How do i stop my screen from minimizing my phone call during the conversation

[AC Question]

Whenever I am making a phone call the screen minimizes it into a small box, I don't need this function all the time, how do I turn it off?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Which phone?

 

[elong83]

My phone is the note 4, but my sister has the same problem with the Galaxy 6.

 

[B. Diddy]

Are you using the phone on speakerphone, or with a Bluetooth headset? Can you just tap that minimized box to bring up the homescreen again?

 

[elong83]

I am not using it as a speakerphone or Bluetooth. Yes if I tap it will fill the screen again. I would like it to not minimize at all unless I hit the little box.

 

[B. Diddy]

So you're using it like a normal phone, held up against your ear? In that case, the screen should be automatically turning off due to the proximity sensor (so that your face doesn't press any onscreen buttons). Are you saying that when you take the phone away from your ear, you're seeing the homescreen, with the Phone/Dialer screen minimized, rather than the Dialer keypad maximized on the screen? (Sorry, at first I thought you were saying that the homescreen was getting minimized during a call.)

 

[elong83]

Yes I am holding it against my ear. It doesn't automatically turn off thus causing my face to press buttons. So when I take the phone away it is whatever screen my cheek has pressed and the dialer keypad is minimized.

 

[B. Diddy]

That shouldn't happen--the proximity sensor should detect when it's up against your ear, and put the screen to sleep, so there might be a problem with the sensor. Make sure it isn't blocked by a dirty screen protector, ill-fitting case, or any debris lodged in the opening. The sensor is typically near the front camera.

You can test the sensor by dialing *#0*# in the Dialer app, then select Sensor, and see what the proximity sensor is registering. Hold your hand over the sensor, then take it away, and see if the numbers change. If it doesn't change, then something is wrong with the sensor, and therefore isn't causing the screen to go to sleep on a call when held up against your ear.

 

[JedJens]

So you're using it like a normal phone, held up against your ear? In that case, the screen should be automatically turning off due to the proximity sensor (so that your face doesn't press any onscreen buttons). Are you saying that when you take the phone away from your ear, you're seeing the homescreen, with the Phone/Dialer screen minimized, rather than the Dialer keypad maximized on the screen? (Sorry, at first I thought you were saying that the homescreen was getting minimized during a call.)

This is exactly the problem I'm having... During call I see the normal dialer screen, then put the device to my ear and the screen turns off as it should with the proximity sensor, but when I'm done or I take the phone from my ear the dialer is minimized and I can't end the call until I first tap the banner to get to the end call button. It's just an extra step I don't like. Any help would be much appreciated. I just got a "new to me" Galaxy S7 Active, but it was also doing this on my Galaxy S6 Active.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! That makes me wonder if you're accidentally pressing the Home or Back button at some point during the call. Can you test to see if this happens when you're absolutely sure you didn't touch one of those buttons?

 

[JedJens]

Thanks, glad to be here!
Yep I tested. No buttons pushed. Set my phone down on desk face up in call, I can see the dialer screen, then move my hand above proximity sensor without touching the device, screen goes off and call continues as expected. When I move my hand away the screen comes on, but the dialer is minimized. I also tested a separate call, but instead of convering proximity sensor. I pressed the home button and the result is the same as when screen comes back on after removing the proximity sensor block.

 

[B. Diddy]

Does that also happen in Safe Mode? https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-28008

 

[JedJens]

Nope, it functions as it should. So, this means there is a third party software installed causing the problem?

 

[B. Diddy]

That's what the behavior suggests. Unfortunately, if you don't already have an idea of which app it might be, you may just have to uninstall apps one by one until the problem goes away.

 

[amila manage]

I also have the same issue ...this makes me uncomfortable..when i want to disconnect the call i cant find call end red color button and the call screen on the phone display..and i can see call is active on the notification bar in green color..and i have to drag the notification bar down and find call app and end the call....could anyone tell me what is this issue and how to fix it

 

[mustang7757]

I also have the same issue ...this makes me uncomfortable..when i want to disconnect the call i cant find call end red color button and the call screen on the phone display..and i can see call is active on the notification bar in green color..and i have to drag the notification bar down and find call app and end the call....could anyone tell me what is this issue and how to fix it

Hi welcome to AC!
Which phone ? On my Samsung in the phone app settings you have option to keep the call screen in full screen so it doesn't shrink or end calls and answer with volume or side key

 

[amila manage]

Yes i have these settings like this..but my issue is during the call i see only homescreen...and i can see call is on the notification bar in green color..my phone is samsung M02s

 

[mustang7757]

Yes i have these settings like this..but my issue is during the call i see only homescreen...and i can see call is on the notification bar in green color..my phone is samsung M02s

What about using the power to End calls and volume up to Answer calls?