When your iPhone’s proximity sensor stops working, it can be frustrating. This small sensor is what makes your screen go dark when you hold your phone to your ear during a call. If it fails, your cheek might accidentally press buttons or hang up calls. Removing the case or screen protector often solves the issue as they can block the sensor.
Sometimes, a quick restart can fix the problem. For older iPhones, you need to press and hold certain buttons until the Apple logo appears. Keeping your screen clean, especially around the front camera, can also help.
Check if your sensor fails even after these steps. If it does, it might need a more detailed look. Keep reading for more tips and solutions to fix your iPhone’s proximity sensor.
iPhone Proximity Sensor Not Working: How To Fix It
If your iPhone screen doesn’t turn off during calls — or stays black even after you move it away from your face — your proximity sensor may not be working properly.
The proximity sensor detects when your phone is near your face during a call and turns off the display to prevent accidental touches. When it fails, it can cause frustrating problems.
Here’s a complete troubleshooting guide to fix it.
🔍 Signs the Proximity Sensor Isn’t Working
You may notice:
- Screen stays on during calls
- Cheek accidentally presses buttons
- Screen won’t turn back on after a call
- Display remains black even when not near your face
- Random screen behavior during phone calls
If any of these sound familiar, follow the steps below.
✅ 1. Clean the Screen (Most Common Fix)
The proximity sensor is located near the front camera and earpiece.
Dust, oil, screen protectors, or cases can block it.
Fix:
- Remove your case
- Remove your screen protector (temporarily)
- Clean the top front of the screen with a microfiber cloth
- Avoid harsh chemicals
Then test by making a call and covering/uncovering the top of the screen.
✅ 2. Restart Your iPhone
Minor software glitches can interfere with sensor behavior.
How to restart:
- Press and hold Side button + Volume button
- Slide to power off
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn it back on
Test again after rebooting.
✅ 3. Check for iOS Updates
Software bugs can affect sensors, especially after major updates.
Go to:
Settings > General > Software Update
Install any available update.
✅ 4. Turn Off Attention Aware Features (Face ID Models)
Face ID iPhones use advanced sensors near the proximity sensor.
Go to:
Settings > Face ID & Passcode
Turn off:
- Attention Aware Features
Restart your iPhone and test again.
✅ 5. Reset All Settings
This resets system settings without deleting your data.
Go to:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
This will reset:
- Wi‑Fi passwords
- Display settings
- Privacy settings
But it will NOT delete photos, apps, or messages.
✅ 6. Remove Recently Installed Apps
Some apps that control screen behavior, accessibility, or overlays can interfere with the proximity sensor.
If the issue started after installing a specific app:
- Delete it
- Restart your phone
✅ 7. Check for Screen Replacement Issues
If you recently:
- Replaced the screen
- Dropped your phone
- Had repairs done
The proximity sensor may have been:
- Misaligned
- Damaged
- Improperly connected
- Covered by non‑OEM parts
In this case, software fixes won’t solve it.
You’ll need professional repair.
✅ 8. Test the Sensor
You can test it manually:
- Make a phone call.
- Place your hand over the top front of the screen.
- The screen should turn off immediately.
- Remove your hand — the screen should turn back on.
If nothing happens, it may be hardware-related.
🚨 When It’s Likely a Hardware Problem
It may be physical damage if:
- The issue started after dropping the phone
- You see cracks near the front camera
- The screen stays permanently black during calls
- Face ID is also not working
The proximity sensor is part of the front sensor array, and damage there often requires professional repair.
🛠 Final Option: Factory Reset
If you suspect a deep software issue:
- Back up your iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Set up as new (do not restore backup at first)
If it works before restoring your backup, the issue may be software-related.
💰 Repair Options
If hardware repair is needed:
- Visit an Apple Store
- Contact Apple Support
- Use an Apple Authorized Service Provider
If under warranty or AppleCare+, repair costs may be reduced.
Avoid cheap third‑party repairs that use low-quality screens — they often cause proximity sensor issues.
✅ Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
✔ Clean screen
✔ Remove case/screen protector
✔ Restart iPhone
✔ Update iOS
✔ Reset All Settings
✔ Check for recent screen repair
✔ Test during a call
✔ Contact Apple if hardware-related
Final Thoughts
In most cases, a proximity sensor issue is caused by:
- A blocked sensor
- A buggy iOS update
- A misaligned screen protector
Hardware failure is less common but possible — especially after drops or screen replacements.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the case or screen protector to see if the sensor works.
- Restart your iPhone using the buttons.
- Clean the screen near the front camera to ensure the sensor isn’t blocked.
Understanding iPhone Proximity Sensor Issues
When your iPhone’s proximity sensor stops working, it can lead to various problems. Knowledge about how to identify these issues and what factors contribute to them is crucial.
Identifying Proximity Sensor Malfunctions
A failing proximity sensor can be identified by a few telltale signs. If the screen does not turn off during calls, your sensor may be faulty. This can cause accidental touches with your face while on a call. The iPhone might also fail to wake up when you pick it up.
Another sign is the screen staying black even when the call ends. Apps that use the sensor might not work properly. Testing in a quiet room with good lighting can help diagnose the issue. Cover the sensor area and see if the screen reacts.
Factors Contributing to Sensor Problems
Several factors can cause an iPhone’s proximity sensor to malfunction. Dirt and grime can block the sensor, resulting in improper functioning. Regular cleaning of the display, especially near the front camera area, can help.
Screen protectors and cases might also cover or obstruct the sensor. This could interfere with its performance. Removing them temporarily to check if the sensor works can rule out this issue.
Software issues also play a part. Updating iOS often resolves bugs affecting the proximity sensor. Factory resetting, though more drastic, can also fix software-related problems. It’s essential to back up your data before doing this.
In some cases, the issue might be due to hardware damage. Drops or impacts can damage the sensor internally. Visiting an Apple Store or a certified repair center might be necessary if cleaning and software fixes do not help.
