In recent years, all modern smartphones, be they iPhones or Android devices, have been equipped with a large number of sensors and sensors. Each has its own functions in the phone - measuring heart rate and pulse, barometer for measuring pressure, accelerometer for calculating location in space, turns. Today we'll talk about the proximity sensor in the device - what kind of device it is, what it is intended for, and the sensor's performance. We will also give the necessary information how to disable or enable, calibrate the sensor.

Sensor location and functionality

The proximity sensor is located on the top plate of the front of the device. Usually there is a speaker, camera, proximity and lighting sensors. In the latest models, these sensors are combined into one.

How do I know where the sensor is located? Call a friend and bring your finger close to the sensor (example of location in the screenshot below). When the screen goes out - congratulations, this is the proximity sensor.

The main function of this sensor is the reaction or the approach of an object to the phone screen. This technology was invented to automatically lock the display during phone calls, Viber or WhatsApp. On the next call, pay attention to how the screen goes out if you bring the device to your ear and then lights up after the end of the call.

The sensor itself sends an infrared light signal to determine at what distance the object is and, when approached, it blocks.

With this approach, we get two big advantages at once:

• The screen is locked from accidental pressing by the ear, which prevents accidental end of the conversation, turning on the speakerphone, you can also accidentally put the call into standby mode, etc.
• The second point is saving smartphone battery power. The phone display is the main source of power consumption, when the screen is on, the consumption increases and the battery runs out quickly. When making a call with the screen off, the battery lasts longer;

How to enable, configure the proximity sensor in a smartphone?

The sensor has no settings as such, as we figured out above - its main function is to lock the screen when making calls. In different versions of Android OS and firmware, you can most often find the point to turn on the sensor in the call menu. Click on the handset icon, then on the menu icon to go to the required options.

If you have a Xiaomi phone, Redmi model or another company with MIUI 10 or MIUI 9 shell - open the settings, click on the item "Phone" (or "Call settings" for the 10th version of MIUI), find the item "Incoming calls" and turn on the item "Proximity sensor".

Proximity sensor does not work

If the proximity sensor does not work, check that it is in the activated position in the settings of incoming calls. Crashes can occur when installing unofficial firmware, patches, some system updates.
In such cases, the correct advice would be to use only official firmware from the manufacturer and try to do a general reset.

In case of physical damage, resetting the settings, flashing and other programs will not help; such a breakdown will help to identify service center with the subsequent replacement of the sensor.

Therefore, we will try to calibrate the sensor using the “Fix It calibrate sensor” application.

Proximity Sensor Calibration

As we wrote above, in case of physical breakdown, all manipulations will be useless. However, with software glitch The utility “Proximity sensor Reset, repair” will help you download it from the link Google play: “Fix It calibrate sensor”. After installation and launch, the application will try to reset software settings and problems.

Conclusion

Leave a review how useful this article was to you. Have you figured out what the proximity sensor in the phone is, how to enable, disable and calibrate the sensor. If you still have questions, write them in the comments to this page or our group is in contact and we will try to help you.

The functionality of Android smartphones goes far beyond making calls and surfing the Internet. Modern gadgets are much more versatile, with their help you can take pictures and shoot videos, mobile devices can also be used as a GPS navigator, documents, TV remote control, etc. Such extensive functionality becomes available thanks to the built-in hardware modules, with one of which, perhaps not the most demanded, we will get acquainted today. It is called the proximity sensor.

What is a proximity sensor and why is it needed on a smartphone

The proximity sensor is a small sensor device that reacts when you approach an object. Typically, these sensors are physically located at the top of the bezel of the device, most often next to the earpiece. In smartphones, they are mainly used to automatically turn off the screen at the moment the gadget is brought to the ear. This not only prevents accidental pressing of touch buttons and calling unnecessary functions, but also saves battery power, because if the screen remained on during a call, which can last for more than one minute, the battery would run out much faster.

The proximity sensor can be used for another purpose, for example, to automatically receive calls (again, when the gadget is brought to the ear). There are other options as well. For example, the sensor is sometimes programmed to increase the speaker volume when the user puts the phone in his pocket.

