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[Q] Proximity sensor issues with flap case

I bought three N5 for my parents and myself. The flap cases for the first two of them work well: when the flap is lifted up, the screen wakes up; when the flap is folded, the screen shuts down. However, the third one doesn't work well. Sometimes it works like the other two, but most time it doesn't.
The proximity sensor works well when I make calls. I also installed "Proximity sensor finder" to test the sensor, which actually detects the case accurately. But for some reason I don't know, the Android system doesn't shut down the screen even when the sensor detects a folded case. Anybody knows what the problem might be and how to fix it? Thanks.

Most proximity sensor cases have a magnet near where the volume rocker is. Do all three of your cases have that?

No, none of them has a magnet.
jd1639 said:
Most proximity sensor cases have a magnet near where the volume rocker is. Do all three of your cases have that?
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Click to collapse

pb1153 said:
No, none of them has a magnet.
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Would the phone in question happen to have a screen protector? Sometimes the screen protector can cause this issue if it isn't installed correctly. Make sure the proximity sensor/light sensor isn't covered by the screen protector.
sent from my neXus 5

pb1153 said:
No, none of them has a magnet.
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They have to. That's the way they turn off the screen. It's not the same sensor that turns off the screen when you're on the phone.

Yes, there is a screen protector, which has a whole at the location of the proximity sensor, so it shouldn't be a problem. What baffles me is that "Proximity sensor finder" is able to detect the case cover accurately, but the system cannot respond correctly.
OuncE718 said:
Would the phone in question happen to have a screen protector? Sometimes the screen protector can cause this issue if it isn't installed correctly. Make sure the proximity sensor/light sensor isn't covered by the screen protector.
sent from my neXus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I see. This explains the problem. It seems that the tiny magnet in my case is not effective as it doesn't fold perfectly. Thanks a lot!
jd1639 said:
They have to. That's the way they turn off the screen. It's not the same sensor that turns off the screen when you're on the phone.
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Click to collapse

pb1153 said:
Yes, there is a screen protector, which has a whole at the location of the proximity sensor, so it shouldn't be a problem. What baffles me is that "Proximity sensor finder" is able to detect the case cover accurately, but the system cannot respond correctly.
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Click to collapse
If you're 100% sure that the screen protector isn't obstructing the sensor then I would then clean around the area where the sensor is with a micro fiber cloth. If that doesn't doing anything then I would temporary switch the flip case with the one on your parents N5. It is possible that the case on one phone can be faulty. If that still doesn't work then I'd factory reset the phone.
And if that doesn't work... I'd get a warranty replacement. More than likely you have a faulty case.
sent from my neXus 5

OuncE718 said:
If you're 100% sure that the screen protector isn't obstructing the sensor
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Its not relevant. They don't work with proximity. They use the hall effect magnetic sensor
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
Its not relevant. They don't work with proximity. They use the hall effect magnetic sensor
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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You're actually right come to think of it.
sent from my neXus 5

I think I should blame the faulty case, as jd1639 and rootSU also pointed out. The magnet in the case is not effective. I believe what jd1639 has said, screen on/off during calls uses proximity sensor, but the response to case flap relies on magnet.
OuncE718 said:
If you're 100% sure that the screen protector isn't obstructing the sensor then I would then clean around the area where the sensor is with a micro fiber cloth. If that doesn't doing anything then I would temporary switch the flip case with the one on your parents N5. It is possible that the case on one phone can be faulty. If that still doesn't work then I'd factory reset the phone.
And if that doesn't work... I'd get a warranty replacement. More than likely you have a faulty case.
sent from my neXus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nokia 5 flip case that works with hall sensor

The other thread seems be more about non-flip cases.
Has anybody succeeded in finding a flip case that uses the hall sensor. I am talking about cases that typically have a small round magnet somewhere that activate the hall sensor. This turns on and turns off the display automatically (on flip open/close).
I bought one off amazon: https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B074M9RHZV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The case is OK. But, it does not trigger the hall sensor.
I tried taking a small magnet near the phone, around the bezel. No reaction from the phone. How is the hall sensor on this phone supposed to work ? Asus phones dont need any special activation for this. Samsung needed their special cover that has a chip (galaxy S5). Is something else needed to turn on the hall sensor ?

I emailed HMD global support and got the following link: https://www.nokia.com/en_in/phones/nokia-slim-flip-cover?selectedDevice=
A flip case is listed here for Nokia 5. Has anyone tried it/has any experience with this ?
Thanks.

