Screen fading during a call on Android: how to enable and configure

During a phone call, the smartphone screen often remains active, which leads to accidental clicks, rapid battery drain and discomfort - especially if you press the device to your ear. The screen fading during a call function (or “proximal sensor”) is designed to solve this problem: it automatically turns off the backlight when you bring the phone to your head, and turns it back on when you move away. However, on many devices this option is either disabled by default or hidden in the depths of the settings.

In this article we will analyze all possible ways to activate screen fading from standard Android settings to manual edits of system files for advanced users. You will learn why the function may not work even after turning it on, how to check if the proximity sensor is working properly, and what to do if the settings are missing in the menu of your smartphone. We will separately consider the nuances for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular brands.

Why the screen does not go dark during a call: the main reasons

Before setting up fading, it is important to understand why the function may not be available or work incorrectly. Here are the most common reasons:

• 🔹 The proximity sensor is disabled or faulty — physical damage or contamination of the sensor (for example, after a fall or moisture).
• 🔹 Software failure —errors in the firmware, conflicts with the manufacturer’s shell (for example, MIUI or One UI).
• 🔹 Settings reset — after updating Android or resetting to factory settings, the function may be deactivated.
• 🔹 Third-party applications —some apps (for example, call managers or launchers) block the operation of the proximal sensor.
• 🔹 Lack of support —on budget devices or custom firmware, the function can be removed to save resources.

If your smartphone new (released after 2018), Most likely, the problem lies in the settings or software. For older models (for example Samsung Galaxy S5 or Xiaomi Redmi 4A), you should first check the presence of a proximity sensor - it may not have been included in the basic configuration.

Standard method: enable via Android settings

On most devices, screen fading is controlled through the menu call settings. The instructions are suitable for "pure" Android (for example, Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) and most shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS):

1. Open application Phone (standard call).
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to section Calls → Additional settings (or General settings).
4. Find the option Disable screen when proximity, Proximity sensor or Turn off the screen during a call.
5. Activate the switch and save the changes.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) the path may differ:

Settings → Additional functions → Sensors → Proximity sensor during a call

Make sure that the sensor is not covered with a case or film|

Check for dirt in the area of the top panel (next to the speaker)|

Update the firmware to the latest version|

Close all background applications, especially call managers|

Restart your smartphone before changing the settings-->

Important! If an option is not in the menu, this does not always mean that it is not in the system. Perhaps it is hidden by the manufacturer. In this case, one of the alternative methods will help. described below.

Alternative methods for enabling screen fading

If the standard method does not work, try these options. They are suitable for devices with custom firmware, outdated versions of Android or non-standard shells.

Method 1: Using the engineering menu (code ##)

On many smartphones (especially Samsung, Huawei, Meizu), you can enable the proximity sensor through the hidden engineering menu. To do this:

1. Open the application Phone and enter the combination:

   ##7378423##

   (for Sony Xperia use ##737841##).

2. In the menu that opens, select Service tests → Proximity sensor.
3. Check the status of the sensor. If it is Not available, then the sensor is physically missing or damaged.
4. To activate, find the option Enable proximity sensor and set the value On.

Critical! Do not change other parameters in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose - this may lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Method 2: Applications for managing sensors

If system settings do not provide access to the proximal sensor, use third-party utilities. The best options:

• 📱 Proximity Sensor Reset — resets the sensor settings and tests its performance.
• 🛠️ Sensor Box for Android — shows the status of all sensors, including approach.
• 🔧 Proximity Sensor Fixer —corrects calibration errors (requires root access).

Install one of the applications from Google Play, run the sensor test and follow the instructions on the screen. Please note: some utilities require permissions to access telephone functions - provide them only to trusted apps. with a high rating.

What to do if the application does not see the sensor?

If the utility shows that the sensor is missing, but you are sure that your model has it, try:

1. application.

2. Check for firmware updates.

3. Reset the smartphone to factory settings (with data backup).

4. Contact the service center - the sensor may be disabled at the hardware level.

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced)

If you have root access, you can manually activate screen fading by editing the file build.prop. This method is suitable for advanced users and can lead to unstable operation of the system in case of errors.

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Navigate to the path /system/build.prop and open the file in a text editor.
3. Add the line:

   ro.lge.proximity_sensor=true

   (for devices LG) or

   persist.sys.proximity=true

   (universal option).

4. Save changes, restart your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention! Incorrect editing build.prop may cause bootloop (loading loop). Before making changes, create a backup copy of the file.

