How to set up the screen to automatically turn off when making a call on Android

Have you ever encountered a situation where during an incoming call does the smartphone screen remain on during a call, draining the battery and distracting with bright light? This is especially annoying at night or in public places where a bright display attracts unnecessary attention. Unfortunately, in standard Android settings this feature is often disabled by default - manufacturers believe that it is more important for the user to see information about the caller. But what if you need to save battery or just avoid unnecessary light?

In this article we will look 5 proven methodshow to make the screen go dark when there is an incoming call - from built-in settings to third-party applications. Some methods are suitable for pure Android (for example, on Google Pixel or Nokia), others will require root access or special utilities. We will also find out why sometimes the screen does not turn off even after all the manipulations, and how to fix it. If you use a smartphone with a shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Huawei EMUI), pay attention to individual sections - there are nuances there!

Why the screen does not go off when making a call: the main reasons

Before moving on to solutions, it is important to understand why the screen remains active. Here are the most common reasons:

• 📱 The manufacturer has disabled the function by default. Many brands (for example Samsung or Xiaomi) believe that it is more convenient for the user to see information about the caller, so the screen is not blocked.
• 🔋 Optimizing power consumption. Some firmware ignores the settings for turning off the screen during calls so as not to “disturb” the user.
• 🛠️ Conflict with other functions. For example, if the “In your pocket” mode is enabled (Settings → Advanced → Sensors), the smartphone may perceive a call as an active use.
• 📲 Third-party applications. Some apps (for example, call recordings or alternative dialers) block the display from automatically turning off.

It is interesting that on Google Pixel and other devices with pure Android, the screen goes dark by default 5-10 seconds after the call starts. But on Samsung Galaxy or Redmi it works differently - manual configuration is often required there. If your smartphone does not behave as expected, check the firmware version: sometimes the problem is solved by updating the system.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI 12+), the screen settings during calls may be hidden in the developer menu. If the standard methods do not work, try activating Developer options (click on Build number 7 times Settings → About phone).

Method 1: Setting up through standard Android settings

On most devices with pure Android (or a similar interface), you can configure the screen to turn off directly in the call menu. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the application Telephone (dialer).
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to section Incoming calls or Additional (the name may differ).
4. Find the option Screen during a call, Disable screen or similar. Activate it.

If there is no such option, try an alternative way:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions.
2. Make sure that the application has access to Changing system settings.
3. Go back to the dialer settings and check for hidden options.

On Samsung Galaxy (One UI) the path is different:

1. Open Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Answer and end calls.
2. Activate the option Turn off the screen during a call.

Make sure that the dialer does not have the "Screen during a call" option

Check application permissions "Phone"

Update the firmware to the latest version

Reboot the device after changes-->

If none of the steps worked, then your firmware does not support this function at the system level. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Method 2: Using the Do Not Disturb mode

A non-obvious, but working trick is to set up a rule in the mode Do not disturb (DNDso that the screen goes dark during calls. This method is suitable for devices where there is no direct option to turn off the display.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Do not disturb.
2. Select Graph or Rules (depending on the Android version).
3. Create a new rule by selecting Events → Calls.
4. In the rule settings, activate Turn off screen or Sleep mode.
5. Save changes and check work.

The disadvantage of this method is that the rule may not always work, especially if the call comes from a contact added to the exceptions DND. Also, on some devices (Xiaomi, Oppo), the option to turn off the screen in the rules may not be available.

Samsung

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

Google Pixel

Huawei/Honor

Other brand -->

Method 3: Third-party applications for controlling the screen

If the built-in settings do not help, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. We tested several applications and chose the most reliable:

• 📴 Screen Off and Lock (free, Play Market). A simple application that allows you to turn off the screen by timer or during certain events, including calls. For automatic operation, you will need to provide permissions for Special Features.
• 🔄 Automate (shareware). A powerful tool for creating automated scripts. You can set up a rule: “If there is a call → turn off the screen after 5 seconds.” Requires time to set up, but provides maximum flexibility.
• 🛡️ MacroDroid (free with restrictions). Analogue Automate, but with a simpler interface. Suitable for beginners.

Example setup in MacroDroid:

1. Create a new macro.
2. Select as a trigger Phone → Incoming call.
3. Add action Screen → Turn off screen.
4. Set a delay of 3-5 seconds (to have time to see who is calling).
5. Save and activate the macro.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Screen Off and Lock permissions are required Special features or Overlaying on top of other applications. Without them, automatic screen shutdown will not work. Also, some antiviruses (for example Avast) can block such utilities - add them to the exceptions.

