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 have received a defective iPhone, contact us as soon as possible. service center Apple.

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

How to fix proximity sensor problems on iPhone?

Remove the case and protective glass

This is perhaps the simplest, but often not very effective method. However, try removing the case and screen protector of your smartphone and test if the problem persists.

Reboot your smartphone

As absurd as it may sound, simply rebooting the iPhone helps eliminate half of the problems. In order to restart your iPhone, you need to:

1. Hold the power button for a few seconds until the “Power Off” slider appears.
2. Move the slider to the right and wait 2-3 minutes.
3. Press the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Hard Reset

iOS update

Updating the operating system can fix many problems. including a non-working sensor iPhone proximity. With each new update, previous bugs are fixed and performance improves. Sometimes the design is updated and new features are added. In order to update iOS, you need:

Reset

If none of the above methods work, you can reset all settings on your iPhone. This usually fixes iPhone 5, 6, 7 proximity sensor glitches.

In order to do this, you need:

1. Open "Settings".
2. Tap "Basic".
3. Select the “Reset” → “Reset all settings” function. After entering the password, click "Reset all settings" to complete the process.

Reset all data and settings

This method will not only erase all settings, but also all data, including apps, photos, videos, etc. Before you begin, create a backup copy of your data. In order to make a reset, you need:

1. Open "Settings".
2. Tap "Basic".
3. Select the “Reset” → “Reset content and settings” function. Enter your password and then confirm your actions.

iPhone recovery

iPhone proximity sensor not working after update? You may be wondering what the difference is between this and the previous step. After all, both methods erase data and reset all settings. In fact, the difference is not great, but it is there. The recovery process will also format and reinstall the OS.

1. Connect iPhone to Mac/PC with using usb cable.
2. Make sure you have installed latest version iTunes.
3. Open iTunes.
4. In the summary tab, click the "Restore" button.
5. Next, all that remains is to wait for the procedure to complete.

You can restore using the program. Errors occurred during recovery, list and their correction.

One of the most common sensors, which almost no modern smartphone can do without, is a proximity sensor. The main function of this sensor is to register the presence/absence of objects in its field of action. Typically, this feature is used to automatically lock the screen during a call, to prevent accidental touches of the sensor by the ear or cheek.

Optical sensors

Structurally, the proximity sensor in a smartphone is close to motion detectors installed in premises for automatic control door or lighting. It is an optical (usually infrared) transceiver that emits and records waves in a range invisible to the eye. Working on the principle of a laser rangefinder, the sensor records the time during which the signal is reflected from the object (if it is reflected at all). If there are third-party objects in the field of view, this time becomes negligible and the sensor sends a command to the smartphone, which causes it to block the screen.

Since registration of the reflected signal requires precise calibration of the receiving part of the sensor (reflection time is micro- and nanoseconds), smartphone proximity sensors use a simplified operating principle. The emitter has negligibly low power, so the signal fades very quickly over a distance. In order for the power of the reflected pulse to be sufficient for registration by the receiver, the obstacle must be very close to it. Typically, sensors are calibrated so that they can only detect the reflected signal at a distance of 1-5 cm.

Proximity sensor in a smartphone

Ultrasonic sensors

The second type of proximity sensor in a smartphone is ultrasonic. It works on a similar principle, but instead optical radiation uses acoustic waves that the human ear cannot hear. Such a sensor functions similar to a sonar or echo sounder. It sends a sound signal and registers the fact of its reflection.

As in the case of a smartphone’s optical proximity sensor, to simplify the design and reduce power consumption (the weaker the pulse, the lower the charge consumption), the emitters of such sensors have very low power. If there are no objects in the range (1-5 cm), the signal is scattered and absorbed by surrounding objects. If a smartphone is brought close to the face (or other obstacle), ultrasound is instantly reflected from the surface. The controller notices this and sends a blocking command.

