Disable Proximity Sensor during call

Question

I dropped my phone and looks like my proximity sensor no longer works reliably. It returns Near all the time. The problem is, the display turns off during call and I wont be able to use the number pad to enter pin or conference another call, or even disconnect the call. I found the Power button disconnect option in Accessibility settings and uses that now.

I tried to create an app that tries to obtain a full wakelock when a call is received hoping that it will keep the display on.

• Created a broadcast receiver that invokes a service when the phone state changes to OFFHOOK

• The service acquires a full wakelock and releases it only when phone state is IDLE.

But still, proximity sensor turns the display off. I used the isHeld() method to make sure that the lock is acquired. I used PowerManager's isScreenOn() method and it returned true even when the screen was off during the call. I tried to obtain the wakelocks every two second in a loop for testing, still the display won't come up.

I'm using a Nexus 5 Android version 4.4.4

Can anyone suggest an idea to override the proximity sensor behaviour? A root-required option is also fine.

Thanks!

Solution 1

Proximity Sensor Dial

*#*#7378423#*#*

1) Service Tests - (If present)

2) Proximity Switch

3) Test on sensor (Next to logo(top) of mobile)

4) Yes if works, then u can keep on and proximity switch forever which gives beep all the time and consumes lot of battery

OR

4) No it doesn't work - Then simply clean the mobile screen or screen guard and clear the blocked screen from sensor. It works charm.

Technically, Its not any software solution, but hardware solution will work.

Solution 2

After trying a whole bunch of fixes including:

• Phone app's menu option (my phone did not have a option to disable)
• Proximity Screen Off Lite (did not work)
• Xposed Framework with sensor disabler (works till phone is rebooted or app updates)
• Macrodroid macro (Macrodroid does not run on my phone for some reason)
• put some tin foil in front of it?(i don't know what i was thinking)

Here is My fix: I figured you cannot break it more so I opened up my phone and removed the proximity sensor all together from the motherboard. The sensor tester app now shows "no_value" where it use to give "Distance: 0" and my screen no longer goes black after dialing. Please note I can only confirm this working on a Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini with CM MOD 5.1.1. Here is a picture of the device i removed: I have removed it using a SMD solder station's heat gun at 400 degrees, some tweezers and flux.But a sharp hobby knife might work too.

Solution 3

I also had problem with proximity sensor (I shattered screen in that region on my Nexus 6, Android Marshmallow) and none of proposed solutions / third party apps worked when I tried to disable proximity sensor. What worked for me was to calibrate the sensor using Proximity Sensor Reset/Repair. You have to follow the instruction in app (cover sensor and uncover it) and then restart your phone. Although my sensor is no longer behind the glass, it still showed slightly different results when covered / uncovered and recalibration did the job.

What I tried and didn't work? Proximity Screen Off Lite, Macrodroid and KinScreen.

What would've I tried had it still not worked?[XPOSED] Sensor Disabler, but it requires you to be rooted and have Xposed Framework, so I'm really glad I've found the easier way.

Solution 4

I found my solution here. Basically use an app called Proximity Screen Off Lite and set it as below:

1. Screen On/Off Modes Check "Cover and hold to turn on Screen" Timeout: 1 second Check "Disable Accidentla Lock" Timeout: 4 seconds

2. All settings Check "Disable in Lanscape" Check "Lock phone on screen ON"

3. [Advanced] Configure Sensore Select sensor: Proximity sensor Value when sensor covered: 0 Value when sensor un-covered: 1

Solution 5

I have been researching this for a while, tested and wrote apps.

If you have no option in Settings → Phone → Use proximity sensor, then the only choice, seem to be to disable or modify its settings in rooted devices.

Also consider, that if you plug the headset, the screen will remain on :D

View more solutions

Comments

[jobinbasani]

This changes the delay, right? I'm trying to disable the sensor during calls.

[Meysam]

yes its change delay. i set this delay in my device to 1 so i have not any problem yet.

[kaefert]

causes a bootloop on my xperia z running pacman rom android 4.4

[ncomputers]

@WaiHaLee you may edit the answer and add whatever you want.

[ncomputers]

@gio you may enter to google play using the link above, copy and paste the description and then edit the answer judge!

[Robin Winslow]

This didn't work for me on Nexus 6 (shamu) Android 6.0.1.

[jobinbasani]

The last solution is where I ended up - used a compressed gas duster and sprayed into the sensor. That removed the debris and the phone started to function normally.

[user3589887]

With proximity recalibration now is all ok.. Thanks!

[Ricardo stands with Ukraine]

Doesn't work Nexus5 Android 6. Proximity sensor always shows 0.0. Assume will need a hardware repair?

[hoonzis]

thanks, calibration worked correctly on Nexus 4 with Android 5. tried Xposed previously, but they are not compatible with lolipop, so this saved my day

[maxisam]

plus one for ultimate solution

[DarkPh03n1X]

update: im now running LineageOS with no issues from the proximity sensor. the exception is that i might have face dialed a couple of times. bug or feature? you decide.

[rogerdpack]

Or "if you get real desperate, first install lineage then..." :)

[Michael Altfield]

what does 1 mean? What does 25 mean?

[Meyer Denney]

Do you have a link to that recompiled Dialer.apk?