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Need help samsung galaxy s proximity sensor not working

I need help with identifying the problem why my proximity sensor isnt working. This gets annoying because my phone turns the screen off when making a call and you can turn it back on since it thinks something is all the time in front of it. Is it maybe dust? On which side is the sensor located? Is there any software update for a proximity sensor?

If I type in *#*#0588#*#* that runs the proximity sensor test. The screeen goes green, vibrates and stays on 1 all the time( doesnt flick between 1 and 0 if I i move it). What can I do?

I've got a problem with mine aswell. It is always 0 in the test (it can't sense if i put anything over it).
It use to work but suddenly sort of died. I'm not sure what the problem is too but I would like a fix if anyone can come up with one
Funny thing though, my proximity sensor worked fine for 1 call this afternoon, but failed again soon after. :/

Looks like this is one big riddle for the samsung galaxy users. :/

I made a discovery.. If i shone a bright light on my sensor and held it really close to it (like 0.5-1cm away) then the proximity sensor would react and say something is covering it. Only works with a bright light though :/

How bright is that light? May I ask you what are the other 3 values of your sensors?

ciksas said:
How bright is that light? May I ask you what are the other 3 values of your sensors?
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hmm it was the flash from my digital camera. I think any decent light would work. Try a torch, if that doesn't work try something a bit brighter.
As for the values, which 3 values do u mean?? sorry

Light, magnetic, accelerometer.
Which rom do you have?

ciksas said:
Light, magnetic, accelerometer.
Which rom do you have?
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Click to collapse
oh, the values for accelerometer work fine, the xyz values react as they should when i move the phone.
Light sensor goes as high as 15000 lux when I shine the light on it.
Magnet sensor: 2 and the xyz change and react as they should. same with Azimuth Pitch and Roll.
As for the rom, I'm on darky's 10.1 Extreme Edition

As I thought my light sensor is also faulty. It goes only from 0-22lux

My solution
ciksas said:
I need help with identifying the problem why my proximity sensor isnt working. This gets annoying because my phone turns the screen off when making a call and you can turn it back on since it thinks something is all the time in front of it. Is it maybe dust? On which side is the sensor located? Is there any software update for a proximity sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if this helps, I had a similar problem.. After i made a call my screen would not auto turn back on for me to disconnect the call.
It may have been coincidence, but after i disconnected "Increase volume in pocket", everything started working properly again.

bcosta76 said:
I don't know if this helps, I had a similar problem.. After i made a call my screen would not auto turn back on for me to disconnect the call.
It may have been coincidence, but after i disconnected "Increase volume in pocket", everything started working properly again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android version?

ciksas said:
Android version?
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Click to collapse
Sorry, I should had given this information. This happened on a S4 (I9505) android version 4.2.2.
I don't know if this particular phone has the same menus has mine, but its how i solved my problem.

Having this issue too.
Nothing mentioned so far has worked for me.
Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 on VZW running 4.2.2.
Unfortunately I don't know when it started so I can't pinpoint any apps as possible triggers. However I have tried out all sorts of apps status bar apps, active notifications apps, launchers (Apex is my current now)

Always on Display dims, but doesn't turn off in pocket

did anyone notice the Always on Display dims, but doesn't turn off when turned face-down or put in your pocket?

Yes and looks as though that is how it will always be now. I read an article about how they did proximity sensor on this phone. The process sensor causes a white light to blink when it's on so it is only used when on a call.

Wait ... So the ALWAYS ON display is on ALWAYS and that's a problem??? Hmmmm

Try Gravity Screen.

vintagerock said:
Yes and looks as though that is how it will always be now. I read an article about how they did proximity sensor on this phone. The process sensor causes a white light to blink when it's on so it is only used when on a call.
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Click to collapse
This is bull s h i t! WTH!!

