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Level 1

9 points

iPhone 4 Proximity Sensor

I am having a small issue with the Proximity sensor (I think that's the one) on my iPhone 4. When I put the phone up to my face the screen does not stay blank. It will come on periodically throughout the call, and then takes input from my cheek, trying to switch to Facetime, or switching into the address book, etc.

Has anyone else experienced this? I have upgraded from the 3G which I had for two years, and never encountered this problem.

12" 1Ghz Powerbook, Core Duo Mini, iPhone 3G, Mac OS X (10.6.3), iPod 2G 10GB, iPod nano 1G 4GB, iPod nano 3G 4GB, iPod Classic 120GB

Posted on Jun 26, 2010 4:18 AM

24 replies

Neotoxic

Level 1

0 points

Jul 6, 2010 5:54 AM in response to Eric Myers2

I was never formaly a Mac fan, however I loved my iPods (I have 4), I loved my 3G, I bought an iPad and love that to. I am a fairly pragmatic kinda guy so when I bought my 4G...

*Reception issues*, I was lucky enough not to suffer.
*Antenna issues*, well I head about it, got a bumper didn't think about it again.
*White balance issues*, well I can colour correct until they patch

*Proximity sensor problems*... what the ****! Seriously, If I accidental mute or go into 'FaceTalk' one more time I am going to loose it. I hate this bug it makes the phone hugely dissatisfying for its PRIMARY purpose.

I don't know if its because they are using the front camera now instead of a proper sensor, or that its a new sensor, or its been moved or even (lets hope cos it can be fixed) there is a software bug. Whatever it is this was perfect on my 3G and on the new 4G its terrible.

I am so annoyed that this was sent out in the state that it's in. The issue MUST have come up in product testing. And, for the record, if they tell me I am holding it wrong I will walk away from the apple all together.

There needs to be a word from apple that they are at least looking into a patch, maybe they can add the fix to the patch that corrects there over exaggerated reception measurement, who knows.

Message was edited by: Neotoxic

Jul 6, 2010 6:07 AM in response to Neotoxic

Yeah I'm also having the proximity issue, I use my phone for work so I spend alot of my day dialed into conference calls, specially as I'm on the move, and the last 2 calls have been quite embarrasing!!

While I've either been presenting on conference to clients or internal meetings, the "cheek feature" will knock the end call button so I'm stood there, talking away, not realising I'm no longer in the conference and people on the call wondering why I've dropped off.

It's happened a few times now and in the end I'm just having to ensure I'm next to a landline to dial in as the sensor it making it a real pain.

Neotoxic

Level 1

0 points

Jul 9, 2010 7:53 AM in response to Eric Myers2

*"Which? tests show iPhone 4 proximity problems iPhone 4 proximity sensor found 'less sensitive'"*

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2010/07/which-tests-show-iphone-4-proximity-problems -219863

I have contacted apple support who insisted that they had never heard of such a problem, and insisted it was probably the bumper I was using (the one I use to prevent the antenna issues) despite me explaining that the bumper dose not cover any part of the front of the phone, and that the proximity issue occurred before I had used the bumper. He then booked me an appointment with my local apple store so that the man in the shop can look at the bumper I was using.

As a consumer all I need to hear is that Apple are aware of the problem, there engineers are working on patch that will resolve the problem and that patch will be released soon. But no, that's not what I am hearing, and I am left wondering if its a fundamental hardware fault that can't be fixed, or something that Apple simple don't want to address.

Not impressed.

bfisk

Level 1

0 points

Jul 15, 2010 8:50 PM in response to Ivan Robertovich

Also having same problems here with proximity sensor. I can't take it anymore. I have another iphone4 that I am going to put my sim into tomorrow and see if I have the same problem. If I do, I am going back to my 3gs.

Apple, please hire more people in QA.

Jul 15, 2010 9:01 PM in response to bfisk

has this issue been addressed and fixed with the new update?

NURV2600

Level 1

9 points

Jul 23, 2010 10:52 AM in response to Eric Myers2

Same here, always initiating FaceTime calls, muting, hanging up, etc. This is far more annoying than the antenna issue! At least I could hold the phone a certain way (still unacceptable BTW, Steve!) or use a case and solve it.

sodar

Level 2

460 points

Sep 24, 2010 12:13 AM in response to Eric Myers2

Oh yes!
I am definitely having this problem too.
I just bought my iPhone 4 32 Gig last week and I'm already having to deal with it pushing buttons all the time while I am on the phone.

It's so bad a few people thought I was making fun of them by pushing buttons and then apologizing, pushing buttons... apologizing.... ad infinitum.

I guess my head is not dense enough to trigger the proximity sensor? :P

Alas

dbk9999

Level 1

70 points

Sep 24, 2010 3:16 AM in response to sodar

Check the vids here, especially the second one:

http://picturehawaii.blogspot.com/201009_01archive.html

See if you can duplicate the issue and note the info on resetting the sensor during use.

In short, perfectly normal movements of the phone during use can cause the sensor to greatly reduce it's range.

This may not be your problem, but it is a problem a number of people have been able to duplicate. I've done it on 4 phones.

If this doesn't help you avoid the problem enough, you can get the free "Call Guard" app which will stop the problems, though it is a small hassle to have to use an app to solve a problem that shouldn't exist.

May 6, 2011 9:35 PM in response to Eric Myers2

Hello Everyone. Like many of you I have sufferred the hastle of a proximity sensor that simply doesn't work. Over the past few weeks I have trialled a number of so-called fixes and attempted to understand the cause and effect relationship of a number of variables. Here is what I have found. There are three contributing variables that stand out above all others they are screen protectors, type of bumper/protector and resetting the device. I am lucky enough to have access to a number of work colleagues and friends with problem phones with a substantial success rate. So far I have proved the performance of 14 phones with only one stubborn unit. Here is what to do. Step one, strip your phone and remove screen protectors and bumpers etc, step two: perform a reset of all settings. Step three: test using voicemail BEFORE you refit any accessories or protectors. In most cases this will work. Now if you choose to refit a screen protector you MUST cut out the section above the earpiece, this especially applies to "matte" finish protectors that cause the most trouble. I'll spare you the technical detail on refraction but this is key. Do not obstruct the sensor with the protective film. Next, avoid glitzy reflective covers such as the anodized aluminum look, again I'll skip the technicalities but these covers, especially the el cheapo two buck models are diabolical and confuse the sensor immensely. I have not had perfect results, but so far so good. I hope this helps you all. William.

iPhone 4 Proximity Sensor