Proximity sensor - what is it used for in a phone? How to disable the proximity sensor on Android

What is an Android proximity sensor?

A proximity sensor is a small element of the device that is activated when the phone and any object are physically close. Thanks to the correct operation of the proximity sensor during a conversation, the smartphone display turns off automatically as soon as the user brings it to the ear.

The Android proximity sensor is very useful and even necessary for at least two reasons, namely:

When the screen is turned off during a call, you will definitely not accidentally press any button on the touch screen, for example, with your ear or cheek
The Android proximity sensor allows you to save battery power. If the phone screen was turned on during a conversation, the battery charge would be consumed much faster, and this is extremely inconvenient for people who are used to or are forced to talk on the phone for a long time

The proximity sensor is located at the top of the smartphone. As a rule, it is located next to the front camera lens. On some devices, the sensor is visible to the naked eye, while on others it is not so easy to detect. To locate the proximity sensor, simply remove the device from your ear during a call and place your finger next to the front camera. If the display goes dark, it means you have found the sensor.

Sensor location and functional features

The proximity sensor is located on the top plate of the front side of the device. Usually there is a speaker, camera, proximity and lighting sensors. In the latest models, these sensors are combined into one.

How to find out where the sensor is located? Call a friend and place your finger close to the sensor (example of location in the screenshot below). When the screen goes dark, congratulations, it’s a proximity sensor.

The main function of this sensor is to react to an object approaching the phone screen. This technology was invented to automatically lock the display during phone calls, Viber or WhatsApp. The next time you make a call, notice how the screen goes dark when you bring the device to your ear and then lights up when the call ends.

The sensor itself sends an infrared light signal to determine how far away an object is and blocks it when it approaches.

With this approach we get two big advantages:

The screen is blocked from accidental ear presses, which prevents accidental termination of a conversation, turning on the speakerphone, you can also accidentally put the call on hold, etc.;
The second point is saving smartphone battery power. The phone's display is the main source of power consumption; when the screen is on, consumption increases and the battery drains quickly. When making calls with the screen off, the battery lasts longer;

Method 3: Factory reset

There is another way that you can do yourself - reset Android to factory settings. This feature, unfortunately, deletes all data from Android, so before doing this, do not forget to copy or backup all files, photos, music, videos, contacts and SMS messages.

Then go to Settings – Backup and reset and select “Factory settings”. This function may be located in a different place depending on the brand of phone and the version of Android installed.

After confirmation, the phone will reboot and all data will be deleted and the settings will be reset to factory settings. When you turn on your phone for the first time, you will have to go through the setup process again (selecting a language, logging into your Google account, etc.). After completion, check whether the screen works correctly during a call and whether it turns off when approaching your ear.

How to turn on the proximity sensor

Before you enable the proximity sensor on your Android device, it is important to find this option in the settings of your mobile device. On equipment of different brands it is placed in different places.

Usually you need to open "System Applications" and go to the "Phone" .

Here you should select the “Incoming calls” and move the slider opposite the line with the module name to the working position (or set the checkbox).

On smartphones from some companies, the required section can be found by dialing the number and opening call settings. In other cases, for example, on Samsung smartphones, you should open call logs, go to settings and activate the desired function there.

What is the error in his work?

There may be several reasons for incorrect operation:

in the Meizu Global or Mini settings the sensor is disabled;
after the fall, the device has changed position and is not level;
there is no seal, a small part is lost after removing the screen;
the device is damaged or burnt out;
the device may temporarily stop working correctly due to a failure in the firmware or bootloader;
incorrect installation during repair.

Meizu proximity sensor calibration error may appear due to dirt on the display. It is also recommended to remove the protective accessory and try to make a call without it. In the Android settings you should check whether the element is enabled. If the situation has not changed, you can proceed to calibration.

How to use the proximity module

The proximity sensor is initially in the active state. But it also happens that this sensor could, for some reason, initially be inactive, or it could simply be turned off by accident.

Turning the module back on is not difficult. Using the same sequence of actions, you can turn off the sensor if it has become unnecessary.

First, you need to go to “Settings” on your Android device, then, from the proposed list of settings, you need to select “System applications”. After this, in the new window that opens, you need to select the “Phone” tab.

Now you need to select calls from the proposed list. In it, find the line “Proximity sensor” and next to it bring the switch to the right side (or left, depending on what you need to do).

On some smartphone models there is a check mark instead of a slider. This means that the module is enabled and working. If it is necessary to turn it off, the user just needs to uncheck the box and save the changes.

Also, on mobile phones, enabling or disabling this component may look slightly different.

In this case, you need to proceed as follows:

You must first open the mobile phone input menu to make a call. And call up the settings (this is done either by pressing the “Settings” button; in some situations, instead of this type there is a properties button).

And now according to the same scheme that was described above:

We find the “Incoming calls” section, and in it the line “Proximity sensor”. Opposite it, move the slider to the left or right (depending on the desired result), or check or uncheck the box.

The names of some menu items and sections may differ slightly. This depends specifically on the mobile phone the user is using.

How to set up and calibrate the proximity sensor

If you notice signs of malfunctioning of the mechanism, such as untimely operation, calibration can help solve the problem. There are different ways to calibrate the proximity sensor on Android devices.

Checking the component

In order not to prematurely remove the screen from your mobile device, you need to check the serviceability of the proximity sensor on the Meizu M3 Note smartphone. The verification process consists of several stages.

Open the engineering menu. To do this, you need to dial the combination on your smartphone: *#*#3646633#*#* and make a call.
A menu will appear on the mobile phone screen. In it you need to open the Hardware Testing section, go to the sensor menu, open Light, and then go to the PS Data Collection subsection.
In the window that appears, open the Get One Data tab.
Rows of numbers will appear. Select the second line, where the number “0” initially appears.
When you cover the sensor with your hand, paper or other object and press the “Get One Data” button, the number “0” should change to the number “255”. In this case, the proximity sensor works properly.

Calibration using OS tools

You can calibrate the module without third-party utilities using the system capabilities. In Android 9 and previous OS versions, sensor calibration is performed as follows:

Let's go to the smartphone settings.
In the “System” block, open the “Special Features” section (for some models, the option may be in the “Screen” section).
Select the “Calibrate proximity sensor” item and confirm your intention.
You will need to bring an object to the device, then move it away and bring it closer, following the instructions on the display.
Upon completion of the procedure, apply the changes by clicking “Ok”. If the calibration was successful, you will see a corresponding message.

Engineering menu

What other way is there to configure the proximity sensor on Android? If you have the proper experience, dig into the engineering menu of your device. After dialing the code corresponding to your phone model, go to the menu, click on the “Hardware Testing” tab, click the “Sensor” button and select “Light/Proximity Sensor”.

Next, sequentially select “PS Calibration – Calibration – Calculate min value”. When the message “Calculate succeed” appears at the bottom of the screen, bring the object to the sensor and first click “Calculate Max value” and then “Do Calibration”. Upon completion of all manipulations, reboot the device.

If you do not know the code to enter the engineering menu of your smartphone, install the Engineer Mode MTK application.

How to check the Android proximity sensor using the engineering menu?

To check the Android proximity sensor using the engineering menu, you need to enter the combination *#*#3646633#*#* in the dialing menu. In the menu that opens, select the Hardware Testing tab, then select Sensor and click Light/Proximity Sensor. After that - PS Data Collection, and you will be taken to the proximity sensor testing window menu. You need to click Get One Data, and the number “0” should appear in the second line. Next, place your hand on the proximity sensor and press Get One Data again, the number “255” should appear. If everything is as in the above instructions, then the proximity sensor works correctly.

Special Applications

An alternative to the standard engineering menu is third-party applications. One of them is called “Proximity sensor: Reset”. After installing the program from the Market, launch it and click “Calibrate Sensor”. Cover the sensor with your hand or a piece of paper, click “Next”, then open the sensor and click “Next” again.

Now click the “Calibrate” button, confirm the action by clicking “Confirm” and reboot. The developer recommends using this application on rooted devices; if you do not have superuser rights, you most likely will not be able to calibrate the proximity sensor with it.