Checking the functionality of the proximity sensor

To make sure that the problem not in the hardware, test the sensor. You can do this without third-party applications:

1. Open the application Phone and dial:

   #0#

   (for Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus and most other brands). data-i="150">In the menu that opens, select

2. In the menu that opens, select Proximity (or Proximity sensor).
3. Cover the top of the screen with your hand. If the sensor is working, the screen should change color to green (or show a message Covered).

An alternative method is to use application AIDA64:

1. Install AIDA64 from Google Play.
2. Go to section Sensors.
3. Find the line Proximity and check the response to proximity hands.

Sensor status	What to do
Works (reacts to the hand)	Problem in the software settings - check the methods above.
Does not respond, but is in the list	Possibly dirty or damaged. Try cleaning the sensor area with alcohol.
Not in the list	The sensor is physically missing or disabled at the firmware level.
Shows an error	Diagnostics required at a service center.

Setting features for popular brands

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so the path to screen fading settings may differ. Let's consider the nuances for top brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Galaxy (for example, S23, A54, Note 20) the function is hidden in the menu additional features:

Settings → Additional functions → Sensors → Proximity sensor during a call

If the option is missing, update the firmware via Settings → Software update. On older models (up to Galaxy S8), you may need to reset the settings.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

In the shell MIUI (for example, on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) the path is as follows:

Settings → Applications → Phone → Call settings → Proximity sensor

If the function is inactive, try disabling battery optimization for the application Phone:

Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All applications → Phone → Unlimited

Google Pixel

On "pure" Android (Pixel 7, Pixel 6a), screen fading is turned on automatically and does not have a separate switch. If the function does not work:

1. Check system updates in Settings → System → System update.
2. Reset application settings Phone:

   Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset settings

Huawei (EMUI) and Honor

On devices with EMUI (for example Huawei P50, Honor 90) the path is as follows:

Settings → System → Sensors → Proximity sensor

If the option is missing, try turning on Do Not Disturb mode during a call - this may indirectly activate fading.

⚠️ Attention! On some devices Huawei after updating to EMUI 12+ the proximity sensor function may conflict with navigation gestures. In this case, disable gestures in Settings → System → Gestures.

What to do if nothing helps?

If you have tried all the methods, but the screen still does not go off during a call, consider these options:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings —a radical but effective way. Don't forget to back up your data!
• 🛠️ Flashing — if the problem is in the software, installing official firmware via Odine (for Samsung) or Fastboot may help.
• 📱 Using alternative dialers —some applications (for example, Truecaller or Google Phone) have their own screen attenuation settings.
• 🔧 Contacting service —if the sensor is physically is damaged, its replacement will cost 500–1500 rubles (depending on the model).

For a temporary solution, you can manually lock the screen with the power button during a call. However, this is inconvenient and does not solve the problem of accidental clicks.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the screen fading during a call

Why does the screen go dark but not turn back on after moving the phone away?

This is a typical problem incorrect sensor calibration. Try:

1. Clean the sensor area from dirt.
2. Reset the sensor settings through the engineering menu (code ##7378423##).
3. Install the application Proximity Sensor Reset and execute calibration.

If it doesn’t help, the sensor is faulty.

Is it possible to enable screen fading without a proximity sensor?

Technically no, since the system will not be able to detect when the phone is brought to the ear. However, you can use alternative ones. solutions:

• Install the application Screen Off and Lock and assign a gesture (for example, shaking) to turn off the screen.
• Use a dialer with the function automatic lock (for example, ExDialer).

After updating Android, attenuation stopped working. What should I do?

Updates often reset sensor settings. Try:

1. Restart your smartphone.
2. Reset application settings Phone.
3. Roll back to the previous firmware version (if the function is critical).

If the problem is widespread, wait for a patch from the manufacturer.

I don’t have a proximity sensor on my smartphone?

Physically install the sensor cannot —it is soldered into the motherboard. Alternatives:

• Use a case with magnetic sensor (for example, Samsung Galaxy).
• Buy a smartphone that supports the function (even budget models Redmi or Realme are equipped with a sensor).

Fading works, but the screen turns on from accidental touches How. fix?

The problem is excessive sensor sensitivity. Solutions:

1. Turn on the mode Not disturb during a call.
2. Install a film with anti-reflective coating —it reduces false alarms.
3. Disable gestures on the lock screen in the security settings.