The proximity sensor helps the iPhone turn its display off near your ear during a call. Device Status⁺ can exercise that near/far behavior through Hardware → Proximity.
Cover and uncover the sensor
- Open Hardware → Proximity and keep the phone upright.
- Hold a hand over the sensor area near the front camera for about a second.
- The display should go dark while the sensor detects something nearby.
- Move your hand away and wait for the screen to return.
- Repeat the cycle three times and review the result after uncovering the phone.
A dark display during this check is expected. Uncover the top of the phone before trying to read the result.
What if detection is unreliable?
Remove a case or protector that overlaps the sensor area, then repeat with the front glass clean. Holding your hand only briefly or covering the wrong area can miss the detection window.
A model that reports no supported proximity sensor should not be recorded as a failed iPhone test. Device availability and a failed response are different conditions.
Does this reproduce every call problem?
No. The app checks sensor behavior in its own session. If your symptom occurs during calls, also make an ordinary call and check whether the screen turns off near your ear and returns when moved away.
If proximity works but touches still fail elsewhere, continue with the multitouch test.
Ready to try it?
Device Status⁺ · Monitor and test your iPhone hardware
Free on the App Store