Are you talking on the phone, and the screen continues to light up, accidentally pressing buttons with your cheek or ear? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones Android —from budget Xiaomi Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy. In 80% of cases, the fault of the proximity sensor is to blame, but sometimes the root of evil lies deeper: in the firmware, energy saving settings, or even mechanical damage.

In this article you will find a complete checklist of solutions - from basic checks to hidden engineering settingsthat do not write on the forums. We will look at how to test a sensor without root access, which applications block its operation, and what to do if the problem appears after updating the OS. And for owners of older devices (up to Android 9 Pie) they added a separate section with nuances.

Spoiler: in 65% of cases, a simple reboot or clearing the cache of the “Phone” application helps. But if your case is included in the remaining 35%, read on.

1. Checking the proximity sensor: 3 ways without apps

The proximity sensor is a small sensor next to the front camera that detects when you hold the phone to your ear. If it is dirty, damaged or disabled by software, the screen will not turn off. Here's how to check it:

  • 🔦 Visual inspection: Take a flashlight and shine it on the top of the screen next to the speaker. The sensor looks like a small round hole (sometimes covered with glass). If it is clogged with dust or covered with a film, the problem has been found.
  • 📱 Call test: Call another phone and cover the sensor with your finger. The screen should go dark after 1-2 seconds. If not, the sensor does not work.
  • 🔄 Checking in the engineering menu: Dial the code ##4636## → select “Phone information” → scroll to the block Proximity Sensor. Cover the sensor with your hand - the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei and Honor the engineering menu is locked. Instead of the code, use the application Phone INFO ★Samsung★ (works on other brands).

📊 How often do you have a problem with the proximity sensor?
First time
After updating the OS
After replacing the screen/glass
Constantly, regardless of actions

2. Software failures: resetting settings and cache

If the sensor is working, but the screen still does not go off, the software is to blame. Start with the safest methods:

  1. Reboot your phone: Trivial, but it helps in 30% of cases. Hold the power button and select “Restart.”
  2. Clear the Phone application cache:
    • Open Settings → Applications.
    • Find the application “Phone” (or “Calls”)
    • Select “Storage” → “Clear cache.”
  • Reset network settings: Sometimes the problem is due to a conflict in network settings. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

    • If these steps did not help, try reset all settings (without deleting data): data-i="75">reset all settings

    Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings (not "Factory reset")

    Make sure the sensor is clean

    Check operation in safe mode

    Save important SMS/contacts

    Remember Wi-Fi passwords

    -->

    ⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ after the reset, you may need to re-authorize in some applications (for example, banking). Have backup codes at hand.

    3. Hidden Android settings: disabling gestures and modes

    Some Android functions conflict with the proximity sensor. Here's what you need to disable:

    Function Where to disable Why it interferes
    Gestures on the lock screen Settings → System → Gestures → Gestures on blocking May be falsely triggered during a call
    Pocket mode Settings → Display → Pocket mode Blocks the proximity sensor
    Adaptive brightness Settings → Display → Adaptive brightness Sometimes resets sensor settings
    Energy saving Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode Disables background processes of the sensor

    Pay special attention Pocket mode - it is on all Samsung and many Xiaomi. This feature should automatically lock the screen when the phone is in your pocket, but sometimes it conflicts with the proximity sensor.

    How to completely disable the Pocket mode on Samsung

    1. Open Settings → Additional features.

    2. Find “Movements and Gestures” → “Pocket Mode.”

    3. Disable the slider.

    4. Reboot your phone.

    4. Problems after the update: firmware rollback and patches

    If the screen stops going dark immediately after updating the OS, firmware bugs are to blame. Here's what to do:

    • 📲 Update Rollback: On some phones (for example, Pixel or OnePlus) you can roll back to the previous firmware version via Settings → System → System update → Back to previous version.
    • 🔧 Manual installation of the patch: For Samsung download the latest firmware from the website SamMobile and flash it via Odin. To Xiaomi use Mi Flash Tool.
    • 🛠️ Modified firmware: If an official rollback is not possible, try custom firmware like LineageOS (requires unlocking the bootloader).

    ⚠️ Attention: Rolling back the firmware may lead to data loss. First make a backup via Settings → Google → Backup or TWRP (for root users).

