Why does my Vodafone Smart 4G phone screen turn off during call?

[Android Central Question]

I have a Vodafone Smart 4G. I have a problem when making phone calls. As soon as I make a call, although I communicate normally with the other person, the Screen goes blank straightaway.

 

[anon(10614692)]

Its to prevent accidental touches while you use the device.

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome to Android Forums

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https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=409154

 

[Joefior]

I have created an account - Joefior. May I ask, how can I view this question that I asked today? Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! You're currently in the thread you created -- here's the link, in case you need it: https://forums.androidcentral.com/a...-screen-turn-off-during-call.html#post6659932

Are you saying that the screen immediately blanks out once the call is connected, even if the phone isn't up against your ear? If so, then the proximity sensor may be blocked. The sensor is right next to the front-facing camera -- make sure you don't have a screen protector or poorly fitting case that might be covering it.

 

[Joefior]

Thanks for the reply. Does the Vodafone Smart 4G have a proximity sensor? Next to the front-facing camera, in the middle of the phone, there is what I think the hearing thing - sortof slot about 1 cm long.
Re screen protector, no there isn't one. The fitting case is at the back - if you're referring to the case that houses the battery, sim etc.

 

[B. Diddy]

Most phones have a proximity sensor. The ones that don't will typically cause a type of lockscreen to appear when you're on a call, that tells you to swipe up or double-tap if you want to use the screen.

The slot you're describing is most likely the earpiece speaker. It might vary a bit, but look at page 1 of the Smart Turbo manual: https://www.vodafone.com/content/dam/vodcom/devices/smart-4-turbo/User Manual - English.pdf. If nothing seems to be blocking the sensor, then make sure the glass overlying it is very clean.

The kind of case I'm asking about is a protective case that you might have bought and put on the phone.

 

[Joefior]

Mr. Diddy, thanks again. Yes, my Smart phone is exactly the same as in the Smart Turbo manual. So can't tell if it has a sensor.
Re protective case, no I don't have one.
I have cleaned the overlying glass, tried a call, still blanking screen.
Regards,

 

[B. Diddy]

Does it still happen in Safe Mode? How to turn on safe mode on Vodafone Smart 4 Turbo. If so, then the proximity sensor might be faulty. If the phone is still under warranty, contact Vodafone.

 

[Joefior]

I shall try the Safe Mode tomorrow. However, I doubt that the problem has got to do with apps. You see, initially, the phone worked all OK, even for a couple of years or so. Then, it started "playing up" every now and then with this blanking of the screen. Then gradually it is doing every time.
However, I will give the Safe Mode a try.
The phone is not under warranty anymore.
Thanks.

 

[B. Diddy]

If Safe Mode doesn't do anything, then try wiping the cache partition, which won't affect any personal data. Follow the steps here, but instead of selecting Wipe Data, make sure to select Wipe Cache Partition: https://www.hardreset99.com/vodafon...mart-4-turbo-hard-reset-how-to-factory-reset/.

If that doesn't work, then the next step would be a factory reset.

 

[Joefior]

Hi again Mr. Diddy.
I have just tried the Safe Mode. Alas, it still didn't solve my problem; the screen still went blank.

Thanks anyway for your effort to help.

 

[Rukbat]

It actually sounds as if the proximity detector has failed (so it's always indicating proximity, which doesn't matter until you make a phone call). The intermittent nature when it started happening indicates that. That would have to be replaced by a repair shop. (Unless the phone is cheaper than the cost of the repair - then just replace the phone.)

 

[Dam384466]

Go to Settings-Battery-Power Saving Exclusions. Scroll down to "Call Screen" and turn it on.

 

[B. Diddy]

Go to Settings-Battery-Power Saving Exclusions. Scroll down to "Call Screen" and turn it on.

Thanks, but that's not the issue here.