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Level 1

0 points

Proximity sensor not working correctly...screen won't turn back on!

Alright so I'm loving my iPhone 4, but I've been having one glaring issue: the proximity sensor turns off the screen during a call(as normal) but then the screen won't turn back on until I lock, force hangup and lock again. Very frustrating because I was unable to dial a number to be transferred while in a call. Seems like the same issue is going on with other iPhone generations upgrading to iOS4 in the other forum sections, but I'd never think it to happen with a brand new 4. Could it have been my restore file from my 3GS?

Anyone else having this issue? Thanks.

Mac Pro 2.8 Octo, Mac OS X (10.6.4), iPhone 4 32GB

Posted on Jun 23, 2010 3:08 PM

35 replies

Jul 7, 2010 8:35 PM in response to fs454

Didn't work for me. SO far have tried A. Set up as new phone. B. Reset all settings.

burns454

Level 1

0 points

Jul 10, 2010 9:38 AM in response to helpmeappleplease

I was having the same problem, and Apple suggested that I restore the phone from Itunes, which I did. This still did not seem to solve the problem. I called Apple support this morning and got no help. He suggested the new software fix that is coming out might fix the problem or I could send the phone back to Apple for a replacement.

Thanks to the info on this discussion trail, I think you guys solved the problem for me. After doing the hard reset, it seemed to be working better. But after reading about the new position of the proximity sensor (and I have my unit in an old Iphone 3 carrying case until my new Iphone 4 carring case arrives), the carrying case appeared to be in a position to interfere with the proximity sensor. I cut the top edge off my carring case, and presto everything appeared to work.

I am somewhat concerned that the Apple tech folks were not able to ask about the hard reset and to make sure something was not interfering with the proximity sensor.

Jul 10, 2010 12:03 PM in response to fs454

I just did an experiment. I let my iphone "cool off" then made a call, the proximity sensor worked fine. Then I heated up the earpiece using a hairdryer and the proximity sensor stopped working, even when I put my finger over the top of the phone the screen would not shut off. I then let it cool back down and it worked again. The sensor in the iPhone 4 malfunctions when it gets too warm, so this is much more serious than a software problem.

rheisler

Level 1

5 points

Jul 12, 2010 12:48 PM in response to fs454

I was having the same problem and followed the suggestion of doing a "Reset All Settings" reset. This seemed to work fine for a few days but the problem has reoccurred and I'm calling Apple Tech Support.

Jul 13, 2010 7:12 AM in response to Isaac Newton

i think it is a heat issue too - hot sweaty day yesterday
i hung up on most calls
i sent emails, called peoples fax machines, went into face time, muted, went on speakerphone
- all without moving the phone from my ear
i want to throw this phone out the window

jdTrader

Level 1

21 points

Jul 13, 2010 9:38 AM in response to mediaman30

I also think it's the heat....I notice when the phone is not used much (cold) I don't have issues...the minute you get into a conversation > 5 or 10 minutes or frequent calls, the issue just gets worse and worse and worse.....

This is not good.

Jul 13, 2010 5:13 PM in response to jdTrader

Yes, I have the same problem. After a few minutes my IPhone goes crazy. Oh folks, does Apple now the same like Microsoft? After having success - starting to produce crap?? I hope not.....

iancmcc

Level 1

0 points

Jul 15, 2010 2:13 PM in response to jdTrader

It can't be a heat problem, because it also occurs with the 3Gs using iOS 4.

D1337

Level 1

20 points

Jul 15, 2010 5:39 PM in response to Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton wrote:
I just did an experiment. I let my iphone "cool off" then made a call, the proximity sensor worked fine. Then I heated up the earpiece using a hairdryer and the proximity sensor stopped working, even when I put my finger over the top of the phone the screen would not shut off. I then let it cool back down and it worked again. The sensor in the iPhone 4 malfunctions when it gets too warm, so this is much more serious than a software problem.

Yes it does sound serious. Maybe you shouldn't heat the phone with the hairdryer anymore?

Mine doesn't work in the microwave unless the oven is off.

Judy

Level 4

2,312 points

Jul 19, 2010 7:04 PM in response to iancmcc

My 3GS has the same problem. I updated it to the new ios4 and then noticed the problem.

When I make or answer a call, the screen will go dark and stay that way. I can't get back to a lit screen.
I played around a bit, and if I put my finger over the proximity sensor, the screen comes back to life.
So it seems to work backwards. It stays dark and no buttons work. But if I put my finger over the sensor, the screen lights up. Then I can get back to other apps and the phone works fine.

Rebooting and/or resetting the phone did not work

Jul 19, 2010 6:57 PM in response to saridt

saridt wrote:
I just did a hard reboot and made a few calls. The proximity sensor seems to be working better. I will check the bluetoooth connectivity in my car tomorrow which has also been suffering.

I was told once by a mac genius that you should periodically do a hard reboot because of all the loading and off loading of software on the phone. Also, once you install a bunch of new apps you should do a hard reboot.

I was told the same thing at Apple too. I do it every few days and perhaps it's why I don't have issues with two iP4 phones........

Jul 24, 2010 11:53 PM in response to sdlevent

What is actually happening when you "reset all settings"? Does any info need to be entered back in? is it like turning something off and then on again?

Aug 17, 2010 3:09 PM in response to sdlevent

OMG, Solved!

was gearing up for a long adventure in the Apple Store, exchanges, arguments.
"Reset All Settings" fixed it good.
thanks!!!!

Meliktes

Level 1

0 points

Aug 14, 2011 7:29 PM in response to fs454

My mother was having the same problem with the screen not turning off during a call. Found out from a Verizon associate that the white iPhone has the sensor in a different location than the black. So the screen protectors cover the sensor and prevent it from working. Try removing the screen protector, dialing a number and placing a finger over the sensor (near the speaker). If it turns off, just cut out the section of the screen protector that covers the sensor prior to replacing it. If the screen won't turn off when your finger is placed over the sensor, it's the phone and should be replaced.

Oct 6, 2011 1:15 PM in response to fs454

I tried ALL suggestions ... Nothing worked!? :- ( ( same problem obviously ) . I then tried something new... I have an otterbox case ( iPhone 4 ) and I took phone out of it and .... Drumroll ... It worked! : - ) ( the proximity sensor ) . I then realized obviously that I simply had to clean the otterboxs window on the case that covers the proximity sensor and BINGO! now it works! No problems! : - ) I hope this helps anyone with the same issue! Good luck!

Proximity sensor not working correctly...screen won't turn back on!