Re: Proximity sensor to automatically turn display on and off during calls not working anymore
SOLUTION
PLEASE READ ADDED EDIT
I have a solution for this problem that I want to share as I came across it via searching several threads. This solution should fix any calibration issues with dust getting on the proximity sensor which causes your screen to not revert back and remain black when you are in a call and move the phone away from your ear. Before I get into the fix I want to also explain how to get the *#0*# code working. Some phones have this menu unlocked but it seems many carriers (like US Cellular) block this menu. If you dial that code from your dialer and nothing happens, then it is blocked and you will need to root your phone to gain access to not only the file you need to change to allow access to this menu, but the solution as well.
Here are the exact steps for both problems:
NOTE: I do not assume responsibility for any actions taken. If you do these solutions then you assume full responsibility for any damages, voiding of warranty, or any other problems that may arise.
Problem 1: *#0*# does not bring up the LCD Test Menu (where you can look at the Sensor function and test your phone as well as get values and an idea for how dirty the sensor is)
Solution: As mentioned, your phone must be rooted. You will need a file browser, I recommend Root Explorer but I am sure there are other options that will work just fine. You need to navigate to the following location and file /efs/carrier/HiddenMenu . Open this file and change the only value there from OFF to ON. Save the file and restart your phone, the *#0*# code should work now. If it does not make sure the file saved the ON change, if it is showing OFF still then the menu is disabled for you.
Problem 2: Your phone remains on a black screen, during a call, when you move the headset away from your ear. This is more than likely due to dust particles that got onto the Proximity Sensor that is located in the earpiece above the Samsung logo of your phone. Do not use a can of compressed air or blow on it. It may clear it up but you risk damaging the phone by doing so.
Solution: Re-calibrate your Proximity Sensor to make up for the dust throwing it off. Follow this thread for the exact step by step actions:
Samsung Galaxy note 3 proximity sensor issue Fix
Make sure that you use a good terminal program as the first one I downloaded did not work for me. Also make sure to take your time entering the command lines as a misplaced space or typo can cause issues. To be safe, I recorded the original values myself and I am glad I did as the hexadecimal conversion did not takr the first time and I got a bloated stored value. I redid the process and now my phone is perfectly re-calibrated and working smoothly. I take no credit for either fix, I am simply sharing what I found after a very frustrating day of searching and trial and error. My hat is off to the man in the above post and to the community at large for sharing.
Edit: The Kit-Kat update adds a new feature that detects changes to the phone, the Knox Counter, and this is separate from the counter people are used to resetting maybe with something like Triangle Away. Tripping this counter will void your warranty and methods of rooting without tripping the Knox Counter sound a bit tricky and not proven from what I have read. Just threads of people proclaiming a means but with nothing concrete for follow-up. Triangle Away does not currently remove/reset the counter and once tripped there appears to be no way to reset it as of yet. I mention the root method only for ppl not worried about the counter or to whom it may not apply (i.e. you voided your warranty already or for some reason are not covered). I was unaware of the new Knox counter in Kit-Kat and I am lucky that the service center let it slide. The solution still works but I agree with those saying to send it under warranty if you can before considering voiding it.
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