Proximity Sensor Malfunctioning... Screen Protector? - Nexus One General

Ahoy!
So ever since I put on my skinomi screen cover, my phone's proximity sensor has been acting funny. It refuses to function properly, often at night while talking on the phone in the car, I must turn the overhead lights on and point my screen at them to get the screen to come back.
Now, if I'm correct, the proximity sensor is not a light sensor but a distance sensor so how would this even make sense? Is anyone else having this problem?
I've looked at the cover thats over the part of the sensor and there are no scratches, etc. that would cause this malfunction. Any ideas?
-pixlgeek

I had the same problem with PhantomSkinz on my phone. As soon as I pulled the screen protector off, it worked perfectly again. Anyway, there is a light sensor AND a proximity (distance) sensor. I believe the both sensors are responsible for turning off the screen when you put it up to your face. For whatever reason, when I had the PS on... the screen would dim fine, but when I pulled it away from my face while in a dark/dimly lit room, the screen wouldn't brighten back up.

yes, the above is true. i just bought a screen protector off a seller. if you look on the seller's page, it says that the slit is cut to make the sensor working again. how dumb of google? my iphone proximity works just fine with a screen protector on.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150410911015&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/Clear-Screen-Pr...wItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item230528e305

It's neither Google nor HTC's fault. They design the phone to work properly without a screen protector... so you're the one modding it. It's strictly due to the material of the screen protector. Some of the thicker rubberized protectors, like Clear Protector, PhantomSkinz, and invisibleSHIELD, refract the light differently and it dissipates before hitting the light and proximity sensors.
Seidio, Martin Fields, and dcmugen88 (ebay seller) products are the only ones that I can pretty much guarantee will not cause issues. For the other products, it's hit or miss and depends on your phone. For some it works fine, for others it doesn't.

Question for you people who know about this, could there be something to do with my complete phone scratch protector to cause a small section of the top of my screen to not be responsive to touch? I took off the screen part of it and it made no difference. It's a Zagg scratch protector by the way. Any help with my issue would be GREATLY apreciated but so far it's looking like I will have to send it in for repair

Related

[Q] Is my HD2 faulty?

hi
As soon as i make a phone call my screen goes off, now on my iphone it used to do this only when the light sensor was covered. to bringthe screen back on I have to press one of the black buttons in the bottom of the phone, is this a fault?
I had this problem after fitting a screen protector. removing it solved the issue for me.
The genuine HTC Screen protectors have 2 holes in for the sensors. I can confirm this does not affect the screen when making a call.
Are you using a screen protector which doesn't have a hole for the proximity sensor etc?
It may be it can't function right as it maybe seeing the protector as something close to the sensor, hence why the screen goes off.
I have a Vidocq screen protection and the phone wake up again when I finish the call...

Proximity sensor while talking on the phone

i tried to search the forum with no results btw
have two cases while receiving/calling with hd2
1. via bluetooth headset - even when the phone is in the pocket some apps starts randomly, even call is disconnected - isn't proximity should cause phone scrren to be blank all time?
2. via the phone - sometimes while talking screen is still dark and pressing eg. home key puts display on. sometimes moving phone away from ear turns screen on.
do you have some or its something with my phone?
I have the same problem, the proximity sensor does not work, I think it works only outside when you have strong light, try it and let me know.
make a call the screen will go off now move it from your face loking up at the sun outside you will see that the screen will turn on.
it works only when I makes a call. when I am getting a call it atays on.
kochav
kochavy said:
I have the same problem, the proximity sensor does not work, I think it works only outside when you have strong light, try it and let me know.
make a call the screen will go off now move it from your face loking up at the sun outside you will see that the screen will turn on.
it works only when I makes a call. when I am getting a call it atays on.
kochav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you would be wrong then.
It's a proximity sensor, not a light sensor. I just made a call in my darkened room and the proximity sensor functioned flawlessly.
thake the screen protector out or cut it and the proximity sensor will work perfect.
kochavy
kochavy said:
thake the screen protector out or cut it and the proximity sensor will work perfect.
kochavy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow who would've thought that covering up a sensor designed to sense when objects are close to it would impede its functionality.
Your revelation hepled me fix the microphone on my phone. It wasn't working, and then I realized I had my hand over it!
Yes I have had issues even with the original HTC screen protector which has two small holes directly over the sensors. I finally had to remove it.
Cutting the protector I have not been very successful so far. This creates sharp edges and the protector tends to peel off from that point. For the time being I am relying on the fact that the screen on the HD2 is scratch resistant enough that with normal care it would not get scratched. With over 2 months of use without a protector my screen is still scratchless.
IF it is anything to do with the screen protector, then there are plenty out there that don't have this effect.
I've got a protector on my HD2 and have had it there since just after I got it, so just over 2 months now. The screen protector has worked perfectly, even, kochavy, in the dark, because it detects proximity not light.
I suggest removing any screen protectors and seeing if you still have the problem. If you do, send the phone back as faulty. If you don't, get a better screen protector.
johncmolyneux said:
IF it is anything to do with the screen protector, then there are plenty out there that don't have this effect.
I've got a protector on my HD2 and have had it there since just after I got it, so just over 2 months now. The screen protector has worked perfectly, even, kochavy, in the dark, because it detects proximity not light.
I suggest removing any screen protectors and seeing if you still have the problem. If you do, send the phone back as faulty. If you don't, get a better screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have the original HTC screen protector with the two holes? there are some protector that does not cover the top of the phone and leave the two sensors out from protection.
kochavy said:
do you have the original HTC screen protector with the two holes? there are some protector that does not cover the top of the phone and leave the two sensors out from protection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't. The one that came with it never please me much, so I bought some better ones.
The protectors I have don't have any holes for the sensors at the top, but like I said, it just works perfectly. There's a lot more to this issue that just the screen protector, as some people have reported that it works perfectly when they ring certain number, but not when they ring others. From what I've read on other threads, this is commonplace for people who are having this problem, so it's obviously not an issue with their screen protectors. It sounds like a software issue to me, but since it can't be identified as such, they should just return their phones as faulty and hope the replacement doesn't have the same issue.
It would be interesting to know if the people with the described issue have upgraded the ROM to 1.66, as this seems to have fixed a whole slew of issues.
Sensor works by reflecting infrared light. There is small IR lamp with IR detector nearby. You can check that by looking at the sensor through some digital camera or camcorder, whose are usually sensitive to this light. Don't forget the phone must be in call, otherwise the sensor is turned off.
I think the sensor itself is OK. But there seems to be some relationship with guess what .. G-sensor ! Once I found the screen just won't go off during call, and it was when I was lying during the call, and I was holding the phone upside down portrait style.
But as I turned the phone to normal position (normal portrait) and back, it started to work with no problem.
I only had problem with proximity sensor once since then .. but rotating the phone up and down helped again.
I think this needs more investigation .. if you encounter the problem try this.

Proximity Sensor not working properly...screen protector?

So I have a PhantomSkinz screen protector installed, and I've noticed that now when I use the phone in a dimly lit room and make a call, if I pull the phone away from my face, it stays blacked out. I have to turn the light on for it to wake back up.
I'm trying to figure out if this is because of the skin or if my proximity sensor is f-d up. Anyone else experience anything like this, with or without the screen protector?
Haven't tried peeling the protector off yet, but I probably will. I already did a hard reset, thinking that might solve it...
Edit: I pulled off the screen protector, and what do you know! It works perfectly again! Is this just my phone or is anyone else's doing this? If others are having this problem, I'll call PhantomSkinz and suggest that they make a cutout for where the proximity sensor is.
It may quite possibly be the screen protector, I've noticed a small cutout in the top right of screen protectors that are designed for the n1. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that is exactly where the proximity sensor is located.
The proximity and light sensors are under the upper-(Edit: left) corner of the glass, above the screen. Most protectors don't seem to take this into account, and cover both.
Negative... the proximity and light sensors are at the top LEFT of the screen. Long story short, I carefully removed the skin, trimmed off the left corner (a bit too much), and reinstalled it. (yes, this can be done even days later if you know what you're doing. )
Anyway, the proximity sensor works fine now. Just wondering if others are having this issue or is my phone wonky?
so (my dense brain is clear) the prox-sensor is on the "top left" of screen (and opposite side of the led) as i look at the screen. . thanks!
you can easily see the 2 holes for the light and proximity sensors in the top left corner if you shine a flashlight at it.
kozm0naut said:
The proximity and light sensors are under the upper-right corner of the glass, above the screen. Most protectors don't seem to take this into account, and cover both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both sensors are on the top left of the screen. the only thing in the top right is the charge LED indicator.
Can someone take a pic of exactly where the sensors are and possibly how they have "edited" their screen protector so it works better?
thanks
melterx12 said:
both sensors are on the top left of the screen. the only thing in the top right is the charge LED indicator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
appreciate both of your clarifying responses. (now if i can only be convinced that nothing will happen to my phone if i root it! currently tapping the heels of my feet and repeating rooting your phone will not result in defect karma)!
MontAlbert said:
Can someone take a pic of exactly where the sensors are and possibly how they have "edited" their screen protector so it works better?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a camera (except the one on the phone)... but shine a flashlight at the screen's top left region. You'll see two round openings underneath where the sensors are located.
As for modifying a screen protector to work properly... well that requires cutting material off. Either trim off part of the corner, or if you're particularly handy with an exacto knife, try to figure out a way to only cut a couple of circles or a long oval that will leave the sensors exposed. I just hacked off a corner of my PhantomSkinz, to verify if this was the problem... I have a replacement on the way anyway since this one didn't install right.
If you really want to do it right, go with a Seidio, Martin Fields, or other similar clear screen protector, as they won't have this problem.
uansari1 said:
So I have a PhantomSkinz screen protector installed, and I've noticed that now when I use the phone in a dimly lit room and make a call, if I pull the phone away from my face, it stays blacked out. I have to turn the light on for it to wake back up.
[/b]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tested in a dimly lit room with the Martin Fields protector which covers the emitter and detector holes. Sensor works as it should.
vsc said:
Just tested in a dimly lit room with the Martin Fields protector which covers the emitter and detector holes. Sensor works as it should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm not surprised. I think the Martin Fields and Seidio (and any other "clear" protectors) are the only ones that will work properly without modification.
Btw, would you mind taking some pictures of your screen with the MF protector? Specifically, I'm interested in how it fits. You can post it in the Martin Fields thread in the Accessories subforum.
with my zagg shield the prox works perfect.
lightforce said:
with my zagg shield the prox works perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I don't believe you, but you tried it in a dimly lit room, right? With the PhantomSkinz, it worked fine when it was brightly lit, or outdoors... just not inside when I have the lights down.
yep just tried it.
lightforce said:
yep just tried it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool... thanks man. So far it's just the PhantomSkinz and Skinomi that has been confirmed throw off the proximity sensor.
I've got the Phantom Skinz screen protector and am noticing no problems with proximity on the Nexus One. I did set the skin to be flush with the bottom of the screen rather than the top (the skin does appear to be about 1.5mm short), could this be the reason I'm not experiencing the proximity issue, even in a low light room?
mjwatmough said:
I've got the Phantom Skinz screen protector and am noticing no problems with proximity on the Nexus One. I did set the skin to be flush with the bottom of the screen rather than the top (the skin does appear to be about 1.5mm short), could this be the reason I'm not experiencing the proximity issue, even in a low light room?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely could be... I had mine flush with the top prior to removing it. Either way, I think these screen protectors should be cut to cover the entire screen. I messaged PhantomSkinz Guru to suggest that he/she inquire about fixing the size issue and maybe getting a small cutout to the proximity/ambient light sensor area. I imagine a nice elongated oval, like those on phones where the speaker is on the screen, would work well.
Is this with full body or just screen protector?
Just the screen protector on mine.