There are two main types of proximity sensors. The first, optical, are an infrared transceiver that emits waves in the invisible spectrum and receives their reflection from an object. The signal reflection time serves as a parameter for enabling a particular function. If the signal is not reflected or the reflection time is longer than the specified one, the sensor does not work. Sensors of the second type are ultrasonic (sonar). They work on a similar principle, but instead of infrared radiation, they use ultrasound. Sensors of this type have not yet been widely used in smartphones.

How to enable or disable the proximity sensor

The use of such a sensor is not so necessary, moreover, in certain circumstances, the functionality offered by it even causes inconvenience to the owner of the phone. Fortunately, the sensor can be deactivated. Let's see how to disable the proximity sensor on Android.

In most versions of Android OS, the option to disable the sensor is found in the general settings. Open "Settings" on your phone, go to the " System Applications"And select" Phone ". From the list of available options, select Incoming Calls and set the Proximity Sensor switch to Off.

The location and name of the desired setting may vary slightly depending on the smartphone model. For example, on older versions of Android, the sensor control option is often called "Turn screen off during a call."

We believe that there is no special need to explain how to enable the proximity sensor on Android, this is done using the same option. However, it is possible that your model will not have a proximity sensor control function, although the sensor itself will be present. In this case, we recommend using third-party utilities like Sanity.

This application is used to manage the functionality of the "dialer", it also supports the control of the proximity sensor. To enable / disable the sensor, you need to go to the "Proximity" section and install or remove the checkbox from the "Turn off in proximity" checkbox. You can also use the Smart Screen Off application, designed to customize different buttons and sensors in Android phones. Unfortunately, not all such programs work correctly, after changing the parameters, you need to check the proximity sensor and make sure that it is really turned on / off.

Sensor calibration

The proximity sensor is a very accurate device and even the slightest failure can cause it to malfunction. If the problem is that the sensor does not work on time, you need to calibrate it.

Native means Android

You can find the corresponding option in the general settings of the smartphone. Usually, to do this, you should open the "Accessibility" section, on some models you should go to the "Display" section.

The calibration procedure includes three steps. It is best to place your smartphone on a flat surface. First, the wizard will prompt you to remove all objects in front of the sensor, and then press "Start". After a few seconds, you will be asked to bring an object to the sensor at a short distance (2-3 cm). It can be a book, a thick sheet of paper, etc. Click "Next" and follow the instructions of the wizard, moving away and bringing the object to the sensor. After a few seconds, save the settings by clicking "OK". If all goes well, the message “Calibration successful” appears on the screen.

Engineering menu

What other way is there to set up the proximity sensor on Android? If you have the proper experience, dig into your device. Having completed the set of the code corresponding to your phone model, go to the menu, click on the “Hardware Testing” tab, the “Sensor” button and select the “Light / Proximity Sensor” item.

Then we sequentially choose “ PS Calibration - Calibration - Calculate min value". When the message “Calculate succeed” appears at the bottom of the screen, bring the object to the sensor and press first “Calculate Max value”, and then “Do Calibration”. Upon completion of all manipulations, restart the device.

Now press the "Calibrate" button, confirm the action by pressing "Confirm" and reboot. The developer recommends using this application on rooted devices, if you do not have one, it will most likely fail to calibrate the proximity sensor with it.

What if none of the methods helped solve the problem? The reasons why it is not possible to enable or disable, as well as to calibrate the proximity sensor, in some cases are hardware in nature, and they can only be eliminated in a service center. Also, the source of problems is often the "left" firmware of the gadget, which does not properly support all the functions of the "hardware".

Smartphones on operating system Android equipped proximity sensor, turn off the screen when you bring the smartphone to your ear during a call. In principle, this is a very useful function that allows you not only to save battery power, but also prevent accidental clicks. But you cannot answer the call and at the same time continue to correspond in the messenger or edit the text - the hand will come closer to touch screen, the sensor will work and ... the display will just go out. In the event that the screen of your smartphone does not turn off during a conversation or, on the contrary, constantly strives to turn off, you can most likely assume that the same proximity sensor is to blame for these problems.

It has been observed that dust and debris in the speaker area of \u200b\u200ba smartphone are common culprits for a malfunctioning proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is located at the top of the phone, and if you hold the screen at a slight angle, you can see it and other sensors. They are located close to the speaker and look like small holes covered with screen glass. If foreign objects get there - debris, dust, the operation of the sensor is disrupted. Therefore, before turning off the proximity sensor, we advise you to clean your smartphone.

How to clean your smartphone speaker to restore the functionality of the proximity sensor:

1. Turn off your phone and blow out the speaker with compressed air.
2. Make sure your phone speaker is free of debris or dust (if necessary, use a toothpick or other tool suitable for thoroughly removing small debris very carefully if necessary).
3. Restart your phone and check the functionality of the sensor.

How to disable the proximity sensor on Android?

As you can see, it's very easy to disable the proximity sensor. And whether you personally need it, decide for yourself. By the way, we will be glad to see your comments for and against disabling.

Often users mobile devices are faced with the fact that during a call, the screen lock does not work, which prevents involuntary pressing on the display. The problem in this case lies in the proximity sensor. There are several reasons for the incorrect operation of this element of the smartphone. Now we will figure out how to enable / disable the proximity sensor on Android, or configure it if necessary.

In this case, we are talking about a small contactless device that recognizes the approach of an object to a smartphone. As a result of the correct operation of this function, the display of the gadget will turn off automatically when you bring the phone to your ear. This will prevent accidental pressing of the touch buttons during a call (for example, with your ear, finger or cheek).

In addition, the proximity sensor on Android allows you to significantly save battery power, since when the screen is turned on while communicating with another subscriber, the battery power is consumed intensively.

Enabling and disabling the proximity sensor on Android

Typically, the sensor on the device is active by default. If in your case this is not the case, or this function was somehow disabled by accident, then it will not be difficult to connect it. This is done as follows: go to " Settings", We find the section" System Applications", Select the item" Telephone»:

Then we press " Incoming calls"And move the slider in the line" Proximity sensor"(On some gadgets you will need to check the box):

Depending on the smartphone model, activation of the sensor will look a little different, for example, by opening the dialing field immediately, call the call settings menu or by pressing the " Settings», Or by pressing and holding the hardware option button. And after that, as it was written above, in “ Incoming calls»Turn on the sensor:

If the question is about how to turn off the proximity sensor, then, accordingly, we go the same way and deactivate the function (uncheck).

How to set up (calibrate) the proximity sensor

This element is located at the top of the smartphone, usually to the left or right of the front camera lens:

On some models of Android devices, it can be viewed with the naked eye, but on others it is quite difficult to find it. If, during a call, remove the phone from your ear and then bring it closer to front camera finger, then the display that goes out after that will prompt the location of the sensor.

It is quite possible that the reason for the incorrect operation of the sensor was the elementary ingress of dust on it. In this case, you can restore the normal operation of the function simply by cleaning the device - turn off the smartphone and blow it off with a jet of compressed air. Then you need to reboot your gadget and check if the sensor is working again.

If this manipulation did not bring the desired result, then you can resort to sensor calibration, which is performed in several ways.

Using system capabilities

We open " Settings", Select the item" Special abilities"(On some devices" Screen"), We find the line" Proximity Sensor Calibration»:

Then, we follow the system prompts step by step, see the video more clearly:

Through the engineering menu

Through engineering menu you can check the correct operation of the sensor, and, if necessary, calibrate it.

To do this, enter the following set of characters in the dialing field: *#*#3646633#*#* Now open the tab “ Hardware Testing " (equipment testing) and press the button " Sensor", Choose" Light / Proximity Sensor "(light / proximity sensor):

• We choose " PS Data Collection»(Collection of data from the proximity sensor);
• In the next window, select “ Get One Data»;
• After the number “ 0 "Put a palm on the proximity sensor on your smartphone and press again" Get One Data»;

If as a result we see the figure 255 then our sensor is functioning normally.

For settings:

We choose " PS Calibration", Then" Calibration". After that, without closing the sensor, click on "Calculate min value". After appearing at the bottom of the display the inscription “ Calculate succeed"We bring a sheet of paper to the sensor at a distance of 2-3 centimeters and click on" Calculate Max value", After which it remains for us to click" Do Calibration»And restart your smartphone:

Using third-party software

If all the previous methods to normalize the sensor's operation did not help, then you can use the Proximity Sensor Reset application (for rooted devices).

