Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls - Continued v2

So this is a defect exhibited on every iPhone that has been sold?

I think only with the iPhone 4 (and maybe the 4s too). One user mentioned a Genius at a Genius Bar made a comment that the case material contributed to the problem. If this is truly the case, I suspect the glass face material is conductive and the proximity sensor isn't optimized for the conductive glass so funky things might happen. But it's really a minor inconvenience......eeeeeeverything else the iPhone does, it does very well. I think this has only been such a big deal for some people because they're used to Apple products integrating seamlessly into their lives.

Sorry to tell you but my iPhone 4 does not exhibit this behavior neither do any of the other ones that I have seen/used. There problem with some cases have nothing do with the glass, it is because the case blocks he proximitiy sensor.

Okay. This only happens after speaker-to-handset transitions for me. Plus you have more points than me so you win.

All the white iPhone 4 I've tested, have this problem. I've tested 28 white iPhone 4. No such problem with black iPhone 4. I fear that white iPhone 4s will inherit this problem.

Hi there. After reading a few of the most recent posts, it appears a few of you may have missed my post on easing the problem. I have repeated it below to help. For the record I have now applied this fix to dozens of units and it works.😎

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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.

All the white iphone 4 I tested were naked: No protector, no case. I did the reset as well. The problem still persist.

Strangely, only white iphone 4.

Now I dont mean to offend, so I must be careful here....

One of the issues I have found is with a certain type of makeup, a foundation and powder combination where the powder contains fine perlescent micro fines that seems to confuse the phone and is most notable in subdued saturation lighting with little contrast or at night. I'm not sure if the forum rules allow naming brands but it's a fairly common global brand that's uber popular with the 18-25's. From here I cannot tell if you use makeup so please don't shout back, just trying to help.😊

Lol,... I'm a guy who happen not to use make up. Nice try though.

Everytime when I see my friend with white i4 whom I have not tested their i4, I would do that proximity sensor test. Thus far, I've not seen a white iphone 4 without this issue.

Nope. I didn't miss your posts William; none of them apply to my situaution. I don't use screen protectors or bumpers (I like the clean, unalderated look of the 4). I've also reset my handset to no avail. Thanks for the input though. I also don't wear makeup.

The same case here. It happens only when I go from speaker to phone. It took me some time to narrow down to this , but its crosschecked in my case. I would be happy if it was fixed in IOS 5.

Hello - I can tell you all - it is still a problem. And the apple guys are still unable in solving this problem. This is a crying shame. We are all paying several hundert bucks for a mobile device unable to fulfill its major objective: smoothly phone calls! Today I was at the genuis bar at a northern european apple store. The only solution: 149 bucks for a new phone if you have no apple care! That's really ridiculous! I think of a complaint because of the european 24 month warranty claim! So apple: DO SOMETHING!

You are totally right. It still is a problem for me (iphone 4 IOS 5.0.1). I have seen that touchscreen still works after some minutes on your cheek when you answer a call with speaker and then close it to continue talking on your ear! Apple DO something for us ...

I have an iphone 4 for more then 1 year now and i still have the Proximity Sensor problem! Its working on IOS 5.0.1 and my phone is an Apple Iphone4 16GB Black. APPLE DO SOMETHING!! Or give me a new iphone 4s, or give me my money back. Otherwise i will buy the new SONY Xperia smartphone.

Given all the posts way back then which is now a mere trickle I would say the problem has been solved. Are you using a case with your iPhone? If so try it without the case. Or you could have a hardware problem with your sensor, get it serviced by Apple. But they won't give you a 4s or your money back.

This is a user-to-user site, you aren't addressing Apple. I personally think if you think the Sony Xperia would be a better phone for you then go ahead and sell your iPhone and get the Xperia with the proceeds.