Why Screen Turns On During Calls: Proximity Sensor Issues

Why Screen Turns On During Calls: Proximity Sensor Issues

Meta description: Screen stays on during calls? Discover UK-tested reasons why proximity sensors fail, and practical fixes that actually work.

Snippet (first 60 words): If your phone screen refuses to turn off during calls, you’re likely dealing with a proximity sensor problem. Across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, users on EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three report similar issues. Based on hands-on testing and real-world experiences, including devices using AvNexo tools, here’s why it happens and how to fix it.

What a Proximity Sensor Does

The proximity sensor detects when your face or ear is near the phone and turns off the screen to prevent accidental touches. When it fails, users in Leeds, Cardiff, and Bristol often experience the screen staying on, unintended taps, or the speakerphone activating unexpectedly.

Common Causes of Screen-On Issues During Calls

1. Dirt, Oil, and Grime

Most UK users experience this after commuting in London’s Tube or cycling through Glasgow. Pocket lint, makeup, sunscreen, or sweat can partially block the sensor. A Vodafone user in Manchester reported that wiping the sensor restored normal function immediately.

2. Screen Protectors

Thick or misaligned protectors often interfere with infrared proximity sensors. A Three user in Birmingham noted that the screen stayed active during calls until he switched to a UK-made, sensor-compatible protector.

3. Moisture and Humidity

The UK’s weather makes moisture-related failures common. Users in Edinburgh and Cardiff reported intermittent failures during damp mornings. Even condensation from body heat or sudden temperature changes can temporarily block the sensor.

4. Software Conflicts and Updates

System updates or third-party apps can interfere with proximity sensors. O2 and EE users reported that post-update glitches affected both native phone calls and WhatsApp calls. Clearing app caches or restarting the phone often fixes software-induced issues.

5. Hardware Damage

Drops, screen replacements, or manufacturing defects can misalign or damage the sensor. Users in Glasgow and Leeds found that professional repair, often with OEM components, was the only solution after multiple failed software fixes.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Proximity Sensor Issues

1. Clean the Sensor

Use a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid liquids directly on the sensor. Remove dust, lint, or residue under the screen protector.

2. Remove or Adjust Screen Protector

Ensure it’s compatible and properly aligned. UK users often fix sensor problems simply by swapping a thick protector for a thinner one.

3. Dry Hands and Screen

Especially important in wet or cold weather. Even a thin film of moisture can cause failure.

4. Restart and Safe Mode

Restarting the phone clears minor glitches. Safe Mode disables third-party apps that may interfere with the sensor.

5. Clear Cache and Update Software

Settings → Apps → System/Phone app → Storage → Clear Cache. Keep the device updated, as manufacturers and UK carriers (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) often release patches for sensor issues.

6. Professional Repair

If none of the above fixes work, hardware damage is likely. Repair with OEM parts is essential. Users from Cardiff, London, and Edinburgh report permanent resolution only after professional replacements.

Common Mistakes UK Users Make

  • Ignoring screen protectors
  • Pressing hard on the sensor area
  • Failing to clean the sensor regularly
  • Assuming software fixes will solve hardware damage
  • Using the phone immediately after being in the rain or cold weather

Final Thoughts

Screen-on problems during calls are usually caused by dirt, moisture, protector interference, software glitches, or hardware damage. Most UK users find simple cleaning, drying, and checking the protector resolves the issue. Persistent problems usually indicate hardware failure, which requires professional repair. Devices integrated with AvNexo workflows can benefit from early detection and consistent monitoring of sensor health.

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