When you talk on a modern smartphone, the screen turns off as soon as you raise the handset to your ear. This feature is intended to prevent accidental taps or interactions with the screen. Smartphones use proximity sensors that measure the distance between objects and the screen to determine whether to turn off the screen. This is a process that many users may take for granted. If you own a Samsung phone, you may have noticed the proximity sensor in action without knowing what it was. This little flashing dot near the top of the screen is when the proximity sensor is triggered. This is not a bug and it is not a feature that the user can customize. This is how many smartphones equipped with proximity sensors work, including older Samsung models.
Design differences between older generations and newer models are why modern Samsung models feature visible flashing proximity sensors. Newer Galaxy phones, like the Galaxy S26, have large screens on the front, taking up almost the entire surface area. Older models featured larger top and bottom bezels, like the Galaxy S8+ seen in the following image. The component was placed under the bezel on older models, making it harder to spot.
Samsung explained in a 2020 support document that all Galaxy phones with Infinity Displays, including the Galaxy S20 launched that year and the previous Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 models, featured proximity sensors behind the screen, making the dot visible whenever it’s activated.
Can you turn off the proximity sensor?
Boucles7/Getty Images
In a support document last updated in February 2026, Samsung explains how the proximity sensor works: “A proximity sensor consists of a light transmitter and receiver component. The infrared rays of the light emitting component analyze the light reflected from physical objects and measure the distance between the object and the device. » Samsung also notes that its Galaxy phones have a proximity sensor, placed either under the top bezel or directly under the screen.
The blinking light “may appear dimly” on Galaxy phones with an all-screen display, according to Samsung. But Samsung makes it clear that this is not an indicator of a display problem. The sensor flashes when it emits light to measure the distance between the screen and other objects. Some users may be confused when they accidentally spot the flashing light, as a flashing light may suggest a problem on other products. For example, a car might turn on various indicators on the dashboard when there’s a problem with a key component, like the engine, but Galaxy phones don’t.
Disabling the proximity sensor is not possible for users who want to disable it. Samsung explains in the same document that all phones released after the Galaxy S5 series are equipped with proximity sensors that cannot be disabled. If you were to turn off the sensor, you’d miss the features it enables, like the screen turning off during calls when you hold the handset to your ear. Samsung notes that using a Bluetooth speaker or headphones for calls will turn off the flashing light and the screen will not be locked. In these cases, users may still need to access the phone during a call.
The proximity sensor may be malfunctioning
Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock
Although you can’t disable the proximity sensor, the component may malfunction, causing the screen to behave unexpectedly during calls. For example, if the sensor stops working, the screen will not turn on during calls or after the call ends. Samsung advises users to enable the “Double-tap to turn on screen” feature in Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures. This may help you turn on the screen quickly, but the underlying problem may persist. Something may be blocking the sensor. Samsung advises users to clean the upper part of the screen with a soft cloth. The company explains that hair and static electricity can impact the functionality of the sensor.
Accessories, including screen protectors and films, can also block the sensor. Removing them might help. Samsung also advises users to try to diagnose the proximity sensor issue using the Samsung Members app which contains a proximity recognition diagnostic test. This feature can help repair a faulty proximity sensor.
After trying various solutions, users should restart the Galaxy device and check if the sensor is working as expected. Making a test call can help. If all else fails, you can take the Galaxy phone to a Samsung repair shop for more advanced troubleshooting.