Answering my own question. I could not find out an accessory that supports the hall sensor. But, did manage to find out where the hall sensor is!
The hall sensor is somewhere near the middle of the screen. On your lock screen, it is around the place that displaces the day of the week (Monday, etc). Strange place to have a hall sensor. But it works! Just try taking a magnet near this spot.
I guess, now I have to find a flat sticky magnet to stick on my flip cover

So, did you found some nice magnet? I have original Nokia slim flip case which doesnt have the magnet, i tried what you said and it works with normal magnet, but it it is too thick. It doesnt work with fridger stickers.
I also have slim neomdyum magnet, but i am affraid to try it.

AIPHEE said:
So, did you found some nice magnet? I have original Nokia slim flip case which doesnt have the magnet, i tried what you said and it works with normal magnet, but it it is too thick. It doesnt work with fridger stickers.
I also have slim neomdyum magnet, but i am affraid to try it.
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I think the neomdymium magnet should be OK. I know that my previous asus's filp cover had a small (1/2 to 3/4 cm dia) neomdymium magnet. I would be more worried about the magnet hitting the screen when you close (not the power of the magnet itself). I also checked that a simple stick-on magnetic strip does _not_ work.

I made it work nicely! found a great thin magnet in notebook HDD, which o broke in half (about .2cm long and wide now) and then inserted it with ducktape in top of card pocket. Working flawlessly!
Edit: Just compass seems messed when magnet is near.

Ah, I was expecting it to be near the edge somewhere. I'll give this a go as I have a cheap flip case on mine. Does the magnet need to be quite strong? I have some sticky sheet magnets, so I'll maybe try one of them and see what happens.

Magnetic Tape - rather those which can be used to hang metallic tools on a wall than audiotape!! - works also perfectly: no worries about scratching the screen. Can easily be cut to proper size and maybe inserted seamlessly into any flip cover. Search for "magnetic tape roll"

Screen protector discussion

I think I just ran into my first real problem with the phone. I got a glass screen protector on Amazon, and it absolutely refuses to recognize my fingerprint with the glass on it. The error just keeps telling me to press harder. I never had any issue before without one on.
Took the screen protector off, and now it's back to normal.
I have each thumb trained twice, so recognition shouldn't be a problem at all. I think it's just too thick and it isn't sensing enough pressure to register the fingerprint.
Anyone find a good screen protector that works with fingerprint? I may have to go with a plastic one that won't be as thick as glass.

Harfainx said:
I think I just ran into my first real problem with the phone. I got a glass screen protector on Amazon, and it absolutely refuses to recognize my fingerprint with the glass on it.
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This is disappointing. When I first looked into this, I found someone claiming to have tested the Oneplus 6T fingerprint sensor with 3 screen protectors on top of each other. I concluded it was not an issue. But now I am seeing plently or articles suggesting that it depends. E.g. "Vivo did mention that only screen protectors of a certain thickness will work with the sensor". I wonder if Nokia will offer or recommend a screen protector.
Also, I don't know if Nokia are using the same sensor as Oneplus, but this is interesting: "[when registering] make sure your environment is not too bright. If possible, you should register a fingerprint in a completely dark environment."
Edit, also spotted this: "We also recommend re-registering your fingerprint every time you add or remove a screen protector."

So as an update, I applied the second screen protector that came in the 2-pack. Removed all of my fingerprints that were stored, and tried to setup new prints.
Took me about 200 tries to get my right thumb registered (not exaggerating), but I couldn't get it to actually read when trying to activate it.
Couldn't get my left thumb to register at all. Just kept saying to press harder. I was pressing so hard I thought I'd break the screen if I pushed harder.
Tried in bright light, as well as a completely dark room. Didn't change the ability for it to register at all.
So overall for this phone, I'm going to say glass screen protectors won't reliably work with the fingerprint scanner. I've ordered a plastic screen protector. Going to try that out, as I'm pretty sure it will work.
I imagine the thickness of glass is the culprit here, due to how the fingerprint sensor works even without a screen protector applied. It seems more difficult to activate than other in-display readers (I have 3 others with in-display readers and they're all incredibly easy to use).

Fingerprint issues aside, I normally go for glass screen protectors because the plastic ones tend to cause more drag when using the phone.
I have generally seen two models. One which is clear and another which has a black border, both with cutouts for sensors, cameras and speakers.
I'm unable to add a link as I'm new to the forums but both examples can be seen on Amazon by searching 'GEEMEE 9h nokia 9 pureview'
Has anyone bought these or similar protectors?
I am interested to know if the black border one covers any part of the screen. I think it looks better on the pictures but in real life I'm not sure how it would look.

I got the Mr.Shield 9h glass and it works fine. The issue with the fingerprint is a software issue. The warning to press harder is not correct. I've verified that the reader will read with normal to light pressure. Hopefully they will release an update that fixes it within the next couple months.

