Why Xiaomi Phone Accepts Incoming Calls: All Causes and Methods of Fixing

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone has started spontaneously accepting incoming calls even though you haven't even touched the screen? It's not only annoying, it's also creating risks, from random conversations with strangers to leaking personal information. In 80 percent of cases, the problem is due to a malfunctioning proximity sensor, but the culprits can be special features settings, firmware failures, and even mechanical damage.

In this article, we’ll go into detail about all the possible reasons why Xiaomi (including the Redmi Note 12 models) is a good idea, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others) take calls without you, you'll get step-by-step diagnostic instructions, checklists to check settings and troubleshooting options, from software to hardware. MIUI, which can activate an automatic response, and explain how to disable them correctly.

1. Approximation sensor: the main cause of spontaneous responses

The most common cause is a failure of the proximity sensor, which is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation (when you hold the phone to your ear), and if the sensor is not working correctly, the system can “think” that you have already started a conversation, and automatically accept the call. This is especially true for Xiaomi models. AMOLED-screens where the sensor is embedded under the display.

How to check the proximity sensor:

• 📱 Type ##6484## (test code for sensors) → Select Proximity Sensor. If the value does not change when you close your hand (should be 0 cm when you close and 5 cm when you open) the sensor is defective.
• 🔦 Put a flashlight on top of the screen (where the sensor is located). If the screen goes out, the sensor responds to light, indicating a hardware malfunction.
• 🛠️ Install the Phone Tester app (available on Google Play) and check the sensor response graph in real time.

If the sensor does not respond at all, the problem may be:

• 💥 Mechanical damage (screen crack, moisture intrusion).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts after repair or replacement of the display.
• 📉 Calibration failure after update MIUI.

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If the proximity sensor is responding to light (like a lamp) but not to your hand, it's probably contaminated. Try gently wipe the top of the screen with an alcohol wipe.

2. Special Opportunity settings: automatic response for people with disabilities

MIUI has a hidden feature called Automatic Call Response, originally designed for disabled users, that can be activated randomly or through third-party apps.

1. Go to Settings → Special Features → Usability → Automatic Call Response.
2. Turn off the slider automatically respond to incoming calls.
3. Check the Gestures and Movements section – there may be activated the “Raise to the ear for response” gesture.

The problem may also be:

• 🤖 Third-party applications (e.g. Auto Answer, Tasker) that have rights to manage calls.
• 🔄 Resetting settings after updating MIUI (function can be activated by default).
• 📱 Mode "For the elderly" (in some firmware it activates automatic response).

3.Firmware failures MIUI: when it's the fault of the PO

If the proximity sensor is working and the special features settings are disabled, the problem may be in MIUI software errors.

• 📲 Xiaomi on beta versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.23.3.28.DEV).
• 🔄 Devices after the update “over the air» (OTA), where the settings might have flown.
• 🛠️ Phones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

How to fix it:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Clear the system cache: Settings → About phone → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Reverse to the stable version of MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).

Mechanical damage: cracks, moisture, repairs

If the phone falls, gets wet or repaired, the reason for the automatic response may be:

• 💧 Oxidation of the proximity sensor contacts (even after complete drying).
• 🔧 Poor-quality display replacement (sensor not connected or damaged).
• 🕳️ Microcracks in the plume connecting the sensor to the motherboard.

How to diagnose:

1. Light a flashlight on the screen at an angle - if you see rainbow spots near the upper frame, this is a sign of detachment of the sensor.
2. Connect the phone to your PC and check logs via adb logcat | grep "proximity" (there should be records of the change in the state of the sensor).
3. If the phone has been repaired, check if there is a non-original display installed (they often go without a proximity sensor).

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If the proximity sensor is physically damaged, it will cost between 1,500 and 3,000 to replace it. ₽ In the service center, on models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13) sensor soldered into the display – you will need to replace the entire module.

5. Accessories conflict: covers, glass, headphones

Sometimes the culprits are accessories:

• 📱 Thick covers or glass covering the proximity sensor.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headphones with automatic response (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots).
• ⚡ Wireless charging, creating interference to the sensor.

How to check:

1. Remove the cover and protective glass – if the problem has gone away, replace them with a model with a notch for the sensor.
2. Turn off Bluetooth and check if the auto-response is maintained.
3. Try calling without connected accessories (headphones, smart-watches).

Remove the case and glass | Turn off Bluetooth | Call without headphones | Check charging without a case-->

6 Viruses and malware: When a phone is "infected"

Rarely, it happens that a virus or spyware that mimics a screen tap causes an auto-response.

• 📲 The phone opens unknown sites or installs applications.
• 🔋 The battery goes down quickly even in standby mode.
• 📊 B Settings → Applications have unknown services with call access rights.

How to clean your phone:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light and perform a full scan.
2. Check the rights of applications: Settings → Applications → Rights Management → Calls.
3. If the virus is not removed, make a full reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If all the software methods have been tried and the problem remains, it's probably the hardware that's to blame.

• 🔌 Damage to the display plume (often after falls).
• 💾 Failure of sensor control chips (on the motherboard).
• 🔋 Bloating the battery that presses on the screen and simulates touching.

Cost of repair in the service center:

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If the phone is warranty, don’t try to repair it yourself! autoresponse due to hardware faults is a warranty case in official Xiaomi service centers.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)