Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls

I had similar experience here in the US as Bobby1983 did.

I went to Apple Store last week to talk about the issue. They refuted it saying its working fine by doing some silly tests like putting the finger on the sensor etc. I was not able to mimic it and thinking that a software update will fix it, I took it back. But then Apple announced that an update is few weeks out and my 30 day window is at risk then.

In the mean time, I successfully was able to mimic the issue every single time on a call. So I had a pretty convincing proof of the issue. I went to apple store yesterday and showed the issue. They right away replaced the device. They gave me a brand new box, activated the phone. I made a test call to see if the issue is not present on the new one, but sadly the new one had the same issue. They mentioned that the issue does exist, but didn't commit that software update will fix the issue. They said Probably but never committed. Then we talked about replacing this again, but they mentioned that more or less all phones are of the same Stock, so no guarantee the problem won't exist.

So in the end it boiled down to the option of keeping the phone, hope that the software update comes before the 30 day period. If it does and fixes the issue then all are happy. If it doesn't, return the phone and buy it down the road.

It seemed that the issue exist on each and every phone. Some face it and some don't. I attribute this to the fact that the threshold distance on the sensor has varied effect on individuals depending on their Ear structure. I say this as it was tougher for me to re-create the issue on my right ear compared to left ear. Seems just a threshold issue.

Message was edited by: daru66

daru66 wrote:

In the mean time, I successfully was able to mimic the issue every single time on a call. So I had a pretty convincing proof of the issue. I went to apple store yesterday and showed the issue.

daru66, what technique did you use to reliably reproduce the issue every single time? If you share that information it will help others on this forum a lot, for example to test if a replacement phone also has the issue, right in the store.

This is my theory

If you have this issues, it mean your ear shape (specifically the deepest point of the ear from the outside) tricks the threshold of the sensor at some point.

What I did was to move the phone's sensor in such a way that it faces the deepest point of your ear. That seemed to trigger it everytime.
So basically when in a call, try to move your phone so that the sensor is facing ur ear canal and it should trip it.

Sounds funny, but hope it helps 🙂

I too have this problem, but I have tried the suggestions and still no joy.

In fact with that, the antenna problem (I go from 4 bars to no service) and the crap battery I am really not happy with this phone!

Do you think it will ever get fixed?

Keep trying to find some way to trip the proximity sensor. It took me a while to figure out that sweet spot which tricked it.

I dont have any antenna issue, so can't say much.

Let's assume the worst case scenario: The proximity sensor problem cannot be fixed by a software update. Future production batches of the phone don't solve the problem either, and we're all stuck with what we think are faulty, or at least poorly calibrated, sensors.

Apple COULD still change a software setting that allows you to hit the sleep/wake button during a call and have the screen lock, without using a headset. That would make things better.

Does anybody *'notice/have something to say upon'* the fact that important blogs like Engadget and Gizmodo are not talking about it at all...and when is this iPhone 4 software update comin ?!

Just got my iPhone 4 yesterday and soon noticed the problem discribed here. I was using the case from my G and GS. I have not noticed the issue if I make a call with the phone out of the case. Seems they have changed the location of the sensor as I have read here. Since there are not yet a good selection of cases for the iPhone 4, that might be ONE reason this problem is being experienced by some folks. I have not made alot of calls with this phone, but I am sure the case being used cannot be the problem with most of the posts I have read here today. I sure hope Apple gets a handle on these issues soon. This is a phone for goodness sakes - It needs to perform that funtion without ANY issues.

I'm embarrassed, I posted that "I got a replacement iPhone and all is well" advising others to "check their replacement before leaving the store".

Unfortunately, all is not well. 2 long conversations today ending up in the same face-dialling, I'm so annoyed.

I can't even return it for a refund anymore as I'm past the 14 days returns' window (14 days in UK). Really don't know what to do now.

Okay so who wants all my Iphone paraphenalia! I about to go for the droid because of this proximity issue! I'm the laughing stock of my friends now - because I thought I was so cool standing in line waiting for junk!

Don't just threaten to ditch your iPhone. DO IT! Man up, be an empowered consumer, and vote with your wallet. (btw, I always laugh at people lined up outside Apple stores during product launches if I happen to walk by the store during those periods. rational, adult consumers would simply wait a day or two and then purchase the item without a long wait)

This is incredibly frustrating, please please fix this issue!

mjsnapp wrote:
I about to go for the droid because of this proximity issue!

Take a look at this before you go...

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/tech-issues-bug-reports-suggestions/

4 hours battery life, dead phones, apps that won't load, etc..... so you think the grass is greener?

Please officially address this issue, this has been going on for to many days... I don't want to take my iPhone4 back I want it fixed!

Thanks for the sage wisdom David......I guess I'm irrational as I waited in line for my iP4 on launch day? Maybe for some people, getting a new toy on launch day is fun. I don't it's fair to say that rational people wait. Foe me, it was a fun experience and the people I was in line with were fun. It was a great day to take a break from work. On subjet though, I don't have the proximity issue, or reception issue or any issue. Maybe it's the way I hope my phone at an angle from my ear, but I haven't facetimed anyone, put them on hold or any other things people have had happen to them.......