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 25, 2010 5:05 PM in response to mdalegre

I am also experiencing this issue. The first level support folks as well as the next higher level techs don't know about this issue. The 2nd level tech told me to restore my phone to factory settings. I am hesistant to do this if it's a bigger problem bc I don't want to lose my email settings, text messages, voicemails etc. I was offered a replacement as well, so apple is standing behind their products I did initially set up the phone from my 3G phone that was upgraded to iOS4. I hope apple fixes this one quickly.

Jun 25, 2010 5:07 PM in response to mdalegre

I am also experiencing this issue. The first level support folks as well as the next higher level techs don't know about this issue. The 2nd level tech told me to restore my phone to factory settings. I am hesistant to do this if it's a bigger problem bc I don't want to lose my email settings, text messages, voicemails etc. I was offered a replacement as well, so apple is standing behind their products. I did initially set up the phone from my 3G phone that was upgraded to iOS4. I hope apple fixes this one quickly.

Jav1

Level 1

4 points

Jun 25, 2010 6:09 PM in response to mdalegre

I'm sorry to say that I am having the same issues.
The phone is gorgeous... but there is a problem that I hope is easy to sort out with a software update.

Jun 25, 2010 6:19 PM in response to mdalegre

Yes mine is also doing that on almost every call I just thought I was doing something wrong its very frustrating.

Jun 25, 2010 6:23 PM in response to mdalegre

Having the same problem - mostly putting calls into speaker mode, but also have "dropped" a couple of calls. As the 4 is slightly longer than 3GS, I'm making a conscious effort to hold the 4 lower than I did for 3GS/2 (which never had this problem when using them in the past). This has helped reduce the frequency of proximity sensor problems but is far from a fix. Looking forward to an official response from Apple as this appears to stem from lapses in design engineering Q/C. I believe that such a basic design flaw should have been noted long before the 4 went into production.

shomewa

Level 1

8 points

Jun 25, 2010 6:23 PM in response to mdalegre

I am muting every single call with my cheek. Apple please fix this ASAP.

JDonavan

Level 1

0 points

Jun 25, 2010 6:24 PM in response to paramedicff37

It's frustrating to see the (non)issue of signal strength be the big talking point when this problem is far more prevalent and annoying.

Jun 25, 2010 6:24 PM in response to mdalegre

I've had my iPhone 4 for two days but haven't opened up the box yet. I really don't know if I should wait or just return it to Apple. I'm still using my 3GS with OS 3.1.2. No problems at all with it.

Jun 25, 2010 6:37 PM in response to mdalegre

I have the same problem with the proximity sensor. It makes the phone almost totally unusable as a phone. Face calls, muted, speakerphone, hung up on people...all with my face, without intending it. Never had a problem before with my iPhone, iPhone 3G, or iPhone 3GS. What a mess.

Jun 25, 2010 6:46 PM in response to mdalegre

The reset settings thing worked for me thanks.

66sweep

Level 1

5 points

Jun 25, 2010 9:15 PM in response to mdalegre

Well, I bit the proverbial bullet and did a full restore on my iPhone and set it up as a new device. Unfortunately I can now confirm this does not fix the issue with the proximity sensor allowing "face dialing". I guess we'll just have to wait and see if the 4.0.1 update fixes the affected devices.

Jun 25, 2010 9:47 PM in response to 66sweep

66sweep - thanks for trying this and posting the results. I am so frustrated by this problem that I was becoming tempted to do this as well, but now (unfortunately) I know it won't help :-/

gfgrimm

Level 1

0 points

Jun 25, 2010 9:54 PM in response to SinisterEngr

Count me in for this one. I'll put money down that this is fixable with software.

Jun 25, 2010 9:59 PM in response to gfgrimm

gfgrimm - I am thinking you are right as well, but I'm more worried about when that software fix will arrive; the phone is practically dangerous to use at this point!

Jun 25, 2010 10:08 PM in response to mdalegre

Wow...I thought I was the only one with this problem! It is REALY annoying, please Apple fix this ASAP!!!!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls