You make a phone call, raise your smartphone to your ear, and the screen continues to glow, buttons are accidentally pressed, and the conversation turns into torture. Is this a familiar situation? The problem occurs on devices of all brands: from budget ones to flagship ones. In 80% of cases, the proximity sensor is to blame, but sometimes the root of evil lies deeper - in the firmware, mechanical damage or even malware. The screen does not turn off when talking on Android, found on devices of all brands: from budget Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel. In 80% of cases, the proximity sensor is to blame, but sometimes the root of evil lies deeper - in the firmware, mechanical damage, or even malware.

In this article we will look at all possible reasonswhy the screen does not go off during a call - from the banal to the exotic. You will learn how to check the proximity sensor without special tools, which settings should be checked first, and when it is time to take your phone to a service center. We have also compiled a unique table of compatibility of solutions with popular smartphone modelsso that you do not waste time on useless manipulations.

Spoiler: in 60% of cases the problem can be solved in 5 minutes on your own - without flashing and disassembling the phone. Let's start with the simplest.

1. Proximity sensor: how it works and why it breaks

The proximity sensor is a small infrared sensor that detects when you bring the phone to your ear. In its normal state, it turns off the screen and touchscreen during a conversation to avoid accidental presses. If the sensor fails or is blocked, the screen remains active.

Where is the sensor? It is usually located to the right of the speaker (when looking at the screen) and looks like a small round hole or a transparent dot under the glass. On some models (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 or Xiaomi 13) it may be difficult to see - manufacturers disguise the sensor under a black frame.

  • 🔍 Dirty sensor: dust, sweat or remnants of a protective film can block the infrared signal. This is especially true for phones that are often carried in a pocket without a case.
  • 💥 Mechanical damage: dropping the phone or hitting the top of the case can dislodge the sensor or damage its contacts.
  • 🖥️ Firmware failure: after updating Android or resetting the settings, the sensor may stop working process signals correctly.
  • 🛠️ Incorrect calibration: if the sensor is calibrated with errors (for example, after replacing the glass), it will not respond on time.

How to check the sensor yourself? Use secret code for diagnostics:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone information → Sensors and look at the readings Proximity sensor. Place your hand near the sensor - the value should change from 5.0 cm to 0.0 cm. If the numbers are not updated or show incorrect data, the sensor is faulty.

📊 What brand is your smartphone?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco
Google Pixel
OnePlus
Honor/Huawei
Other

2. Software failures: Android settings and errors

If the proximity sensor is working, but the screen still does not go off, the problem may lie in system settings or software conflicts. Most often the culprit is:

  • 📱 Disabled "Screen during call": in some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) this option can be accidentally deactivated.
  • 🔄 Crash after update: if the problem appeared after an Android update, a bug in the new software version is to blame.
  • 🚫 Conflict with applications: call recording apps, alternative dialers or optimizers can block the standard behavior of the screen.

How to fix:

  1. Check your call settings:
    • On Samsung: Settings → Additional features → During a call → Screen during a call (should be Off).
    • On Xiaomi: Settings → System applications → Phone → Screen during a call.
    • On "pure" Android: Settings → System → Gestures → Screen during a call.
  • Remove conflicting applications. Start with apps for recording conversations (for example, Cube Call Recorder), alternative dialers (Truecaller, Drupe) or optimizers like Clean Master.
  • Reset application settings Phone data-i="102">Attention:
    • Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset settings.
    • ⚠️ Attention: This will delete your call history but will not affect your contacts.

    Check your screen settings during a call|

    Uninstall call recording applications|

    Reset the settings of the "Phone" application|

    Update the firmware to the latest version-->

    If the problem appeared after updating Android, try roll back to the previous version (if possible) or wait for a patch from the manufacturer. On forums XDA Developers they often publish temporary solutions for such bugs.

    ⚠️ Attention: some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or OnePlus) block the ability to roll back the firmware. Before attempting to downgrade, check your brand's policy.