Yea, I was looking into this. The "behind the glass" proximity sensor isonly on when in calls etc. You'l see it's on by the flashing white dot near the battery icon when in a call etc. All other times it seems it's off. So AOD is always on as it doesn't use the proximity sensor any longer.
Really stupid on their part.

the_scotsman said:
Yea, I was looking into this. The "behind the glass" proximity sensor isonly on when in calls etc. You'l see it's on by the flashing white dot near the battery icon when in a call etc. All other times it seems it's off. So AOD is always on as it doesn't use the proximity sensor any longer.
Really stupid on their part.
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Click to collapse
I agree, Also I used the lift to call when in a persons sms thread in the stock messages app, now that does not work either because of this.... I can't find an option to turn it on. Never had an option on my prior galaxys as it just worked...

jstodda said:
Wait ... So the ALWAYS ON display is on ALWAYS and that's a problem??? Hmmmm
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Click to collapse
Yes because I want it always on WHEN I CAN SEE IT, not when it's in my pocket.
---------- Post added at 09:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 AM ----------
Tel864 said:
Try Gravity Screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried it for this case?

This sucks... Only way I understand this it's that they decided that AOD and proximity sensor always on consume almost the same amount of battery.

I cover the proximity sensor on s9+ and turn off AOD in 30sec and then i try that on my s10+ and nothing happened and for now i turn it off because is all the time active.

Screen On In Pocket
My phone doesn't arrive until tomorrow so I have no report but, I am wondering if anyone has noticed accidental screen on in pocket or seen a setting to prevent. Older Galaxy phones had a setting to prevent this which relied on proximity sensor.

bsam55 said:
My phone doesn't arrive until tomorrow so I have no report but, I am wondering if anyone has noticed accidental screen on in pocket or seen a setting to prevent. Older Galaxy phones had a setting to prevent this which relied on proximity sensor.
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Click to collapse
Accidental touch is still an option on the S10, i have mine enabled but it never turns AOD off. It doesn't work like before. I'm hoping they can fix this as its getting on my nerves that I have to keep disabling AOD when leaving in my bag else it'll stay on wasting battery for nothing.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

So basically if I use a wallet folio case then then AOD doesnt turn off when I close the cover?
What would be causing this?
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
So basically if I use a wallet folio case then then AOD doesnt turn off when I close the cover?
What would be causing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably need to be connected with proximity sensor but this time is under the screen who knows.

I just ran the Samsung inbuilt test *#0#* , there is no test under Sensors for the proximity sensor for this model, if I'm not mistaken other Galaxy devices did have this specific sub test under Sensors test menu
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Always on display always on

Hey i noticed that AOD is always on, like always for real even in pocket the simple thing to test that is just to cover the top sensor so it should switch off.
Am i the only one experiencing that ?

Sounds like it is doing Always On correctly to me...

IT should get off when proximity sensor is covered

ToneLa said:
Sounds like it is doing Always On correctly to me...
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Click to collapse
But it's supposed to turn off if proximity sensor is covered to save battery in pocket and such

Fingerprint AOD

Is it possible to remove fingerprint from aod on p30 pro without removing fingerprint sign in? I can't find settings for it...

I don't know about yours, but mine isn't there until I pick up the phone or touch the screen?
If you want to completely remove it then you can't - the way the finger print sensor works requires the screen to light up at max brightness under your finger so it can capture the fingerprint with the optical sensor.
Watch the 'JerryRigEverything' YouTube teardown to find out more info on how it works, but when scanning for a fingerprint it needs the illumination

milosmeda said:
Is it possible to remove fingerprint from aod on p30 pro without removing fingerprint sign in? I can't find settings for it...
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Click to collapse
I was wondering this too as I'm starting to get slight screen burn from a combination of that and the intense light required to unlock. My S10+ has an option to turn it off, and muscle memory dictates that it isn't really necessary after a few days of use.

leoni1980 said:
I was wondering this too as I'm starting to get slight screen burn from a combination of that and the intense light required to unlock. My S10+ has an option to turn it off, and muscle memory dictates that it isn't really necessary after a few days of use.
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Click to collapse
As I said above, the reason for the intense light is that it uses and optical sensor rather than an ultrasonic sensor (as used in the S10+). Without the light it simply will not be able to see fingerprints.

