iPhone 5 proximity sensor not working

**dale225** · 11-01-2012, 09:42 PM

Since I got the iPhone 5 I have noticed that I do frequently **** dial. Today I was working on my wife's phone and when I put my finger on the proximity sensor the screen goes dark and I cannot accidentally touch the screen and activate an app. On my device however I put my finger up there and I can start apps, dial a number, play games as if I didn't cover the sensor. I had the problem with iOS 6 and after the update with iOS 6.0.1

I'm wondering now, is this common or just my luck that the proximity sensor is damaged?

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by dale225

Since I got the iPhone 5 I have noticed that I do frequently **** dial. Today I was working on my wife's phone and when I put my finger on the proximity sensor the screen goes dark and I cannot accidentally touch the screen and activate an app. On my device however I put my finger up there and I can start apps, dial a number, play games as if I didn't cover the sensor. I had the problem with iOS 6 and after the update with iOS 6.0.1

I'm wondering now, is this common or just my luck that the proximity sensor is damaged?

Try and take it to Apple and explain the issue to them, I haven't had a problem with the proximity sensor with my iPhone 5 and I'm running iOS 6

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**dale225** · 11-01-2012, 09:50 PM

I just tried to turn on Siri raise to speak and it's not working. It's definitelly the proximity sensor. I'll try a reset but I doubt it will work.

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 09:52 PM

Restore the phone with iTunes

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**IAmAuthority** · 11-01-2012, 10:24 PM

Are you within 30 days of having your phone?

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by IAmAuthority

Are you within 30 days of having your phone?

1+

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**dale225** · 11-01-2012, 10:41 PM

Its more than 30 days now. Still, isn't it 1 year?

I just restored it, still dead proximity sensor. I'll be at the apple store tomorrow.

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by dale225

Its more than 30 days now. Still, isn't it 1 year?

I just restored it, still dead proximity sensor. I'll be at the apple store tomorrow.

You have AppleCare+ by any chance and what carrier do you have?

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**dale225** · 11-01-2012, 10:44 PM

AT&T. No applecare+. They usually took good care of me. Are things different now that Jobs is not around?

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 10:45 PM

Uh why no AppleCare+?

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**dale225** · 11-01-2012, 10:46 PM

Never needed it.

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 10:47 PM

I got it for my phone.

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**WreakingHavoc** · 11-01-2012, 11:12 PM

I had no idea the proximity sensor was supposed to disable the touch features and darken the screen. When I cover the area above the screen I'm able to tap on things and the screen stays lit.

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by WreakingHavoc

I had no idea the proximity sensor was supposed to disable the touch features and darken the screen. When I cover the area above the screen I'm able to tap on things and the screen stays lit.

I believe when you are on a call the screen goes blank to your ear, isn't that right?

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**IAmAuthority** · 11-01-2012, 11:19 PM

When on a phone call your proximity sensor should react and darken the screen of your phone.

OP: If you're within one year you should be able to go to Apple, or whatever wireless carrier you purchased the phone from and get it fixed or replaced. I asked if you're within 30 days because most of the time if not always you can return the phone - then purchased another. (Obviously the longer & more complicated option than the other).

**WreakingHavoc** · 11-01-2012, 11:20 PM

Yes, in a call but that's not what the OP was doing.

**IAmAuthority** · 11-01-2012, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by WreakingHavoc

Yes, in a call but that's not what the OP was doing.

Well if OP made a phone call and the screen didn't go dark when the phone is held to his ear, the sensor is more than likely faulty. If he made a phone call and the screen DID go dark, then perhaps it's settings?

**WreakingHavoc** · 11-01-2012, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by IAmAuthority

Well if OP made a phone call and the screen didn't go dark when the phone is held to his ear, the sensor is more than likely faulty. If he made a phone call and the screen DID go dark, then perhaps it's settings?

I don't think he was in a call when he was trying to activate the sensor. He was just covering it while on home screen.

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by WreakingHavoc

I don't think he was in a call when he was trying to activate the sensor. He was just covering it while on home screen.

Let me try covering mine at the home screen and I will get back to you Havoc

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**SweetSCBerry** · 11-01-2012, 11:50 PM

Nothing it won't go off with my finger

Sent from my iP5 using Tapatalk

**IAmAuthority** · 11-02-2012, 12:07 AM

Hmm yeah I don't think it's suppose to change anything on home screen.

**WreakingHavoc** · 11-02-2012, 12:12 AM

It would be kind of nice if the screen locked when it was covered though, just like the magnetic one on BlackBerry.

**site32** · 11-02-2012, 12:50 AM

I don't quite understand you, my reading is normal situation is, call status, the receiver to ear or other object, the screen will be black, as long as a left, the screen will be bright.
If the screen is not automatic light, that may be light sensor element is broken, this kind of circumstance, the screen will not automatically bright, need to repair.

**IAmAuthority** · 11-02-2012, 03:36 AM

Thankfully if you need a new screen you'll be able to get one at no cost so long as the device is faulty. Go ahead and contact whoever you purchased the phone through, they should be able to help you.