    3. Mechanical damage: cases, glass and falls

    Even if the proximity sensor is working, its operation may be impaired due to physical obstacles. Common reasons:

    • 📱 Thick or unsuitable cover: some bumpers and covers with enhanced protection block the sensor, especially if they are not original.
    • 🔧 Poor-quality protective glass: cheap glass with poor transparency in the area sensors may block the infrared signal.
    • 💥 Cracks or chips in the upper part of the screen: even minor damage can displace the sensor or break its contacts.

    How to check:

    1. Remove the case and protective glass, then check the operation of the sensor (for example, using the code ##4636##).
    2. Shine a flashlight on the sensor area - if cracks or foreign objects are visible (for example, glass glue), this may be the cause.
    3. Try making a call by lightly pressing on the top of the screen near the speaker. If the screen goes blank - the sensor is not pressed well.

    If the problem is in the case or glass, the solution is simple - replace them. If mechanical damage to the case is to blame, you will need disassembling the phone to check the sensor contacts. In this case, it is better to contact service.

    What to do if the sensor moves away from the board?

    If the proximity sensor moves away from the motherboard (for example, after a fall), you can solder it back. However, this requires experience with soldering equipment and a microscope. The cost of such repairs in the service usually does not exceed 1,500–2,500 rubles, depending on the phone model.

    4. Viruses and malware: hidden threats

    Rarely, but it happens: the screen does not go dark during a call due to virus or spywarethat interferes with the operation of the system. Such apps can:

    • 🕵️ Block the proximity sensor to record conversations.
    • 📊 Change screen settingsto show advertising over the interface.
    • 🔄 Modify system filesresponsible for processing calls.

    How to detect and remove:

    1. Scan your phone with an antivirus. We recommend Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Mobile - they are better than the standard one Google Play Protect.
    2. Look for suspicious applications:
      • Go to Settings → Applications and sort the list by installation date.
      • Delete everything that you did not install (especially with names like System Update, Flash Player or Cleaner Pro).
  • Check administrator rights:
    • In Settings → Security → Device Administrators there should be no unknown apps.

      • If the antivirus did not find anything, but suspicions remain, run reset to factory settingsBefore doing this, be sure to save. data!

      ⚠️ Attention: some spyware (for example, Pegasus) can disguise themselves as system processes and not be detected by antiviruses. If you suspect a targeted attack, contact cybersecurity experts.

      5. Firmware features: MIUI, One UI, ColorOS and others

      Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, and these changes can affect the operation of the proximity sensor. Let's look at the most common cases:

      Brand/Firmware Typical problem Solution
      Xiaomi (MIUI) The "Screen during a call" function is disabled by default in some regional firmware. Enable in Settings → System applications → Phone → Screen during a call.
      Samsung (One UI) Failure after updating via Smart Switch. Reset the settings of the "Phone" application or update the firmware via Odin.
      OPPO/Realme (ColorOS) Conflict with the "Smart Assistant" function during calls. Disable Settings → Convenience → Smart Assistant → Screen during a call.
      Google Pixel (Stock Android) Bug in Android 13/14, when the sensor responds with a delay. Update to the latest patch or roll back to Android 12.

      If your smartphone is with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be due to incorrect assembly. Try:

      1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
      2. Install an alternative kernel (for example, FrancoKernel).
      3. Return to stock firmware.
    💡

    On Xiaomi from MIUI sometimes it helps to switch the firmware region to Europe (EEA) via Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on the logo).

    6. Hardware faults: when you need service

    If all software methods have been tried, but the screen still does not go off, there may be a problem hardware. Here are the signs that the phone needs repair:

    • 🔌 The sensor does not respond to tests (readings ##4636## do not change).
    • 💡 The screen backlight blinks or flickers during a call.
    • 🔊 The speaker operates with interference —this may indicate damage to the cable to which the sensor is connected.
    • 📉 The phone is overheating in the upper part of the case—the contacts may be broken.