NJ72 said:
As I said above, the reason for the intense light is that it uses and optical sensor rather than an ultrasonic sensor (as used in the S10+). Without the light it simply will not be able to see fingerprints.
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Click to collapse
I understand that but I'd like to at least be able to turn off the fingerprint indicator. I hold my phone in my hand most of the day so it's a bit annoying that it pops up every time you move the phone. You can switch off this indicator on the S10 and it has nothing to do with the technology - it's just a guide.

Proximity Sensor Issue

I am having an issue where always on display is staying ON while in pocket/faced down on the table. Feels like the proximity sensor is not working while on the AOD.
Plus, the proximity sensor doesn't seem to work while in the pocket either. The setting 'prevent accidental touches' has been enabled, however it is still responding to 'double tap to wake' while in the pocket for whatever reason...
Is there any fix to this?

I noticed the AOD stays on in my pocket as well. I thought maybe it was by design that way, even though it makes no sense.
Have not had a single pocket wakeup though.
It does seem that the proximity sensor (which is really the camera) doesn't work especially well though, from reports of people noticing it on phone calls. Hopefully something that can be fixed in software.

jdock said:
I noticed the AOD stays on in my pocket as well. I thought maybe it was by design that way, even though it makes no sense.
Have not had a single pocket wakeup though.
It does seem that the proximity sensor (which is really the camera) doesn't work especially well though, from reports of people noticing it on phone calls. Hopefully something that can be fixed in software.
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Click to collapse
Thanks mate, appreciate your feedback. Proximity sensor works fine on my phone during calls. Can't think of any reason why Samsung would intend it this way...

Proximity sensor issue here as well
I have the same problem. I put phone into test mode and it was bad compared to my wife's s9 search proximity sensor s20fe on YouTube and see others with issue

There is no fix. This is apparently the way AOD works now. I can't remember if it started with the S10s or S20s.

uggies said:
I am having an issue where always on display is staying ON while in pocket/faced down on the table. Feels like the proximity sensor is not working while on the AOD.
Plus, the proximity sensor doesn't seem to work while in the pocket either. The setting 'prevent accidental touches' has been enabled, however it is still responding to 'double tap to wake' while in the pocket for whatever reason...
Is there any fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some research on s20fe proximity sensor, because I desperately wanted flip case to open and close the screen.
Here is what I have noticed: there are two "proximity sensors" both sides of the front camera. These sensors close the screen during call if you touch them (I'm not sure if it's enough to touch just 1 or do you have to touch both of them). You need to touch these with your cheek or finger cause they need a electric field.
Phone also utilizes front camera light sensor during call: if there is no light, it turns off the screen but for this to happen phone needs to be on up right position. Screen won't close if the phone is on desk and you cover the camera.
So anyways, my point is that the proximity sensor is not able to detect if your phone is in the pocket or not. Only way for the phone to detect this is with the front camera light sensor, and I guess this would increase the battery consumption so much, there is no point.
You can test your "proximity sensors" by typing *#0*# in dialer numpad, select sensors and touch from the side of the front camera. If the screen turns green sensors are working.

No problems with Verizon S20 FE 5G UW
Huberttus said:
I did some research on s20fe proximity sensor, because I desperately wanted flip case to open and close the screen.
Here is what I have noticed: there are two "proximity sensors" both sides of the front camera. These sensors close the screen during call if you touch them (I'm not sure if it's enough to touch just 1 or do you have to touch both of them). You need to touch these with your cheek or finger cause they need a electric field.
Phone also utilizes front camera light sensor during call: if there is no light, it turns off the screen but for this to happen phone needs to be on up right position. Screen won't close if the phone is on desk and you cover the camera.
So anyways, my point is that the proximity sensor is not able to detect if your phone is in the pocket or not. Only way for the phone to detect this is with the front camera light sensor, and I guess this would increase the battery consumption so much, there is no point.
You can test your "proximity sensors" by typing *#0*# in dialer numpad, select sensors and touch from the side of the front camera. If the screen turns green sensors are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchased the Samsung S20 FE 5G UW (how about we shorten this to FE UW?) with all updates AND a glass screen protector and have no touch/proximity issues.
FYI I bought it at the Costco kiosk for a few dollars less per month, no activation charges and a 90 day return policy.

the Galaxy S20 FE (5G) has no physiscal proximity sensor.
Insted it uses a combination of the front camera, touch screen and gyroscope.