Problem with proximity sensor

The problem is that the screen will stay off during calls. That means I can't hang up...
The only way to get the screen on is bright light against the sensor.
Is there any way to calibrate the sensor?
I don't think so. But as you say, it's a proximity sensor, so it should measure a distance and not need light to wake the screen. And as far as I know, the light sensor isn't used in calls.
But you could use the key under the screen to hang up
Yes, that's pretty weird actually, but that's how it is...
But no, I can't hang up since there are no hard buttons. Only the touch-sensetive ones, and they don't work when the phone thinks it's at someones ear.
Screen protector and proximity sensor
I have installed on my HD Mini a very good quality screen protector. During phone call my screen became black like my ear is on the phone, but my phone is on the desk ! If I remove the screen protector the proximity sensor come back to work correctly. Any idea how to set-up or adjust proximity sensor sensitivity ?
Me too!
I have this problem too!
Your phones have a screen which is made of really good strong glass. Using a screen protector is useless. I have had a Hero (also a capacitive touchscreen phone) for 6 months and, while I do keep it in a holster, I have rubbed it on my shirt, dropped it and used my finger on it all day long. It still is spotless. Stop wasting money on protectors and just use the phone. And having a protector is bound to screw up the proximity sensor.
As far as it not recognizing that the phone is not against your ear.... that is a matter for the service department to solve since it seems like a hardware fault.
Really strange! I've a screen protector but don't have this problem... the sensor works fine!!!
bellor
It's made out of plastic, really easy to make scratch. And it's very fingerprint attractive. So glossy filter is really good solution.
BeemerZ1
Same problem, proximity sensor work really weird.
Hi guys, I have the same problem on my HTC HD Mini, when you make a call the screen goes black and will not allow to end call. I have to take battery out to make it work again. I was looking at the registry tweaks for HTC HD2 (leo) and am wondering if those tweaks will work on my mini.
Please, if anyone has a solution, put it on here, have even tried replacing the glass to resolve but not working still.
Same problem. I tried an experiment... when i'm in a light room, works. when i'm in a dark room doesn't work. Really stupid... without light doesn't work!!
If you would, try to put the mini under light when is in calling...
In fact, that's quite normal. If you're calling in a dark room, how do you expect that your phone can "see" the difference between the darkness of your ears and the darkness of the room?
Are you using a screen protector?
I used to have the same issue. But once I remove the screen protector the screen turns back on straight after a phone call.
I believe that the proximity sensor is confused and is affected by having an object pasted over it.
so if someone could experiment with just removing he corner of the screen protector to avoid the sensor, you will not have a issue.
I am using the mini with a screen protector and it has been fine in my pocket...but I am not saying you should try!
My 2 cents!
S-ed said:
bellor
It's made out of plastic, really easy to make scratch. And it's very fingerprint attractive. So glossy filter is really good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its made of carbonized whatever mixture just like any other capacitive screen and no theres no way to scratch that thing, iam wearing it in a pocket together with my keys since i bought it and theres no single scratch there, yet the fingerprint thing is very annoying indeed but thats because the material of the screen is very very close to glass.
fongyiktze said:
I used to have the same issue. But once I remove the screen protector the screen turns back on straight after a phone call.
I believe that the proximity sensor is confused and is affected by having an object pasted over it.
so if someone could experiment with just removing he corner of the screen protector to avoid the sensor, you will not have a issue.
I am using the mini with a screen protector and it has been fine in my pocket...but I am not saying you should try!
My 2 cents!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lcd and digitiser have been replaced and there is no screen protector on the device. I purchased the lcd and digitiser as a complete unit so as not to have any issues.
The seller reassures me that the product was brand new and had been fully tested. I no longer have the old pieces to test against but this problem seems quite common from the threads on here and gsm forum.
Any solutions or ideas for resolution greatly appreciated, near to pulling all my hair out!!!!!!!!
I have screen protector and I do not have any problem with sensor. Everything works great..
i have the same problem as you.. when i am in a call i cant end it because my screen is black all the time.the only solution i found is when i call i turn the speaker on.please help us
p.s where on the screen is the proximity sensor??
spithash said:
i have the same problem as you.. when i am in a call i cant end it because my screen is black all the time.the only solution i found is when i call i turn the speaker on.please help us
p.s where on the screen is the proximity sensor??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up on right side
_Madmatt said:
In fact, that's quite normal. If you're calling in a dark room, how do you expect that your phone can "see" the difference between the darkness of your ears and the darkness of the room?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know... I meant that only works in bright light conditions, such as directly under a lamp or sunlight. in a room or just the shade does not work. So it's "only"a matter of adjusting the sensitivity of the light sensor. I do not even understand how it can be made this "proximity sensor", all I know is that it works with light. Rather, there is a program like the shake'n wake can use?
I have this annoying problem, too.
But I have to say: I have NO screen protectror, and: the divece was repaired by arvato-Services after a broken display. And I didn't have this problem before!
Sometimes i seems to help to puff serveral times into the loudspeeker, so that the screen returns and I'm able tu hang up the call. But sometimes it doesn't works, and if I had spoken to a mailbox (and the other end didn't hang up, so that i MUST hang up) the last solution was to remove the battery.
If there is a way to disable the sensor (i.e. in the registry)?
kind regards
Ye same thing, Mine will only bring the screen back during a call if it is under a very bright light.
Any ideas yet?

