Modern Xiaomi smartphones have many useful features designed to make life easier for the user, but sometimes they become a source of irritation. One of these features is the automatic activation of the “In your pocket” mode or blocking the call when you press the lock button, which often happens accidentally in your pocket or bag. The owner of the device may face a situation where an important call is missed because the phone decided that it is in the dark and needs to be silenced.
We will understand why the proximity sensor and software algorithms MIUI or HyperOS so aggressively respond to physical impacts. Understanding the mechanics of this node will help you not only disable the annoyance function, but also competently adjust the sensitivity of the screen to your habits of using the gadget.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available methods for managing this option, from standard system settings to using the engineering menu for deep calibration. You will learn to distinguish between software bugs and hardware features, which will allow you to forget about random locks during a conversation.
The principle of operation of the proximity and lock sensor
The main element responsible for the response of a smartphone to being in your pocket or ear is the proximity sensor. In most Xiaomi models, it is located at the top of the screen, often hidden under the display glass next to the speaker, its task is to record the change in lighting and distance to the object to turn off the screen during a conversation or block random taps.
When you press the lock button, the system instantly queries the state of the sensors. If at that point the finger or pocket tissue overlaps the sensor, MIUI interprets this as a phone in your pocket signal and can turn off the incoming call or vibration sound. This behavior is embedded in the logic of the shell to prevent false positives, but often works too aggressively.
It's worth noting that there are different types of sensors, virtual sensors that use algorithms to analyze images from the front camera, and physical sensors that use infrared radiation. Virtual sensors often make mistakes in bright light or the presence of contamination on the glass, which leads to incorrect blocking of calls.
⚠️ Warning: A complete shutdown of the approach sensor response can cause the screen to not go out during the conversation and you will be dialing random numbers with your cheek or ear.
Disabling the function "Mode in the pocket"
The easiest and safest way to prevent a call from being blocked when the sensor is accidentally blocked is to turn off the Mode in Your Pocket feature, which is specifically designed to lock your phone in the dark, but it is the one that most often causes missed calls when the phone is lying in your bag or loosely pressed in your pocket.
To do this, you need to go to the system settings menu. Find the Lock and Protection section (in some versions of the firmware it may be called Passwords and Security).
Once you find the right switch, just deactivate it. Now, even if you press the lock button by blocking the top of the screen, the phone will continue to ring and vibrate. This is especially convenient for users who carry a smartphone in wide pockets or backpacks where lighting changes chaoticly.
It is important to understand that once this feature is turned off, the phone will stop automatically locking when removed from your pocket unless you have a Hall sensor in your case.You will have to manually press the on button each time to turn off the screen, which can slightly increase battery consumption.
Setting up the action of the power button
In addition to sensors, the behavior of the smartphone when you press the lock button is influenced by the settings of the button itself. In modern versions of the HyperOS shell and MIUI 12-14, Xiaomi has implemented many side key use scenarios that can conflict with conventional use.
Go to the Advanced Settings section and select Advanced button settings (or “Power button assignment”), where you can change your behavior when you double tap or hold for a long time. Often users accidentally activate Google Assistant or Mi Pay, which interrupts the call process or blocks the screen.
It is recommended to set the action "Nothing" for double-clicking, if you are not actively using this feature, which will reduce the likelihood of accidental activation of third-party services that can intercept control of the audio stream or lock screen at a critical time.
- 🔍 Open the Settings. → Additional settings.
- 🔍 Select Advanced button settings.
- 🔍 Set “Double Press” in Nothing Mode.
- 🔍 Check whether the screen lock action is assigned to a long-term retention, if this is possible in your version of the software.
Calibration of the sensor through the engineering menu
If software shutting down the mode in your pocket didn’t help, and the phone still ignores incoming calls when you press a button, you may need to calibrate the sensor itself.
Open the standard Phone app and type ##6484#. The CIT (Customer Interactive Test) menu will appear on the screen. You need to find Proximity sensor on the test list.
Follow the instructions on the screen: you usually need to remove your hand from the top of the phone, then hold it up so that the system will record minimum and maximum values of illumination. After passing the test, press the Pass or Calibrate button to save new parameters.
Code for logging into the engineering menu: ##6484##
Partition: Proximity sensor
Action: Calibration/PassThis procedure is especially relevant for devices that have been repaired or have a replaced display module. Incorrect factory settings can lead to the phone considering the screen closed even when open.
⚠️ Note: Do not change other options in the engineering menu CIT, If you are not sure about their purpose, resetting the calibration of the battery or touch screen without special equipment can lead to incorrect operation of the device.
Using third-party applications to manage calls
When Xiaomi’s system settings are not flexible enough, Google Play Store apps can intercept call management, allowing users to create their own rules, such as “if the screen is off, don’t turn off the sound” or “ignore the proximity sensor when calling.”
One popular solution is the Call Assistant app, or anti-pocket analogs, which run on top of the system interface and have a higher priority for processing call events than the standard MIUI shell.
When installing such software, be sure to provide all the requested permissions, including access to the phone and-overlay (drawing over other windows), without these rights, the application will not be able to correctly control the behavior of the smartphone during an incoming call.
| Annex | Function | Resource consumption | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Assistant | Call management | Low. | Android 8.0+ |
| MacroDroid | Automation (macros) | Average. | All versions. |
| Truecaller | Definition + lock | High. | All versions. |
Using third-party software is a last resort. Before installing, make sure that the problem is not solved by regular means, as unnecessary background processes can reduce the autonomy of your Xiaomi.
Problems with protective glasses and covers
Often, physical accessories cause proximity sensors to fail and call locks, and poor quality protective glass or improperly pasted film can override the sensor area next to the speaker.
If you recently changed the glass or bought a new case and the problem came after that, try removing the accessory and checking the phone. Some tight magnetic-clasp bookcases can simulate closing the lid if the phone has a Hall sensor, or simply mechanically pressing the sensor area.
Also worth paying attention to is the degree of contamination at the top of the screen: Fat spots, dust and dirt can dissipate the sensor's infrared radiation, making the phone think it's in your pocket. Regularly wiping that area with a soft cloth can solve the problem without any tweaks.