Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls

I have done a few tests myself. If I make a call and place my finger about 10mm above the speaker, the screen goes blank. This works on the left and right hand side of the speaker. Now I have small ears and have looked in the mirror while making a call. The sensor seems to work fine. If you have large ears, you might have a problem.

With all due respect, billimek, I wholeheartedly disagree. I hope you're being sarcastic.

I did not spend hundreds of dollars on a device so that I could alter my life based on the quirks of the device. I spent hundreds of dollars on a device expecting it to be able to adapt to me (just as my iPhone 3G did for the past 15 months with no problems whatsoever.) I am fine with putting the iPhone 4 in a case to avoid loss of signal since I was going to put the phone in a case anyway. However, having my phone put the conversation on speaker, mute the call, end the call, and start a conference call with one of my contacts while I'm in a call is absolutely unacceptable of ANY phone whether it was manufactured in 1995 or 2010.

There are now a few videos on YouTube popping up that are demonstrating the proximity sensor issue with the iPhone 4. In one in particular, the phone's screen never appears to turn off even though the guy holds the phone to his ear for several seconds. This is, no doubt, a problem. It may not be affecting a majority of users, but it is affecting many. I expect a fix from Apple (whether that comes from a software update or a replacement handset has yet to be seen.) I am giving Apple until July 23 to fix this problem before I am taking my handset back.

i would say i have average sized ears. I've have dropped countless calls and muted many others by accident. I disagree. this is an issue and placing tape over the sensor isn't the answer as you wouldn't be able to use the screen unless you removed the tape. Not a solution for me. HOwever, I do like the iphone 4 and by the time i get used to using it, they'll release an iphone 4gs or something crazy like that, that i'll get... 🙂

I have had 2 iPhones and am a real fan. But things like this could do Apple an enormous amount of damage if they just ignore the issue and think it will go away. Especially when many people brought the 32gig model at £599. It will not go away Apple, so please respond.

OK, here's what's happening to me.

During phone calls, the keyboard appears on screen and I keep pressing buttons with my face, causing beeping noises.

And...I hit the "hold" button just now and kicked my caller into "mute" mode.

And...the blasted thing hangs up because I touch the screen with my face.

Apple, are you listening? And can you please fix this ASAP?

The iPhone 4 stinks as a phone!!!

Also, FWIW, it appears to me that Apple moved the proximity sensor on the iPhone 4 to be somewhere near the earpiece. I'm basing that on the fact that if I put my finger up to the area that's within a few millimeters around the earpiece when in a call, the screen goes off, but if I put my finger any further from the earpiece (say, where the proximity sensor used to be on the 3G), the screen stays on.

As I recall, the proximity sensor on the iPhone 3G was visible to the left of the earpiece if you're looking at the phone's screen. I can't see the actual sensor on the iPhone 4 so I can't tell exactly where it is. Perhaps moving the sensor (if it has been moved) is part of the culprit? I, for one, am hoping they can boost the sensitivity of the sensor via software.

Count me in, too... Having the same proximity issues... Very annoying... 😟

An Apple Genius replaced my iPhone 4 with a brand new one in-store this afternoon as I was able to replicate the sensor issue. He said he hadn't seen it before but I let him know that this site was lit up with comments. He said that for him, only a few number of people would probably have that problem since the sales were spread out over a large area. That was understandable but I got NO hassle from the Apple Genius since I was able to show him what was going on.

I spoke with Apple again stating the issue persists despite restoring. We will just have to wait a week or so, hopefully there will be an update that will address this. The scuttlebutt is that Apple is working on fixes as we speak. Hopefully the new configuration of the sensor can be compensated for in a software update so that the user-end experience is similar to the previous iPhones.

SkyGuy, from what you've been able to tell, does the replacement phone have similar issues with the proximity sensor or do they appear to have been fixed with the new handset?

Echoing what everyone else is having. Pre-ordered iPhone 4 received june23rd. Proximity sensor problem - constantly hitting facetime and in some cases hanging up or placing calls on hold to add another call.

Antenna issues as well, so I have to hold my phone with my thumb on the left side, pointer finger on top, and middle/ring finger on the right side with fingers half extended in order to not drop calls, vs. how I would normally hold a phone (somewhat palming it more).

I've owned all previous generation of iPhones and have never had either of these problems. I've also NEVER had to post on apple discussion forums before and just registered on here to do it - so make what you will of this.

I am having the same issues with this. At first I thought that it was just that the screen was more sensitive because while on calls the speaker phone would come on (this happened the most). In other occasions when placing the phone to my cheek the call would release due to the End Call being touched.

This is definitely an issue that needs to be corrected. I have been a proud iPhone owner since 2008 with the iPhone 2G. I upgraded to the 3G and also the 3GS. I have never had an issue like this one. I hope that there is a quick solution.

I'm having the same issues. Calls will be dropped even with good reception. While on the phone with my mom i heard the phone ringing...somehow it started a 3-way call with a friend from my contacts. I was on with AT&T today and the call dropped twice. VERY frustrating! I don't even want to use this phone for business calls because I'm afraid of having to apologize every time I drop a call.

I am having this issue as well. The screen flickers on and off during a call while against my head when I move it, and every phone call I'm on I accidently end the call or dial my voicemail or try to add a new contact. I hope (and expect) this can be fixed just by making the proximity switch more sensitive via a software update. Because of how widespread this seems I'm going to wait to see if an update will be released that will solve this, otherwise I'm going to try to change out the handset at my local Apple store.

I do wish Apple was a little more upfront with all of these issues.

Message was edited by: WGunth

Message was edited by: WGunth

Apple PLEASE make some adjustments and get this resolved. It is driving me nuts. I attempted to make a lengthy call in a dark setting last night and the phone back light kept popping in and out every few seconds. I have also managed to 'mute' about 15% of my calls since I picked up this phone, by accident. Almost resulted in my returning the phone until I realized the issue was wide spread. Am holding out for a fix.