proximity sensor issue

[kamesh27]

proximity sensor is not working many times. It is so disturbing and annoying me during making calls.

customer care suggested to install diagnostics, i installed.

when i click ear proximity

it is asking

Cover the proximity sensor ( ear piece )

Did the proximity sensor register the change ?

should i press Yes or No

-- How to use this ??

[Znorkas]

Thanks for your reply Johan, PM sent.

[pl0023]

Hello.

I have exact the same problem as thread starter. My phone is replaced, but still have same problem, PS won't work as it should during call. It passes diagnostics. I did repair, software update, in service centre they did everything that they could (they told me so)... Is there any solution for this issue or should i ask for refund?

Regards,

Predrag

[pl0023]

Hello everyone.

I bought Sony Xperia M for my wife a month and a half ago. SInce then i was regular in Sony service centre. I've replaced the phone but the problem is not solved. During a call the screen doesn't turn off as it should. Looking at infra red light of proximity sensor it is obvious that it shuts off when phone position (angle) is more than 30 degrees from vertical position like it depends of some kind of position sensor. Also it doesn't react on time, apart from device position. Like it has some delay in reaction. It causes big problems in use like call ending, undesired calling, putting calls on hold, enabling speakerphone... I tried everything i could: Phone software update, software repair with PC Companion, diagnostics (seems OK, it reacts promptly every time)... In Sony service centre don't know how to help me. They tried everything they could. After I reported an issue with replaced phone they offered money refund.

Is there any solution for this or I should ask for refund?

My wife likes the phone and I'd like to fix this if possible.

[pl0023]

I found the solution for PS issue with Xperia M, it is called AutomateIt. Great piece of software. I created 2 rules, Screen off during calls and Screen on. First one with trigger All answered or dialed calls and PS in near state combined, second rule with PS sensor in far state and call active combined turns on the display. To protect PS not to work constantly and battery drain I created 4 more rules - all answered or dialed calls enabling rules screen off and screen on. Triger All ending phone calls disables both rules.

[MVN]

I also have M dual & the same issue.  This is a hardware issue.

To test it, do the following simple test.

1) Keep the phone on a table....  Edit....  at more than 45 deg wrt table.

2) Dial a phone no 

3) Take a piece of paper or simply your visiting card. Hold it parallel to the display about 2 inch above the display, covering proximity sensor.

4) Bring it down slowly. the display will go off at a certain distance.

5) Bring it down further slowly. When it touches the display the display will lit again & will remain lit as longas u keep it very close to the display.

6) If you use a black object, it is more effective. 

Is Sony listening ? 

[Znorkas]

Thanks for the steps MVN, excellent. I hope Sony is listening, altough they have been quiet awfully long now. I notified Johan of your post to make sure the info on how to recreate the problem reaches Sony.

I can also confirm that all these months later I still have not managed to make more than four calls without parking the same. It's incredibly frustrating that this phone fails at it's very basic concept of being a device for talking to people.

[pl0023]

Hello.

I tested the phone as described. Shortly, during a call, PS turn off when phone angle to ground surface is less than 45 degrees and doesn't react at all when covered. When phone is on flat surface (table) PS also doesn't react on covering. I got an answer from Sony suport regarding this issue:

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If you use a case or cover which is not well suited to the phone, it may impact the functionality of the proximity sensor. The case may cover the sensor.
 
If a screen protection film (not the anti-shatter film fitted in the factory) is incorrectly placed on the display it can cause problems with the proximity switch.
 
There may be other causes for the sensor not working as intended.  
Note! The proximity sensor is designed not to work if the display is closing in less than 45 degree angle to the ground surface. This is normal proximity sensor functionality in order to prevent unintentional activities like described before.
Try these methods one after the other. Verify after each method whether the problem was solved, before trying the next one. 
Make sure to remove the thin transparent adhesive film that covers the touchscreen when you first buy it.
Note! Make sure not to remove the ASF (anti-shatter film), if your device has one. It is fitted to protect against scratches.
 
Remove any case or cover you use for your phone.
 
Force the phone to turn off (force shutdown). Then restart it.
 
Remove any screen protection film, not the ASF (anti-shatter film) fitted in the factory.
Test the proximity sensor using the Xperia™ Diagnostics app in your phone.  
Back up any important data saved on your device, then perform a factory data reset.
 
Make sure your device is fully charged. Back up any important data saved on your device, then perform a software update/repair procedure.
 
Contact your retailer or a Sony Mobile repair partner. Before handing the phone over for service, back up all your data to avoid possible data loss. Data on the device may get deleted when examined. Don't forget to bring proper documentation, for example, proof of purchase and warranty card. The documentation required may vary depending on market, country or region.
Actions in detail
Android 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4
To test proximity using Xperia Diagnostics  
From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
Find and tap  Settings  >  About Phone  >  Diagnostics .
Tap  Test device >   Ear proximity , and follow the instructions on-screen.
 
Android 2.3, 4.0 or 4.1
To test proximity using Xperia Diagnostics  
Note!  You need to download and install Diagnostics from Google Play™ (Play Store).
From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
Find and tap Diagnostics >  Test device  >   Ear proximity , and follow the instructions on-screen.

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In their answer they admit that PS is not working "if the display is closing in less than 45 degree angle to the ground surface". It is unique "functionality" in the world of smartphones.  

Sony is not listening at all. They fix this in Xperia M2 with KitKat update.

[MVN]

Following solution worked for me.

Install " Smart screen off "  & " Gravity Screen " app from play store.

Set them as required & you have done !!!!!.

Enjoy  !!!!

[Philie80]

I had the same Problem with my Xperia M.

After I flashed it to Android 4.2.2 (M dual) the sensor was the only thing that doesn't worked properly.

I tried the app On Call Proximity and it works for me.

I like that it just turns on the sensor when you're about to call or receive a call, not all the time like other apps. 

[civitano]

Any update on this issue?