How to set up screen lock when talking to Xiaomi: the complete guide

During a phone call, Xiaomi’s screen can accidentally press buttons, launch apps, or even complete a call. To avoid such situations, the manufacturer has provided a feature to automatically lock the screen when the device approaches the ear, but not all users know how to properly configure this option or turn it off if it interferes.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how the screen lock works during a call on Xiaomi, which models support this feature, and what to do if it does not work correctly. MIUI, This will help optimize the behavior of the approach sensor.

We'll focus on common issues like why the screen doesn't lock when you're talking or why it doesn't unlock when you're calling, and these are often based on the firmware version and the smartphone model, so we'll give you solutions for different scenarios.

What is a screen lock when talking and why you need it

The automatic locking function of the screen when you call is activated by a proximity sensor, a small sensor located next to the speaker, and when you hold the phone to your ear, the sensor picks up the obstacle and turns off the touch screen to prevent accidental tapping.

On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature works by default, but it can be configured or disabled.

• 📵 Preventing the Accidental End of a Call
• 🔇 Protection against pressing volume buttons or other controls
• 🔋 Saving battery power (screen is not illuminated in vain)
• 🔒 Increased privacy (screen does not display notifications during conversation)

But there are also disadvantages to the function, such as if the proximity sensor is not working properly, the screen may not unlock when the call is complete, or it may not lock during the call, and in such cases additional adjustment or calibration of the sensor is required.

What Xiaomi models support screen lock when calling

The automatic screen lock feature during a conversation is available on most Xiaomi smartphones released after 2016, but its implementation may vary depending on the model and firmware version. MIUI.

Below is a table with information about support for the feature on popular devices:

If your model is not listed in the table, check for the function experimentally: make a call and bring the phone close to your ear. If the screen goes out, the lock works. You can also search for manual settings (more on this in the next section).

⚠️ Note: Some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 8A Or Redmi 7) the proximity sensor may be physically missing, in which case the locking of the screen during the call is software-based and does not always work exactly.

Where to find screen lock settings when talking

Depending on the version MIUI The path to locking screen settings may vary. Below is a universal search algorithm:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Screen or Lock and Protection section.
3. Find the Blocking item when talking, the Approach Sensor or Auto Lock.
4. Activate or deactivate the function using the switch.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 13/14) The settings may be in the Special Opportunities section → Physical buttons or System applications → Phone. If you can't find the right item, search the settings (lap icon in the upper right corner).

Open "Settings"|Find the "Screen" or "Blocking" section"|Check for item "Approximation sensor"|Activate/deactivate the function|Check the work by call.-->

If you're in your version MIUI There is no obvious switch to lock the screen, try an alternative method:

1. When you call, touch the badge. ⋮ (three dots) on the call screen.
2. Select the Call Settings or Additional.
3. Find the screen lock option and turn it on.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path to settings may be radically different. → System system → Gestures.

How to turn off screen lock when talking to Xiaomi

If the automatic screen locking function interferes (for example, you often use speakerphones or headphones), it can be turned off.

1. Go to Settings. → Screen. → Blocking when speaking.
2. Move the switch to the off position.
3. Confirm action if the system requests a password or fingerprint.

If the standard method does not work, try to turn off the proximity sensor completely:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Approximation sensor.
2. Deactivate the function or reduce the sensitivity of the sensor.

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 10T or POCO F3) The lock is tied to the "Raise to Activate" gesture. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Screen. → Raise for activation and deactivate the option.

After turning off the function, check its operation: make a test call and make sure that the screen does not go out when the phone approaches the ear. If the problem persists, you may need to reset the sensor settings (read about this in the next section).

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If the screen still goes out after the lock is turned off, try temporarily turning off the Charge Saving feature in the battery settings, which sometimes conflicts with the approach sensor.

Calibration of the proximity sensor: when and how to do it

If the locking of the screen is not working correctly (for example, the screen does not unlock after a call or locks too early), the cause may be a failure in the approach sensor, in which case calibration of the sensor will help.

To calibrate the sensor on Xiaomi, follow the following steps:

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##
2. In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: usually close the sensor with your hand and wait a few seconds, then remove the hand.
4. After calibration is completed, restart the smartphone.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

1. Install the Sensor Test or CPU-Z app from Google Play.
2. Run the approach sensor test and check its response to obstacles.
3. If the sensor does not respond, repair or replacement may be required.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro), the sensor calibration is available via the engineering menu.

1. Call the phone in the app: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information → Testing of equipment.
3. Find the Approximation Sensor and perform the calibration.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect calibration of the sensor can lead to even more failures in its operation. If you are not sure of your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

What to do if the screen does not unlock after the call

One of the most common problems is that the screen stays locked after a conversation is over, and this can be because of:

• 🔄 Failure of the approach sensor
• 📱 Conflict with protective glass or cover
• 🔋 Failure of firmware or system
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to the sensor

Here are a few ways to solve the problem:

1. Forced unlocking

If the screen doesn’t respond to the press after the call, try:

• Press the power button 1-2 once.
• Use a fingerprint scanner (if supported).
• Connect the charger – sometimes it resets the lock.

2. Checking protective accessories

Thick security glass or high-sided case can block the proximity sensor.

• Remove the case and repeat the call.
• Replace the protective glass with a thinner one.
• Check if the sensor is covering the sticker or dirt.

3. Resetting phone settings

If the problem persists, reset the sensor settings or the entire smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset application settings (without deleting data).
3. If it does not help, perform a full reset (Reset to factory settings).

If none of these methods worked, the proximity sensor itself probably failed, in which case it is recommended to contact the diagnostic service center.

Additional settings to improve the operation of the lock

In addition to the standard settings, the MIUI There are hidden options that will help optimize the operation of the lock screen during the call.

1. Sensitivity adjustment of the sensor

On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 12 Pro) you can adjust the sensitivity of the proximity sensor:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Approximation sensor.
2. Select the sensitivity level: Low, Medium or High.
3. Test the sensor after changing the settings.

2. disable the lock for specific applications

If you make frequent calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or other messengers, you can turn off screen locking only for them:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired messenger (such as WhatsApp).
3. Go to Permits. → Additional authorizations.
4. Turn off the permission to Change system settings or screen lock.

3.Use of gestures to unlock

On smartphones with MIUI 12+ You can set up a gesture to unlock the screen during the call:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Gestures.
2. Turn on the option of double touch to wake up.
3. When you call, touch the screen twice to unlock it.

These settings will help to adapt the behavior of the smartphone to your needs and avoid inconvenience during conversation.

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If the locking is unstable, first check the security accessories (case, glass), then calibrate the sensor. Only then start resetting the settings or contacting the service.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Locking on Xiaomi