completely resetting the phone and doesn't affect user data.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 5-7 times in a row on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find Sensor Reset (or Sensor Reset) and confirm the action.

If there is no Sensor Reset point:

• 🔍 Try to find it through the search in the settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
• 📲 On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60) This item is called Calibration of sensors.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and check again.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global Stable versions below 14.0.5 may not be available, in which case use the method with the engineering menu or update the firmware.

After resetting the sensors, it is recommended to restart the device and test the approximation operation in real conditions (during the call).

Method 3: Manually adjust the sensor sensitivity

On some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), you can manually change the threshold of the proximity sensor, which is useful if the sensor reacts too sharply or, conversely, with a delay.

1. Install the Sensor Test or Phone Doctor Plus app from Google Play.
2. Open the proximity sensor test and write down the current values (usually 0.0 cm to 5.0 cm).
3. Download the MIUI Hidden Settings app (developer mode enabled required).
4. In MIUI Hidden Settings, find the Proximity Sensor section and change the settings: Far threshold – usually 5.0. Near threshold – usually 0.0.

Save the settings and restart the phone.

If the sensor is unstable after manual adjustment, return the values to factory (Far: 5.0, Near:0.0) and try another method.

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Before you change the thresholds, write down the initial parameters on paper, which will help you return the settings if the sensor starts to work worse.

Method 4: Completely reset your phone (if nothing helps)

If all previous methods fail, the radical solution is to reset the phone to factory settings, which will delete all user data, so back up first.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, set the phone up as new and check the sensor.

What will remain after the discharge:

• 📁 Files on a memory card (if not encrypted).
• 🔕 Xiaomi account details (contacts, notes if synchronization was enabled).

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos and videos in internal memory.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices passwords.

⚠️ Note: On models with unlocked bootloader (Xiaomi.eu, custom firmware), the reset may result in the device being locked.Before the procedure, make sure you have access to the Mi Account account tied to the phone.

Once reset, the proximity sensor should work correctly, as all software settings return to factory settings, and if the problem persists, it indicates a hardware malfunction.

Method 5: Hardware diagnostics and repair

If none of the software methods worked, it's probably the sensor itself or the connection.

1. Check the sensor plume: 🛠️ On Xiaomi models with a collapsible body (for example, Redmi). 9A) You can carefully remove the back cover and check if the plume of the proximity sensor has moved away. 🔍 Visually inspect contacts for oxidation or damage.
2. Test the multimeter sensor: 📊 If you have experience with electronics, you can call the sensor for a chain break. 🔋 The voltage on the working sensor should be in the range of 1.8-3.3 V.
3. Contact the service center: 🏠 Xiaomi will replace the sensor under warranty if the phone was purchased less than a year ago. 💰 The cost of replacing the sensor in informal workshops - from 800 to 2000 rubles (depending on the model).

On models Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Mix Fold 2 sensor proximity integrated in the display module, so its replacement costs much more expensive (from 5000 rubles).

Frequent errors in resetting the proximity sensor

Many users make common mistakes that not only don't solve the problem, but can make it worse.

• 🔨 Knocking on the phone or pressing the screen in the sensor area, which can damage the sensor or the plume.
• 🧲 Bringing magnets to the top of the phone disrupts the compass and other sensors.
• 🔥 Heat the phone (such as a hairdryer) in an attempt to "dry" the sensor. Overheating can disable the battery or processor.
• 📲 Install unofficial firmware without backup, which can cause the sensors to fail completely.

It is also not recommended:

• 🔄 Resetting settings via Fastboot without needing - it can erase IMEI.
• 🔧 Clean the sensor with alcohol or liquids – use only dry soft fabric.
• 📱 Turning off the proximity sensor in the settings will lead to accidental pressing during calls.

If the sensor didn't work after all the manipulations, check if the problem is due to a firmware update. For example, MIUI 14.0.3 had a sensor bug on some Redmi models that was fixed in version 14.0.6.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions