The sensors integrated into Android phones They are the basis for the intelligent functioning of our devices: they allow secure unlocking, automatic brightness adjustment, physical activity detection, screen orientation, GPS navigation, among many other functions. However, when any of these sensors fail, the user experience can be significantly affected, resulting in problems such as the screen not rotating, the proximity sensor not turning off the display during a call, or the compass indicating the wrong direction. If you have ever experienced similar situations, or simply want to make sure that all the sensors on your phone are working properlyIn this article, you'll learn in detail how to identify, analyze, and repair them without complications and without having to immediately call in a technical service center.
What sensors does an Android phone have and why are they so important?
Modern smartphones are equipped with a wide variety of sensors that enable advanced and natural interaction with the device. Understanding their variety and functions is essential to identifying potential problems. Common sensors include:
- Accelerometer: It detects linear acceleration and is responsible for rotating the screen or counting steps in sports applications.
- Gyroscope: It allows angular orientation detection and significantly improves the experience in games and augmented reality applications.
- Proximity sensor: Turn off the screen during a call by holding the phone to your ear to avoid accidental touches.
- Ambient light sensor: Automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the ambient lighting.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure, useful in weather and outdoor sports apps.
- Pedometer: Count steps and analyze movement during physical activity.
- Fingerprint reader: Ensures secure unlocking and fast authentications.
- Magnetometer: It serves as a digital compass and is vital for navigation and precise geolocation.
- Color spectrum sensor: Adjusts the color temperature of the screen according to the surrounding light.
- Infrared sensor (on compatible models): Allows you to use your mobile phone as a remote control for electronic devices.
In total, depending on the range and the manufacturer, a mobile phone can have up to 14 different sensors, although some less common ones such as the iris reader or the pressure sensor may not be present in all models.
Signs and symptoms of sensor failure
Correctly identifying the cause of a mobile phone failure can be difficult if you don't know what to look for. There are certain common signs that one or more sensors aren't working as they should. The most common are:
- La screen does not rotate automatically when moving the phone.
- When making a call, the screen remains on and the proximity sensor is blocked.
- El fingerprint reader fails or does not recognize the fingerprint even after cleaning the sensor.
- The motion games or apps do not respond well to the twists and movements.
- El pedometer or the step app reports unrealistic values or does not detect physical activity.
- La compass marks north incorrectly or Google Maps positions you incorrectly.
- El automatic brightness does not adjust with the changes in light in the environment.
- The mobile does not detect horizontal/vertical orientation changes in multimedia apps.
Detecting any of these anomalies is a key first step in determining whether a sensor needs to be serviced or recalibrated.
Methods for detecting faults in mobile sensors
Before moving on to solutions, you need to determine exactly which of the sensors are failingThere are two main ways to do this: manual testing and the use of specialized applications.
Manually checking the sensors
- Proximity sensor: During a call, place your hand near the top of your phone. The screen should turn off. If it doesn't, there may be a problem.
- Accelerometer and gyroscope: Rotate your phone from portrait to landscape. If the screen remains the same, these sensors may be affected.
- Pedometer: Use an app like Google Fit and walk. The count should match your actual steps.
- Fingerprint reader: Try unlocking your phone. If the system doesn't recognize your fingerprint even if it's clean and correctly configured, the sensor may be damaged or out of calibration.
- Compass: Check whether the directions in map or compass apps match reality.
- Ambient light sensor: Place your phone under a strong light source and then in the dark. See if the automatic brightness changes rapidly.
Diagnosis with specialized applications
In the more thorough and accurate checkingThere are numerous apps on Google Play that allow you to analyze the status of all the device's sensors and obtain real-time technical data. Among the most recommended are:
- Multi-Tool Sensors: One of the most comprehensive apps, it displays the sensors on your phone, their status, the values they detect in real time, and any anomalies. It's free and easy to use.
- Sensor Box for Android: Detects which sensors are installed and which ones are working or not, displaying results in a visual and educational way.
- Sensors Test: Provides detailed, graphical information about each sensor, displaying its current values and enabling live testing.
- DeviceInfo HW: In addition to analyzing sensors, it provides technological data on the phone's overall hardware, useful for determining whether the problem is due to a physical failure.