On devices with Android 12+, some screen control applications may not work due to restrictions security policies. In this case, only root access or ADB commands will help (see Method 5).

Method 4: Setting up via ADB (without root access)

If you are not afraid of the command line, you can change system settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but will require a computer and a USB cable.

Instructions:

1. Enable Debugging USB on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The name of your device should appear.

4. Run the command to turn off the screen during calls:

   adb shell settings put global incoming_call_screen_off 1

5. Restart the phone.

If the command didn't work, try the alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS

This method works on most devices with Android 9–13, but on some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) you may need to additionally configure permissions via ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.android.phone android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

Method 5: Root access and editing system files

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option remains - manually editing system files. This method requires root access and is suitable only for experienced users.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the path /system/csc/ or /system/build.prop (the path may differ depending on the firmware).
3. Find the file others.xml or feature.xml and open it in a text editor.
4. Add line:

   <CscFeature_VoiceCall_EndCallDelay>0</CscFeature_VoiceCall_EndCallDelay>

   or

   ro.telephony.call_screen_off=true

5. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r--) and reboot the device.

On Samsung s One UI it may be necessary to edit the file /efs/carrier/HiddenMenu or use the utility CSC Feature Enabler (available on XDA Developers).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of warranty, soft-brick (system failure) or phone malfunctions. Before making changes, make a backup (backup) via TWRP or another recovery. Also note that after updating the firmware, all changes may be reset.

Method	Difficulty	Root required?	Works on	Cons
Standard settings	⭐	No	Pure Android, some skins	Not on all devices
Do not disturb mode	⭐⭐	No	Android 8+	May conflict with exceptions
Third-party applications	⭐⭐	No (but special permissions are required)	Android 6–13	May not work on new versions
ADB commands	⭐⭐⭐	No	Android 9–13	Resets after update
Editing system files	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Yes	Any firmware	Risk of damaging the system

What to do if the screen does not go off even after all the settings?

If you have tried all the methods, but the screen still remains on, check the following points:

• 🔄 Conflict with other functions. Disable it for a while:
  • Pocket mode (Settings → Advanced → Sensors).
  • Gestures or touch buttons (for example, “Double tap to wake”).
  • Apps for recording calls (for example, ACR or Cube Call Recorder).
• 📞 Alternative dialer. If you use a third-party application for calls (for example, Truecaller or Google Phone), check its settings - there may be a separate option for controlling the screen.
• 🔋 Energy saving. Some modes (for example, Ultra Power Saving on Samsung) block automatic screen shutdown. Turn them off during the test.
• 🛠️ Reset settings. As a last resort, reset the dialer settings to standard (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).

If the problem persists, it may be due to a hardware malfunction (for example, incorrect operation of the proximity sensor). To check this, call the phone and cover the top of the screen with your hand - if the display does not go off, the sensor may be dirty or damaged. In this case, only a service center can help.

How to check the sensor. proximity?

Open the engineering menu (dial ##4636## in the dialer), select Sensor Test and check the sensor's response to the approach of a hand. If the values do not change, the sensor is faulty or disabled by software.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the screen turning off when the hand is approached. calls

Is it possible to make the screen go dark only when calling from unknown numbers?

Yes, but this will require an application like MacroDroid or TaskerCreate a rule with the condition: “If there is an incoming call AND the number is not in contacts → turn off. screen". In MacroDroid there is a trigger for this Contact Lookup.

Why does the screen not go dark again after updating Android?

Updating the firmware resets many system settings, including those that were changed via ADB or root. After the update, repeat the settings using the selected method. If you use root, check if the superuser rights have been lost.

Will automatic screen shutdown work if the phone is lying face down?

Depends on the firmware. On most devices, the proximity sensor is disabled if the screen is closed (for example, in a case or lying on a table). In this case, the screen may remain on. To avoid this, use applications. like Screen Off and Lock with a delay of 3-5 seconds.

Is it possible to set the time after which the screen will go dark?

Yes, but not in all firmwares the time is set in the dialer settings (usually 5-10 seconds). data-i="252">or Samsung or Xiaomi you will have to use ADB or MacroDroid. For example, in MacroDroid you can set a delay before turning off the screen (for example, 7 seconds).

Is it true that Does turning off the screen during calls save battery power?

Yes, but the effect depends on the type of screen. On devices with AMOLEDdisplays (for example, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel) the savings are more noticeable, since black pixels do not consume energy. data-i="262">-screens (for example, on some models LCD-screens (for example, on some models Xiaomi or Nokia) the gain is smaller, but is still present due to turning off the backlight.