The ultrasonic sensor is still a relatively new invention in smartphones and is not widely used. Other sensors (capacitive, inductive, thermal) are not used in smartphones to detect proximity, as they are not very suitable for this. However, Hall sensors or magnetometers are installed to interact with accessories. And the principle of detecting proximity by recording the force of charge leakage has also found its application. It underlies the operation of capacitive touch screens that are sensitive to touch force.

The proximity (light) sensor on Xiaomi is responsible for automatic adjustment brightness, as well as turning off the display during a call. If it malfunctions, it can cause a lot of inconvenience, for example, the display may stop turning off during calls, which will lead to accidental clicks, as well as increased battery consumption. The issue can be resolved by calibrating the proximity sensor.

The reasons for failures can be different, so first of all it’s worth. If this does not help, then let's look at options for solving the problem from the simplest to the most complex:

Is the sensor turned on?

First of all, check whether the sensor is turned on. To do this, open the “Phone” application and hold down the left touch key in the form of three horizontal stripes. In the menu that opens, go to Incoming calls > Turn off the screen during a call(proximity sensor). Depending on the smartphone model and MIUI version, the names of menu items may differ slightly.

Disabling the pocket lock function

Activation of this function is one of the causes of sensor failures. Again, it can turn off in different ways different models. First of all, look at the “Incoming calls” menu

If you do not have such an item, then go to Settings > Lock screen and fingerprint > Advanced settings > Pocket mode and turn it off.

Removing physical obstacles

Another reason for sensor malfunctions is non-original protective glass or film on the screen. The sensor itself is located next to the front camera and earpiece. There should be a hole in this place; if there is none, then you need to change the film or cut it out yourself.

Proximity Sensor Calibration

If the methods described above did not help, you should calibrate the proximity sensor, but first check whether it works at all. To do this you need to call . In dialing mode, enter *#*#6484#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* and we see the following picture:

Here we are interested in the “Single item Test” item, open it and in a new window look for the “Proximity Sensor” item

A test will open, where when you cover the sensor with your finger, the text “Close” should appear. If you remove your finger, the message “Far” will appear. If the sensor does not respond, you need to take the smartphone to a service center, and if everything is fine, you can begin calibration.

Step-by-step instruction:

After completing the process, you will need to check the sensor for functionality. We cover it with a finger or an opaque object: if the number “1” on the screen changes to “0,” then everything is fine. Now click on the “Pass” item to return to the engineering menu, and then click “Finish”, after which the smartphone will turn off.

Turn on the device again and check the operation of the sensor by holding the phone to your ear during a call - the display should turn off.

If calibration does not help

There are times when calibration does not help. The reasons may be as follows:

• Problems with the firmware, to fix which you need to reflash the device
• Perhaps after repair the display was replaced with a non-original one
• A banal defect - in this case, you should go to a service center or to the seller

A motion sensor, like any other device, can fail, for example, due to incorrect connection, or not work as it should. If the sensor does not turn off, does not go out, or turns on completely unexpectedly, then there is obviously a malfunction in its operation.

To repair the sensor, it is necessary to determine the cause of the failure. To do this, it is best to contact the equipment manufacturer or warranty department. Specialists will be able to conduct testing and identify the exact reason why the sensor failed.

You can check some parameters that may affect the operation of the sensor yourself. We'll tell you about them today.

Adjust your settings

If your motion sensor does not turn off the lights or is not working correctly, first take a closer look at the settings. There are three regulators on the body of the device: SENS, TIME and LUX.

• SENS - determines the level of sensitivity of the motion sensor to infrared radiation;
• TIME - adjusts the shutdown delay time;
• LUX - adjusts the light level: if the threshold is increased, the lighting will not turn on; if the light level is lower than the set level, the sensor will turn on the lighting devices.

These settings help prepare the sensor for specific conditions. Initially, they must be set either by the installer company or by the owner of the sensor.

When working with professional equipment, it is important to adhere to the recommended values. For example, the LUX regulator has these.