Mi 9T Proximity Sensor Issue

Is there anyone else encountering the same issue with me?
I realize my proximity was not working when the screen wont turn off during the call when using the earpiece. I did went into the CIT and performed the proximity sensor test and the proximity sensor seems not even reacting.
Is there any chances that it could be the tempered glass screen protector affecting the sensor to work normally? I found that the phone is eventually something they called it "Virtual Proximity Sensor" so i kinda clueless on fixing this.
Mine is working through the glass.
Apply all the updates, happened the same to me until i applied system updates.
The reason of it is you glass protection.
Works for me. Unless I am in another app whole in call
I face the same problem
The proximity sensor seems to be located on the top right (next to earpiece) literally invisible to at least my eyes. Make sure you have no bubbles in that area from screen protector install and if there's a smudge from your fingerprint it might block the sensor thinking it is placed near your ear. So clean it if it doesn't work properly. Maybe screen protectors with black borders like the Nillkin one require 100% accuracy when applying them?
I do have a line all the way around my phone where my screen protector has and will not stick to the phone.
Can't comment on plastic screen protectors.
I have the same issue on my MI9T Pro. Tested with CIT (4 times click on kernel version appear this tool to check the hardware). First time the sensor worked fine (5.0 to 0.0), second time it was stuck on 0.0
Then I reboot the phone and it has fixed by itself, but this is a recurrent issue, I couldn't solve. Someone knows the real solution?
I have the same problem , i don t know if is a software problem , i think is more a hardware problem . The sensor worked fine ( i think ) until i installed a temperd glass . When i put the glass " perfect " the sensor not worked ...then i moved the glass down , and is working , but not 100 % . In call i must find a position , an in my pocket not seek to work . I use a Wozinsky Super Tough for Xiaomi Mi 9T & Mi 9T Pro, Full Screen, Full Glue.
For me screen protection is very important , and i make thia compromise for now . I Hope to find a better temperd glass !
+1 for the proximity sensor problems... I had 10.3.15, now chaned over 10.3.11 and the same. I have screen protector from Samsung A50. Sensor is going off when I make a call, and didn't came back when I put the phone down.
This is not happening every time, but once in a day/two...
No problem in K20. Using back cover and .2mm plastic screen protector
I think the problem is with temperd glass , mine have black border and i think that is the problem !!
I have the same issue. But I noticed this only happens for the incoming calls and not for the outgoing also I noticed when this happen it's like sensor doesn't wakes up but I have to say that I have screen protector also. I read in a forum from Spain that several users have the same issue even without screen protector.
For the incoming calls, I notice a lot of times that the phone/smart watch is ringing, but the screen is not turning on. Even when I unlock the phone can see that someone is calling...
Screen protector
I have the same issue. I have a tempered glass with black frame too. The proximity sensor doesn't work when the glass is on. It is a really strange issue.
I have the same issue. I have a Xiaomi mi 9t pro and my proximity and light sensor don't work (same component)
But I have a theory. Like many I have installed a tempered glass previously but I removed it some weeks ago because of a crack. But I didn't replace it with a new one.
But who else used the (included) oil to remove the halo effect around the screen protector?
I used it but I think some oil seeped in the speaker grill and this maybe gives errors on the contacts of the proximity and light sensor!? The sensor is nearby the speaker grill.
I have the same problem... Have phone about a month, I've put glass the same day I bought the phone... Does anyone know where is the problem?
All i can tell you all is how to apply these screen protectors, because at the end of the day it is NOT a hardware issue. (sure, maybe a hardware flaw when using it with an accessory such as a protector)
The best method imo is to use tape or the sticky stickers that should come with the pack, so you end up creating a hinge that should always "close" at the same exact spot when you "open and close it".
Only then should you continue to peel of the film after thoroughly but gently wiping off the dust and marks especially near the proximity sensor. Make sure the phone is "naked" and that you do this in the least dusty environment. Do not waste any time after peeling off the sticker but do not rush and risk messing up the allignment. It should be an even gap/space all the way round of the phone. If you feel like you did everything right and it still doesn't work then next time move the screen protectors ever so slightly downwards.
Refer to my first post on the first page to see my phone's screen protector installed. Guess I can take some clearer pictures and show you. Have used the phone with three cases and zero problems apart from smudging the sensor with my ear a few times.
My first post using text formatting lol
I briefly had your issue, i simply cleaned the top speaker grill.
Can confirm, tampered glass with black borders cause this problem. I removed it and now it works flawlessly.

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