MoseMan said:
Fingerprint issues aside, I normally go for glass screen protectors because the plastic ones tend to cause more drag when using the phone.
I have generally seen two models. One which is clear and another which has a black border, both with cutouts for sensors, cameras and speakers.
I'm unable to add a link as I'm new to the forums but both examples can be seen on Amazon by searching 'GEEMEE 9h nokia 9 pureview'
Has anyone bought these or similar protectors?
I am interested to know if the black border one covers any part of the screen. I think it looks better on the pictures but in real life I'm not sure how it would look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the screen protector with the black borders, and it doesn't cover any part of the screen. I think it looks good. But I was a bit sloppy when I applied it and one of the corners has an air bubble which I can't get rid of.
But since I applied it, the fingerprint scanner is causing me problems. It has problems recognizing my prints

Zurion said:
I just got the screen protector with the black borders, and it doesn't cover any part of the screen. I think it looks good. But I was a bit sloppy when I applied it and one of the corners has an air bubble which I can't get rid of.
But since I applied it, the fingerprint scanner is causing me problems. It has problems recognizing my prints
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Click to collapse
I ended up going for a clear one tempered glass protector. I have a couple of tiny bubbles which was just me rushing as I was excited.
The finger print sensor works fine as long as I get my finger in the correct place but that is a challenge. My thumb is more difficult but still possible. It hasn't been a massive burden though because I have been using face and trusted bluetooth device to good effect.

My solution for the whitestone dome fingerprint issue

So I've been having a lot of trouble getting the fingerprint reader to work well with the whitestone dome.
I had both first gen and second gen whitestone glass and with their application methods, even the revised one with pressing down on the reader just doesn't cut it for proper recognition.
So I started trying different things and ended up with trying to use as less glue as I can with applying.
So what I do is:
Preperation:
Clean the device as in the description. Clean it with alcohol, slip it in the tray (I put a extra paper towel under the phone) and use the sticker to get the dust off
Glue:
Put the whole tube of glue on the phone (don't try to shake the last drop out, this can create air bubbles) and proceed as the manual describes. Move the glue blob to the center and pull the pin to drop the glass on the phone. Make sure there are no bubbles!
Applying:
So this is where I do something different. I try to get the glass as close as possible to the phone and squeeze as much glue out of the glass. I do this by applying pressure with a piece of Plexiglas that is about the size of the protector, but small enough to never touch the glue.
Prepare the UV light first and have it powered and within reach.
I put the plexiglass on top off the uncured screen protector and use 4 fingers to press down hard on it so that most of the glue squeezes out (that's why I have a extra paper towel under the phone)
KEEP APPLYING THE SAME PRESSURE
If you let loose of it air will get under the glass.
Now get your UV light and turn it on and shine the light on the device while keeping pressure on the glass.
Do this for both sides and do a minute on both.
Finishing up:
Take off the plexiglass and take the phone out the cradle.
Carefully clean the sides but try to use as little alcohol as possible.
Use the UV light again (I do this for about 1 minute each side again and do this 2 or 3 times)
Final cleaning of the phone
Increase touch sensitivity under the settings and register 2 fingerprints with it.
Tadaaaa! It should work miles and miles better than the other methods for applying this thing. I went trough about 5 domes and almost gave up until I tried this.
This also fixed the peeling problem for me since the glass is way closer to the phone
Hope it will help you guys too if you decide to try this.
You might also want to re register your prints after a week or so because the glue could still cure after the whole process and affect the sensor slightly

Ripthulhu said:
...
You might also want to re register your prints after a week or so because the glue could still cure after the whole process and affect the sensor slightly
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Click to collapse
I've noticed that too... You'll have to re-register the fingers after few days for better results. It is hard to explain but also the process of registering could be repeted few times until the result is good. You could imagine the glass/glue damage the real image of finger so you have to scan it in different ways until you reach the best recognition position.
I made about 8, 9 scans / finger until I reached a response of 90% of scanner. For me is OK!

MoshPuiu said:
I've noticed that too... You'll have to re-register the fingers after few days for better results. It is hard to explain but also the process of registering could be repeted few times until the result is good. You could imagine the glass/glue damage the real image of finger so you have to scan it in different ways until you reach the best recognition position.
I made about 8, 9 scans / finger until I reached a response of 90% of scanner. For me is OK!
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Yeah definitely.
I noticed the more glue is between the glass and the screen, the more sensitive it get to issues like that.
That's why I applied it with pressure and recognition is up to 95%+ without having to press harder.

Why would it matter the pressure on the whole device? Wouldn't it be enough with pressure on the fingerprint scanner area?

