How to remove the proximity sensor on Android: a complete guide

The proximity sensor in smartphones on Android is responsible for Automatically turns off the screen during phone calls when you bring the device to your ear. However, many users encounter situations where this sensor does not work correctly: the screen does not go dark during a call, buttons are accidentally pressed, or, conversely, the sensor is blocked for no reason. In some cases, the sensor interferes when using cases with magnetic closures or during games when the phone is close to the face.

You can disable the proximity sensor in several ways - from simple settings in the smartphone menu to complex manipulations with engineering menu or ADB commands. It's important to understand that deactivating this sensor may lead to inconvenience during calls (such as accidentally pressing your cheek on the screen), so weigh the pros and cons before changing your settings. In this article we will analyze all current methods for disabling the proximity sensor, including hidden functions and workarounds for different versions of Android.

Why disable the proximity sensor?

Before moving on to the instructions, it is worth understanding in what cases users decide to deactivate this sensor:

• 📱 Sensor malfunction: the screen does not go dark during calls, which is why buttons are accidentally pressed (for example, the end call key).
• 🎮 Game mode: in dynamic games (for example, shooters or racing), the phone may block the screen if held close to the face.
• 🧲 Conflict with cases: magnetic locks or thick cases sometimes activate the sensor when it is not needed.
• 🔧 Testing the device: during repair or Setting up your smartphone requires checking the operation of the sensor manually.
• 📞 Using a headset: if you often make calls through headphones, automatically turning off the screen may interfere with call control.

However, there is a downside: without a proximity sensor, the screen will appear during a call remain active, which increases the risk of accidental clicks. For example, you may accidentally end a call with your cheek or open another application. On some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi), this may cause the battery to drain quickly because the screen will not turn off automatically.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12 and newer, some methods for disabling the sensor may not work due to security restrictions. Before changing system settings, check the OS version in Settings → About phone.

Method 1: Disabling through the phone settings (without root)

The simplest method is to use the built-in settings of the smartphone. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide this option out of the box, but some models have it. Here's how to do it: Xiaomi, Huawei And Realme she is. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the application Settings.
2. Go to the section System or Additional settings (the name may vary).
3. Find the item Sensors, Motion or Gestures.
4. Look for the option Proximity sensor or Automatic screen off during a call.
5. Disable the slider or uncheck the box.

On smartphones Samsung this option may be hidden deeper: Settings → Access functions → Convenience → Proximity sensor.

If you do not find such an option, it means that the manufacturer has blocked its change through the standard menu - you will have to use other methods.

Method 2: Using the engineering menu (codes for different brands)

The engineering menu is a hidden settings section that allows you to test the hardware components of the smartphone, including sensors. To get there, you need to enter a special code in the application Phone. Important: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the operation of the device!

Here are the codes for popular brands:

Brand	Code for the engineering menu	Proximity sensor section
Samsung	#0#	Proximity Sensor (sensor test)
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	##4636##	Hardware Testing → Sensors
Huawei/Honor	##2846579##	Background Settings → Sensor Test
Realme/Oppo	*#808#	Manual Test → Proximity Sensor
Google Pixel	##4636##	Testing → Sensors

After entering the engineering menu:

1. Find the sensor testing section (Sensor Test or similar).
2. Select Proximity Sensor (proximity sensor).
3. In some menus there will be an option Disable or Turn Off. If it is not there, try setting the value 0 manually (if an input field is available).
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 and newer), the engineering menu may be blocked. In this case, try the method with ADB or installing third-party applications.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

- Correctness of the input (without spaces and extra characters).

- On some firmware codes are disabled - try another method.

- Devices with Android 13+ can block access to the engineering menu for security reasons.

Method 3: Disabling via ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage hidden smartphone settings via a computer. This method works on most devices, but requires preliminary preparation:

• 🖥️ Install ADB drivers on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
• 📱 Enable USB debugging on the phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times), then Settings → System → For developers → USB Debugging.
• 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC via USB (select mode File Transfer).

