Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls - Continued v2

Excellent, glad to see this tip has helped. 🙂

My only lament is that the technical experts at Apple have not posted this solution - it could have saved so many users a lot of grief. I can only assume that Apple does not have a quality engineering department.

Nubz N. I have posted a solution to this issue, it might be useful to cross-link around the various threads on this topic. Furthermore, if you are well connected, send this solution to the technical experts at Apple, it will save a lot of user-level grief and gripes. Thanks William.

I finally put 2 and 2 together and realized the problem with my screen turning on was with my phone, not me. Since I got my iPhone 4 a few months ago, I've had constant problems muting, accidentally FaceTiming, dialing other people, opening the keypad, etc. while I've been on calls. Never thought much about it other than, "This *****."

So I took it into the Genius Bar yesterday. My "genius" immediately confirmed that it was a "known issue" and said it even happens to him all the time. So I asked if I was just supposed to live with it, pointing out that I'd never had this problem with both of my previous iPhones, and he kept repeating that it was a known issue and that it was because they used a different glass than on previous phones but that they were continuing to try to improve its performance with software updates. I said it sounded like a hardware issue and asked how they could fix this with software updates. He basically shrugged and kept saying "known issue" like it was the daily catch-phrase.

I had to push him into giving me a new phone. He told me I was just going to have the same problems with a new phone, so there wasn't any point in switching them out. I said I'd take my chances.

It's only been 24 hours, but I haven't had any unintentional face dialing yet. We'll see.

Wow,... this is a long threat!

Anyway, I bought the white iphone 4 early May. Proximity sensor problem.

Went in and exchanged for a 2nd one.

Still the same problem. So I thought it could be screen protector problem. Took it off, and it's still happening.

Went into today and get my 3rd white iphone 4. Useless!

I realized that I can replicate the problem when you initiate call with speaker phone, then when someone answer, I would pressed the speaker button to use the ear speaker. And the screen doesn't turn off when the iPhone 4 is beside my ear.

When I move the phone away for a few sec, and put it back to my face again, the screen will turn off.

This is really annoying.

Thanks so much for all the comments, advice, etc. on this issue. I was ready to throw my long awaited white iphone 4 out the window due to hanging up on and muting every freaking call I make or receive! I have a screen protector on my phone and after cutting out a tiny opening over the sensor....problem solved!!! I can now make calls like a normal person with a normal, well functioning phone (even with my silicone cover on). 😍

Excellent, glad to see this tip has helped.

I continue to say that it is a pity the technical experts at Apple have not posted this solution - it could have saved so many users a lot of grief. I can only assume that Apple does not have a quality engineering department.

I am so thankful I saw this tip! I took that piece off my screen protetor and everything is running perfectly now! I love my phone again! :-)

Thank you!

Ok. So I have a black iPhone 4 running 4.3.3 and my proximity senor is not working with or without a case. There have been a few times that it decided to work and disable touch screen but once in the mode it

had a hard time turning back on. Any ideas? Apple is very helpful about this.

Thanks,

Randall

I'm just about ready to trade my IPhone 4 for a Droid. Activating MUTE during calls is driving me nuts.

I have IOS 4.3.3 ,no covers or protectors. I've reset the settings, I've clen restored the iphone but "face dialling" still remains. I've had the problem from IOS 4.2.1 . Updates didn't help at all. I'm going to Athens(Greece) Apple store on Monday and I'll keep you updated about the responce.

Since Apple replaced my phone a month ago, I haven't had one face dialing event. Obviously there was something wrong with the sensor in my last phone that isn't in this new one. If you've tried all the other fixes suggested here, I would just go to the Apple store and be insistent about getting a new phone. Make sure you backup your old one before you go!

Just to update,

at Athens Greece there is no Apple store, only an authorised reseler. There is though telephone support . So I called and they informed me that there is no support from Apple iphone in Greece! Nevertheless they sell the device through the local Carriers at a cheese-spicy price! Thanks Apple , you just lost a loyal customer to all your products.

Thanks to those posting the tip that cutting out the screen protector strip that covers the proximity sensor helps. That totally solved the problem for me. Prior to cutting out that section of the screen protector, my proximity sensor was NEVER sensing that the phone was at my ear. Now it works after some initial testing. Wonderful!!!

Update: I gave the iphone for repair to Germanos (that is responsible for COSMOTE the local Carrier) 3 times! All of the times they changed my motherboard with no result. Is it the proximity sensor or what? Should I give it back again??

I have the same problem and it only happens when I change from speaker to handset. For some reason, the prox sensor doesn't turn the screen off under this condition causing me to dial, mute microphone, or go to speaker accidentally. As a software engineer, the usual practice is to make up for/filter out hardware deficiencies. My guess is this won't get fixed until the prox sensor is redesigned or the case material changes.