Proximity Sensor on Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

[Steve P]

Hi,

My understanding is that the proximity sensor on the Note 10 (and possibly other Samsung phones) is sat behind one of the pixels near the top of the phone, and is only switched on in specific apps (maybe only the stock phone app, but possibly WhatsApp and others too). When it's in operation the pixel flickers on and off to give the sensor the opportunity to work.

What this means is that if you have any Tasker profiles that attempt to use the proximity sensor, then they don't work as it isn't switched on.

I'm looking for a solution to this - does anybody know of a Tasker plugin or Tasker friendly app that is capable of switching the proximity sensor on and off so it can be used in profiles?

Cheers,

Steve.

[Robert Burton]

I have issues with the proximity sensor on my Note 10+ 5G as well. I'm not sure it's a problem with Tasker though. Sometimes I can get it to work and other times I can't. It is just inconsistent. I wanted to use it to turn off AOD because apparently Samsung thinks it needs to be on when in my pocket! The profile worked fine on my Note 9 but not on the 10+. I have seen other reports that say it appears to be a Samsung issue.

[Steve P]

My understanding is that while the sensor is switched off it simply doesn't report a value (or it reports a default).

Ideally what I think we need is for Tasker (or a plugin) to be able to activate the sensor in the same way that the phone app does. That would give accurate proximity readings that can be used in profiles.

It's interesting that you have said that you can sometimes get it to work - that would imply that my understanding is incorrect (unless it only works for you when a phone app kicks in).

[João Dias]

I think it only works when a phone call is in progress... Could that be it?

Thank you for your contact.

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João Dias

[Steve P]

Yes, that's exactly it. Currently it only works while in a call (including a WhatsApp call, I think).

What I was hoping was that it would be possible to either add a function to Tasker (or a plugin) that can do the same sort of thing that a phone app does (or if you type *#77692# which gives the option to switch the sensor on for testing purposes) and switch the sensor on so it can then be read properly by Tasker.

The fact that WhatsApp can switch it on gave me hope that it might be possible for Tasker or a plugin.

[João Dias]

Maybe a samsung specific service can be found via ADB Wifi?

[Sokudo]

From what I understand when I looked it up (since an app I've used for years uses the sensor constantly), Samsung locked it down for their own use. So unless Samsung basically kicks it on, it's useless.

[Steve P]

I was under the impression that WhatsApp can utilise it (although I've not tested that) - if that's the case, then it implies it's available to non-Samsung apps; granted it might be that they have to be sanctioned by Samsung though.

[Dương Mai Lan]

I second this. I want my phone to switch off the screen when the phone case cover the sensor. (My phone case does not work properly with the phone).

[Jimmy Jimmy]

Good to know. I was thinking about getting a Note 10. But if the proximity sensor doesn't work, I need to rethink that as I do have couple profiles that use the sensor.

[Steve P]

I think it applies to the S10 too.