Accessories Whitestone Dome & Fingerprint Sensor

Has anyone else had a problem with using the sensor after applying the Whitestone glass screen protector? Is there a way to install it to make this better?

You should reregister your fingerprints after installing any screen protector. + you can turn on touch sensivity. (under display settings)

I noticed after going from my Spigen screen protector (had a glass feel but is a soft film) to the Whitestone Dome Glass on my S22 Ultra, I definitely have to press down harder (pretty firmly and no real wiggling of the thumb seems to work best) and use more full on thumb to get it to register properly. It takes ever so slightly longer to register and unlock for me than compared to the Spigen protector, but I do like the Whitestone Dome Glass more overall.

Putting on the WSD had no impact at all on my FP sensor. It was a bit finicky before and exactly the same after. I had found before I put the WSD on that it is 100% perfect every time if I moisten my thumb. Same after the WSD. With a dry thumb, most times it gives me the message "Cover the entire sensor" or "Press harder".
Things I did to help avoid any further degradation after install. During installation, pressed on the sensor area for about 30 seconds after the first cure and just before 2nd cure. Re-register prints after the WSD install. Set touch sensitivity on. Registered my thumb twice. After the install the FPS was exactly the same as before the install so no impact I can see. It is just that this FPS does not like dry prints. Moisten and many people find it works perfectly. I have found that I don't actually have to wet or lick my thumb, just breathing on it once is enough.
Because I generally use face ID to unlock, the FP is not a big deal to me. When I use an app like banking or Google Pay that require FP unlock, I do the breath on the thumb first and it usually works immediately.

4 - Fix Fingerprint Experience​Go to Settings, Biometrics and security, more biometrics settings:
- Turn off "Show unlock transition effect"
Go to Settings, Biometrics and security, fingerprints:
- Turn on "Fingerprint always on"
- Turn off "Show animation when unlocking"
- Set battery usage to "Unrestricted" for "com.samsung.android.biometrics.app.setting".
- Disable app optimizations for "com.samsung.android.biometrics.app.setting".

Do OtterBox cases and defender cases work well with this screen protector?
Want to know before I buy the device. Thanks

this.guy.lol said:
Do OtterBox cases and defender cases work well with this screen protector?
Want to know before I buy the device. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using an Otterbox case with Gadgetshieldz screen guard and it fits perfectly because I got the case fit protector!

revned911 said:
Has anyone else had a problem with using the sensor after applying the Whitestone glass screen protector? Is there a way to install it to make this better?
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Click to collapse
Next to redoing the scanning of the prints, I find that having to dry skin affects it often. See if handcream or just moisten the finger a very little helps.

Mario919 said:
Next to redoing the scanning of the prints, I find that having to dry skin affects it often. See if handcream or just moisten the finger a very little helps.
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Click to collapse
Yes, as has been described before, I find just breathing on my thumb is enough to make it work perfectly every time.

A tip I learned a while ago was when I first cure using the uv light and remove it from the jig is to gently press down where the fingerprint scanner is before 2nd curing which in my experience certainly helps.

iam using ARMOR SUIT screen protector, work just fine
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RZMCLWP?psc=1

BandOfBrothers1 said:
A tip I learned a while ago was when I first cure using the uv light and remove it from the jig is to gently press down where the fingerprint scanner is before 2nd curing which in my experience certainly helps.
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My first install was a complete dud as the fingerprint scanner didn't work at all, even after registering. I tried pressing down on the scanner on my 2nd install and while it worked better, it still only worked about 30% of the time after registering my prints again.
Unfortunately I'm sending my protectors back to Amazon for a refund as neither install method worked for me.

I guess the powers that be at Android are catching on to this. I just got an unsolicited system message with a few suggestions to make the fingerprint sensor work better. The last one on the list was to "try moisturizing" your fingertip. lol! Guess there is not a software fix for this coming anytime soon.

Hi guys, my film is slightly chipped on one side, it doesn't bother using it, do I still have to replace it with another one or do I leave it like this?
visually it doesn't bother me but it worries me about protection if I accidentally take a hit.

babak said:
Hi guys, my film is slightly chipped on one side, it doesn't bother using it, do I still have to replace it with another one or do I leave it like this?
visually it doesn't bother me but it worries me about protection if I accidentally take a hit.
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Click to collapse
I personally, can not withstand chipped or cracked screen protectors, as soon as a crack or dent appears, I take the protector off, as it has already worked by absorbing the damage, but that is my opinion…

winoles said:
I personally, can not withstand chipped or cracked screen protectors, as soon as a crack or dent appears, I take the protector off, as it has already worked by absorbing the damage, but that is my opinion…
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Click to collapse
Yes, I have already replaced it, let's hope not to spoil this too, I need a better case but impossible to find what I want.