Next run the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb shell
settings put global proximity_delay 0
settings put global proximity_sensor_enabled 0

If these commands do not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell
su
echo 0 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/enable

After executing the commands, reboot the phone. To return the sensor to working condition, replace 0 with 1 in the commands above.

Method 4: Applications to disable the sensor

If you don’t want to mess around with settings or commands, you can use third-party applications. They usually require root access, but some work without them:

• 🔧 Proximity Sensor Reset — resets the sensor settings, sometimes helps with incorrect operation.
• 🛠️ Sensor Disabler (requires root) — allows you to disable any sensors, including proximity.
• 📱 QuickShortcutMaker — helps you find hidden sensor settings in the firmware.
• 🔄 MacroDroid — can emulate disabling the sensor through automation (without root).

Example of setting in MacroDroid:

1. Create a new macro.
2. As a trigger, select Proximity sensor → Activated.
3. Specify in action Disable screen (this will trick the system into thinking the sensor is working).
4. Save and activate the macro.

⚠️ Attention: Applications from unknown sources may contain malicious code. Only install them from Google Play i. check the reviews.

Method 5: Physically disconnecting the sensor (extreme method)

If software methods do not help, and the sensor is very annoying, some users resort to physical disconnection. This method is only suitable for experienced users, as it requires disassembling the phone and may void the warranty.

The proximity sensor is usually located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker. To disable it:

1. Remove the back cover of the phone (some models will require heating with a hairdryer).
2. Find the flexible cable connecting the top panel to the motherboard.
3. Carefully disconnect the sensor connector (usually it is labeled as PROXIMITY or SENSOR).
4. Assemble the phone back.

This method irreversible - after disconnecting the sensor will stop working forever. Also keep in mind that on some devices the proximity sensor is combined with the brightness, so disabling it may disrupt the automatic brightness adjustment.

What to do if the sensor does not turn off?

If none of the methods worked, perhaps the problem lies deeper:

• 🔄 Reset settings: Reset the phone to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). This will help if the failure is caused by a software error.
• 📲 Firmware update: Check for updates in Settings → Software update. Manufacturers sometimes fix bugs with sensors in new versions.
• 🛠️ Sensor calibration: There may be a calibration option in the engineering menu (Calibrate Proximity Sensor). Try it if the sensor is unstable.
• 🔧 Replacing the sensor: If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), it will have to be replaced at a service center.

On devices with Android 10 and newer, some settings may be blocked due to the security policy. In this case, only Google. In this case, it will only help unlocking the bootloader installing custom firmware will help (for example, LineageOS), but this is risky and will invalidate warranty.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling the proximity sensor

Is it possible to disable the sensor only during games?

Yes, the application is suitable for this MacroDroid or Tasker. Create a rule that will turn off the sensor when you start the game and turn it back on after it is closed. An alternative is to use the game mode (for example, Game Turbo on Xiaomi), if it supports this function.

Why does the screen turn off after the sensor is turned off? does not turn off during calls?

This is normal behavior - without a proximity sensor, the phone does not know that you brought it to your ear. To make the screen go dark during calls, you can manually set the screen timeout or use applications like Proximity Screen Offthat emulate the operation of the sensor.

Will Face Unlock work after turning it off? proximity sensor?

Yes, unlock by face uses the front camera and infrared sensor, not the proximity sensor. However, on some devices (for example, Huaweithese systems can be linked - check the operation of Face Unlock after disconnecting.

How to check if the proximity sensor is working?

Enter the engineering menu code for your phone (see table above) and select sensor test. You can also use applications like Sensor Test or CPU-Zthat show the status of all sensors in real time.

Is it possible to disable the sensor on an always-on display (AOD)?

No, Always On Display (AOD) and the proximity sensor are different functions. However, on some firmware (for example, MIUI), the sensor may affect the operation of the AOD. If the screen goes blank when your hand approaches, check. settings Display → Always On Display → Sensors.