iPhone 4 Proximity Issues Causing Problems During Calls

Written on 26 June, 2010 by Tauqeer 12 Comments

Since the launch of iPhone 4, many issues have been reported by users. The first issue reported was that its glass shattered if it falls from average height. Then some users reported that iPhone 4 has some display discoloration issues which go away with time according to Apple. The most annoying issue reported has been about its signal strength problem which might get a fix this Monday via iOS 4.01. And now 9to5mac reports that iPhone 4 has proximity sensor issues which are causing calls to hung up.

It appears that the proximity sensors of iPhone 4 are less sensitive than their predecessors which is causing hang-ups for people who hold the iPhone close to their ear, move it slightly away and then touch their cheek to it. Some people are muting it by mistake.

This might not be a big issue with iPhone 4 and Steve Jobs might want us to get used to it by not holding it that way. Seriously though, only a few people have reported this issue but they’re really annoyed. The Apple discussions are growing, and one of the user wrote:

I’m having an issue with the Proximity Sensor not properly detecting when i’m holding my phone to my ear. I can confirm that the iPhone sensor is working by covering it with my finger, but when held to my face, the screen blinks as if it cannot decide to disable the screen or enable it. It results on me hanging up, putting calls on mute, and dialing numbers accidentally while i’m on the phone. This occurs on 90% of my calls. Is anyone else experiencing this issue. I would like to confirm whether this is a software issue (Proximity Sensor sensitivity too low) or a design issue (sensor now placed towards the end of the phone).

Looks like another issue that Apple should try to fix with iOS 4.01 update expected to be released this Monday.

TwistTurnShoutAbout

Here's a video showing the issue actually happening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryXp-2NjWbo
Ian V

HERE IS THE SOLUTION:

Settings > General > Reset > Reset all settings

Fixes the proximity sensor issue immediately.
eddie

I have a question for everybody that reads this forum regardless of whether you have the problem or not. Please help us and answer this even IF YOU DO NOT have the proximity problem!!! Does ANYBODY have an “iPhone 4″ that has a proximity sensor that activates further away than 3/4 to 1 3/4 of an inch away from the phone? The 3GS and previous models seemed to have an activate range of about 2 inches away. Please let us know.

The reason that I am asking is that if NOBODY has a phone that has a better range than the average of 1 inch then it won't matter how many times I go to exchange my phone because it won't be fixed until they update the software or firmware or in worst case do a recall.

I would like to try and find out if this problem is only on some iPhone 4s or if it is all of them and only some of us that use the phone on our ear are having the problem and others are not because of bluetooth headsets etc. and the problem would not affect those users.
Jamezynj@aol.com

This is a major problem for me. I got my iphone 4 on prelaunch day (June 24th). From day 1 it puts calls on mute, facetime, dial numbers, etc. This happens about 90% of my calls.

I spote to AT&T support and Apple support. They aggreed that it may be a hardware issue & had me set up an appointment for exchange at the Apple store. 45 mins each way to the nearest Apple store & i was told they all do this & I should learn to hold it differently. The damn thing is smaller than a pack of cigarettes. How many ways is there to hold it?

I am thinking about returning it & just using my 3G that I never had a problem in 2 years with.
Mark

I think everybody should have a look at this post that was deleted from the Apple support forums by Apple. It seems that they have no interest in fixing this issue or even making a statement on it unless they are forced to by a lawsuit or something to that effect. I am VERY disappointed in Apple. I have been a fan for over 15 years. It seems as if they have forgotten who they are and just becoming a big bully now. (see below)

iphone4_925 posted “Re: Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls” in “Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls” on Jul 5, 2010 6:16:29 PM.
————————————————————–
> ramellam wrote:
> I took my phone to the Apple store for repair/exchange this evening. The Genius first said that he had not heard of the issue (yeah, right! total lie). I told him there are nearly 70 pages on the Apple Support forum for this exact issue. He immediately dismissed my comment and said, “We typically don't lend too much credence to support forum posts…” Ok….
>
> Anyhow, the Genius made a call on my phone and, of course, he did not encounter any of the proximity issues I'm having. He gave the phone back to me and said, “There doesn't appear to be any issues with your phone. You'll just have to get used to the new Proximity Sensor location on the iPhone 4…” I was like, “Ummm… Huh?” He refused to exchange the phone.
>
> Luckily, I bought my phone from Best Buy on launch day. I immediately went back to Best Buy and the Mobile Phone sales guy said they've already had 9 of their 30 launch day iPhones returned due to antenna and proximity sensor issues. He put me on a list to exchange the phone. Luckily, I have 45 days to exchange the phone, since I'm a Best Buy silver rewards card holder…
>
> Anyhow, I'm kinda bummed the Genius refused to help me . He was rather arrogant, too, which really made me mad. Oh well… Back to Best Buy it goes…

Wow just cause of this attitude of apple employees They are being SUED by lawyers well apple you should take this time and save yourself from another class action law suit for proximity sensors

PS ~ Apple mods now don't be wasting your time deleting this post since I have a right to say stuff when you guys sell us your defective product and I think if apple doesn't address this issue then we all should return the Iphone 4 at lease those who are having this proximity issues.

And also apple instead of deleting peoples post how about investigating why Iphone 4 proximity sensor is going haywire and maybe you will save yourself from another law suit and also people who are having problem with there iphone 4 with the proximity sensor do report it to KCR LEGAL LAW FIRM

http://kcrlegal.com/iphone-4-class-action-lawsu…
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Bevismark9

Help, can anyone tell me if they are having the same problem as me, my Iphone 4 seems to drop the call list when i lose my signal in the death grip. I am about to purchase a case to see if it stops but I need help as i run a business and cant afford for numbers to disappear
Qrowbar

I cannot believe that Apple has not put a fix out for the proximity sensor malfunction.

I view the signal strength problem as a minor issue compared to MOST of my calls being interrupted because of the proximity sensor malfunction.

Shoddy work. Not what I expect from Apple. Especially when it worked well with previous iPhone versions.
Laura Robertson

I am having the same problem with the proximity sensor. The Iphone 4 is hanging up, putting calls on mute, and dialing numbers accidentally while i’m on the phone. This is the first Apple product I have purchased, I will think twice before purchasing another Apple product.
kathryn holloway

I am the end of my tether with this damn I phone 4. 95% of my calls, are either cut off, put on mute or I end up call someone else… It is driving me MENTAL!!!

Please Apple…. Give us a fix… Im ready to toss it in the bin.
ilemon4

I had this problem since I got the phone. Called numerous times, visited the store and updated the OS – last Sunday I even exchanged my phone for a brand new one. guess what —-? Continues, this annoying, embarrassing curse of not being able completing a simple uninterrupted, unmutted or messed in another way phone call!!! What is left to do???
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