Develop Bugs

[req] Disable Proximity Sensor

I've been trying to pour through the API and find a way I can access and disable the proximity sensor with some code, but have been unsuccessful.
Does anyone know of a way, rooted or unrooted, that I can disable the proximity sensor completely?
I searched the forums and the only ways I found seem applicable to WinMo based phones.
Heck, I'll pay for a way to do it, I hate the proximity sensor that much.
Even if someone knows of a way I could disconnect it by opening my phone, I might even spring for that - but obviously a software approach would be much more appreciated...
Thanks!

redball said:
Heck, I'll pay for a way to do it, I hate the proximity sensor that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you hate it, if I may ask?

larsrya8 said:
Why do you hate it, if I may ask?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is unreliable, and I know it isn't just my phone because a number of people I know also have an HTC Incredible and it seems to behave just as erratically on theirs.
Based on the code I read through for Phone.apk or whatever, it seems like it is supposed to disable the proximity sensor when you're using bluetooth, just like when using the speakerphone - but it doesn't. I can't figure out why, and I noticed another thread floating around with users having the same issue.
I want to be able to use my phone while on a call and not have to worry about a shift in overhead light or something passing over the sensor and flipping the screen off while I'm trying to use it.
I would much prefer the ability to disable it entirely, and have full control of the screen off/on using the power button.
There was one app on the app store recommended in my searches that let's you lock the screen on and only go off based on orientation or something, but it doesn't seem to work for the HTC Incredible

Try screebl? Should keep your phone on based on orientation, I think even during a call? Not sure though.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

drawde said:
Try screebl? Should keep your phone on based on orientation, I think even during a call? Not sure though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Screebl, too...but unless I'm configuring it wrong - it doesn't seem to work while in phone calls.

I hate it too. Makes my screen turn on and off when I use my bluetooth.
Sent from my HTC Incredible

I'm right there with you on this. I really hate being on a call and having the screen turn off and have to shake the phone around to be able to end the call.

JTCGiants56 said:
I'm right there with you on this. I really hate being on a call and having the screen turn off and have to shake the phone around to be able to end the call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the worst! It's like it gets doubly worse just when I want to be able to hang up.
If it helps anyone...I found these links. (If you google for "mProximityWakeLock", and follow the first Stack Overflow link, it also has two links in it to PhoneApp.java and InCallScreen.java)
I tried making an app that just kept calling release(), but it ended up just creating force closes.

you guys should email HTC so t hey fix it in the next OTA.

I know this is not really about droid, but what proximity sensor also does is scale down CPU speed (even despite using setcpu) making Skype completely useless without a headset.
When you initialize a call - everything is cool.
If you hold your phone on your hand and use loudspeeker - it's cool.
As soon as you put it to close to your face/ear - not cool anymore. To the point where it's absolutely impossible...
Cheers!

It does check for a headset plugged in, bluetooth audio or the speakerphone enabled. For bluetooth, it gets a code from a getState method. It only prevents the screen from turning off if it equals a specific state. All you have to do is force it to always be true.
You can also put this in the build.prop to completely disable it.
Code:
gsm.proximity.enable=false

How i do this?
ihtfp69 said:
It does check for a headset plugged in, bluetooth audio or the speakerphone enabled. For bluetooth, it gets a code from a getState method. It only prevents the screen from turning off if it equals a specific state. All you have to do is force it to always be true.
You can also put this in the build.prop to completely disable it.
Code:
gsm.proximity.enable=false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m a nerd....how i do this ? where i write this code in my htc desire?
Thanks

1. you need to be rooted (if your on this forum and running miui you already are rooted) and have ES File Explorer downloaded from market.
2. open es file explorer and press menu then settings scroll all the way to the bottom and go to root options & turn on root explorer & mount file system
3. go back to the view of your sd card now on the top left there is a image of sd card click that. look for a folder named system and click there
4. in system scroll to bottom and look for a file called build.prop long press on this file and click copy now click the house at top left and paste the build.prop to your sd card
5. now go back to the system folder click on build.prop and you will get a selection of apps to pick from depending on what you have installed. pick es note editor
6. now that you in your build.prop scroll down and WHERE i put "gsm.proximity.enable=false" ? i write this code where? in the end? Where?
Thanks

I need Help please
i need help in
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=15689458#post15689458

Quick fix
I had a similar problem with my phone (Samsung Galaxy S2) when I put it in a waterproof box. The display went black when someone was calling, and it didn't reappear unless I opened the box and thereby deactivated the proximity sensor reading.
My quick fix is to put a piece of black electrical insulating tape over the sensor. Since the sensor basically is a light sensitive receiver looking for tiny reflections from a coded light source, total blackness will be read as "no near object".
But of course, a nice API call would be more elegant

For the love of god, bump!

Bump....seriously.....I've been looking everywhere for a way to disable proximity sensor. I wish Tasker had a simple Disable/Enable toggle on this sensor

Follow the post at the top of this page.
Make a backup of your rom just in case.
In summary, if you have root explorer then here's how I'd do it.
1. Navigate to /system.
2. Click the button at the top that says Mount R/W.
3. Open the file called build.prop.
4. At the bottom of the file add a line that says:
gsm.proximity.enable=false.
5. Hit menu, save and exit, reboot
It should work. If it doesn't you still should be ok. If unsure go ahead and restore your backup.

have the same problem but with incredible s. the screen goes down until on other end some body will not put the phone down! iv trued the false method. it did nothing.

Disabling Proximity Sensor works!
ihtfp69 said:
It does check for a headset plugged in, bluetooth audio or the speakerphone enabled. For bluetooth, it gets a code from a getState method. It only prevents the screen from turning off if it equals a specific state. All you have to do is force it to always be true.
You can also put this in the build.prop to completely disable it.
Code:
gsm.proximity.enable=false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For all those who are looking for a solution to a faulty proximity sensor and nothing else works, I can tell you that modifying the build.prop as described does work!
I simply can now press the button to turn the screen on or off while on call instead of relying on faulty sensor. Very pleased.
This was done using HTC WILDFIRE S a510a running HTC Sense GingerBread 2.3.3 which has been rooted with CWM root through CWM custom recovery installed after unlocking the bootloader at the HTCDEV site. The program used was called Rom Toolbox Lite and I used the "build.prop Editor" feature to safely make the modification to the file.

[Q] Gyro sensor not working

I've just discovered that my gyro sensor doesn't work. I am running rooted stock 4.1.1. The phone can not detect tilt movements. And under Settings->Motion->Sensitivity settings->Gyroscope calibration, the blue dot does not move from the center, no matter which orientation the phone is held. All of the options under Motion don't seem to work. I just want to see if anybody else has the same problem before calling TMobile.

Firstly, this should have been posted in the q&a section.
And the blue circle isn't supposed to move. You lay the phone on a flat surface and it calibrates itself.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Moved to Q&A

Sorry for posting in the wrong section. You are right about the blue dot not moving. I downloaded a few apps that detect sensors and all built-in sensor seem to be working as they are supposed too. I have problem for example of taking screenshot with a palm wipe or zooming picture by tilting the device, muting phone by turning it over, etc. None of these features work on my phone. Will try to explore more to see what the real problem is.

tphone said:
Sorry for posting in the wrong section. You are right about the blue dot not moving. I downloaded a few apps that detect sensors and all built-in sensor seem to be working as they are supposed too. I have problem for example of taking screenshot with a palm wipe or zooming picture by tilting the device, muting phone by turning it over, etc. None of these features work on my phone. Will try to explore more to see what the real problem is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the switch turned on next to motion in the settings?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

tphone said:
I've just discovered that my gyro sensor doesn't work. I am running rooted stock 4.1.1. The phone can not detect tilt movements. And under Settings->Motion->Sensitivity settings->Gyroscope calibration, the blue dot does not move from the center, no matter which orientation the phone is held. All of the options under Motion don't seem to work. I just want to see if anybody else has the same problem before calling TMobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you go off the deep end, run the test on the sensor.
in the stock dialer:
Quick Test Menu
*#7353#
select the accelerometer tester and ilt the phone whatever way you want. If the arrows don't change, then the sensor isn't working. If the Arrows do change, then all good, no panic necessary...
Good Luck
Aloha

Thank you for your help. I ran the sensor test and the sensors work. I also turned on the Motion switch but the Motion features still don't work for me. Maybe this is a software issue. I will continue to explore and will report back if I've found something.

tphone said:
Thank you for your help. I ran the sensor test and the sensors work. I also turned on the Motion switch but the Motion features still don't work for me. Maybe this is a software issue. I will continue to explore and will report back if I've found something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Please do the following:
Pull the top notification bar down by using a downward swipe.
Tap on the Toothed Wheel in upper right corner
scroll down till you see the System divider (below the Add account line)
is Motion ON on the right side of it? if not, turn it on.
Tap on the word Motion
Are any of the options you want to use set with a check in the box?
if not, put the check in whatever you want to use by tapping on the box on the right of the function.
Example:
If you want to use Palm swipe for screen captures, tap on the box on the right of the option.
the boxes toggle these options so if you want the option off, then tap on the checkmark and it'll go off.
When you're done, click on the back button on the right side of the menu bar below the screen till you get back to the homescreen.
You are done, and the selected options should now function.
simple huh?

Thank you, bobolinko. I've been doing exactly what you described and no motion feature works for me. I begin to think that my software has a problem, because it does crash occasionally and software upgrade check hangs forever in the "checking for software updates..." screen and never comes back, no matter if I am on wifi or on 4G. Let me reinstall stock firmware and report back.

Try it like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4dPoY1Z6hc
Also, has it EVER worked?
Thanks!

bobolinko said:
Also, has it EVER worked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the video. I did exactly as shown and nothing happens. I never tried Motion before until I needed to capture my screen and discovered that it doesn't work for me. In the mean time, using PWR and HOME button at the same time does allow me to capture the screen, so I don't really need Motion feature working for me. I am just thinking that my software has a problem and I will need to reinstall stock. Thanks a lot for your help in any case.

bobolinko said:
Before you go off the deep end, run the test on the sensor.
in the stock dialer:
Quick Test Menu
*#7353#
select the accelerometer tester and ilt the phone whatever way you want. If the arrows don't change, then the sensor isn't working. If the Arrows do change, then all good, no panic necessary...
Good Luck
Aloha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im having the same issue. tried the accelerometer test and tilt the phone every which way but the arror didnt move at all. does that mean the accelerometer is done with. any fix for it?
also tried tsp dot mode, tsp grid mode, proximity and light sensors and nothing seems to happen during the test

Quick way turn on/off AOD?

I like AOD and i have it on as default. However, when I'm at work I don't need to have it on since I can see my notifications & calls from the computer (using Join extensions & app). I tried messing around with Tasker but unable to accomplish anything so far. Do you guys know any quick way to turn on/off AOD without having to go into the display settings?
Edit - Found an app that let me toggles AOD
App is called "Tiles". There's a tile in the app called "Always On", switch it on, then run this adb command to allow the app make secure setting changes: adb shell pm grant com/rascarlo.quick.settings.tiles android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
Link to app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rascarlo.quick.settings.tiles

One workaround. Pull town quick tiles, touch menu (gear to right of date), then in search box type "ambient", that will let you choose "Battery > Ambient Display". It takes long steps the first time. Next time just pull down tiles, touch gear, touch search bar, touch "ambient" (that stays in list), touch home button. It seems the 2XL keeps the last five searches.
There may be a better way, but I have not found it yet. Been trying to do it with Tasker and maybe a plugin, but nothing yet.

Pkt_Lnt said:
One workaround. Pull town quick tiles, touch menu (gear to right of date), then in search box type "ambient", that will let you choose "Battery > Ambient Display". It takes long steps the first time. Next time just pull down tiles, touch gear, touch search bar, touch "ambient" (that stays in list), touch home button. It seems the 2XL keeps the last five searches.
There may be a better way, but I have not found it yet. Been trying to do it with Tasker and maybe a plugin, but nothing yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try out the app called "Tiles".

hophamson said:
Try out the app called "Tiles".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will.
Small world, I ran rascarlo roms on my Galaxy Nexus. :good:

hophamson said:
Try out the app called "Tiles".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Tiles, granted permission through ADB, and the Ambient Display toggle does nothing.
Edit: It turns on and off the "New notification - wake screen when you receive notifications" setting. Not the Always On setting..
Edit 2: You need to use the Always On tile and not Ambient Display. Works well!

hophamson said:
Try out the app called "Tiles".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could, please provide a link to "Tiles". I tried searching for it in the Play Store and most of the hits are games.
I'm trying to find a solution to my phone screen turning off when it's plugged in and a call comes in. Maybe this is the fix I've been looking for.

JimSmith94 said:
If you could, please provide a link to "Tiles". I tried searching for it in the Play Store and most of the hits are games.
I'm trying to find a solution to my phone screen turning off when it's plugged in and a call comes in. Maybe this is the fix I've been looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rascarlo.quick.settings.tiles

You can also squeeze your phone/activate assistant and say "turn always on display off"

Tasker does work, try the "custom setting" option.

How to Remap the LG V50 Assistant Key [NO ROOT]

I recently switched over to this phone from a Note 8. I've been happy with it except I don't use the Google Assistant. It's not entirely useful for me and I miss being able to remap the Bigsby Button on the Note 8, so I looked for a method of trying to remap it on the LG V50. I found this thread by cavalloz which used Tasker to remap they key, so all credit goes to him. I figured I would let you guys know about it, and then lay out a tutorial-like post in case some people needed more guidance.
First, you will need to disable the google assistant. Settings->General Tab-> Apps & Notifications->Default Apps->Assist & Voice Input. At the bottom, I turned off the open assistant (one press), talk to google (two presses), show visual snapshot (three presses). I have not tested to see if you can disable only the first button press method, because I don't use any of them, but you can try it because I know some of you like Google Lens.
Second, you will need Tasker. It is a paid app, but I feel like it is well worth it for what it provides.
Third, you will need to give Tasker some permissions. You can follow this guide they provide here.
Once Tasker has been closed, you can disconnect your phone from the computer, and then reopen the app. In the Profiles Tab, click the plus button at the bottom to create a new Event in the dropdown menu.
You will need to select System->Logcat Entry, select No in the popup, and you should have an Event Edit screen that says Output Variables, Component and Filter. Click the little magnifying glass icon, grant permissions for writing over other apps, and select OK in the Tasker pop-up.
Now try to be quick to minimize what is captured, but click the orange floating play-button on your screen to start recording, and press the assistant button. Then press the orange button again(now a square) which will stop recording. Tasker will pop-up again, and you will be given a panel containing everything that was recorded, including a response to you pressing the assistant button. In the filter text box field, start typing InputReader and the panel will be reduced to the relevant 'key events' we need.
It should read like
Code:
InputReader: Key event: device=4 type=0x0001 value=0x00000000 when=2087698767908
with the numbers being dependent on your phone (I think).
Select one of the events in the pop-up panel, and it will be loaded into the filter portion of the previous Event Edit screen. You should only keep
Code:
device=4 type=0x0001 value=0x00000000
in the filter text-field.
Click the back arrow in the top left-hand corner of the screen. You may get a small little box next to the new entry New Task +. Click it, and just click the check mark of the small box that appears at the bottom.
Now in the Task Edit panel, you should be able to click the plus button and add a response to the button press. I used Alert->Torch to toggle the flash-light. In the Action Edit panel, you should be able to change the action from Off to Toggle. Click the back button in the top-left again
Your button should now be able to toggle the flash-light. Let me know if this has worked for you guys. You could get more advanced and set it up for single press, double press, hold, etc.

Any other app than Tasker that can be used? Can it be used with force widemode application

I am only able to get this to work with the screen on... Is there a way to do this with the device locked and the screen off?

That's pretty cool, thanks for the guide. Works well on my LG G8. Also works when screen is off.

Played around with it a bit on my V60
Fantastic guide! Couldn't get the dual screen working at first, but I was eventually able to track down a log that corresponded to the button in all states (Locked/Unlocked, Case On/Off)
Honestly not 100% what I'm doing, so if anyone has any input that would be great! I can't post the URL yet because I just registered here, but I just linked to this thread on reddit /r/LGV60
TLDR; I found that using the Component "LGPhoneWindowManager" and Filter "hotKeyRelease count= : 0" works as a trigger while the phone is both locked and unlocked, and whether the case is on or off. Let me know if there's anything else I should know!

Do we need to add this for Tasker to read logs?
Code:
adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.READ_LOGS

Well I don't seem to be able to narrow down what actually works with this.
Code:
InputReader: Key event: device=5
was working ok to start with then I rebooted and device changed to 4!?
I've also tried
Code:
LGPhoneWindowManager hotKeyRelease count= : 2
for double tap and
Code:
HotKeyController HOTKEY_LONG_PRESS
for long press and they seemed to work initially but something stops them from working with the screen off after a while.

Just got my V50. I can't make it to work with your instructions
Done everything step by step.
Edit: Nevermind, now it works.

Morphy99 said:
Well I don't seem to be able to narrow down what actually works with this.
Code:
InputReader: Key event: device=5
was working ok to start with then I rebooted and device changed to 4!?
I've also tried
Code:
LGPhoneWindowManager hotKeyRelease count= : 2
for double tap and
Code:
HotKeyController HOTKEY_LONG_PRESS
for long press and they seemed to work initially but something stops them from working with the screen off after a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double tap works for me, but it still keeps trying to open google assistant (even if its disabled from assistant itself and phone settings)
Does this also happens to you?
Anyway, ended using Button Remapper Pro from the Playstore. It also needs a PC and ADB, but it worked for long press with screen off.

Thanks XP_2, your instructions are impeccable! This worked well on my LG G8S - I used the Google Assistant button to launch my SatNav.

thanks a lot. I did all steps but, I have a problem. I can't turn off the snapshot (three clicks)

Make the video tutorial please

Sorry to revive an old thread. But can you remap the button to open a specific app, such as UAPP? By the way I own a V60, not V50.

I'm sorry but I can only get to the moment when I record my button press and go back to tasker.
Then I,m completely stuck. Please help.
What I can see is:
Code:
%lc_text
Text
The text that corresponds to the matched logical entry
COMPONENT [arrow button and magnifying glass button]
ViewRootlmpl
FILTER [arrow button]
ViewRoot's touch event: action down
GREP FILTER (check help) [tick place where I can turn it on or off]
And what to do now???
Clicking back button pops up missing permissions screen - but I can't grant any from this screen
Please help

Question Swiping Down For Notifications When In A Call

Anyone notice it turns the screen off? I think the proximity sensor thinks your face is going against the screen and the display turns off but it's really annoying when your trying to access things from the notifications.

Hello my friend!
I have the same phone as you, and I'm sorry but I'm not having any problems the likes of which you describe.
May I suggest the following?
1. Restart phone in safe mode (now this will vary based on your Carrier: on my unlocked Google issued phone, I press Power and Vol UP at same time; Verizon is Power and Vol down, others may be different: Then on the menu that pops up, press and hold Reset and it'll ask you if you want to restart in safe mode, hit yes, then restart)(SafeMode will display on screen). Then call someone and try to recreate the "black screen, can't pull down notification window". If you can pull it down (as I suspect you will be able) then it's an app problem you've got (not a hardware or system issue)
2. Try going to Settings: Apps: Special App Access (way at the bottom of the screen) and then try finding either Display Over Apps applications or Picture-in-Picture apps or other groups that may interfere with your Phone app. I bet you'll find that there's an app or utility you've installed that is conflicting with your screen.
Let me/us know how it goes!

Batfink33 said:
Anyone notice it turns the screen off? I think the proximity sensor thinks your face is going against the screen and the display turns off but it's really annoying when your trying to access things from the notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, every phone does this if you have your finger over the sensor. Find a better spot to drag down.