If your phone's proximity sensor stops working it can lead to pocket dials or face unlock fails. Here's how you can fix it.

Our smartphones comprise a lot of parts that work in unison to offer us the comfortable experience we take for granted. The proximity sensor helps streamline a lot of the ways we use our phones and you will only recognize those things once it fails.

Let's take a look at what our proximity sensor is capable of and how to fix one that isn't working properly.

A proximity sensor's role is to detect how close you are to your phone and respond accordingly. This helps activate features in response, for example, lighting up your screen if you look at it, or turning the display off if you place your phone to your ear. The proximity sensor detects your facial features to unlock your phone.

If you place your phone in your pocket, the sensor will prevent any accidental touch button presses. It's a useful chip that you may never be aware of in your daily life but plays a tremendous role in providing small conveniences.

If you are unsure if your phone's proximity sensor is working properly, there are tests that you can do to check it. We advise you to restart your phone before attempting any of the following to get rid of any temporary bugs/glitches that may be affecting your phone.

One way to test your sensor is by simply placing your phone near your face to see if it lights up. Another way to do so is to request a call and place your phone near your ear to see if it picks up.

If these don't work, you can download a free third-party app like Sensor Test to see if it's working. If none of these methods produce any results, your proximity sensor is most likely not working properly and you should try one of the solutions listed below.

Dust and dirt may not seem like big problems, but once they begin to build up, they can be detrimental to your phone. If there is dust blocking your proximity sensor, it can prevent it from detecting your face properly.

Using a clean cloth or ear swab, gently wipe the top area of your phone where your sensor is located. If you are unsure where it is located, refer to the picture above. Regardless of your phone model, the proximity sensor is always located at the top of your phone.

After cleaning it, test to see if it works now. Also make sure there are no cracks or scratches near it, as this can also affect your sensor. If they are present, you may have to visit a repair center.

Screen guards are another main cause of the proximity sensor not working properly. If the glass is too thick or not fit for your phone, it can cause problems with detection.

If you have recently inserted a new screen guard, carefully separate this material from your touchscreen and wipe your screen down.

Check to see if the phone's sensor works now using the previously mentioned methods. When buying screen accessories, make sure to select one created specifically for your phone model and test to make sure it works well.

Related: Android Motion Sensor Security Risks and How to Stay Safe

Bugs and glitches can always occur and mess with your phone. This can be due to incompatible software updates or just end up being temporary issues that resolve themselves. Phone manufacturers release updates to tackle these bugs so it's a good idea to make sure your phone is updated.

To check if your phone has any pending updates go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.

Recalibrating your phone's sensors can help fix problems that may have resulted from bugs or glitches. Calibration is important because it helps ensure your sensors are reading information accurately.

You may have come across it using Google Maps, which will request you to recalibrate your compass every now and then to always be able to accurately determine your position.

Just like resetting your phone, recalibrating your sensors can help them run properly. To recalibrate your proximity sensor, use the Proximity Sensor Reset/Fix app, which is free from the Play Store.

If all else fails, then chances are your phone is damaged and need's to be taken to a technician for repair. This is why, before you do so, it's worth a try to reset your phone. Doing so, will erase all data and turn it back into a clean slate. This can get rid of any bugs that may not have been ridden by other methods.

It is advised to back up your data before doing so and sync all your information to your Google account. This way you will not lose any information and Google will restore everything for you once the reset is finished.

You can view our guide on how to factory reset your Android phone if you are unaware.

If none of the above methods manage to fix your proximity sensor, chances are it is damaged and needs to be taken to a repair center. If you have dropped your phone recently or been in any accidents involving it, then this is the most obvious cause. The proximity sensor is very delicate and can be easily damaged by too much pressure.

We recommend taking your smartphone to an official repair center and let the professionals handle it. It may be tempting to follow a YouTube video and try to fix it yourself, the smartphone is a delicate device that you should not attempt to fix without any knowledge.

The smartphone has been refined tremendously to help us without us even realizing it.

The proximity sensor is not something so important that you cannot use your phone without, and you may find that it is quite easy to get used to your phone without its conveniences. But it is important to recognize the value we get from these small changes that we are not aware of.

Maxwell is a software developer who works as a writer in his spare time. An avid tech enthusiast who loves to dabble in the world of artificial intelligence. When he isn't busy with his work, he is off reading or playing video games.

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