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

iZian

Level 2

193 points

Jun 29, 2010 11:30 AM in response to rkovvur

I believe its IR proximity sensor actually... Granted IR is a form of light; but shouldn't be fooled by a bubble I thought... I can get finger prints all over my 3G and it worked fine.

mdalegre Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 29, 2010 11:32 AM in response to mdalegre

I now strongly believe this is a combination of a design issue, the individual make up of some of our ears, and the sensitivity that is set to the sensor. I have exchanged my phone twice for various reasons and all of them exhibit this issue. I have also tried my friends phones in which they do not have this issue, but when I use their phone i do have the issue. I hope this can be solved through software with sensor sensitivity tweaks....

iZian

Level 2

193 points

Jun 29, 2010 11:41 AM in response to mdalegre

I would laugh; actually wet my pants laughing if...:

Because the IR sensor has moved, it's picking up our ear canals as the contact point, and if we get it just right, it thinks we have moved away as it's shining the IR beam down our ears...

I would just rofl

scottct1

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2010 11:42 AM in response to mdalegre

I hate to say ME TOO... but ME TOO!

Its getting so bad that I am considering returning my iPhone 4 and going back to the 3GS.

I keep hanging up on people, dialing and putting them on hold while talking on the phone.

Jun 29, 2010 11:47 AM in response to mdalegre

I too am having this issue. My wife and I have pressed end call with our faces atleast 10 times now. It's quite frustrating.

Unfortunatley I think it's a design issue, not software. The new placement if the sensor does not lend itself well to non perfect contact with your face. Maybe this can be compensated with via software, but that's just a guess.

Jun 29, 2010 11:50 AM in response to scottct1

I'm trying so hard to love this phone, I mean the design, the feel...it is so sexy. But my expectations from Apple were far higher especially after my love affair with the 3gs (despite finding the call quality lackluster). I could not have anticipated this problem, Apple has vicariously gone and made what was one the greatest qualities of the previous iPhones a point of contention. Using the iPhone 4 has become unnatural.

Jun 29, 2010 12:18 PM in response to mdalegre

I noticed this issue last night while talking to my GF on my new Iphone 4. I heard button tones like someone was pushing phone keys. Then i noticed my screen was active and the keypad was on. Off topic..but the app store seems to have issues not loading as well, a friend that has an iphone 4 has said the same thing. Apple fix these issues i spent wayyy too much money on this phone for it to be acting like this!

Message was edited by: Garyb1980

bryan_05

Level 1

8 points

Jun 29, 2010 12:18 PM in response to mdalegre

Hung up on my sister twice and insurance company once today. I knew something was up when "Call Failed" was finally not the issue.

Mac2H

Level 1

42 points

Jun 29, 2010 12:21 PM in response to mdalegre

I just want to add that I personally have problems with accidental hangups and going into my contact list while on almost every phone call since I bought this blasted new iPhone. I have had every iPhone since the 1st model. The iPhone 4 could be much better if they just fixed two things:
1. Proximity sensor is a joke
2. External antenna

Everyone is complaining about the antenna problem right now... the proximity sensor is MUCH more irritating. At least you can control your hand position with the other issue.

maddog79

Level 1

0 points

Jun 29, 2010 12:22 PM in response to mdalegre

Just spoken to apple care. After a glorious 36 minutes on hold - I was informed there is no stock for replacements (London UK) and that they would send me a box out to return it to them to repair it, if they couldn't repair they'd post a replacement.

I asked if they were confirming that this was a known issue and knew how to correct, I got

"I didn't say that" back - what's that about? It's a simple honest question about a 600 pound phone, cagey politics.

Jun 29, 2010 12:26 PM in response to mdalegre

i have been having problems with the proximity sensor as well i put people on hold, i hang up on them. i have also had problems with my bars going to zero to as far as it saying searching..... when i grab it by the left hand bottom side. i speak to doctors all day,this phone is a vital part of my job, apple needs to address the issue right away.

Jun 29, 2010 12:47 PM in response to mdalegre

Wow. This is really a big one for me. Three iPhones and suddenly I'm having problems face dialing. The dimensions of my head haven't changed and I am routinely hanging up, pressing the "3", "3" or "9" keys (I'm left handed) or the speakerphone button. The lockout does not work for me...just ends the call.

Robyn60

Level 1

0 points

Jun 29, 2010 12:48 PM in response to mdalegre

Yes! I am also having all the same problems. Very frustrating, ready to return phone!

Jun 29, 2010 12:50 PM in response to mdalegre

My wife and I are both having the same issues. I have hung up on over 90% of the phone calls I am making where I need to put the phone to my ear. I never had this problem with the 3G. I called support and they told me that they are completely unaware of this issue. I pointed them to this discussion, but have heard nothing from them since. I am going to wait 2 days to see if a fix is announced and will them return my iPhone 4 and either go to a 3GS or Android.

Jun 29, 2010 12:50 PM in response to mdalegre

I feel lucky to have the one working iPhone in the US. No yellow spots on my screen. No issues with dropping calls due to the iPhone death grip, and no cheek dialing. In fact, in all aspects it seems to be a better phone than my 3GS. I guess if you make 1.7 million at least one is going to work right. I am not making light of those with problems but suggesting not all phones are flawed so hopefully your issues can be addressed.

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Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls