The proximity sensor in smartphones plays a crucial role during phone calls. It detects when the phone is close to your ear and automatically turns off the screen to prevent accidental touches, save battery, and protect your face from triggering on-screen actions. However, many Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have reported that their phone screens remain active during calls, leading to accidental hangs, mute toggles, or button presses.
If your Pixel 6’s screen doesn’t turn off when you hold it to your ear, this article explains why it happens, provides step-by-step fixes, and includes a conclusion on what to do if the issue persists.
What Is the Proximity Sensor and How Does It Work?
The proximity sensor is a small component near the front-facing camera, typically placed at the top bezel. It uses infrared light or capacitive technology to detect when your face is near the phone. When active (especially during calls), it signals the display to turn off.
In the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google uses a software-based virtual sensor system that works in tandem with camera and motion sensors—different from traditional dedicated hardware sensors used in older phones.
Symptoms of a Faulty or Inactive Proximity Sensor
- The screen remains on while you’re on a call and holding the phone to your ear
- The screen turns off and on repeatedly during calls
- Your face accidentally triggers on-screen buttons (mute, speaker, end call)
- The screen never turns off, even in dark or covered conditions
- Calls end suddenly due to accidental touch input
Why the Proximity Sensor Might Not Be Working on Pixel 6
Software Bugs
Multiple Android 12 and Android 13 updates introduced intermittent proximity sensor issues on Pixel 6. These bugs caused the sensor to:
- Fail to trigger when the phone is near the ear
- Work only sporadically
- Misbehave with specific apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Duo)
While some bugs have been patched, the sensor still fails occasionally due to OS glitches.
Screen Protector or Case Obstruction
If the screen protector or phone case covers the top bezel area, it may interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect proximity.
Problems include:
- Reduced sensor sensitivity
- Misinterpretation of light conditions
- Sensor reflection errors (especially with glossy protectors)
In-call Motion Misinterpretation
Since the Pixel 6 relies partly on motion sensors and AI instead of a traditional infrared proximity sensor, certain movements or positions may not trigger screen dimming correctly—such as:
- Holding the phone at an angle
- Quick movement between speaker and ear
- Light interference during the call
Third-Party App Conflicts
Some calling or overlay apps (e.g., Truecaller, Viber, floating recorders) can conflict with the proximity sensor logic, especially if they override standard call UI.
This can disable screen dimming during calls unintentionally.
Developer Options or Settings Tweaks
If you’ve recently altered developer options, enabled accessibility features, or changed sensor-related settings, those changes might affect proximity detection.
How to Fix Proximity Sensor Issues on Pixel 6
Restart the Device
Simple but effective. A restart can reset sensor behavior if it’s temporarily bugged.
- Press and hold Power
- Tap Restart
Check sensor function by making a call and bringing the phone to your ear.
Remove Screen Protector or Case
- Remove your current screen protector or case
- Test proximity behavior during a call without accessories
- If it works, switch to a Google-certified accessory that doesn’t obstruct the front area
Clear Phone App Cache
Corrupted app data may prevent the proximity sensor from functioning correctly during calls.
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Phone
- Tap Storage & cache
- Tap Clear cache (do not clear data unless necessary)
Repeat the same for Google Dialer and Carrier Services, if applicable.
Test the Proximity Sensor Manually
You can use third-party apps like Sensor Test or Sensor Box for Android to verify if the proximity sensor is detecting correctly.
Steps:
- Download a trusted sensor test app from the Play Store
- Run the proximity test
- Place your hand near the top bezel of the phone
- The reading should change (e.g., from “far” to “near”)
If it doesn’t, the sensor may be malfunctioning or blocked.
Boot into Safe Mode
This disables all third-party apps and helps check whether another app is interfering.
- Press and hold Power
- Tap and hold Power off, then tap OK
- In Safe Mode, make a call and test the proximity sensor
If it works fine in Safe Mode, a third-party app is the problem. Uninstall apps one by one to find the culprit.
Update Your Phone’s Software
Many sensor-related bugs have been fixed in updates.
- Go to Settings > System > System update
- Download and install any pending updates
Reset App Preferences
If sensor-related services are accidentally disabled:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options
- Tap Reset app preferences
This will not delete personal data but will restore system apps and permissions to their defaults.
Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, and you’ve ruled out hardware failure:
- Back up your data
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data
- Set up the phone without restoring from backup initially
This clears any lingering software corruption or misconfigurations.
When to Contact Google Support
If all else fails, and:
- The sensor never responds, even in Safe Mode
- You’ve tried all resets and updates
- Sensor test apps show no changes when covering the top of the screen
…it may be a hardware defect. In that case:
- Contact Google Pixel Support
- Visit a Google-authorized service center
- Check for warranty coverage for sensor repairs or replacement
Conclusion
The proximity sensor on the Pixel 6 is vital for managing screen behavior during calls—but many users face issues due to its hybrid software-based design, accessory interference, or system bugs. Most problems are fixable by:
- Updating the system
- Removing obstructions
- Resetting app permissions
- Using Safe Mode to identify problematic apps
If you’ve exhausted all options and the sensor still fails to work, a hardware inspection is likely necessary.
With the right troubleshooting, you can restore proper sensor function and ensure smoother, interruption-free calling.