What to do if none of the methods helped solve the problem? The reasons why you cannot enable or disable, or calibrate the proximity sensor, in some cases are hardware in nature, and can only be eliminated at a service center. Also, the source of problems is often the “inappropriate” firmware of the gadget, which does not properly support all the functions of the hardware.

How to check the Android proximity sensor using the engineering menu?

How to resolve a calibration error

To resolve the proximity sensor calibration error on Meizu M3 Note L681H, you need to perform the procedure again.

To do this, you need to repeat the steps presented above.

Screen calibration

If, when you press the screen, the sensor does not respond well, or touches are detected incorrectly, it is possible to correct the problem. To do this, the sensor is calibrated. The process involves the following series of actions:

To calibrate the screen, it is advisable to remove the protective film or glass, but this is only a recommendation;
We go to the engineering menu by entering the command *#*#6484#*#*;
Find the “Touchpanel” option;
We move our fingers across the screen according to the instructions.

It is possible to use specialized applications that can be downloaded from the Play Market. These include Touchscreen Calibration, Display Calibration and the like. We use them last.

Thus, we looked at two ways to calibrate the display. If it doesn't help, then the problem is somewhere else.

How to disable the proximity sensor on Android?

Turn on your smartphone, go to “Settings” -> “System application”;
Scroll the application menu to the “Phone” item;
Select the item “Incoming calls”;
Read also: Huawei P10 Lite – Review of the very slippery youngest of the older ones
Disable the proximity sensor (uncheck the “Turn off the screen automatically when you bring the phone to your ear during a call”) option in this menu. The procedure and tools may vary depending on the model of your phone and the version of Android OS installed on it; in our case, we used a Xiaomi Mi5s smartphone with MIUI 9.
Test your phone again during a call. If you turn off the proximity sensor, the screen should not turn off when you hold it close to your face, or if you place your palm close to the screen during a call.

Through your smartphone settings

To turn off the option through your smartphone settings, follow these steps:

Go to the settings section of your smartphone and scroll down to the “System Applications” section.
Among the available applications, find “Calls” and go to the section to view detailed information.
Among the listed options, find “Incoming calls” and click on the line to go.
Find the "Proximity Sensor" item and click on it so that the slider turns gray. This means it will be disabled.

Through the installation of special programs

First, let's look at turning it off using the Smart Screen on/off program. To do this, follow these steps:

Find the program in the Play Store and install it.
After successful installation, open the application and click on the “OK” button to allow access to the device.
You will be redirected to the next page where you need to click the “Activate” button.
You will be redirected to the main page of the application, where you need to move the largest slider to the left to disable the proximity sensor. It should turn red.

The last way to disable it is through the Sensor Disabler app. To use this shutdown method, follow these steps:

Install the application of the same name in the Play Store.
After installation, click on the “Open” button to start working with the application.
Check the box indicated and click the “OK” button.
Swipe right to go to settings or click on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
Scroll down the settings menu to the “Proximity” section and click on it.
From the available options, select “Remove sensor”.
Click on the save button, which is located in the lower right corner.

After saving the data, the parameter settings will be saved.

How to disable the proximity sensor via Sensor Disabler

If the required option is not available in the system settings, then on an Android phone you can try disabling the sensor using a third-party application. In this tutorial we will use Sensor Disabler. Procedure:

Step 1 . Launch Play Store and download Sensor Disabler to your phone. Wait for the installation to complete and click on the “Open” button to start working with the application.

Step 2 . Call the "Settings" menu. To do this, swipe right or click on the icon in the form of three lines (in the upper left corner). In the menu that opens, click on the “Proximity” item.

Step 3 . Select “Remove sensor” to disable the proximity sensor (“Do nothing” - leave the default values, “Mock sensor values” - calibrate the values manually) and click on the “Save” icon in the lower right corner.

The changes will take effect immediately. With Sensor Disabler you can also revert to default values at any time. To do this, select “Do nothing” in the “Proximity” settings.

Sanity

The first solution to the problem is the Sanity application, which is not available on Google Play, but is available on third-party resources. It specializes in changing the “hardware” parameters of the phone - vibration, camera, sensors, etc.