- Sensors MultiTool: An effective alternative for monitoring sensors, it offers real-time data and a complete view of each sensor's status.
These tools are easy to install and can identify both hardware and configuration errors. Once installed, simply select the sensor you want to test and view the results. If the app displays fixed or erratic values, or no response, it confirms the existence of a fault.
Main causes of Android sensor failures
Sensor malfunctions can be due to a variety of causes. Some of the most common are:
- Software bugs: A failed update, altered settings, or conflict with apps can affect the sensors.
- Physical impacts or humidity: Bumps, drops, exposure to water or liquid can damage internal sensors.
- Dirt or debris on the sensors: Dust, grease, liquids, or sweat can block sensors such as the proximity sensor or fingerprint reader.
- Natural wear: Sensors can deteriorate over time and with prolonged use.
- Factory or hardware problems: Sometimes it is due to an internal defect or poor assembly during manufacturing.
Therefore, after a thorough review and before calling a technician, it is advisable to try several solutions available to the user.
How to repair and fix mobile sensor failures
Depending on the affected sensor and the type of fault, there are different methods you can try to resolve it yourself. Below, we detail all the recommended steps based on the experience of leading experts and technology portals:
Sensor calibration: the essential first step
La Calibration is one of the most effective methods to restore accuracy to sensors that have stopped working properly due to software, usage changes, or minor misconfigurations. Some manufacturers, like Xiaomi, include calibration tools in their own settings, but most users will need external applications.
- Calibrate accelerometer: Use the app Accelerometer Calibration Free. Open the app, follow the simple steps by moving your phone as directed until the app indicates it's finished.
- Calibrate compass: You can use compass apps or go to Google Maps, select the blue location dot and move the mobile in an infinity shape (∞) slowly until it indicates that the calibration is complete.
- Reset proximity sensor: For this case, the app Reset proximity sensor is the best option, following its simple instructions.
- Recalibrate the pedometer or gyroscope: Follow the steps in the apps mentioned above or find the corresponding menu in your phone's settings, if your model allows it.
More solutions to repair faulty sensors
- Restart the mobile: A single issue can be resolved with a simple restart. For more persistent problems, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to perform a hard restart.
- Update the operating system: Go to Settings > System > Updates and check for available software updates. Sometimes, a new version fixes recent sensor issues.
- Clean the physical sensors: Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust or debris from the proximity sensor, fingerprint reader, or top of your phone.
- Remove conflicting apps: If you experience problems after installing an app, try uninstalling it and see if the sensor works again.
- Restore factory settings: If none of these solutions work, and after backing up your data, go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset. On Samsung phones, the menu can be found in Settings > General management > Reset.
A factory reset is a last resort, but it usually removes any settings, corrupt files, or apps that interfere with the sensors.
When should I contact technical support?
If after performing all the tests and solutions above, the sensor still does not respond or the data does not change in any of the specialized applications, it is most likely that there is a physical failure in the hardware. In these cases:
- contact him manufacturer support If you're still under warranty, many brands offer free diagnostics and repairs for manufacturing defects.
- If your phone is out of warranty and you decide to go to a technical service center, request a quote and diagnosis first to avoid surprises.
Some service centers have advanced diagnostic tools that confirm whether the sensor is permanently damaged or can be repaired.
Key tips for preventing future sensor failures
- Avoid bumps and falls: Use cases and screen protectors to protect internal sensors.
- Do not expose your phone to liquids: Even minimal moisture can affect sensors such as proximity or gyroscopes.
- regular cleaning: Keep sensor areas clean of dust, grease, and liquids to prevent blockages.
- Update the operating system: Keep your phone up to date to avoid having versions with known bugs in sensor management.
- Install trusted apps: Download applications only from official sources to avoid software that may interfere with your hardware.
The sensors on your Android phone are responsible for vital functions that often go unnoticed until they stop working properly. Fortunately, most faults can be identified and resolved at home using simple methods, whether through calibration, a software update, or with the help of specialized diagnostic apps. Implementing the recommendations in this article and taking preventative measures will allow you to enjoy a more reliable smartphone, with all its advanced features always at the ready. If the problem persists, remember that technical support is your best ally to restore your phone's full performance.