    1. Connect your phone to your PC.

    2. Enter the command:

    fastboot erase system

    3. Reflash the original firmware.

    -->

    5. Hardware faults: when to take it to service

    If none of the software methods helped, the problem may be physical:

    • 🔌 Damaged sensor cable: Often occurs after the phone has been dropped or the screen has been replaced. Symptoms: the sensor works every once in a while or does not respond at all.
    • 💧 Moisture ingress: Even after drying, oxidation of the contacts can disrupt the operation of the sensor. Check the moisture indicator (usually under the SIM card tray).
    • 🔧 Poor repair: If the glass or screen was recently replaced, the technician could damage the sensor or connect the cable incorrectly.

    Repair cost:

    Type of fault Average price (₽) Repair period
    Replacement of proximity sensor 800–2500 30–60 minutes
    Resoldering loop 1500–4000 1–2 hours
    Cleaning from oxidation 500–1500 20–40 minutes

    ⚠️ Attention: Before visiting the service, check whether the warranty is valid. If the phone is under warranty, do not open it yourself - this will void the manufacturer's obligations.

    💡

    If the proximity sensor is physically damaged, replacing it will cost less than repairing the cable. Always ask the service for both options.

    6. Alternative solutions: applications and workarounds

    If repairs are delayed and the problem is bothering you, use temporary solutions:

    • 📱 The "Proximity Sensor Fix" application: Simulates the operation of the sensor, forcibly turning off the screen during a call. Download in Google Play.
    • 🔄 Automatic lock: Set up the task in Tasker or Automateso that the screen is locked when the call starts.
    • 🎧 Using a headset: Connect wireless headphones - the screen will go dark when you move the phone away from your ear.

    For Tasker use this profile:

    Event: Phone → Call status (Incoming/Outgoing)

    Task:
    

    1. Display → Screen lock (if proximity sensor = close)
    

    2. Wait 30 seconds
    

    3. Display → Unlock (if proximity sensor = far)

    ⚠️ Attention: Apps like "Proximity Sensor Fix" require accessibility permission (Settings → Special. features → Applications with special. access). Do not install them from third-party sources - there is a risk of viruses.

    7. Features for older versions of Android (up to 9 Pie)

    On phones with Android 8 Oreo and older there may be additional nuances:

    • 🔧 No engineering menu: Use the application Sensor Test from the Play Market to check the sensor.
    • 📱 No “In Pocket” mode: Instead, there may be a “Smart Screen” function (Settings → Display).
    • 🔄 Reset via Recovery:
      1. Turn off phone.
      2. Hold Power + Volume Up.
      3. Select Wipe cache partition.

      • On Android 7 Nougat and below sometimes helps disabling animation:

      Settings → For developers → Window animation scale (turn off)
      How to enable developer mode on older Android

      1. Open Settings → About phone.

      2. Click on “Build number” 7 times.

      3. Return to the main settings menu - the “For Developers” item will appear.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem

      Can I fix the proximity sensor myself?

      Theoretically, yes, if the problem is pollution. Gently clean the sensor hole with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. But if the sensor is physically damaged (crack, detachment of the cable), soldering equipment and experience will be required - it is better to contact a service center.

      Why did the sensor stop working after replacing the glass?

      When replacing glass, craftsmen often forget to move the light filter of the sensor or damage its cable. Return to the service center and request warranty repairs. If the glass was glued on its own, check whether the sensor is covered with glue or film.

      The screen goes blank, but does not unlock after a call. What to do?

      This is the opposite problem - the sensor “wiggles” and thinks that the phone is still at the ear. Try:

      1. Disable “Pocket Mode” (if available).
      2. Reduce the screen lock timeout (Settings → Display → Sleep after 15 seconds of inactivity).
      3. Reset the Phone application settings (see section 2).

      The iPhone has the same problem. Will these solutions work?

      No, iPhone they have a different sensor architecture and OS. For them you need:

      1. Update iOS to the latest version.
      2. Reset settings via Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset all settings.
      3. Contact Apple Support if the problem is hardware.

      After updating MIUI, the screen does not turn off What should I do?

      On Xiaomi with firmware MIUI often helps:

      1. Disable “MIUI Optimization” (Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots → MIUI optimization).
      2. Install EU version of MIUI (if you have a global one).
      3. Manually enable the sensor through the engineering menu (code ##6484##).