WhatsApp Proximity Sensor issue/keep turning off the screen : iPhone/Android

Whatsapp is the most downloaded app and almost it has its presence across the globe and many users are regularly using for sending message and making calls or sharing files. The app is just great but recently many iPhone 13,12, 8 Plus,7,6s, Oneplus ,Android users are reporting issue with the Whatsapp that it keep on switching off screen randomly; while making call on speaker, listening audio files , or even having a normal chats. 

iPhone whatsapp proximity sensor issue : iphone 12/iOS 15

The issue started with the latest update of Whatsapp, if you put the finger on proximity sensor it turns off display. While listening to audio message on WhatsApp the screen went off and locked. 

The role of proximity sensors is to turn off screen to avoid any unintentional touch to the call screen , While you are on and you cover your phone's screen, particularly the top part. The proximity sensor detects that there is an object in front of the phone and notifies the system. But in case of Whatsapp the Proximity sensor is getting activated for playing audio file or answering the call on speaker. 

Recently not only Whatsapp but other apps like Messenger, Telegram, Instagram are reported to have issue with Proximity sensor and Whatsapp, whenever the proximity sensor at the top is covered, the screen goes blank. Please try below workaround and solution to fix the issue. 

Why iPhone screen turns off when listening an audio file:

As per whatsapp the message can be played through speaker(by default) and by earphone by the whatsapp. If you cover the top of phone where promximity sensor is , the whatsapp will turn off the screen. Please read the details as shown in below pic.

How to fix WhatsApp & Proximity Sensor Issue / Screen going off: iPhone 13/12 Pro Max, iPhone XR,XS MAX/X/8,7,6s Plus : iOS 15 and Andrid Oneplus 7/6, Realme ? 

Workaround : Avoid covering top of phone

The reason why Whatsapp is turning off the Phone screen is due to issue it assumes that by covering the top of your phone you are placing phones near to your ear and do not want to see the phone screen and whatsapp should avoid any unintentional touch. A workaround to fix that is to not place your hand near top of your phone while listening to audio file and the phone screen should work normally. 

Workaround : Use Headphones to listen Audio or answering calls 

One workaround to fix the Whatsapp Proximity sensors getting auto turned on all the time is to use Headphone. If you are listening to an audio file and whatsapp screen turns off, then try using a headphone/earphone to listen to the audio files or even answering calls. 

Solution : Reset the iPhone 

One easy solution to fix the Whatsapp Proximity bug is to reset the iPhone . This will fix any setting related issue in the iPhone and reset all settings. Go to iPhone settings, general and then reset. In the reset option choose reset all setting. This will not delete any data from the iPhone but will reset any custom settings. 

On the Android phone you can factory reset the phone. 

 

Solution : Reinstall the app 

Due to some software glitch on your whatsapp & Phone, the whatsapp might interfere  with your phone proximity census. 

To fix any software glitch 

-> just delete the whatsapp application from your Phone 

-> now  clear data and cache from Setting (in case of Android phone)

-> then go to your phone memory and delete the folder containing whatsapp (in case of Android phone)

-> Now reboot the Phone/ iPhone 

-> Download the app again check if this fixes the issue or 

Solution : change Dolby Atmos settings 

The iPhone and Android phone use dolby atoms for playing audio files. Go to these setting try toggling these. For many users changing the Dolby atoms settings helped to fix proximity issue. 

Solution : Deactivate Proximity sensor  (Android only)

If whatsapp proximity sensor is annoying you a lot then you can turn the proximity sensor from below settings :

1. Enable developer settings (go to build number, tap 7 times)
2. Go to system -> developer options
3. Go to "Quick settings developer tiles"
4. Activate "Sensors Off"
5. Check your Quick Settings, each time you listen to WhatsApp/Telegram audios you can easily deactivate the proximity sensor to avoid the issue

Solution : Update the Whatsapp and Phone firmware OS

The permanent solution to fix iPhone/Android Proximity sensor issue with Whatsapp is to report the issue to developer team of whatsapp and wait for a permanent fix. Keep updating your phone to latest software version to get recent bug fixes 

Source: Shudtech