Modern smartphones Samsung are equipped with many sensors that make using the device convenient and safe. One of these components is proximity sensor, usually located at the top of the screen. Its main purpose is to dim the display during a call when you bring the phone to your ear to prevent accidental clicks with your cheek. However, sometimes this function begins to work incorrectly, causing irritation to users.
Situations when the screen does not turn on after the call ends or, conversely, goes out in the hands while typing, are quite common. This may be due to either software failures in the shell One UIor physical contamination or damage to the sensor. In such cases, device owners often look for a way to deactivate this function in order to regain control of the smartphone. Completely disabling the proximity sensor at the system level in modern versions of smartphones is often hidden from the average user. However, there are working methods to bypass this blockage, calibrate the sensor and use third-party utilities. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options for solving the problem, from simple settings to more complex engineering menus. Android-devices are often looking for a way to deactivate this feature in order to regain control of the smartphone.
Complete disabling of the proximity sensor at the system level in modern versions Android on smartphones Samsung often hidden from the average user. However, there are working methods to bypass this blockage, calibrate the sensor and use third-party utilities. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options for solving the problem, from simple settings to more complex engineering menus.
Why the proximity sensor does not work correctly
Before looking for a way to disable it, it is worth understanding the nature of the malfunction. Most often, the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in the conditions of its operation. Protective glass or film, glued in violation of the technology, can block the operating area of the infrared emitter. Even a small layer of glue or dust in the area of the top speaker can distort the readings.
Another common reason is software conflicts. After updating the firmware One UI some system processes may incorrectly interpret data from sensors. In this case, calibration often helps to return the device to functionality without the need to completely disable the function.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone has recently been dropped or exposed to moisture, incorrect sensor operation may indicate physical damage to the internal components. In this case, software methods may not help.
Sometimes the culprit is third-party applications that gain access to screen controls. Antiviruses, launchers or energy saving utilities can intercept sensor signals. Before deep settings, it is recommended to check whether you have recently installed suspicious software that affects the operation of the display.
Standard phone and call settings
Many users do not know that in the standard "Phone" application from Samsung there is a built-in option to control this sensor. It allows you to disable the screen's proximity response during voice calls without affecting other system functions. This is the safest and easiest method that does not require root access.
To access the settings, you need to open the dialer application and go to the menu. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item responsible for the behavior of the screen during a call and deactivate it.
- 📞 Open the application
Phone(green tube). - ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Settings. - 🚫 Find the item "Turn off the screen during a call" and uncheck the box.
After completing these steps, the screen will stop turning off when you bring the phone to your face during a call. Be careful: this may lead to accidental clicks with your ear or cheek, so it is recommended to use a headset or speakerphone with the function disabled.
If the “Turn off screen” option is not in the menu, try clearing the cache of the “Phone” application through the system settings: Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Clear cache.
Samsung engineering menu and hidden codes
For more advanced users, there is access to hidden system menus where you can diagnose and calibrate sensors. In smartphones Samsung this is done using special USSD codes that open the engineering mode. Here you can not only check the functionality of the sensor, but also try to reset its settings.
Enter the code in the dialing field #0#. The testing menu will open, where you need to select the item «Sensor» or «Proximity Sensor». In this mode you will see the current sensor readings. Cover the top of the screen with your hand and the value should change. If there is no response or the values fluctuate chaotically, calibration is required.
Code to enter the engineering menu: #0#
Code to check calibration: *#2664#
Using the code *#2664# runs a test of the touchscreen and sensors, where the button is often available calibration. Press it and follow the instructions on the screen without covering the sensor for the specified time. This helps the system redefine zero values and response limits.
| Code | Purpose | Risk of use |
|---|---|---|
#0# |
General testing of components | Low |
*#2664# |
Test touchscreen and sensors | Low |
*#9900# |
System dump (for logs) | Medium |
*#0808# |
USB and port settings | High |
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the engineering menu. Changing parameters in sections not related to the proximity sensor (for example, radio module settings) can lead to loss of communication or unstable network operation.
