How to lock the screen on Xiaomi during a call: all working methods

Accidental taps during a phone conversation are a common problem for Xiaomi users: the screen of the smartphone can be activated with the cheek, ear or even fingers, which leads to the on- speakerphone, transferring the call to hold, or even resetting it. This is especially true for owners of devices with touch buttons or AMOLED-screens that respond to even light touches.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can lock your screen while you’re talking, from standard MIUI features to hidden features that few people know about. You’ll learn how to set up automatic locks, use gestures or physical buttons, and what to do if the screen is already locked but you need to unlock it without interrupting a call. The instructions are relevant for all modern models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Why the screen will unlock during the call and how it is dangerous

The main reason for random taps is the sensitivity of the sensor, and manufacturers deliberately make screens responsive, but when you talk, it turns into a negative.

• 📞 Translation to speakerphone – the screen responds to the touch of the cheek, and the interlocutor suddenly hears your voice “in the hall".
• 🔄 Call reset – accidentally tapping a red handset in the call interface interrupts the conversation.
• 📱 Activate other applications – swipes open notification menus or start background processes.
• 🔋 Battery discharge – Constant screen illumination during long conversations reduces battery life.

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the problem is exacerbated by the curved edges of the screen, which are easier to touch, and the one-hand mode can be the fault - if it is turned on, the system reduces the screen workspace, but does not turn off the sensitivity at the edges.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a magnetic lock case, it may conflict with the proximity sensor, in which case the screen will go out, but not completely lock, and will remain vulnerable to accidental pressing.

Method 1: Power button lock (classic method)

The most reliable and versatile way is to press the power button briefly, and it works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the MIUI or HyperOS version:

1. During the call, press the physical power button (located on the right end of the device) once.
2. The screen will go out, but the call will continue. To unlock the screen, press the power button again.

This method does not require additional adjustments and works even if:

• 🔄 In-pocket mode enabled (check in Settings) → Display. → Screen locking).
• 📱 a pattern lock is used or PIN-code.
• 🔋 Power saving mode activated.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Double pressing the power button can activate the camera. → Special facilities → Gestures disabled option Double press for camera.

Make sure the power button is not stuck | Check that the case does not block the button | Turn off double pressing for the camera (if any) | Hold the phone so that you do not press the volume button-->

Method 2: Automatic locking by proximity sensor

All Xiaomi smartphones have a proximity sensor that should turn off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear, but by default, it doesn't always lock the screen completely.

1. Open Settings → Display → Lock the screen.
2. Activate the Lock option when approaching (some firmware is called Smart Lock).
3. Make sure that in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Sensors for the Phone application have enabled permission to use the proximity sensor.

If the sensor is not operating properly:

• 🧹 Clean the area of the sensor (usually near the front camera) of dust or protective film.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the sensor gets knocked down after prolonged use.
• 📱 Check the case - some accessories overlap the sensor.

💡

If the proximity sensor fails to work, try calibrating it through the engineering menu. To do this, type in the Phone app code ##6484## and select Proximity Sensor.

Method 3: Using the swipe down gesture (for MIUI 13-14)

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has a hidden gesture to lock the screen during a call. It doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth a try:

1. During a conversation, swipe down from the top edge of the screen (as when opening the notification bar), but don’t let go of your finger.
2. Hold your finger on the screen for 1-2 seconds until you feel a slight vibration.
3. The screen will go out, but the call will continue.

This method is particularly useful for devices without physical buttons (such as the Xiaomi Mix 4) or if the power button is broken.

• ❌ Not working. MIUI 12 and older.
• ❌ May conflict with navigation gestures (e.g., full-screen gestures).
• ❌ Requires precise finger position – too fast swipe will cancel the action.

Method 4: Blocking through the call menu (hidden function)

Few people know, but the MIUI call interface has a hidden lock button to activate it.

1. During the conversation, press three points (⋮) top-right corner of the screen.
2. In the menu that appears, select Block the screen (on some firmware - Block).
3. The screen will go out, but the connection will not be interrupted.

If this option is not available:

• 🔧 Check the Phone app version (update it via Google Play or App Store).
• 📱 Make sure you don’t have a lightweight version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite where some functions are removed.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the menu doesn’t show up because of a crash.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (HyperOS for global models), this feature can be replaced by Recording Conversations.

Method 5: Forced Locking via Sideload Launcher (for Advanced)

If standard methods don't work (for example, on custom firmware or after a failed update), you can use a third-party application to force lock.

1. Install Sideload Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open the app and find it in the Screen Off list (or Screen Lock).
3. Create a shortcut on the main screen.
4. During the call, click on this shortcut - the screen will be locked.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works even if the power button is broken.
• 📱 Doesn't require root rights.
• 🔄 You can double-press the back panel (if your model supports Double Tap to Wake).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires third-party software installation.
• ⚠️ Some firmware may conflict with Google Assistant.

💡

If you’re using a Sideload Launcher, add it to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization), or the shortcut may not work.

What to do if the screen is locked and you can not unlock

Situation: you locked the screen during the call, but now you can't unlock it (for example, due to a failure of the fingerprint sensor or a broken power button).

• 📞 Use the voice assistant: Say OK, Google or Hey Siri (if configured). Command: Unlock the screen or Open the phone.

Connect the charger.

Xiaomi

Call from the second phone.

Wait for the call to be completed.

If nothing helps, and the call is important:

• 📡 Ask the other person to call you back – a new call will reset the lock.
• 🔧 Use it. USB-OTG and mouse – connect the mouse to the phone via an adapter to unlock the screen with the cursor.

If the problem remains, contact the service center.