      • What could be faulty:

      Component Cause of failure Repair cost (approximately)
      Sensor proximity Mechanical damage, oxidation of contacts 800–2,000 rub.
      Display cable Breakage or damage after a fall 1,500–4 000 rub.
      Motherboard Problems with soldering the sensor or screen controller 3,000–10,000 rub.

      If you decide to repair the phone yourself:

      1. Buy original sensor (for example, Samsung Galaxy A52 suitable GH82-22946A).
      2. Use plastic pick to carefully disconnect the cables.
      3. Before disassembling discharge the battery to 20-30%to avoid short circuit.
      ⚠️ Attention: self-replacement of the proximity sensor on modern smartphones (for example, iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23) may lead to loss of sealing (IP68). In this case, it is better to contact the service.
      💡

      If the screen does not go off only when using a headset, the problem may be in the connector Type-C or Lightning. Try cleaning the port with alcohol or replacing the cable.

      7. Alternative solutions: if all else fails

      If you cannot fix the problem, but you need your phone urgently, you can use temporary solutions:

      • 📱 Manually turning off the screen: during a call, press the power button to lock the screen. Inconvenient, but it works.
      • 🔄 Applications for forced shutdown: Proximity Sensor Fix or Screen Off and Lock can emulate the operation of the sensor.
      • 🎧 Use a headset: when headphones are connected, the screen turns off automatically on most phones.
      • 🔧 ADB commands (for advanced users): 
        adb shell settings put system proximity_delay 0

        This command resets the sensor response delay.

      If you If you plan to sell the phone be sure to indicate the problem in the description this will relieve the buyer of claims. On the secondary market, a smartphone with a faulty proximity sensor loses up to 15–20% of the cost.

      How to sell a phone with a broken sensor?

      Specify in the ad

      "The screen does not go dark during a call (the proximity sensor needs to be replaced)." This is fair and will reduce the number of refusals. The average repair cost for a buyer is 1,000–3,000 rubles, so reduce the price by this amount.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions

      Can I use the phone if the proximity sensor does not work?

      Yes, but this is inconvenient: during a call, the screen will remain on, and you may accidentally press the buttons with your ear or cheek. It also uses up battery power faster. A temporary solution is to lock the screen with the power button or use a headset.

      On mine Redmi Note 10 the screen turns off, but after 5-10 seconds it turns on again. What's the matter?

      This is a typical problem MIUIrelated to battery optimization. Try:

      1. Disable Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → Phone.
      2. Reset the Phone application settings.
      3. Update the firmware to the latest version.

      If it doesn’t help, it’s a firmware bug, wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

      After replacing the screen, the sensor stopped working. What to do?

      Most likely, the technicians did not connect the sensor cable or damaged it during installation. Return to the service center and ask for a free repair - it's their mistake. If you changed the screen yourself, check:

      • Whether the sensor cable is connected to the motherboard.
      • Is the connector damaged (sometimes the contacts are bent).
      • Does the new screen match the phone model (some “universal” displays come without sensor).

      On Samsung Galaxy S22 the sensor works, but the screen does not go off. Why?

      There is a separate setting for this. Check: One UI There is a separate setting for this. Check:

      1. Settings → Additional features → During a call → Screen during a call (should be Off).
      2. Disable Settings → Convenience → Gestures and movements → Raise to wake - sometimes this interferes with the sensor.

      If that doesn’t help, reset the dialer settings or update the firmware via Samsung Smart Switch.

      Can I repair the proximity sensor myself?

      Theoretically yes, but it requires experience. You will need:

      • New sensor (cost - 200–1,000 rubles).
      • Set of screwdrivers and plastic picks.
      • Hair dryer for softening the glue (if the screen is glued).

      Risks: damage to the display cable, loss tightness (for waterproof models), leave traces of tampering. For iPhone or flagship Samsung it is better to contact the service.