Proximity Sensor....Otterbox the Cause?

If no problem without the case and only a problem with the case, bingo.

Otterbox is a good case - provides the best overall protection, but this would be a deal breaker. Although I used an Otterbox with my 3G, I haven't purchased one for my iPhone 4 yet. Still using just a bumper which doesn't make me feel anywhere near as secure in case of a drop that the Otterbox provides.

Ive read an review a while back that some iphone 4 that has cases where thee is something close to the sensor can triger the bug...

A case can't "trigger a bug", but a case can certainly interfere with the proximity sensor - partially blocking or blocking it. This was the situation when the iPhone 3G was released. The proximity and light sensors with the 3G and 3GS are in a different location than with the original iPhone. Some that used the same case with their 3G that was used with their original iPhone discovered the case was blocking or partially blocking the proximity sensor. When removing the case, the problem was resolved and they need to purchase a case that was designed for the 3G or 3GS taking the placement of the light and proximity sensors with the 3G or 3GS into account.

take the piece of plastic off that covers the proximity sensor and problem solved... thats what I did works good

My wife has been complaining about the proximity sensor since she got her iphone 4. I upgraded it to 4.2 tonight and it didn't fix it. I removed her phone from her otterbox defender and it worked properly. I removed the clear plastic over the sensor and that didn't help. I then took my dremel and cut a bevel around the hole for the proximity sensor and it started working. I didn't have to remove much material to make it work and you can't tell from looking at it that it has been modified.

-Chris

I have been using the otterbox defender since it was released for iphone 4 and I haven't had any issues with the proximity sensor. No issues with, or without the case.

I use the Otterbox Impact series case with my 3GS. I used to use a screen protector (theirs and another brand) but would have problems with the proximity sensor so I have stopped using one. Sometimes I have to pull the case off the top of the phone to get the phone screen to show up so I can end a call. Other times, I can move the phone from my face and the screen comes back okay. Best I can tell now, the variability might come in part from how dirty the iPhone screen is. It is frustrating. I would like to keep using the Otterbox (though the Impact Series is not as protective as the Defender, I like it) but may end up giving it up.

Anyone with a 3GS note any relationship with the cleanliness/dirtiness of the screen and the behavior of the proximity sensor?

I am on my 6th iPhone. And decided to try the iPhone 4. After reading here I think
It be a big mistake, I will try then
I'm out of here
Outta. Here. Going to go to droid tried of all the sending back and forth to apple. Anyone have any suggestions. On the best droid. I liked my 3GS. But this one they sent me. No one can hear ***** big time what's wrong with. Apple sick and tired of this mess goodvlucknto all younfruitbliking people

I bought the iPhone 4 when it first came out and got an Otterbox Defender for it immediately. The proximity sensor functioned properly with the case on the phone. I recently began having issues with my power button, so I brought it in and was given another iPhone. This iPhone's proximity sensor did NOT function when the Otterbox was on the phone but did function without the case. I cut out the plastic covering on the Otterbox directly over the proximity sensor and it now functions properly with the case on.

I have two Otterbox Defenders in different colors on my i4. I have never had a problem with the sensor. I also use an aditional screen protector under the Otterbox protector.

My fiance and I both upgraded from the 3G to the iP4 at Christmas. Purchased Defender cases for both. Hers works perfectly (proximity sensor), mine not so much. I've received a replacement phone and still no dice. It works fine out of the case, but not at all in the case. I waited for quite some time to upgrade due to all the issues but was fed up with the battery and the sluggish performance of the 3G... It appears I only traded for new problems. I removed the plastic lens that covers the prox sensor on the case and even widened the opening a bit... Still nothing. Any ideas would be helpful. (Oh, and I also did the reset network settings process). I'm on my way to the apple store... again.

Same case, no problems here either...

TechFrenzy wrote:
I have been using the otterbox defender since it was released for iphone 4 and I haven't had any issues with the proximity sensor. No issues with, or without the case.

I never respond to these sort of things but I read this forum when I was looking for a solution so now that I have one I will share. My proximity sensor did not work with my case on. The first time I call otterbox, the rep acted like i was crazy and said it was my phone but then hinted that it may be my white hard cover. They then sent me another case, another white. It too caused my proximity sensor not to work. I called again and got a much more helpful rep. He said it usually is the white cases. He told me how to fix it and said that if it did not work then they would send another color case. Well it worked...SO HERE IT IS. Take a sharpie marker, yes i said sharpie marker and trace the inside of the case around the proximity sensor and it's fixed.

Exactly! The sharpie worked great to fix the proximity sensor failure with my white Defender Otterbox.

So.. just to be clear... you took a black sharpie and darkened the inside of your white Otterbox case, around where the proximity sensor is? Mine is the Impact series, not the Defender series, but it IS the white one and I have tried 2 so far. Coloring the inside of your white case black at the top, is that what fixed it?

Thanks!