Proximity sensor malfunctions are a common issue faced by users of Android smartphones. Even high-end flagship devices are not immune to this problem. When the screen fails to activate during calls, the situation can become particularly frustrating, especially if there is existing damage to the device. Users have reported that a minor impact can disrupt the functionality of the proximity sensor, leading to a situation where the display remains blacked out throughout the call. This necessitates waiting for the other party to hang up before regaining access to the screen. To help alleviate this annoyance, several solutions are available to disable or work around the proximity sensor issue on Android devices.

How to Resolve Screen Issues During Calls

This guide outlines various methods to tackle the proximity sensor problem that affects numerous Android devices. It is advisable to start with basic troubleshooting techniques and progressively explore more advanced solutions.

1. Basic Fixes

For many users experiencing issues with a faulty proximity sensor, adjustments in the Accessibility Settings can provide a solution. This applies to devices running Android 6.0 and above. Here’s how to navigate through the settings:

1. Access the Settings menu on your Android device and search for "Accessibility". Open the Accessibility page or navigate through Settings -> System to find it.
2. Scroll down to locate the "Power button ends call" option and enable it. This feature allows you to end a call using the hardware power button, even if the screen is off.
3. On certain Samsung devices, you can also answer calls using the Volume Up button, which can be particularly useful if your screen doesn’t activate when a call comes in. Ensure this option is enabled, and for other manufacturers, check under the Accessibility settings.
4. Lastly, many Android devices offer a "Double-click with power button" feature that can be activated to open the camera. This action overrides the proximity sensor, turning the screen on during a call, allowing you to access other functionalities like loudspeaker mode.

2. TapTap App

The TapTap application, developed by Kieron Quinn, enhances the utility of Android smartphones and can be especially beneficial for those with proximity sensor issues. This app allows users to perform various actions by double or triple-tapping the back of the device. To use this functionality during calls:

1. Download and install the TapTap app, which is compatible with Android 7.0 and above.
2. During the app setup, you will be prompted to double-tap the back of your phone to test sensitivity. If it fails to register, adjust the sensitivity settings accordingly.
3. Grant the necessary accessibility permissions and disable battery optimization for the app.
4. Navigate to the "Gates" section within the app and disable the "Display Off" and "On call" toggles.
5. In "Double Tap Actions", add a new action to "Launch camera", allowing you to open the camera by double-tapping while on a call, thereby activating the screen.
6. Finally, place a call and double-tap the back of your phone to turn on the screen and access call options.

3. Install a Modified Dialer App

Some developers have created modified dialer applications that can completely bypass the proximity sensor during calls. These modified apps remove the proximity sensor code from the dialer, ensuring that the screen stays on:

1. For users on Android 8.0, download the modified AOSP Dialer app from trusted forums and install it, ensuring you set it as the default dialer.
2. Android 9.0 users can also find modified versions of the AOSP dialer that will keep the screen active during calls.

4. Use Switch Access Under Accessibility Settings

Switch Access is a built-in tool that allows navigation through the Android interface using hardware buttons, which can be helpful when dealing with a non-responsive screen:

1. Enable "Switch Access" in the Accessibility settings.
2. Set up the shortcut by selecting "Hold volume keys" and saving the settings.
3. Assign the hardware volume buttons to select UI elements, which will allow you to navigate to the speaker button during calls.

5. Disable Proximity Sensor (Requires Xposed)

For users comfortable with rooting and Android development, the Xposed framework can be utilized to disable the proximity sensor entirely:

1. Install the Xposed framework and the Sensor Disabler app from trusted sources.
2. Follow the instructions to disable the proximity sensor, allowing you to use your device without interruptions during calls.

These methods provide various approaches to address the proximity sensor issue on Android devices. Users experiencing this frustrating problem should find a suitable solution among the options outlined above.