Download and install the program from the Play Store ... After starting, activate the large button " Calibrate Sensor". Now we cover the proximity sensor with our hand and press “ Next»:

Then you need to remove your hand and press again " Next", and then " Calibrate"And" Confirm". We provide superuser rights (ROOT) to the system request. After the performed actions, we are waiting for the completion of the reboot of the smartphone.

Now you know how to enable / disable / configure the proximity sensor on Android. However, if in your case the problem has not been resolved, then it is possible that display calibration or smartphone flashing will be required. In addition, sometimes the sensor may not work correctly due to a hardware failure, then you cannot avoid contacting a service center for help.

What components can be noted when considering the body of a smartphone? This is, first of all, a rather large display, several keys underneath, a microphone and several camera windows. In addition, at the ends of the device there will probably be a microUSB port, a volume rocker, a headphone output and a lock key. But does the device components end there? Of course not. Inside it there was a place for several processors, many circuits and, most importantly, several different sensors. Which ones can be found in modern devices? Let's find out.

As our colleagues from phonearenaThe accelerometer is one of the most common sensors. According to the classical definition, its task is to calculate the difference between the true acceleration of an object and the gravitational acceleration.
You've probably heard about the ways to use it. Without an accelerometer, smartphones would hardly change portrait orientation to landscape orientation and do without user clicks in all kinds of racing simulators.

Gyroscope

The gyroscope also provides data on the position of the device in space, but it does so with much greater accuracy. It is thanks to his help that the Photo Sphere application finds out how many degrees the smartphone was turned, and in which direction it was done.

Magnetometer

That's right, the magnetometer is designed to measure magnetic fields. If it weren't for it inside a smartphone, the compass app would hardly have been able to figure out where the North Pole is.

This sensor is a combination of an infrared diode and an infrared detector. The way it works is incredibly simple. The diode emits radiation invisible to the human eye, and the detector tries to catch its reflection. The smartphone blocks the display just when the beam hits back.

Light sensor

Changing the brightness of the display yourself is a lot of work, right? The auto-brightness function is different, which changes the screen brightness level depending on the ambient radiation. Perhaps this is, as you probably already guessed, thanks to the light sensor.
It is worth noting that some representatives of the Galaxy line from the South Korean manufacturer Samsung use an updated light sensor. Its main feature is the ability to measure the proportion of white, red, green and blue light to further customize the picture on the screen.

Barometer

No, this is not a mistake. Some smartphones do have a built-in barometer to measure the level of atmospheric pressure. Among the first devices with this feature were Motorola XOOM and Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
The barometer is also used to measure the altitude above sea level, which increases the accuracy of the GPS navigator.

Thermometer

You might be surprised, but a thermometer is found in almost every smartphone. The only difference is that the latter is designed to measure the temperature inside the device. However, there were also exceptions. The Galaxy S4 had a thermometer to measure the temperature overboard.

Air humidity sensor

In this, by the way, the fourth representative of the Galaxy S line also succeeded. Thanks to this sensor, the fourth "Galaxy" reported on the level of comfort - the ratio of temperature and humidity.

Pedometer

Despite the rather obscure name, the task of the pedometer is to determine the number of steps taken by the user. Yes, just like most smart watch and fitness bracelets. One of the first devices with a true pedometer was the Nexus 5.

The fingerprint scanner

Of course you have heard about this. Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can not only reduce the time to unlock your smartphone, but also reliably protect your data. Among the most popular devices with the notorious scanner are, Htc one Max and.

Heart rate sensor

While we're on the subject of the current South Korean flagship, we can't fail to mention the heart rate sensor designed to measure the pulse. However, many users openly doubt the need for its implementation.

Harmful radiation sensor

Believing it is quite difficult, but in this world there really is a smartphone with a built-in sensor of harmful radiation. The Japanese Sharp Pantone 5 can boast of its presence. special application the latter demonstrates the ambient radiation level. Unexpected, isn't it?

As a result, there were as many as 12 sensors. Which ones do you use the most?