Level 1

5 points

Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls

I'm having an issue with the Proximity Sensor not properly detecting when i'm holding my phone to my ear. I can confirm that the iPhone sensor is working by covering it with my finger, but when held to my face, the screen blinks as if it cannot decide to disable the screen or enable it. It results on me hanging up, putting calls on mute, and dialing numbers accidentally while i'm on the phone. This occurs on 90% of my calls. Is anyone else experiencing this issue. I would like to confirm whether this is a software issue (Proximity Sensor sensitivity too low) or a design issue (sensor now placed towards the end of the phone).

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jun 23, 2010 8:09 PM

1,688 replies

Jun 28, 2010 1:13 PM in response to mdalegre

Definitely an issue for me... thought about creating a forum about it.... guess someone beat me to the punch! hopefully apple will release an update to go along with that antennae BS.

bobajoul

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:16 PM in response to mdalegre

Did any of you use a case on the phone? I returned two 3G's when they came out, was using an old leather case from 2G, turned out the leather edges were activating the sensors, I found this out myself. Store could not reproduce.

Jun 28, 2010 1:17 PM in response to mdalegre

Same issue here. I did a full restore because I read that it could be a issue with restoring from a back up from a 3G/3GS. The battery seems to be getting better but not the proximity sensor. I know it's an issue so I am careful when I place the phone to my ear. But it's slow to even allow me to hang up. Sometimes the other caller hangs up before the screen appears after pulling it away from my face.

Jun 28, 2010 1:22 PM in response to mdalegre

+ 2

My wife and I are both seeing this issue as well. (We have each had every model iPhone since their release?).

Jun 28, 2010 1:25 PM in response to mdalegre

3 iPhone 4s in household and all have the same problem.

Jun 28, 2010 1:27 PM in response to mdalegre

It happens to me most frequently when I try to cradle the phone between my ear and shoulder.

Jun 28, 2010 1:27 PM in response to mdalegre

Same problem here in London, UK.

I notice that the IR proximity sensor is just above and slightly left of centre of the earpiece slot. On my previous 3G (and I suspect the 3GS also) it is a few millimetres to the left of the ear-slot. If anything I would think the new position would be an improvement but it appears not to be the case. I never suffered a problem with inadvertently pressing button with my ear on my old phone.

To me (as a right-hander) this is a worse problem than the antenna issue, as it affects all users

Hope a software fix can help.

oneal_cj

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:34 PM in response to mdalegre

I am also having this problem. Any solutions yet?

cashley

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:39 PM in response to mdalegre

Same problem here on my phone and husband's phone... reset didn't work. I've been either using speakerphone or the headphones for almost all calls since it's so annoying to me and everyone I call...

sammmer

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:46 PM in response to cashley

happens to me too... flickers and let my cheek push buttons.

apparently my cheek was curious where my friends live because it looked them up on google maps during a call.

Jun 28, 2010 1:48 PM in response to mdalegre

I too am having problems with the proximity sensor. I even called Apple Care and i was talking to them and the call ended. The touchscreen must of still been on and it ended. I also have some problems but not too bad when i have my hand around the phone. I dont think we should have to change to use the phone. The phone should change to fit our needs.

whodatrd

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:50 PM in response to mdalegre

Same prob. Never happened on 3gs. Usually happens when using shoulder to talk. No case, so thats not the problem.

tifusm

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:50 PM in response to mdalegre

I am having the same issue and am so frustrated. Never happened with my 2G or 3GS. I don't use a case.

Jun 28, 2010 1:53 PM in response to mdalegre

well guys i think it is a hardware issue,, i went to the store and got it switched out and it is working great.. no problems here anymore..thanks guys at the apple store for making it very painless..good luck to the rest of you guys..if i were you i would get it switched out asap.. before they run out at your store..

Jun 28, 2010 1:58 PM in response to djproduct

If you place your finger over the phone during a call, at what distance does the proximity sensor activate?

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Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls