I'm trying to determine if the proximity sensor is working correctly on my iPhone 6. I can't find any setting related to it. I have an app (Waze) that supposedly responds to hand waving but I can't get it to work and want to confirm that it's not a problem with the Zagg screen protector I have. Any ideas?
OS X Yosemite (10.10.3), 8 GB memory; 750GB drive; 240GB SSD
I can envision a two-person test to try: put it to your ear with the bottom edge separate from cheek and have someone else take a look. If the sensor is doing its thing, the screen should go dark since it is disabled by action of the sensor in order to prevent "cheek dialing".
If your test assistant is also your SO, maybe the test won't get completed. But you'll both have a great time… 😁
Edit: rereading the post, if it is an iPhone 6+ you might manage to glimpse the screen all by yourself and see the results. Bummer, I know. Takes all the fun out...
You could try to test the sensor by making a call in front of mirror and seeing if the screen dims when you put the phone up to your face. If it works there it may be an issue with the app or the screen protector may still be causing an issue. AsKiltedTim said if you suspect it's the screen protector you really need to just take it off and test the phone without the screen protector.
Then why did you bother asking? You suspect it's causing a problem, but you refuse to do the only thing that makes sense to troubleshoot it.
Good luck with that.
I asked because I was hoping to learn of a way to test without sacrificing the $25 screen protector. Fortunately, others have replied with helpful ideas instead of a snarky remark.
Enjoy your day!
Nestor Holynskyj wrote:
I'm trying to determine if the proximity sensor is working correctly on my iPhone 6. I can't find any setting related to it. I have an app (Waze) that supposedly responds to hand waving but I can't get it to work and want to confirm that it's not a problem with the Zagg screen protector I have. Any ideas?
A really basic question, but that feature of Waze must be enabled in its settings. It is off by default.
I'm not sure how Waze determines your hand wave. It may not be the proximity sensor; it may be the camera.
I just tested. It IS the proximity sensor. But I had to get very close to it for it to sense my hand.
Nestor Holynskyj wrote:
It is set for "3 fingers or wave twice". Always had it that way.
Giving the phone the infamous "three-finger-salute"… Were it an Android, would probably deserve it.
Hope nobody nearby misinterprets it personally!
You're right. And it has to be a full hand (i.e., move your palm across). The downside is that it only works in portrait mode. I've learned that Apple disables the proximity sensor when the phone is in landscape mode which is how I typically have Waze oriented in my car. Oh well.
Start by taking the screen protector off and seeing if it works properly.
Not an option. You can only put it on once.
It is set for "3 fingers or wave twice". Always had it that way.
Thanks
Perfect and simple test! Tried it and the screen went dark as soon as the phone came within a half inch of my ear.
Thanks!
How can I test the proximity sensor?
