Are you talking on the phone, bringing it to your ear, and the screen stubbornly continues to glow? This is not only annoying, but also quickly drains the battery, and in some cases can lead to accidental presses during a call. Normally proximity sensor should automatically turn off the display when you bring the smartphone to your head - but what to do if this function stops working?

The problem occurs on devices from all manufacturers - from budget Xiaomi Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy S23. The reasons may lie in both software failures and hardware failures. In this article we will look at all possible reasons why the screen does not go dark when talking on Androidincluding hidden settings that are often overlooked even by experienced users.

Important: if the problem appeared after the phone was dropped or got wet, first check the physical condition of the sensor - it may require repair. In all other cases, one of the methods suggested below will help.

1. How the proximity sensor works and why it may fail

The proximity sensor is a small infrared sensor located next to the front camera or speaker. It measures the distance to an object (in this case, your ear) and sends a signal to the system to turn off the screen. Most smartphones use infrared (IR) sensor, but some models (for example, Google Pixel 6) use ultrasonic sensor.

Causes of sensor failures:

  • 🔄 Sensor contamination —dust, dirt or protective film can block the infrared signal.
  • 📱 Software conflict —errors in the firmware or conflicting applications (especially those that work with calls).
  • 🔧 Incorrect settings —disabled sensor function in system parameters.
  • 💥 Physical damage —after a fall or impact, the sensor may fail.

Interesting fact: on some smartphones (for example, OnePlus 9 Pro) the proximity sensor is used not only during calls, but also to automatically switch between speakers when watching a video in landscape orientation.

📊 How often do you have a problem with the proximity sensor?
Constantly
Sometimes
Used to be, now not
Never

2. Checking the proximity sensor: 3 diagnostic methods

Before proceeding with the settings, make sure that the sensor really does not work. Here's how to check it:

  1. Test through the engineering menu:

    Dial the code ##4636## (for most Androids) → select Phone information → scroll to the block Sensors. Look at the value Proximity sensor:

    • 🔴 5.00 cm —the sensor does not work (problem).
    • 🟢 0.00 cm —the sensor is working (cover it with your hand, the value should change).

  • Testing application:

    Install Phone Doctor Plus or Sensor Test from Google Play. In the section Proximity check the sensor's response to the approach of a hand.

  • Manual test during a call:

    Call another phone and cover the sensor with your finger (not the speaker!). The screen should go dark after 1-2 seconds. If not, the problem is confirmed.

    • 💡

    If the sensor does not respond even in the engineering menu, try cleaning its area with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol. Sometimes it is enough to remove dirt to restore performance.

    3. Android settings that interfere with the sensor's operation

    Often the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in incorrect system or application settings. Check the following parameters:

    Settings Where it is What to do
    Pocket mode Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → In mode pocket" Disable if the function is active - it may conflict with the sensor.
    Auto-rotate screen Settings → Display → Auto-rotate Enable if disabled - on some firmware this affects the sensor proximity.
    Energy saving Settings → Battery → Power saving mode Disable or add the "Phone" application to exceptions.
    Call settings Settings → Applications → Phone → Notifications Check whether the "Screen during a call" option is disabled.

    Pay special attention Phone application settings (not to be confused with system settings!). For example, in MIUI (Xiaomi) there is a separate switch Proximity sensor in the section Call settings → Advanced.

    ☑️ Checking settings before repair

    Done: 0 / 5

    4. Software failures: how to fix without resetting

    If the sensor is working, but the screen still does not go off, the problem may be in the firmware or conflicting applications. Try these methods:

    • 📱 Clearing the Phone app cache:

      Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Clear cache. This will remove temporary data that may interfere with the sensor.

    • 🔄 Reset network settings:

      Sometimes the problem is related to the mobile network. Perform a reset in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

    • 🛠️ Firmware update:

      Manufacturers often fix bugs with sensors in updates. Check for updates in Settings → System → Software update.

    • 🚫 Removing problematic applications:

      Some apps (for example, Truecaller, Call Recorder) can block the operation of the sensor. Start the phone in safe mode (press the power button → "Safe Mode") and check if the problem persists.

    ⚠️ Attention: If the problem appeared after updating Android, try rolling back to the previous firmware version (if a backup is available). On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy A52) bugs with the proximity sensor were massively fixed only 2-3 months after the update was released.

