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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