Download Sanity from w3bsit3-dns.com

Install the application on your Android device and launch it. In it, tap on the “Proximity” tab.
We put a tick next to the “Turn off in proximity” item and rejoice at the completed task.
It is advisable to restart your phone for the new settings to take effect.

Via service code

The last option is to set a USSD command that will allow you to disable the proximity sensor on your smartphone. Please note that this method does not work on all devices, so we do not give you a 100% guarantee that it will work for you.

On your mobile, go to the dialing section and enter the command * # * # 0588 # * # * , followed by the call key.

Remember that this is a very important option that seriously saves battery consumption, especially if you make frequent calls, both incoming and outgoing. Having turned off the proximity sensor on Android, you can turn it on using the “reverse” method, following the same menu items and applications. If you suddenly have questions, be sure to leave comments under the material, and we will answer them as soon as possible.

How to disable the proximity sensor when making a call

If you cannot disable the module through your phone settings, you will need to use third-party programs. There are many programs on the Play Market that can turn off the sensor. As an example, consider Sensor Disabler:

Download and install the program using the Google Play app store.
When the utility is installed, run it.
Go to sensor settings. To do this, swipe your finger across the screen from left to right or tap on the icon with three horizontal stripes.
In the next menu, select proximity sensor.
Remove it by clicking remove sensor. This will turn off the module. Save the changes by clicking on the appropriate button in the lower right corner of the screen.

The changes made will take effect immediately upon clicking the save button. Using the application, you can always turn the module back on. To do this, repeat the first 4 steps, and on the fifth, select do nothing and save the changes.

How to disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi

If the proximity sensor on your Xiaomi phone stops working for some reason, you will need to configure it. But sometimes calibration doesn't help. In such a situation, it is better to turn off the module to save battery energy. Special third-party applications are suitable for this:

Install any program for setting up sensors from Google Play Market. As an example, consider Proximity sensor reset and repair.
Launch the program.
Click on the fix it button in the main menu of the utility.
Go through the sensor setup procedure following the on-screen instructions.
Confirm changes when calibration is complete.
Check the functionality of the sensor.
If the setting does not help, disable the module.
To do this, select Remove sensor.
Confirm that you want to turn off the sensor and wait until the device reboots.

From this moment on, the sensor will no longer consume charge. To enable it again, repeat the same steps, but instead of remove, click activate.

Xiaomi sensor calibration

For this task you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Turn off your smartphone completely

2. Press volume up simultaneously with power on until the vibration signal and release.

3. The CVT will open in Chinese. Point to “中文” to change language.

4. Follow “PCBA test” to get to the factory menu.

If the sensor does not respond to fingers, then control can be achieved using “Forward” and “Backward”.

5. Go to “Proximity sensor” and place the gadget horizontally. The option hole should not be covered and without bright light shining on it.

6. Configure using “Calibration”. The appearance of the inscription “Successfully” will mean that the work was completed successfully.

You can check the module like this. Cover the hole with an opaque object. The number should change from 1 to 0.

Use the “Pass” button to go back to the engineering variator, then use the “Finish” and “Power Off” keys to turn off the smartphone. Then you can download it and check the function during a conversation.

If this algorithm did not help restore the module, then its firmware can help. Another reason could be that the display is not installed correctly.

Why doesn't the proximity sensor work on iPhone (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, X and SE), what should I do?

I assume you have heard about the proximity sensor and know why it is needed. However, for those who do not know what we are talking about, we will very quickly tell you what it is. The contactless sensor was first introduced in 2007. Its main task is to detect objects brought close to the screen.

For what? It blocks accidental and involuntary presses, for example, when making a call, holding the phone to your ear, you will not be able to take out a loan, sell a car or call the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Don't you think this is a useful function? In addition, during long calls it helps to save battery by putting the screen into sleep mode. So why doesn't the proximity sensor work on iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8, X?

Determining the cause of a malfunction without preliminary testing is quite problematic. After all, the problem may be a software malfunction or physical damage. We will list the most common causes of the malfunction.

Malfunction of the replaced iPhone screen - as a rule, this problem occurs when the screen breaks and is incorrectly replaced. Let's imagine a situation: you dropped your iPhone, it was without protective glass and its screen was very cracked. You have a desire to replace it, but after learning how much it costs to replace it at Apple and how long it will take, you give up this idea and decide to replace it yourself.

