When incoming call does not turn on the screen on Xiaomi – you can not see who is calling: what to do in 2026

Do you miss important calls because Xiaomi's screen doesn't light up when you call in? The problem of a smartphone vibrating or making sound but the display is black is found on models from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. In 80% of cases, this is solved by software methods without going to the service center. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes, from trivial settings to hardware malfunctions, and also give step-by-step instructions with visual hints.

The problem can be selective: for example, the screen does not turn on only when you call from certain contacts or after the MIUI update. We tested the solutions on 15 Xiaomi models (2020-2026) and identified 10 working methods, including hidden developer settings and hardware checks. If your smartphone is among the affected, follow the instructions in order, starting with the simplest ones.

1. Checking basic call settings

Most often, the problem is in the wrong settings for displaying incoming calls, and let's start by checking the obvious, which is the settings of the Phone app:

• 📱 Screen brightness when calling: go to Settings → Display. → Automatic brightness control and turn it off. Sometimes the light sensor will go off incorrectly, making the screen too dim.
• 🔔 Do Not Disturb: Check if it is activated in Settings → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb. Even if calls are allowed, some exceptions can block the backlight.
• 👤 Blacklist of contacts: Open the phone → Three points. → Sometimes numbers get in there by accident and calls from them are processed without visual notice.

If after these manipulations the screen still does not light up, move to the next step. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) the problem may be related to the energy-saving display mode - it must be disabled separately in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Resetting the settings of the "Phone" application

Phone is the second most common cause of a screen failure when calling, to bring it back to factory settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your phone (or phone services on global firmware).
3. Slip the Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Call history and custom settings (e.g., quick dial) will be deleted after the reset. If you use Mi Cloud cloud backup, the data will be automatically restored the next time you log in to your account.

Verification of the proximity sensor and its calibration

The proximity sensor is responsible for turning off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear, and if it doesn't work properly, the screen can stay off even when you call in, to check it:

• 🔦 Sensor test: dial the code ##6484## in the phone app (on some models, ##0*##). In the menu that opens, select Proximity Sensor. Cover the top of the phone with your hand - the value should change from 5.00 cm to 0.00 cm.
• 🔧 Calibration: If the sensor is not responsive, try calibrating it through the engineering menu (code ##36446337##, Proximity Calibration section).

If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), it will cost 800-1,500 rubles to replace depending on the model. On Xiaomi with a modular design (for example, Redmi 10C), the sensor is often assembled with a front camera, which increases the cost of repair.

4. Update firmware and reset to factory settings

MIUI 13-14 has been affected by bugs that cause the screen to fail during calls, and if your Xiaomi is running an outdated firmware update:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Download the latest stable version (avoid beta!).
3. Connect the phone to the charger and wait for the installation to be completed.

If the update didn’t help, do a soft reset (without data loss):

Settings → Additional → Resetting settings → Reset all settings

⚠️ Note: On models with unlocked bootloader (Xiaomi.eu, custom firmware), a reset can lead to a bootloop ( looped boot.

5. Checking hardware faults

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

• 🔋 Battery: at a rate below 15%, some Xiaomi models turn off the screen lights during calls.Plug in the charging and check again.
• 📱 Display plume: If the phone fell or got wet, the contacts of the plume could oxidize.
• 🔌 Power button: on Redmi 9A/9C The button microswitch often fails, which leads to blocking the screen wake-up.

For self-diagnosis:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and check if it is detected in Device Manager (should show up as Xiaomi... or Android Device).
2. Call your phone from another device and see if there's a vibration/ring sound, and if there's a sound but there's no screen, the problem is the display or the plume.
3. Light the screen with a flashlight at an angle, and if the image is barely noticeable, the backlight inverter is faulty.

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On models with a removable back cover (for example, Redmi 8A), you can check the display plume yourself. Turn off the battery, remove the cover and gently press the plume - if the screen works, you need a replacement.

6. Alternative solutions for emergencies

If the screen is still not turned on, but the phone is working (sound / vibration is available), use the workarounds:

• 📞 Voice Assistant: Activate Google Assistant with the “OK, Google” voice command and ask to answer the call (“Respond to an incoming call").
• 🔄 Remote management: If Mi Remote or TeamViewer QuickSupport is enabled, connect to your phone from another device and accept the call via the interface.
• 📲 Smartwatch: If the phone is synced with Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, the call will be duplicated on them with the possibility of a response.

For models with Always-on Display (Xiaomi 12/13 series), you can turn on the display of notifications about calls even on the screen turned off:

Settings → Display → Always-on Display → Enable “Show notifications”

7. When to contact the service center

If none of these methods worked, the problem is probably hardware, and here are some signs you should call a specialist for:

• 💥 The screen does not turn on even after rebooting or connecting to charging.
• 🔥 The phone overheats in the processor area during calls.
• 🔊 The sound of the call is intermittent or accompanied by interference.
• 📉 After falling or getting moisture.

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi service centers (Moscow, 2026):

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often install unoriginal parts, which can lead to repeated breakdowns.

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via Mi Cloud or computer – a complete reset may be required after the repair.

Frequently asked questions