- The proximity sensor turns the screen off during calls to prevent accidental taps and save battery.
- Some Android phones have a proximity sensor option in Phone app › Settings; its name varies by brand.
- iPhone has no setting to turn off the proximity sensor.
- On speakerphone or with Bluetooth earphones, the sensor is already disabled.
- If the sensor keeps darkening the screen, check the protector, the case and dirt first.
01What does the proximity sensor do?
The proximity sensor sits at the top of the screen, next to the earpiece. During a call it turns the screen off when you bring the phone to your face and back on when you move it away. This stops your cheek from touching the screen and ending or muting the call, and it saves battery. If you turn the sensor off, you also lose this protection during calls.
02Turning off the proximity sensor on Android
On some Android phones the sensor can be turned off in the Phone app settings. The option’s name and location vary by brand and software version.
- Open the Phone app. Tap the three dots or the settings icon at the top right.
- Go to Settings. Look in sections such as “Call settings” or “Incoming call settings”.
- Look for the option. If there is an option such as “Proximity sensor” or “Turn off screen during calls”, switch it off.
- Test it. Make a call and hold the phone to your ear; the screen should stay on.
03Can you turn off the proximity sensor on iPhone?
No. iPhone has no setting to turn off the proximity sensor. If the sensor causes problems, remove the protector and case, clean the top of the screen and restart the phone.
04Check these before turning the sensor off
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The screen never turns on during calls | A protector or dirt covers the sensor | Clean it and test without the protector |
| It started after changing the protector | The protector shades the sensor | Use a protector with an open sensor area |
| It started after a screen replacement | The sensor or its connection | Have it checked |
| Cleaning and restarting did not help | A faulty sensor | Get a diagnosis |
If the sensor is faulty, choose your model on our Samsung models or iPhone models page and ask on WhatsApp.
Brand › Model › Repair listChoose your model, ask about the faultSamsung models
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