    5. Hardware reasons: when a workshop is needed

    If none of the software methods helped, the problem may be physical. Here are the most common hardware faults:

    • 🔍 Damaged proximity sensor — after a fall or impact, the sensor may crack or move away from the board. In this case, the screen will not go dark under any conditions.
    • 🔌 The sensor cable has come loose is a common problem after disassembling the phone (for example, after replacing the screen). The cable may not be connected tightly or damaged.
    • 📱 Faulty motherboard — if the sensor does not receive power due to problems with the board, it will not work even after replacement.
    • 🛡️ Factory defect —on new ones phones (especially budget models Realme or Pocosometimes you come across defective sensors.

    How to diagnose a hardware problem:

    1. Shine a flashlight on the sensor area (next to anterior chamber). If cracks or chips are visible, the sensor is damaged.
    2. Try to lightly press on the top of the screen next to the sensor. If the screen starts to go dark, there is a problem with the cable contact.
    3. Connect the phone to the computer and check the sensor logs via ADB (command adb shell dumpsys sensorservice). If the sensor is not displayed in the list, it is faulty or disabled at the system level.
    ⚠️ Attention: Self-repair of the proximity sensor requires disassembling the phone and may void the warranty. On devices with IP certification (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 c IP68), the seal may be damaged after disassembly.

    6. Alternative solutions: if the sensor does not work

    If you cannot fix the sensor, you can use workarounds. They will not replace the full operation of the sensor, but will reduce discomfort:

    • 📱 Applications for forcing the screen to turn off:

      Utilities like Proximity Sensor Fix or Gravity Screen can emulate the operation of the sensor or turn off the screen using a timer/gesture.

    • ⏱️ Sleep timer screen:

      Some firmwares (for example, ColorOS na Oppo) have an option to automatically turn off the screen N seconds after the start of a call. Look for it in Settings → Accessibility → Ease of control.

    • 🔕 Using a headset:

      Connect wireless headphones (for example, AirPods or Galaxy Buds) - screen will turn off automatically when you answer a call through them.

    • 📵 Manually turning off the screen:

      During a call, quickly press the power button to lock the screen. Inconvenient, but it works 100%.

    How to enable forced screen off on Xiaomi

    In firmware MIUI 12+ go to Settings → Accessibility → Advanced → Automatically turn off the screen during a call and activate the option. If it is not there, update the firmware or use ADB-command: 

    settings put global proximity_delay 1000

    This command sets a delay of 1 second before turning off the screen.

    7. Frequently asked questions about the proximity sensor

    🔍 Why does the sensor work only with a protective film, but not without it?

    Some films (especially matte or with UV protection) have a special coating that improves the passage of the infrared signal. Without the film, the sensor may become blind due to dirt or scratches on the glass. Try applying a new film with a cutout for the sensor.

    📱 Is it possible to calibrate the proximity sensor yourself?

    Most Android smartphones do not have a built-in proximity sensor calibration function (unlike a gyroscope or accelerometer). However, on some devices (for example Sony Xperia), calibration is available through the engineering menu (##7378423## → Service tests → Proximity sensor). For other models, only resetting or repair will help.

    ⚡ Why does the sensor respond with a delay of 2-3 seconds?

    The delay may be due to:

    • Energy saving mode (the processor reduces the frequency of polling the sensors).
    • The manufacturer's shell (for example, EMUI on Huawei artificially delays the screen turning off).
    • Bad contact of the cable (the sensor "blinks" and does not work immediately).

    Try to disable energy saving or reset the settings of the "Phone" application.

    🛠️ How much does it cost to replace the proximity sensor?

    The cost depends on the phone model:

    • Budget smartphones (Redmi, Samsung Galaxy A): 800–1500 ₽ (with work).
    • Flagships (Galaxy S, Google Pixel): 2000–4000 ₽ (often the entire display module needs to be replaced).
    • iPhone (if we are talking about a sensor in the Androidversion): 3000–6000 ₽ (due to the high cost of original spare parts).

    In the manufacturer's service centers (for example, Samsung Service) replacement will cost more, but will maintain the warranty.

    🔄 Can resetting to factory settings help?

    Yes, but only if there is a problem software A reset will delete all user data and return the sensor settings to factory settings. Before resetting:

    1. Create a backup via Settings → System → Backup.
    2. Remember accounts (especially Google and Mi Accountif this Xiaomi).
    3. Reset in Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data.

    If after resetting the sensor worked, the problem was in conflicting software or settings.

    💡

    In 90% of cases, the problem with the proximity sensor is solved software: by clearing the cache, updating the firmware or resetting the settings. A physical malfunction is usually accompanied by other symptoms (for example, the front camera or speaker does not work).