In a terminal control method, a terminal may be disposed with two Hall effect sensors for sensing a change of a magnetic field generated by a magnet in a protective case, and identify a forward snap-fit operation, an opening operation, a backward snap-fit operation, and the like of the protective case. When detecting the forward snap-fit operation of the protective case, the terminal performs a screen off operation; or when detecting the backward snap-fit operation of the protective case, the terminal may skip performing screen off operation. Thus, the protective case can be prevented from turning off a screen by mistake.