As practice shows, in passage areas it is approximately 75-200 lux, in work areas (offices
and offices) – 600 lux, when working with heavy eye strain – 1000 lux. The average range of illumination levels in sensors is 2-2000 lux.

If you don't know correct values, then it is better not to adjust these indicators yourself. Set the lowest value - the sensor will turn on at minimum illumination, set the maximum - the sensor will turn on constantly.

At the same time, from a technical point of view, the device will work correctly, that is, it will perform its functions based on the settings. On the practical side, its operation will not bring any benefit to the owner, so in case of such problems it is worth contacting a specialist who can adjust the device settings.

An incorrectly adjusted SENS parameter can also disrupt the operation of the motion sensor. If you set its value incorrectly, the sensitivity of the area where the motion sensor is present will decrease, and in certain cases, for example, with minimal movements, the device may simply not work.

Due to incorrect settings of the SENS, LUX and TIME parameters, the lighting may not go out. If the lamp does not turn off for a long time, in the absence of movement, then it is worth checking the turn-off delay time.

The TIME control may be set too high, preventing the output contact that controls the lights from opening. This indicator also has its average values: for passage areas - 5 minutes, for work areas - 15 minutes.

Check the location of the sensor

When choosing a motion sensor, you should pay attention to its detection range and range. The same parameters must be taken into account when selecting the location of the device.

During installation, the device must be installed and focused so that these parameters optimally suit the characteristics of the selected room. The optimal location for the sensor corresponds to the following indicators:

• From this position the sensor controls all the necessary space. This takes into account different operating ranges for “working at a desk”, “moving straight towards the sensor” and “walking to the side of the sensor”.
• If possible, the sensor should be installed to the side of the direction of people's movement
  and vehicles.
• The minimum distance to the lamp being switched on is one meter.
• The light to be switched on must not be within the detection range of the sensor. The light cone of indirect luminaires should not hit the sensor directly.

If one of these parameters does not match, the motion sensor may malfunction. You can check this yourself, and to troubleshoot problems due to the incorrect position of the device, contact a specialist.

Prevent false positives

Foreign objects can affect the operation of the motion sensor both directly and indirectly. Directly to infrared sensor affected by large moving heat flows, from items such as fan coil, convector, etc. Large objects (racks, cabinets, etc.) limit the detection area of ​​the sensor and create “dead zones” in the room.

Heaters indirectly affect the operation of the sensor. The thermal air flows they transmit will lead to malfunctions due to which the motion sensor will turn on randomly. To limit the sensor and eliminate false alarms, you need to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor or use special lens masks that come with the sensor

Almost not susceptible to external factors. Their work is practically independent of ambient temperature, sound or light. But such sensors are only suitable for indoor installation. Outdoors, they will react to any movement, such as falling leaves or swaying trees.

This type of sensor is installed in rooms with a large number of partitions. For example, public bathrooms. To automate lighting, it will need several PIR sensors.

With the help of high-frequency sensors, you can close the entire room with one device, since they easily detect movement through light partitions. Some models of high-frequency sensors, for example, are suitable for embedding in a luminaire. Also, sensors with two technologies are suitable for this type of room: PIR and noise.

Why doesn't the motion sensor work?

When choosing a motion sensor, do not forget to check the quality of the device. Cheap Chinese models are unlikely to last long, and in most cases they do not work correctly. Having installed such a device at home, you will very soon ask the question: “Why doesn’t the motion sensor work?”

It is also important what type of luminaires the sensor will control. If the model is chosen incorrectly, this will affect the service life of the lighting device.

To ensure that the sensor is installed correctly and operates correctly, B.E.G. We will select the necessary models, develop a project and give a five-year guarantee on all products.

And on our blog, here you will find interesting materials about lighting automation and features of motion sensors.

