Have you ever been frustrated during a phone call on your iPhone because the screen keeps turning off? This can be especially annoying when you need to access information or perform certain tasks while on the call. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to prevent your iPhone screen from turning off during a call. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions on how to implement them. Whether you’re a frequent phone user or just want to ensure uninterrupted access to your device during calls, this guide will help you solve this common issue.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Stop iPhone Screen from Turning off During a Call
There are multiple reasons why you might want to prevent your iPhone screen from turning off during a call. Here are a few common scenarios that highlight the importance of this feature:
1. Accessing information: During a phone call, you may need to refer to a contact’s details, read a message, or check other information on your iPhone. If the screen turns off, you will have to unlock the device again, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
2. Interacting with apps: Some phone calls may require you to access certain apps or perform actions on your iPhone. For example, if you’re on a conference call and need to take notes in a note-taking app, the screen turning off can interrupt your workflow.
3. Viewing shared content: In certain situations, the person you’re speaking with may share their screen or send you media files during the call. Keeping your iPhone screen on allows you to fully engage with shared content without interruptions.
4. Accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or impairments, it may be essential to have constant access to the screen during a call for effective communication and interaction.
Now that we understand why it’s important to prevent the screen from turning off during a call, let’s explore the different methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Using the Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor on the iPhone is designed to detect when the device is held close to the user’s face during a phone call and automatically turn off the screen to prevent accidental touches. However, you can use this sensor to your advantage and keep the screen on during a call.
1. Place a call on your iPhone and wait for the recipient to answer.
2. Once the call is connected, hold your iPhone near your face to trigger the proximity sensor.
3. While keeping the sensor active, move your hand away from the sensor area (located near the top front of the device) without fully removing the device from your face.
4. The screen should remain on as long as the proximity sensor is not sensing your face in close proximity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Utilizes the built-in proximity sensor for a simple solution. | 1. Requires continuous awareness of the proximity sensor to keep the screen on. |
| 2. No additional apps or settings adjustments required. | 2. May trigger accidental screen touches if the device is not held close to the face. |
| 3. Works effectively for most iPhone models and iOS versions. | 3. May not work as reliably in certain environments or with specific phone cases. |
Method 2: Using AssistiveTouch
Another method to stop the iPhone screen from turning off during a call is by using AssistiveTouch, an accessibility feature that allows you to create virtual buttons on your screen for various functions.
1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Go to "Accessibility" and select "Touch" from the list.
3. Scroll down and tap on "AssistiveTouch" to enable it.
4. A floating button will appear on the screen. Tap on it to open the AssistiveTouch menu.
5. Choose "Device" from the menu and then select "More" under the "Physical and Motor" section.
6. Tap on "Rotate Screen" to add it to the AssistiveTouch menu.
7. Now, during a call, simply tap the AssistiveTouch button and then tap the "Rotate Screen" option to lock the screen orientation and keep it from turning off.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to easily toggle screen rotation during a call. | 1. Requires enabling and utilizing AssistiveTouch, which may take some getting used to. |
| 2. Provides a dedicated virtual button for screen rotation control. | 2. May result in a cluttered screen due to the floating AssistiveTouch button. |
| 3. Works on all iPhone models and iOS versions with AssistiveTouch support. | 3. Requires additional steps to access the AssistiveTouch menu and toggle screen rotation. |
Method 3: Via Accessibility Settings
The Accessibility settings on your iPhone offer a variety of customization options, including the ability to keep the screen from turning off during a call. Here’s how you can use these settings:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Go to "Accessibility" and select "Touch" from the list.
3. Under the "Physical and Motor" section, tap on "Lock/Unlock" or "Auto-Lock" depending on your iOS version.
4. Choose the desired time interval, such as "Never" or a longer duration, to keep the screen on during a call.
5. Exit the settings. Your iPhone screen will now stay on for the selected duration during phone calls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers a system-wide setting to prevent screen turning off. | 1. Changing the Auto-Lock setting affects all screen timeout durations, not just during calls. |
| 2. Provides flexibility to set a custom duration or keep the screen on indefinitely. | 2. May result in unintentional battery drain if the Auto-Lock setting is not adjusted back after calls. |
| 3. Easily accessible and configurable within the Accessibility settings. | 3. May forget to change the setting back to optimize battery consumption after phone calls. |
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
If you prefer to use third-party apps for additional customization options and control over your iPhone’s screen behavior during calls, there are several apps available on the App Store that can help.
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for "screen timeout" or "screen lock during calls" apps.
2. Explore the different options and read reviews to find an app that suits your needs.
3. Install the chosen app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
4. Once installed, launch the app and configure the desired settings to prevent the screen from turning off during calls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers advanced customization options beyond system settings. | 1. May require payment or offer limited features in free versions. |
| 2. Provides additional features like call recording and call duration monitoring. | 2. Requires downloading and managing a separate app for screen timeout control. |
| 3. Works on all iPhone models and iOS versions supported by the third-party app. | 3. Potential compatibility issues or instability with certain apps and iOS updates. |
What to Do If You Can’t Stop iPhone Screen from Turning off During a Call
If you’ve tried the above methods and are still unable to prevent your iPhone screen from turning off during a call, here are a few potential fixes:
1. Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve software-related issues and restore normal functioning.
2. Update your iOS: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
3. Reset all settings: Navigate to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" and choose "Reset All Settings." This will reset all settings to their default values, but won’t erase your data.
4. Contact Apple Support: If the problem persists, reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for further assistance may be necessary.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your iPhone calling experience:
1. Use a headset or Bluetooth device: By using a headset or Bluetooth device during calls, you can keep your iPhone screen off without worrying about proximity sensor detection.
2. Enable speakerphone mode: Engaging the speakerphone mode allows you to keep the screen on during calls, as the proximity sensor is not active in this mode.
3. Set autolock timer to a longer duration: Adjusting the Auto-Lock setting to a longer duration can give you more time to access your iPhone’s screen without interruptions during a call.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I permanently disable the proximity sensor to keep the iPhone screen on during calls?
A: No, the proximity sensor is an essential component for various features like detecting when you hold the phone near your face or placing the screen on during phone calls to prevent accidental touches.
Q2: Will preventing the screen from turning off during calls drain my iPhone’s battery faster?
A: Yes, keeping the screen on for extended periods consumes more battery power. It’s recommended to use these features sparingly and optimize the Auto-Lock settings to strike a balance between convenience and battery life.
Q3: Can I still use Face ID or Touch ID during a call when the screen is locked?
A: Yes, Face ID and Touch ID continue to function even when the screen is locked. You can unlock the device using these features without interrupting the call.
Q4: Do third-party apps for preventing screen timeout during calls require special permissions?
A: Yes, third-party apps may require additional permissions to access call information or modify system settings. Make sure to review the app’s permissions and privacy policy before granting access.
Q5: What can I do if my iPhone screen remains on even after the call ends?
A: If your iPhone screen doesn’t turn off automatically after the call ends, try restarting your device or adjusting the Auto-Lock settings to restore normal behavior.
Final Thoughts
Preventing your iPhone screen from turning off during a call can greatly improve your overall phone experience and ensure uninterrupted access to information and apps. By utilizing the built-in proximity sensor, enabling AssistiveTouch, configuring accessibility settings, or using third-party apps, you can customize your iPhone to meet your specific needs. Experiment with these methods and find the one that works best for you. Remember to optimize battery consumption and consider the trade-offs between convenience and power usage.