Screen Doesn’t Turn On During Calls Due to Broken Proximity Sensor? Here are The Fixes

Proximity sensor problems are a common issue among Android smartphones, affecting even high-end models. Users often find that their screens fail to activate during calls, particularly if the device has sustained any damage. This malfunction can lead to a frustrating experience where the display remains black, forcing users to wait until the call ends to regain access to their phone. Fortunately, there are several methods to address this issue and restore functionality.

Basic Fixes

For many users, adjusting the Accessibility Settings on their Android devices can resolve the proximity sensor issue. This is applicable for devices running Android 6.0 and above. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app and search for “Accessibility.” Navigate to the Accessibility page.
2. Scroll down to find the “Power button ends call” option and enable it. This allows you to end calls using the hardware power button, even if the screen is off.
3. On some Samsung devices, you can also accept calls using the Volume Up button. Ensure this option is enabled if your screen doesn’t turn on before answering a call.
4. To turn on the screen during an active call, enable the “Double-click with power button” feature, which typically opens the camera. This action can override the proximity sensor, allowing the screen to activate.

Using the TapTap App

The TapTap app, designed by Kieron Quinn, offers additional functionality for Android devices and can help with proximity sensor issues. It allows users to double-tap or triple-tap the back of their phone to perform various actions. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download and install the TapTap app on your Android device (compatible with Android 7.0 and above).
2. During setup, double-tap the back of your phone to test sensitivity. Adjust settings if necessary.
3. Grant the app accessibility permissions and disable battery optimization for optimal performance.
4. In the app settings, disable toggles for “Display Off” and “On call.”
5. Add an action to launch the camera when double-tapping the back during a call, which can help bypass the proximity sensor issue.

Install a Modified Dialer App

Another effective solution is to install a modified dialer app that disables the proximity sensor during calls. This method involves using a version of the AOSP Dialer that has been altered to prevent the proximity sensor from activating:

1. For Android 8.0 users, download the modified AOSP Dialer app from trusted forums and set it as your default dialer.
2. For Android 9.0 users, follow similar steps to install the modified version and make it your default.

Utilizing Switch Access

Switch Access is an accessibility feature that allows navigation through the Android interface using hardware buttons. This method can be beneficial for users facing issues with their proximity sensors:

1. Enable “Switch Access” in the Accessibility settings.
2. Set up a shortcut using the volume keys and assign actions to the volume buttons for navigating the UI.
3. During a call, use the volume buttons to access the speaker option, which can help turn on the screen.

Disabling the Proximity Sensor (Requires Xposed)

If you are comfortable with advanced modifications, you can disable the proximity sensor entirely using the Xposed framework. This method is suitable for users familiar with rooting their devices:

1. Install the Xposed framework and the Sensor Disabler app from trusted sources.
2. Follow the instructions to disable the proximity sensor on your device.

These methods provide various solutions to the frustrating issue of screens not turning on during calls due to a malfunctioning proximity sensor. By following these steps, users can regain control over their devices and enhance their calling experience.