Often, users of mobile devices are faced with the fact that during a conversation, the screen lock does not work, preventing involuntary pressing of the display. The problem in this case lies in the proximity sensor. There are several reasons why this element of the smartphone does not work correctly. Now we will figure out how to enable/disable the proximity sensor on Android, or configure it if necessary.

Speech in in this case This is a small contactless device that detects when an object is approaching a smartphone. As a result of the correct operation of this function, the gadget’s display will turn off automatically when you bring the phone to your ear. This will prevent you from accidentally pressing touch buttons during a call (for example, with your ear, finger or cheek).

In addition, the proximity sensor on Android allows you to significantly save battery power, since when the screen is turned on while communicating with another subscriber, the battery power is intensively consumed.

Enable or disable proximity sensor on Android

Typically, the sensor on the device is active by default. If in your case this is not the case, or this function was somehow disabled by accident, then enabling it will not be difficult. This is done as follows: go to “ Settings", find the section " System applications", select the item " Telephone»:

Then click " Incoming calls" and move the slider in the line " Proximity sensor"(on some gadgets you will need to check a box):

Depending on the smartphone model, activating the sensor will look slightly different, for example, by immediately opening the dialing field, we call up the call settings menu or with the “ Settings", or by pressing and holding the hardware options button. And after that, as was written above, in “ Incoming calls"turn on the sensor:

If the question is how to turn off the proximity sensor, then, accordingly, we go the same way and deactivate the function (uncheck it).

How to set up (calibrate) a proximity sensor

This element is located at the top of the smartphone, usually to the left or right of the front camera lens:

On some models of Android devices it can be seen with the naked eye, but on others it is quite difficult to detect. If, during a call, you remove the phone from your ear and then bring your finger closer to the front camera, the display that goes off after that will tell you the location of the sensor.

It is quite possible that the reason for the incorrect operation of the sensor was simply dust getting on it. In this case, you can restore the normal operation of the function simply by cleaning the device - turn off the smartphone and blow it with a stream of compressed air. Then you need to reboot your gadget and check whether the sensor’s functionality has been restored.

If this manipulation does not bring the desired result, then you can resort to calibrating the sensor, which is performed in several ways.

Using system capabilities

Open " Settings", select the item " Special abilities" (on some devices " Screen"), find the line " Proximity Sensor Calibration»:

Then, we follow the system prompts step by step, and watch the video more clearly:

Through the engineering menu

Using the engineering menu, you can check the correct operation of the sensor and, if necessary, calibrate it.

To do this, enter the following set of characters in the dialing field: *#*#3646633#*#* Now open the tab " Hardware Testing"(equipment testing) and press the button “ Sensor", select " Light/Proximity Sensor"(light/proximity sensor):

• Select " PS Data Collection» (proximity sensor data collection);
• In the next window, select “ Get One Data»;
• After the number appears " 0 "Put your palm on the proximity sensor on your smartphone and press " Get One Data»;

If as a result we see the figure 255 , this means our sensor is functioning normally.

For settings:

Select " PS Calibration", then " Calibration" After that, without covering the sensor, click on “Calculate min value”. After the message “ Calculate succeed"We bring a sheet of paper to the sensor at a distance of 2-3 centimeters and click on " Calculate Max value", after which we just have to click " Do Calibration"and reboot your smartphone:

Using third party software

If all the previous methods to normalize the sensor’s operation did not help, then you can use the “Proximity Sensor Reset” application (for rooted devices).

Download and install the program from the Play Store. After launch, activate the big button “ Calibrate Sensor" Now cover the proximity sensor with your hand and press “ Next»:

Next you need to remove your hand and press “ Next", and then " Calibrate" And " Confirm" We provide superuser (ROOT) rights to the system request. After completing the steps, wait for the smartphone to reboot.

Now you know how to turn on/off/configure the proximity sensor on Android. However, if in your case the problem has not been solved, then it is possible that you will need to calibrate the display or reflash the smartphone. In addition, sometimes the sensor may not work correctly due to a hardware failure, then you cannot avoid contacting a service center for help.