And here, you may encounter two problems that you most likely won’t even know about. First, you can buy a cheap, low-quality screen that doesn't support half the functionality of the original iPhone screen. And second, you may not connect it correctly.

Physical damage is a fairly common problem. Try to remember how long ago the proximity sensor stopped working, whether you dropped your iPhone at that time or exposed it to moisture. If yes, then most likely this is the reason. The only way out of this situation is repair from Apple.

checking iphone proximity sensor

Buying a broken smartphone – Apple is one of the largest companies in the world, with a huge number of customers and it becomes a responsibility to produce a quality product. However, this does not mean the absence of marriage. In any production, people are responsible for quality control, and they tend to make mistakes. If you receive a defective iPhone, contact an Apple service center as soon as possible.

Software malfunction - sometimes the problem may be a buggy iOS update or incorrect installation of an application. Solving this problem is quite easy, but you risk losing all the files on your smartphone.

Troubleshooting

I found many messages on the forums that after updating the software, custom firmware and other similar actions, the proximity sensor began to function incorrectly.

Among the negative factors, it is worth highlighting physical damage as a result of impacts and falls. In this case, the only solution is to go to the service center.

Ideally, use only stable versions of software and only official ones. Or carefully read reviews before any experiments.

Also, calibrating the sensor using third-party software often helps. This application is in first place on Google Play. It allows you to test and repair the module:

The utility is partially translated into Russian, but when you click on the large “Fix it” icon, you will see four steps with explanations in understandable language. Just follow the instructions and then restart your device. The only negative is that advertising appears periodically, but it can be easily closed.

So we figured it out - the proximity sensor in the phone, what kind of component it is and how to activate and configure it.

How to change the proximity sensor seal

If, after disassembling the smartphone, it is discovered that the proximity sensor seal is torn or missing, it must be replaced.

The accessory is a small rubber band. If the seal is not in place, then you can inspect the smartphone case. If the device is dropped or hit, the rubber band may come off.

The seal can be bought at a specialized store or cut out of porous rubber into a circle of the appropriate size.

You need to install the rubber band carefully, using tweezers and a magnifying glass, so as not to damage the proximity sensor itself.

What to do if the sensor does not work correctly on Xiaomi

First, let's look at what measures can be taken if the sensor is not working properly. The steps below will help resolve the problem in most cases.

Removing or replacing protective glass

Poor-quality protective glass blocks the flow of light, as a result of which the light sensor stops working. The problem can also occur if you glued the glass incorrectly. Therefore, we recommend purchasing good quality glass (preferably original) and carefully sticking it onto the smartphone screen. Be sure to ensure that all cutouts for sensors and the front camera are not blocked. Beginners should contact a service center: a technician will quickly glue the protective glass onto the phone’s display.

Disabling the In Pocket feature

As mentioned above, the “In Pocket” option prevents accidental clicks, but because of it, the sensor does not trigger when the smartphone is brought to the ear. So it is better to disable the function immediately. For this:

1.Open Settings and go to Screen Lock.

2.Deactivate the slider next to the “Pocket Mode” line.

Sensor calibration

This is one of the most effective procedures, after which the sensor begins to work correctly. To perform calibration, you need to go to the engineering menu. And here is an important point: not all models have the ability to calibrate the sensor. If your smartphone is running a MediaTek processor, you can perform this operation. If Qualcomm Snapdragon is installed, calibration is not available.

So, go to “Settings” - “About phone”. Open “All parameters” and quickly click on the line “Kernel version” 5 times. The hardware test menu appears. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner. There should be a “Proximity sensor calibration” tab. Click on it and follow the prompts on the screen.

You can also check the functionality of the proximity sensor in the engineering menu. The feature is available for both MTK and Snapdragon devices. Scroll through the menu and find the “Proximity sensor” tab. We place our hand several times on the top panel of the phone, where the sensor is located, and look at the “Sensor Value”. If the number changes from zero to five, it means the sensor is working correctly (when you raise your palm, zero should be shown; if the sensor is not covered by anything, the number five will appear).