Why the screen on Xiaomi does not go out when you call and how to fix it

Have you noticed that during a phone conversation, your Xiaomi screen continues to glow, even though it used to automatically go out? This not only annoys, but also quickly drains the battery. The problem is found on models from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, regardless of the version of MIUI. 80% of the time, the fault is the misaligned proximity sensor settings or software failures, but sometimes the reason lies deeper — in hardware malfunctions.

In this article, we will analyze all possible reasons why the screen does not go out when talking to Xiaomi, and offer proven solutions – from simple (reboot the phone) to radical (flashing). You'll learn how to diagnose a problem yourself, what settings are responsible for the operation of the proximity sensor, and what to do if none of the methods did not help. AMOLED-screens where incorrect operation of the sensor can lead to "ghost" touches.

1.Why Xiaomi's screen doesn't go out during a call: the main reasons

Before you start repairing, it's important to understand what caused the crash, and here are the key reasons why the screen stays active when you talk:

• 🔹 Pollution of the proximity sensor – dust, protective glass or case block its operation. The sensor is located at the top of the screen (usually to the right of the speaker).
• 🔹 Failure in MIUI — After updating or installing third-party applications (such as launchers), the sensor settings may get lost.
• 🔹 Firmware damage – if the phone is not properly turned off during the upgrade, it could affect the operation of the sensors.
• 🔹 Hardware malfunction – physical damage to a sensor or plume (relevant after falls or repairs).
• 🔹 Application conflict – some programs (such as recording conversations or modified versions of Google Phone) block automatic screen shutdown.

Xiaomi models with an infrared proximity sensor (such as the Redmi 9 or Poco X3) often have a problem with moisture entering the sensor area. Flagships (Xiaomi 13, 14 Pro) use an ultraviolet sensor that is more resistant to pollution but can conflict with some protective glass.

How do you quickly determine the cause? Call your phone and put your palm over the top -- if the screen goes out, the problem is settings or software. If it doesn't, it's probably the sensor or the contamination.

2. Testing of the proximity sensor: step-by-step instruction

Before you change the settings, make sure the sensor is working correctly.

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##6484##
2. Select the Proximity Sensor Test.
3. Cover the top of the phone with your hand, the 0 should appear on the screen (sensor went off). Remove your hand, the value will change to 5 (sensor is free).

If the values don’t change or the test comes up with an error, the sensor is faulty. On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and newer, the sensor test can be hidden – in this case, use third-party applications, such as the Sensor Test from Google Play.

Make sure there is no protective film in the sensor area on the screen |

Close all background applications |

Check that the phone is not overheating (temperature below 40°C)|

Use the original case or remove it during the test.

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What to do if the sensor does not respond?

• 🧹 Clean the sensor area with a soft wipe (do not use alcohol!).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it resets temporary sensor crashes.
• 🛠️ If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), it will require replacement. ₽, on flagships (Xiaomi) 13T, 14) - up to 3,000 ₽.

3. Set up the proximity sensor in MIUI

If the sensor is working, but the screen is still not going out, the problem may be the MIUI settings.

1. Go to Settings → System applications → Phone → Incoming calls.
2. Activate the option to turn off the screen during a conversation (on some firmware it is called the Approximation Sensor).
3. Make sure that the Special Features → Universal Access section has disabled features like Screen Hold or Automatic Rotation that may conflict with the sensor.

On Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and older, the path to settings may vary: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Additional → Sensors.

Important: On some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the option to turn off the screen during a call may be hidden, in which case resetting the phone settings or manually editing the /system/build.prop configuration file (root rights required).

4. Reset phone settings and sensors

If the settings don't work, the next step is to reset. Start by resetting the sensors.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7-10 times until you get a message.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option Reset sensors and confirm the action.

If this does not help, perform a partial reset (without deleting data):

1. Open Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting to Factory!).
3. Confirm the reset of network parameters, sensors and display.

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Before resetting, save a list of installed apps using Google Play → Library → Application Management → Export. This will save time to re-install.

When is a complete reset required? Only if:

• 🔧 The screen does not go out even after a partial reset.
• 🔧 The sensor test shows incorrect values (for example, always 0).
• 🔧 The problem arose after the update. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Full reset will delete all data, including photos and messages.If you are using Xiaomi Cloud, pre-check that backup is created (Settings section). → Xiaomi account → Cloud. → Backup).

5. Update firmware and fix software errors

Approximation sensor failures are often due to firmware errors. Xiaomi regularly releases patches for such issues, so:

1. Check the relevance of the firmware: Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If an update is available, install it. For stable sensor performance, MIUI 14.0.5 or later is recommended.
3. After the update, clean the cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → select Cash system.

If automatic updates don’t help, try manually installing firmware through Recovery:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of the phone.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.

For advanced users: If the problem persists, try flashing your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to eliminate software failures.

1. Download the Fastboot firmware for your model.


2. Install Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on the processor).




3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).




4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select a firmware file and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware deletes all data and can lead to bootloader lock if instructions are not followed.On models with bootloader locked (Xiaomi) 12T, 13 Lite) will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Hardware solutions: cleaning, replacement, repair

If the software methods don't work, the problem is the hardware.

• 🔧 Sensor cleaning: Use a wooden toothpick (not metal!) and compressed air to remove dust from under the protective glass.On Redmi Note models 8/9 sensor is often clogged due to the loose fit of the display module.
• 🔧 Replacement of protective glass: Some glass (especially cheap) block the infrared signal of the sensor. Try temporarily remove the glass and check the sensor.
• 🔧 Train check: If the phone fell or got wet, the sensor plume could have moved away, in which case it requires disassembly of the device (cost at the service center - from 1000 USD). ₽).
• 🔧 Sensor replacement: On Xiaomi models, the proximity sensor is often soldered into the display module, so replacing it costs between 3000 and 5000 ₽ (job).

On Poco. F3, Xiaomi 11T and other telephones AMOLED-The proximity sensor may conflict with the Always On Display function (AOD). Try to turn it off. AOD screen-setting.

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If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! contact the authorized service center Xiaomi - repair of the proximity sensor is covered by the warranty, if there are no signs of mechanical damage.

7. Alternative solutions: if nothing has worked

If all methods have been tried, but the screen still doesn’t go out, try these methods:

• 📱 Use a headset: Connect wireless or wired headphones – while talking through them, the screen will turn off regardless of the sensor.
• 🔄 Install a third-party dialer: Apps like Google Phone or Truecaller have their own screen control settings when calling.
• 🛠️ Disable the sensor programmatically: With the Sensor Disabler application (root required), you can forcibly deactivate the proximity sensor, but this will lead to a constant glow of the screen.
• 🔧 Set up automatic screen shutdown: C Settings → Display. → Set a minimum time (15 seconds) to make the screen fade faster.

For root-righted Xiaomi owners: You can manually edit the file /system/usr/keylayout/gpio-keys.kl by adding a line to force the screen to turn off when you call.

key 601 PROXIMITY_WAKE_DROPPED

If you are not ready to put up with the problem, but repair is not an option - consider selling a phone indicating the malfunction (on Avito or Yula, such devices are sold at a discount of 20-30%).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi