Problems with iPhone 5 during calls

October 19, 2014 10:45 AM

When I'm on a call with my iPhone 5 (iOS 7), I can't use any apps anymore. The display flashes on and off, I can't use speakerphone or end a call, and the screen sometimes locks. (Restarting has done nothing.) Also, when I hold the home button and talk, Siri doesn't work anymore. It just keeps suggesting things I could ask. Google searching is suggesting a proximity sensor issue?
posted by trillian to Technology (4 answers total)

Best answer: Proximity sensor problem was my first thought, too. Is it in a case? If so, take it out and see if the problem persists.
posted by contraption at 11:10 AM on October 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Damn, still the same without the case...
posted by trillian at 11:48 AM on October 19, 2014

Best answer: look very carefully at the area around the camera, above the speaker on the front. is there anything on it? face grease? dried on stuff? Get a damp washcloth and wipe the shit out of it and see if it still happens. Every time i've had a problem like this just cleaning the hell out of that area of the front face, where the sensor lives, fixed it.

i've heard of the sensor going bad, but i've never actually seen it. Apparently it does happen, though.
posted by emptythought at 4:55 PM on October 19, 2014

Response by poster: Good idea -- there was some gunk on there, which I cleaned off, but it didn't help. It might be time for a trip to the Apple store, grrr... My 2-year contract isn't up till spring, of course. Thanks.
posted by trillian at 8:55 AM on October 20, 2014