Phone screen goes black during calls and won't come back

Symptoms

• Screen turns off as soon as a call starts
• Stays black even when phone is away from your face
• Can't unlock or hang up without a hardware button
• Works fine outside of calls

Likely causes

• CommonScreen protector or case covering the proximity sensorThe sensor sits near the earpiece and can be blocked by thick material.
• CommonDirt or oil buildup over the sensorGrime can make the sensor think something is always close.
• PossibleSoftware glitch in the sensor readingA bug can cause the sensor value to get stuck as 'near'.
• Less commonFaulty proximity sensor hardwareThe sensor component itself can fail with age or after a drop.

What to do

1. Remove the screen protector and case and clean the area near the earpiece with a dry cloth.
2. Make a test call and wave your hand near the top of the phone away from your ear to see if the screen responds.
3. Restart the phone to clear a potential sensor software glitch.
4. Check for a software update.
5. Use the power button to wake the screen if it won't respond otherwise, so you can end the call.
6. If a case or protector was the cause, try calls without it to confirm.

Tools and parts

• Microfiber cloth

When to call a pro

See a repair shop if the screen stays black during calls even with a clean sensor and no case, after a restart and update.

Safety