I have tested the proximity issues, luckily for me there were ok...turn green. The only thing that drive me crazy is the touch screen issues which never been fixed even after updates. Oh well at least its better than before.

Huberttus said:
I did some research on s20fe proximity sensor, because I desperately wanted flip case to open and close the screen.
Here is what I have noticed: there are two "proximity sensors" both sides of the front camera. These sensors close the screen during call if you touch them (I'm not sure if it's enough to touch just 1 or do you have to touch both of them). You need to touch these with your cheek or finger cause they need a electric field.
Phone also utilizes front camera light sensor during call: if there is no light, it turns off the screen but for this to happen phone needs to be on up right position. Screen won't close if the phone is on desk and you cover the camera.
So anyways, my point is that the proximity sensor is not able to detect if your phone is in the pocket or not. Only way for the phone to detect this is with the front camera light sensor, and I guess this would increase the battery consumption so much, there is no point.
You can test your "proximity sensors" by typing *#0*# in dialer numpad, select sensors and touch from the side of the front camera. If the screen turns green sensors are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate great information here, really appreciate this.
Tested the Proximity sensor using *#0*#, I agree with your analysis. The proximity must be using electric reaction to detect if my ears are touching it or not. Covering it with a book does not trigger a proximity sensor... This explain why my screen keeps waking up in the pocket.
As much as this is annoying, there appears to be no way out Just have to let the phone face outside rather than my legs.

I also have the same issue, while on a phone call, the phone's screen goes on and off constantly and I can see the notification bar moving. Very annoying.
This is a terrible design by Samsung. The punch hole usually goes in the "Empty" part of the ear, so the screen stays mostly on.
I might just return the phone because of this issue, I don't see it getting fixed by a software update.

I have the exact opposite issue with the proximity sensor on my Samsung S20 plus running Android 10 - i.e. it works well by turning the screen off when my ear/cheek/face is very close to the proximity sensor during phone calls; whereas, when the phone's screen is locked and turned off, the proximity sensor is turned off as well. Control by hardware? Software/firmware? Don't know?! To turn the screen on without using the Power hardware button, I had to enable the "Double Tap" feature in Settings.
On earlier/other Android mobile devices - Samsung included - the proximity sensor is always on - whether the screen is on, off, or currently locked. When it's always on, you can be innovative and build a widget, for instance, to turn the screen on by "waving" your hand above the proximity sensor to interrupt the laser. I suspect new(er) Samsung mobile devices like S20 and Note20 variants might be using a "virtual" proximity sensor setup/combo for controlling the device's screen - and that really sucks!
To test if the proximity sensor is always activated on Samsung S20 and Note20 variants, I type *#77692# - which displayed a hardware screen to test proximity and light sensors. Note: if you type *#0*#, the proximity and light sensor options are absent from the hardware test screen.
Has anyone found any method - via codes even - to permanently turn on the proximity sensor, even when the screen is locked and turned off?
I searched through AOSP framework vanilla codes and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary regarding control of the proximity sensor. Samsung might be doing something dubious with their firmwares/hardwares though - well, at least, the S20 and Note20 variants are having issues with the proximity sensor setup.
P.S: Not sure if you guys are aware, but Samsung mobile devices with odd designation tends to be more problematic than their even-designated counterparts, like screen's burn-ins/shadows on Samsung S3 devices, light sensor fluctuation (which affects screen brightness control) on Samsung S5s, and now proximity problems with the S20s and Note20. Samsung S20 variants are in fact "S11" variants renamed. So the trend continues with Samsung always stuffing up their odd-designated device releases.