Proximity sensor problem

[GMJim]

Hello all. I've owned Samsung phones for a long time but never needed to find a forum to discuss problems because I didn't have any but my new S20 FE is going back if I can't fix the issue.

When you answer a call and put the phone to your ear the screen goes black as it should. If you have a short call say two or three minutes the screen will light back up when you take it from your ear but if the call lasts more than about four minutes or longer, when you take the phone away from your ear the screen stays black and will not light up until you press the side key. To make the issue worse if you attempt to put the phone back to your ear after pressing the side key the screen stays lit up and all kinds of unintentional buttons are pushed with your ear and cheek. I returned my first phone for this problem and got a brand new replacement and the new S20 FE does exactly the same thing. I have had Samsung service hook up to the phone remotely and they can't find the cause of the issue. I have adjusted the screen lock time and display time with no change. They told me they have never had anyone call with this problem but after having two phones purchased about a month apart with the same issue I don't believe it. Has anyone else had a similar issue?
Thanks

 

[Unforgiven]

I'm not sure on the SE, but the S20 came with a factory installed screen protector. Is it possible that is interfering with the proximity sensor? I don't notice the problem on my S20, but I rarely talk for more than a few seconds.

 

[GMJim]

Thanks for the reply. I tested the proximity sensor *#0*# and it works well. I think the software is the issue. The screen time out or screen lock is somehow interfering with it.

 

[Unforgiven]

Thanks for the reply. I tested the proximity sensor *#0*# and it works well. I think the software is the issue. The screen time out or screen lock is somehow interfering with it.

I didn't figure as much, but at least it is eliminated as a problem. I agree it sounds like a software issue. The S20's are popular devices, so hopefully someone has some ideas along these lines.

I may try to do some forum magic to make this show up in the S20+ and S20 Ultra forums since I suspect it would affect those devices as well. If you see any weird notifications it will be related to that.

 

[GMJim]

I didn't figure as much, but at least it is eliminated as a problem. I agree it sounds like a software issue. The S20's are popular devices, so hopefully someone has some ideas along these lines.

I may try to do some forum magic to make this show up in the S20+ and S20 Ultra forums since I suspect it would affect those devices as well. If you see any weird notifications it will be related to that.

Thank you! Much appreciated.

 

[puppykickr]

Try an app from F-Droid called Proximity Service.

It allows you to control the proximity sensor more than a device alone will.

There will be a quick setting tile added to your pull down screen options that you will put among those that you use.

This is hpw you turn the app off and on.
Or you can choose to use a notification to do the same, but I much prefer the quick settings tile.

https://github.com/ssaqua/ProximityService/releases/download/v2.2.6/app-release.apk

This will also allow you to control how long it takes for the sensor to turn the screen off- 0 to 3 seconds.

If you are interested, I also use an app called Wave Up that does the the same, the opposite, and has a few more options.
I work in an extremely filthy shop, so pushing buttons with grubby hands is not a good thing.
Wave up allows me to wake the screen by waving a hand over the proximity sensor.
It can also turn the screen off when the sensor is covered (all adjustable).

https://gitlab.com/juanitobananas/w...d6c0c03e1/wave-up-standard-release-3.2.11.apk

Both apps can be used at the same time, and they both can be controlled by quick setting tiles.

These two apps have been among the first apps that I install on new devices for years now.

 

[GMJim]

puppykickr
Thanks for the programs and advice. I don't think this is a proximity sensor issue. Testing it several times it responds quickly and accurately. I think this is a software problem where screen time out and possibly lock screen programming are conflicting with proximity sensor programming.

Also I'm a fairly technical guy but a little hesitant to experiment with a new phone. Are these apps intrusive? Are they going to write data to the operating system that can't be removed? Are there any videos out there showing how it works? Sorry for all the questions.
Jim

 

[ocnbrze]

if you think it is a software issue, then you can either flash a firmware update or do a factory reset. Both will most likely erase data so backup accordingly.

 

[GMJim]

if you think it is a software issue, then you can either flash a firmware update or do a factory reset. Both will most likely erase data so backup accordingly.

According to Samsung tech support my phone has the latest updates and firmware. I would attempt to do everything suggested here but because this problem was with two different phones I believe it to be a bug that needs fixing. I was thinking of sending it back and buying a Oneplus 8T but they use the same type of proximity sensor and I've read that owners of that phone are complaining about similar issues. I want to stay with Android but I'd like to find a phone with an IR proximity sensor. My old S6 worked perfectly but I believe they installed some sort of planned obsolescence for battery life. Even with a new Samsung battery the charge doesn't last nearly as good as when the phone was new.

 

[puppykickr]

The apps I suggested are from F-Droid.
They are open source, and require no internet or unneeded permissions.

F-Droid is the safest place (bar none) to get apps from, because each app is actually recompiled from the apk by people from F-Droid.

Essentially, this means that developers submit apps to F-Droid, and then F-Droid recompiles each app from scratch.

https://www.f-droid.org/

 

[olbriar]

Something to keep in mind... new batteries for older phones often have the same date of creation as the phone. They diminish over time even without use.

I doubt there is an app installed on both units that could be the culprit. Placing the phone in safe mode would be an easy test.

 

[GMJim]

Something to keep in mind... new batteries for older phones often have the same date of creation as the phone. They diminish over time even without use.

I doubt there is an app installed on both units that could be the culprit. Placing the phone is safe mode would be an easy test.

The two S20 FE phones are brand new. I was referring to my old S6 about battery life. Maybe an aftermarket battery would be new and a better choice for my old phone and get rid of the S20 FE.

 

[GMJim]

The apps I suggested are from F-Droid.
They are open source, and require no internet or unneeded permissions.

F-Droid is the safest place (bar none) to get apps from, because each app is actually recompiled from the apk by people from F-Droid.

Essentially, this means that developers submit apps to F-Droid, and then F-Droid recompiles each app from scratch.

https://www.f-droid.org/

Thanks for the explanation, I'll check it out.

 

[GMJim]

I thought I am the only one that has problems with the proximity sensor

What exactly is your problem? Same as mine??