[Q]Location of magnetic sensor on tablet covers - Galaxy Tab S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Can anyone with a smart cover (the ones with magnet) confirm the location of the embedded magnet on the cover?
I believe book or simple covers, all allow the magnetic lock/unlock of screens.
Need it to emulate the lock/unlock feature using an old non-magnetic cover and some spare magnets I have.
Device : Samsung Galaxy Tab S Wifi 8.4"

I took a small piece of magnetic tape, which has a low magnetic field, and located a spot on the rear, along the right side, near the bottom. Touching the back about 1/2 inch in from the right side and about 1/2 inch from the bottom on the back with the tablet facing you is where it would turn off/on.
If the screen is already off, the magnet will turn it on and it will stay on when the magnet is removed.
If the screen is on, the magnet will turn it off, but when removed it will turn back on.
Youtube video link
http://youtu.be/Lm8hMPvQpFI?list=UUwpY15xoSLkfrImNr-bOYgw
Photo attached

I found the exact spot! (the red spot at the bottom in the pic)
Works both from front and backside.

subheet said:
I found the exact spot! (the red spot at the bottom in the pic)
Works both from front and backside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...but if it's a real weak magnet, hardly any pull, it won't work from the front. Which makes me think the switch is closer to the back. Dunno what the OP is doing but it might make a difference in how strong a magnet he uses.
But it's close to where we both have indicated.

Hello, anyone knows the location of the magnetic sensor in TAB A 2016 SM-T580 please??

Related

Warning TP2 Users Needing A Case!

If you have/get a USA TP2 you will be offered the split hard shell (leather wrapped plastic) case that actually fits and works very well but it has a MAJOR design flaw. Turns out there is a proximity sensor just above and to the right of the letters HTC on the front face (can't see it and don't know how it works) that is used for blanking the screen when in a call. The case TMo will try to sell you covers that sensor and it won't work. I took a 1/2" drill bit and made a hole just to the left and below the hole for the speaker (leaving enough plastic to keep continuity of the frame) and now the sensor works.
I will be calling my local dealer in the morning to make them aware of the problem. This needs to get out because the proximity sensor really works!!!! I wish I had it instead of the light sensor on my Touch HD.
Also make sure that ANY case you buy has that area uncovered.
Regards,
Gordo
jetjockgordo said:
If you have/get a USA TP2 you will be offered the split hard shell (leather wrapped plastic) case that actually fits and works very well but it has a MAJOR design flaw. Turns out there is a proximity sensor just above and to the right of the letters HTC on the front face (can't see it and don't know how it works) that is used for blanking the screen when in a call. The case TMo will try to sell you covers that sensor and it won't work. I took a 1/2" drill bit and made a hole just to the left and below the hole for the speaker (leaving enough plastic to keep continuity of the frame) and now the sensor works.
I will be calling my local dealer in the morning to make them aware of the problem. This needs to get out because the proximity sensor really works!!!! I wish I had it instead of the light sensor on my Touch HD.
Also make sure that ANY case you buy has that area uncovered.
Regards,
Gordo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't see it and don't know how it works.. but after your cutting in the case you know it works.. i don't get it
jetjockgordo said:
...there is a proximity sensor just ... (...don't know how it works) ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A proximity sensors works by sensing if there is anything in its proximity.
xdadJeroen said:
You can't see it and don't know how it works.. but after your cutting in the case you know it works.. i don't get it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I figured out what the OP is talking about. He's referring to a hard plastic shell accessory for the phone. The TP2 has a neat feature of turning off the screen during a call when you put it next to your ear. I wouldn't have noticed it if it weren't for the OP.
vdKarel said:
A proximity sensors works by sensing if there is anything in its proximity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that was good. You got me!
xdadJeroen said:
You can't see it and don't know how it works.. but after your cutting in the case you know it works.. i don't get it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comparing the TP2 to my HD I noticed, before I put the shell on, that screen blanks perfectly during a call when it gets about 1-2" from my face (my HD effectively does not have that feature) and functions much like, dare I say, like the iPhone for the screen blanking. It took me a while to realize the sensor is not near the LED/speaker area but about 1/16" (1-2mm) above and to the right of the letter C from HTC. I initially drilled a hole that was about 1/8" but it was too high and too far left for the sensor to work so I just made the hole larger and now it works perfectly....not pretty put it works. I actually like the hard shell (my wife, not so much since it makes the whole package bulky) and feel that it is providing good protection and good anti-slip properties.
My comment about not knowing how it works is based on the sensor is in a part of the case (phone case, not add-on protective shell case) that can not be seen, no holes, no windows, nothing. It is not infrared and is not visible at all. I guess it could be some kind of ultrasonic emitter/receiver to sense proximity, not sure. Anyone read about how that works?
Gordo
Pretty sure the sensor is optical like this:http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/562865. It can work through plastic that seems opaque to us.
On the EU version the sensor is to the left of the HTC logo about 1cm to the left of the 'H'.
strzelecki said:
Pretty sure the sensor is optical like this:http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/562865. It can work through plastic that seems opaque to us.
On the EU version the sensor is to the left of the HTC logo about 1cm to the left of the 'H'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info, thanks. I take it the EU devices have the letters HTC in a place other than just above the top left of the screen?
Question: I am looking on Ebay for another hard/split case like the one I got from my TMo USA dealer and see that some have a hole for the sensor but it appears to be to the right of the speaker. Do the EU devices have the sensor in a different spot?
This is the link I was looking at to buy but the hole is one the wrong side or is it just a picture that has been reversed? Or is that a hole for a front side camera that the USA devices don't have???
http://cgi.ebay.com/2x-MATTE-CASE-R...ries?hash=item4147ebe116&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
My local TMo dealer said they would replace mine so i can drill the hole more accurately but I am still thinking I want to try one from Ebay.
Gordo
The hole in that one appears to be for the camera.
More screen blanking problems
Wow, after some research it looks like no shell/skin type of cases have the cutout for the in-call screen blanking proximity sensor.
If you have a shell/skin for the TP2, can you confirm that feature is/not working?
Gordo
I can confirm that the sensor does not work when I put my silicon case on. I ordered mine from ebay...there is a thread about silicon cases here. Anyway, I did a test like you did and sure enough, the sensor does not work when I have the case on. When I take the case off, the sensor turns off my screen.
Can you post a pic of where you drilled your hole? Thanks.
use a hole puncher on a piece of post-it... move that holey post-it over the suspected area... use other palm to simulate your face... move holey paper until screen blanks... and there's your sensor.
tmobile sells the body glove 2 piece snap on case (hard black case) as well as a 2 piece silicone case combo pack with a car chargeer. the silicone case with the car charger actually has an offset hole for the earpiece and proximity sensor unlike the body glove case.
moral of the story...get the tmobile combo pack that has the silicone case as well as the car charger.
What "Won't Work"?
jetjockgordo said:
If you have/get a USA TP2 you will be offered the split hard shell (leather wrapped plastic) case that actually fits and works very well but it has a MAJOR design flaw. Turns out there is a proximity sensor just above and to the right of the letters HTC on the front face (can't see it and don't know how it works) that is used for blanking the screen when in a call. The case TMo will try to sell you covers that sensor and it won't work. I took a 1/2" drill bit and made a hole just to the left and below the hole for the speaker (leaving enough plastic to keep continuity of the frame) and now the sensor works.
I will be calling my local dealer in the morning to make them aware of the problem. This needs to get out because the proximity sensor really works!!!! I wish I had it instead of the light sensor on my Touch HD.
Also make sure that ANY case you buy has that area uncovered.
Regards,
Gordo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im thinking of getting this phone and so im looking for possible issues but I don't understand why this is a problem. If the phone is in the case, then it would be in proximity to something and it ensures the screen stays off so its not wasting power or getting hot right? Then when its taken out of the case and you bring it out of suspend mode the screen and all turns back on....? what am I missing here?
jetjockgordo said:
Comparing the TP2 to my HD I noticed, before I put the shell on, that screen blanks perfectly during a call when it gets about 1-2" from my face (my HD effectively does not have that feature) and functions much like, dare I say, like the iPhone for the screen blanking. It took me a while to realize the sensor is not near the LED/speaker area but about 1/16" (1-2mm) above and to the right of the letter C from HTC. I initially drilled a hole that was about 1/8" but it was too high and too far left for the sensor to work so I just made the hole larger and now it works perfectly....not pretty put it works. I actually like the hard shell (my wife, not so much since it makes the whole package bulky) and feel that it is providing good protection and good anti-slip properties.
Gordo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Gordo,
I am curious. If the prox sensor blanks the screen when it is close to your face, wouldn't you want it to also blank the screen while in the case? That would seem to keep alerts from leaving a live screen and wearing down the batteries. (That happens to me now with my Tilt.) If so, then you do not want a hole in the case?
Dickr
OmsagroSylph said:
Im thinking of getting this phone and so im looking for possible issues but I don't understand why this is a problem. If the phone is in the case, then it would be in proximity to something and it ensures the screen stays off so its not wasting power or getting hot right? Then when its taken out of the case and you bring it out of suspend mode the screen and all turns back on....? what am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look at my original post I mention that this problem is with the split shell case that is being sold by factory Tmobile retail stores in the USA. Ebay also has a number of 2 piece cases/skins/shells that, without a hole for the sensor, will frustrate people who might not know that the "screen blanking while in call" feature will be rendered unusable. Someone mentioned that it is the Body Glove, hard plastic wrapped in leather, 2 piece case that has one part clip on the display part of the phone and the other part on the back of the keyboard half of the phone. Both halves of the case are intended to remain on the phone. If you are just placing a naked TP2 in, say, a pouch case, then this is not a concern to you and should blank the screen if you are in a call while using a BT headset.
Gordo
jetjockgordo said:
If you look at my original post I mention that this problem is with the split shell case that is being sold by factory Tmobile retail stores in the USA. Ebay also has a number of 2 piece cases/skins/shells that, without a hole for the sensor, will frustrate people who might not know that the "screen blanking while in call" feature will be rendered unusable. Someone mentioned that it is the Body Glove, hard plastic wrapped in leather, 2 piece case that has one part clip on the display part of the phone and the other part on the back of the keyboard half of the phone. Both halves of the case are intended to remain on the phone. If you are just placing a naked TP2 in, say, a pouch case, then this is not a concern to you and should blank the screen if you are in a call while using a BT headset.
Gordo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gordo,
Thanks. This is much clearer and makes sense if you use a hard plastic case.
Dickr
cabranscom said:
I can confirm that the sensor does not work when I put my silicon case on. I ordered mine from ebay...there is a thread about silicon cases here. Anyway, I did a test like you did and sure enough, the sensor does not work when I have the case on. When I take the case off, the sensor turns off my screen.
Can you post a pic of where you drilled your hole? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you still need a picture of where I had to drill the hole in the hard shell case? If so I can have it posted by tomorrow.
Gordo
Gordo,
Can you please post a few pictures of the Body Glove case (thanks for replying to my previous thread). I cannot locate any decent pictures of the phone from various angles with the Body Glove case.
Thank you
mail_e36 said:
Gordo,
Can you please post a few pictures of the Body Glove case (thanks for replying to my previous thread). I cannot locate any decent pictures of the phone from various angles with the Body Glove case.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bet. I am out of town until late tonight and will post some pictures tomorrow.
Gordo

problem w/ magnetic cover... help!

Okay so i recently got a galaxy note 10.1 2014 ed. and i bought this ivso case for it: ww.amazon.com/Samsung-Edition-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Portfolio/dp/B00FJTV0PG
I like the case and the detachable keyboard but what i cannot stand is the effects the magnets have on the tablet. It makes it auto wake, which i guess is kind of nice, but when i fold it back around behind the tablet, it always auto locks my tablet. It also will not let me drag the drop down notification bar from the top when it is folded around the back.
Anyways, i was wondering if anyone knew of any apps or settings to disable the effects of the magnets on the tablet? I've spent hours googling and trying out different apps and whatnot but nothing helps.
Thanks in adv,
betaPartier
What I did was get a sharp knife and take the magnet out. Stick a velcro instead.
wannajump said:
What I did was get a sharp knife and take the magnet out. Stick a velcro instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to share a few photo's to show us what you did.
.
Maybe have a look at [MOD][XPOSED] MotoMagnetOff
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621807
Sent from my GT-N7100
I have same problem ,when I turn cover back,it turn the screen down . Actually ,I turn the cover back just want to hold it to pay a game. But it turn down, smart cover is not smart actually .
Sent from my SM-G900S using XDA Free mobile app
I folded some papers and slip it underneath the tablet in the case. It block the magnet so it won't off the screen when u flip the cover to the back.
The pen holder strap that comes with the cover is too small to hold my Wacom stylus feel. So, I got some stretchable strap, loop it and staple it to the paper. Now I can slip my stylus comfortably attachedge to the cover.
Sent from my SM-P605 using XDA Premium HD app
matsuru said:
The pen holder strap that comes with the cover is too small to hold my Wacom stylus feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic, but how do you like the Wacom feel?
I'm thinking of getting one but I read that it is not as accurate as the default stylus, unless held at a 90 degree angle (!). Is that the case?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
There is a bit of offset. But it doesn't affect me much. Just write or draw like normal.
In apps like lecture notes, tgere is a setting where u can adjust the offset to make it accurate.
Sent from my SM-P605 using XDA Premium HD app
betaPartier said:
Okay so i recently got a galaxy note 10.1 2014 ed. and i bought this ivso case for it: ww.amazon.com/Samsung-Edition-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Portfolio/dp/B00FJTV0PG
I like the case and the detachable keyboard but what i cannot stand is the effects the magnets have on the tablet. It makes it auto wake, which i guess is kind of nice, but when i fold it back around behind the tablet, it always auto locks my tablet. It also will not let me drag the drop down notification bar from the top when it is folded around the back.
Anyways, i was wondering if anyone knew of any apps or settings to disable the effects of the magnets on the tablet? I've spent hours googling and trying out different apps and whatnot but nothing helps.
Thanks in adv,
betaPartier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem. Did you figure out a way to disable the magnetic sensor?
degakc said:
I have the same problem. Did you figure out a way to disable the magnetic sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I ended up just getting a different case that doesn't have a keyboard. Since there's no magnetic keyboard, the magnets aren't nearly as strong and only affects the tablet when I open it, not when I fold it around the back.
Thanks for the speedy response. On close inspection I noticed that there is a small magnet on the front cover top left corner about 1 inch from the top. almost invisible but can find it when we run a coin over the surface of the front cover. When the back side of the note 10.1 meets this magnet, screen switches off. I noted that by placing a magazine/ booklet between the front cover and the back when using in flipped over mode: the screen does not switch off. A small victory. But wish that samsung provides a solution 2 disable this magnetic screen off feature through a menu option.
i have same problem and i fix it by take out magnate from cover. i hope found a better way for this problem
Did anyone find any way to turn off the magnetic lock and unlock function? When I backfold my cover (aftermarket), it automatically locks my tab. Which is very irritating. I have Samsung galaxy tab S5e
You'd think that the guys who make these cases would just add a small amount of padding over the magnet so it only activates the sensor on the one side... To simple an idea I guess...

[Q] Cover flipped backwards turns off screen!

I was experiencing random screen shutoffs after fitting my galaxy note 10.1 (2014) for a new case.
It took a while before I finally realized that the random shut offs were being triggered by the case, more specifically, when the edge of my case came in line with the edge of the tablet, which is an awesome feature when you have the cover covering the front of the unit.
But the problem is it manages to shut off screen regardless of which side of the unit the cover is on, as long as the edge of the cover is aligned with the units edge. This can be quite frustrating when trying to read while holding the tablet in certain orientations.
Questions: I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar issues with their cases/covers (a little research seems to indicate this is not an isolated issue and many, if not all, cases/covers suffer from this issue).
1) If you have not, which cases/covers do you use? Do these cases resolve the issue by never aligning the cover to the same position when flipped backwards as when flipped forwards (i.e. skewed slightly short of the edge when in backwards position)?
2) If you have experienced this issue, how have you addressed it? Can you disable the magnetic sensor?
3) Would weakening the magnet in the case perhaps ensure that it was only sensed in the forward position?
SKida00 said:
I was experiencing random screen sback andk ffs after fitting my galaxy note 10.1 (2014) for a new case.
It took a while before I finally realized that the random shut offs were being triggered by the case, more specifically, when the edge of my case came in line with the edge of the tablet, which is an awesome feature when you have the cover covering the front of the unit.
But the problem is it manages to shut off screen regardless of which side of the unit the cover is on, as long as the edge of the cover is aligned with the units edge. This can be quite frustrating when trying to read while holding the tablet in certain orientations.
et in the case perhaps ensure that it was only sensed in the forward position?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have the same problem. pick up A generic folio type case for my P600. Case looks and feels great. Auto wake works brilliantly when I open the cover, but there is the problem of The screen turning off when I flip the cover over to the back and the magnetic edges meet. Dunno how to fix this yet. Tried the magnetoff xposed module but that doesn't seem to work.
I got the Moko slim case and the same thing happens, what I did to circumvent the problem was to put my screen cleaning cloth between the case and the tablet. This prevents the magnet from locking the screen when completely folded backwards, the only thing is that this method will block the camera with the cloth. For me this is not a problem I don't see myself using the camera on my tablet when I can use my SGS3's camera, and this way I never forget my screen cleaning cloth .
I've read about this on other devices on various covers as well. they think it mah be due to the magnet not being properly shielded. dunno any fixes other than get another case.
I hade a cover for my old Ipad and it all so turn off the Ipad when I flipped over the cover.
It did turn out the problem was with the magnet and after getting a new one, the problem was solved.
My poetic slimline work perfectly no issues at all. Love the look and feel, I do want a carry slevee tho for more protection if I wanna bring it out of the house. Or even just to store in the house. But overall love this case.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Get a piece of sheet metal (strip out a cheapie magnetic whiteboard , a few dollars at a variety store) cut to just less than the back of the tablet screen.
Cover it with a thin plastic film (to safeguard from cutting yourself)
It will adhere to the back of the screen magnetically and flatten the magnet's field
Now you can use the device with the keyboard tucked away behind the screen. (you may have to leave a small air gap say 5mm to 10 mm)
This does not affect the normal screen-keyboard functions when used conventionally
Same problem with Galaxy Tab A (Nougat)
There is an option in the tab to turn it off, but regardless what you choose, the tablet still responds to the magnet. Very annoying when you lay down your tablet flat. For now i just put something between the cover and the back of the tablet, like a handkerchief. This works for me, but ofcourse it's not a solution just a workaround. I'm still trying to find a solution.
Did you find any way to turn off the magnetic lock and unlock function? When I backfold my cover (aftermarket), it automatically locks my tab. Which is very irritating. I have Samsung galaxy tab S5e
There wasn't a good search result on a way to disable it via software or hardware mod so I thought I would post the solution I just did on my daughter's new tablet folio.
She has an old S3 Tab so the options are quite limited so figured modification was the only way. I ended up removing 3 magnets until I figured out which one actually did the on/off Hall effect. The smart thing to do would have been to use a magnet to find where on the tablet the Hall effect sensor was first, then remove just that magnet. The other magnets are for holding the clasp in place when the folio is open or closed.
I just cut an X over the magnet location, removed it, then filled it back in with hot glue. On her tablet, the Hall sensor was on the top left (fat arrow). It's annoying to have to do this but there's no other way. I tried the metal plate trick but that looked pretty bad and didn't always work.
Hope that helps someone

Fix for Samsung Keyboard cover shutting the tablet off

I picked up a Samsung brand keyboard cover for my 813 today and was very disappointed to find that the magnets in the keyboard would shut the screen off when you flip the cover over so you can hold the tablet and use it without the keyboard.
I researched but couldn't find a solution that was even remotely practical.
I figured out that if you fold the cover like I did in the picture, there's enough space between the keyboard and the tablet that it doesn't trip the magnetic switch.
The cover is still folded on a way it's designed to and doesn't feel any different when using it.
Hope this helps.
so i assume this problem is not for specific covers then, i got a 'Superfly' case+cover that works like those for the ipad ones from Apple. the cover rolls back to create a triangle stand. when i try to fold it all the way back to create a flat back, the magnetic also sleeps the tab. so the only way to use it and holding it is to roll it back and making it a stand and hold the stand itself.
very frustrating as sometimes i would like to fold the cover back and lay flat on table or on my palm but it just sleeps it.
only way to hold it on the hand is the like pic attached.
it seems like the sleep magnets are towards the left of the device, because when i close the cover half way where the right side of cover is still far from the screen, it puts it to sleep. same for the rear
sorry for thread jack though, i'm on the same boat as you
I think that the magnetic switch is near the home button.
Would it be possible to put a metallic barrier on the back of the tablet between the back flap to prevent the magnet on the front flap triggering the switch?
Metallic Plate Works!
Putting a metallic barrier actually works very well. I got a magnetic phone holder for my car which came with 2 metal plates (with adhesive) that you can stick to your phone back. I didn't need the larger one and tried it with the Tab S2 (9.7) official keyboard cover. And it worked!
The pictures show where exactly is the "sweet spot".
Update: Apparently the position outside the box reverses the effect - switches off when you remove the keyboard. The solution I found is to wedge the metal plate behind the cover just near where the cover snaps to the tablet. Works perfect!
Nougat Updates solves the auto-off bug
The auto-off problem seems to have been solved with the Nougat update. After the update when I connected the keyboard cover, the touchpad was not working. I unpaired and paired the keyboard again. Got both the keyboard and touchpad working. Then discovered that the auto-off bug is also solved when I folded it in reading mode with the keyboard in both on/off positions.

Galaxy note 10 + - Trigger screen lock/AOD when "wallet" case is closed?

Hello, is there any way to trigger the screen to turn off (go to AOD etc) when something is closed on its face? I know in the past magnets and other things were used, and even for the SView covers. Is this possible for a DIY?
In the past, doing what you want was fairly easy, there are some apps that do it, I used gravity screen app, even with macrodroid or automate it, but, since the proximity sensors are behind the screen, the whole functionality changed, now, only the phone calling apps can access the proximity sensor, I now rely on the gyro sensor to turn the screen off, it is not the same, but a somewhat useful workaround solution
A small magnet in left-bottom corner does the trick, but only when my original clear-view cover is installed. Without the installed cover (which the phone recognises as installed accessory, I assume through NFC label in cover) the screen will stay on when a magnet is used in the right spot.
I think DIY solution with magnet is difficult, how to trick phone to think accessory is installed and activate magnetic sensor.
The magnetic sensor in phone is located approx 2.0 cm from left screen edge, approx 1.5 cm from bottom.

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