Using third-party applications
If the built-in tools cannot solve the problem, applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. There are many utilities created specifically for managing sensors on Android. They can programmatically block the sensor signal or reconfigure its response thresholds.
One of the popular solutions is the application Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix. It allows you to forcefully recalibrate the sensor or completely disable its functionality for specific applications. The operating principle of such utilities is based on overlaying a layer on top of the system, which ignores data from the equipment.
- 📲 Download an application for managing sensors (for example, Proximity Service).
- 🔓 Grant the necessary permissions (access over other windows).
- ⚙️ Activate the blocking or calibration function in the interface apps.
It is worth considering that running such applications in the background may slightly increase battery consumption. In addition, some antiviruses may perceive them as potentially unwanted software due to the request for rights to control the screen. Always download software only from trusted sources.
Why may applications not work on new Androids?
Starting with Android 10 and higher, Google has tightened security policies, limiting application access to system sensors. Some utilities may require special permissions via ADB or root access.
Advanced configuration via ADB and root access
For users with technical knowledge, it is possible to disable the sensor at the system level using the toolkit ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require obtaining root access, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and installing drivers.
First you need to activate the developer mode on the phone. Go to Settings → About phone → Software information and quickly click 7 times on the item "Build number". After that, it will appear in the main settings menu. section Options developerwhere you need to enable "USB debugging".
Connect the phone to the PC and run the command to disable the sensor service. The specific command may depend on the model, but disabling the component via shell is often used.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.sensor.proximityThis command deactivates the system service responsible for processing data from the proximity sensor To return everything. back, use the command replacing disable-user with enable. This method is radical and guarantees complete disabling of the function, but deprives you of automatic blanking of the screen during calls forever until you turn the service back on.
Using ADB is the most reliable way to disable the sensor without installing unnecessary applications, but it requires a computer and basic skills. working with the command line.
Cleaning and physical maintenance of the sensor
Often the problem is solved not by software, but mechanically. The proximity sensor is a small window that gets dirty easily. Grease from your fingers, dust from your pocket, or adhesive residue from the protective glass creates an opaque film that the sensor perceives as a close object.
Carefully wipe the top of the screen with a soft microfiber cloth soaked in a special equipment cleaner. Pay special attention to the area above the speaker. If you have a protective glass glued on, try carefully removing it and checking the phone's operation without it. Often it is low-quality glass that causes false alarms.
- 🧹 Wipe the screen with a display cleaner.
- 🔍 Inspect the sensor area under a bright light for dust.
- 🛡️ Check whether the case is blocking the top edge smartphone.
If cleaning does not help, the sensor may be physically damaged. In models with mechanical buttons or a specific case design, the sensor could become dislodged upon impact. In this case, the only solution is to contact the service center to replace the part.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use alcohol or aggressive solvents to clean the oleophobic coating of the screen. This can lead to the appearance of streaks and deterioration of tactile sensations from touches.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to disable the proximity sensor permanently without a computer?
It is difficult to completely and permanently disable it without a computer and root access, since the system will try to restore operation critical sensors. However, you can disable its function only for calls through the settings of the Phone application, which solves the problem for most users.
Why does the screen not turn on after a call on Samsung?
This is a classic symptom of a stuck proximity sensor. The system “thinks” that the phone is still at your ear. Try swiping your hand over the top of the screen or locking and unlocking the device with the power button.
Does turning off the sensor affect battery life?
The sensor itself consumes minimal energy. However, if, due to its malfunction, the screen does not go dark during a call, battery consumption increases significantly. Disabling the feature may even save battery if you are using a headset.
Is it safe to use engineering menu codes?
Read information and test codes (#0#) are safe. Codes for changing network configuration or resetting settings can be dangerous. Always carefully read the labels for menu items before clicking.
What to do if nothing helps?
If neither cleaning, nor settings, nor applications solve the problem, most likely there is a hardware failure. In this case, only replacing the sensor module or the entire cable at an authorized service center will help.