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Fix: Proximity Sensor Not Working During Calls on Android (2025 Guide)


Fix: Proximity Sensor Not Working During Calls on Android (2025 Guide)

The proximity sensor in your smartphone plays a vital role during phone calls. It detects when your face is near the screen and turns off the display to prevent accidental touches. If it stops working, your screen may stay on during calls causing the accidental presses, hanging up, or even activating other apps.

In the guide, we’ll explore the causes, step-by-step fixes, and preventive tips to solve this problem effectively.

 

What Is the Proximity Sensor and How Does It Work?

The proximity sensor is typically located at the top front of your phone. It works by detecting nearby objects (like your ear) during a call and turning off the display automatically.

It helps with:

Preventing accidental touch

Saving battery during calls

Ensuring call privacy

 

Signs That Your Proximity Sensor Is Not Working

Here’s how to know if there’s an issue:

Screen stays ON even when the holding phone near your ear

Accidental touches during the phone calls

Screen doesn’t turn off in the dark or pocket mode

Sensor test apps show no response

 

Common Causes of Proximity Sensor Issues

Dirt or dust on the sensor area

Screen protector or tempered glass blocking the sensor

Software bug after an the Android update

Hardware failure or moisture damage

Misconfigured the phone settings

 

How to Fix the Proximity Sensor Not Working During Calls

Let’s go through 10 proven methods to fix this issue:

 

1. Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, a simple reboot can reset system services.

Long press the Power button

Tap the Restart

Make a call and check if the screen turns off automatically

 

2. Clean the Proximity Sensor Area

The sensor may be blocked by dust, oil, or fingerprints.

Use a soft cloth to clean the top bezel of the phone

Avoid scratching the sensor area

Try again during a call

 

3. Remove Screen Protector or Tempered Glass

Many low-quality screen protectors block the sensor.

If your protector is the covering the proximity sensor, remove or replace it

Look for the protectors that clearly say “Proximity Sensor Compatible”

Use high-quality protectors designed for your phone model.

 

4. Check the Call Settings (Dialer Settings)

Some phones have a setting that turns off or overrides sensor behavior.

Open Phone app

Tap 3-dot menu > Settings

Look for “Turn off screen during calls” or “Proximity sensor”

Ensure it’s enabled

 

5. Test Proximity Sensor Manually

You can check if your proximity sensor is responding with built-in tools or third-party apps.

Method 1: Using Dial Code

Dial *#0*# or *#*#4636#*#* (Samsung/Some phones)

Tap Sensor Test → Check Proximity response

 

Method 2: Use a Sensor App

Install the apps like Sensor Box or Proximity Sensor Test

Check if values change when you cover the sensor

If there’s no change, the sensor is likely faulty or blocked.

 

6. Update or Reinstall the Phone App

A bug in your dialer app can cause sensor issues.

Go to the Settings > Apps > Phone

Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data

Update it from Google Play Store

If using a third-party dialer, switch to the default one temporarily.

 

7. Update Your Software

Sometimes, the issue is from a bug in the system.

Go to Settings > System > Software Update

Tap Check for Updates

Install if any updates are available

The Android patches often include sensor bug fixes.

 

8. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables the third-party apps. Use this to check if any app is interfering with the sensor.

Steps:

1. Hold the Power button

2. Tap and hold Power Off

3. Select the Safe Mode

Now make a call. If the screen turns off correctly, a third-party app is causing the issue.

Uninstall recently installed apps one by one to find the .

 

9. Calibrate the Proximity Sensor

Some phones allow you to recalibrate the sensor manually.

Open Settings > Display > Proximity Sensor Calibration (if available)

Follow the on-screen instructions

Restart the phone

If not available, you can use third-party tools like Proximity Sensor Reset App from Play Store.

 

10. Factory Reset (Last Option)

If nothing works and it is a software issue, reset your phone.

Backup your data before this step!

Steps:

Go to in Settings > System > Reset Options

Tap Erase All Data (Factory Reset)

After setup, test the proximity sensor before reinstalling too many apps.

 

What If It’s a Hardware Problem?

If:

None of the above steps work

Sensor test shows zero response

Your phone was dropped or water-damaged

Then it’s likely a hardware failure. Visit a certified service center to:

Replace proximity sensor module

Get the motherboard diagnostics

Replace screen/sensor unit

 

Bonus Tips to Avoid Proximity Sensor Issues

Use only good quality screen guards

Avoid dropping your phone frequently

Clean your phone weekly

Keep your software up to date

Don’t install untrusted apps that change call settings

 

FAQs

Does screen protector affect proximity sensor?

Yes, if the protector covers or diffuses the sensor area, it can stop working correctly.

 

Can I disable proximity sensor during calls?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Go to Phone > Settings, then disable proximity sensor.

 

Can proximity sensor be replaced?

Yes, but it often requires professional repair as it's integrated with the display or top module. 

Final Words

The proximity sensor is not working during calls is a common Android issue, especially after an update or physical damage. Most of the time, it’s caused by:

Dust

Screen protectors

Settings issues

Software bugs

Use the fixes above step by step starting from cleaning, checking settings, and using test apps. If nothing works, factory reset or hardware service is your best.


 

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