Does your phone seem to not work as it should in certain applications or during calls? It is possible that some of your sensors are failing and you haven't even noticed. sensors They are essential components in a smartphone, responsible for functions such as detecting the orientation of the device, measure the ambient light or movementWithout them, many of the features we use daily would stop working properly.
If you think your Android phone might have a sensor problem, you've come to the right place. In this article, you'll find out how to fix it. identify possible sensor failures, what tools are useful to diagnose them and how you can try fix them. Everything explained clearly and in detail so that you can do it yourself without having to resort to technical service, at least not at first.
What sensors does your Android phone have and why are they important?
The smartphones Current models are equipped with a wide variety of sensors that allow specific tasks to be performed. From the most common ones such as accelerometer and gyroscope even the lesser known ones like the barometer, they all play a crucial role. Here is a list of the most common sensors and their most notable functions:
- Accelerometer: It detects linear acceleration and is used, for example, in racing games to control vehicle movements.
- Proximity sensor: Turns off the screen when you bring the phone to your ear during a call, avoiding accidental touches.
- Gyroscope: Measures the angular orientation of the device, essential in augmented reality applications.
- Ambient light sensor: Adjusts the screen brightness according to the ambient lighting, improving the visual experience.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure, useful in weather forecast applications or outdoor activities such as hiking.
In total, a mobile phone can include around 14 sensors, although not all of them are present in all models. Regardless, if one of them fails, you may notice problems such as difficulty rotating the screen, errors in games or problems unlocking the phone with the fingerprint.
Signs that indicate possible failures in your sensors
Recognize if a sensor is failing may not be so obvious at first. However, some common problems could be a warning sign:
- Your mobile does not correctly detect the orientation horizontal or vertical.
- Games don't respond as they should, especially those that rely on movement.
- The automatic brightness of the screen does not adjust properly.
- Proximity sensor does not turn off screen during calls.
- Problems with the fingerprint reader, such as not recognizing fingerprints or doing so inconsistently.
If you detect any of these problems, it may be time to evaluate the status of the sensors of your device.
How to test the sensors on your Android phone
The easiest way to analyze the sensors of your mobile is by using specific applications available in the Google Play store. These tools will allow you to diagnose what sensors are in good condition and which ones might be failing:
- Multi-Tool Sensors: This free app is widely recommended for its ease of use and for displaying real-time graphs of the sensors in operation. You will be able to measure the performance of the accelerometer, gyroscope, pedometer, among others.
- Sensor Box: It stands out for offering detailed information about each sensor that comes with your device.
- DeviceInfo HW: In addition to analyzing the sensors, this tool gives you data about other hardware components, such as the touch screen or GPS.
With these apps, you will be able to run simple tests and observe through graphs if the sensors are functioning correctly or are showing abnormalities.
Quick fixes for faulty sensors
Once the problem has been detected, the next step is to try to solve it. Depending on the sensor in question, you can resort to the following options:
1. Sensor calibration
In some cases, sensors They simply need recalibration to resume normal operation. Here are some useful tools for different sensors:
- Reset proximity sensor: This application focuses exclusively on calibrating the sensor of proximity.
- Accelerometer Calibration Free: Ideal for adjusting the accelerometer, especially if you notice that movements are not detected accurately.
- Compass: Provides a function to calibrate the sensor magnetic (compass) moving the device in an infinity shape.
Some apps Like Google Maps, they also offer options to calibrate sensors specific, and compass. Simply access the corresponding function and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Software update
Sometimes the problems of the sensors may be caused by a failure in the from softwareTo fix this, check if there are any updates available for your operating system. Go to Settings > System > Software update and allows the device to download and install the latest version.
3. Restart the device
Sometimes a simple reboot may resolve temporary issues. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart and check if the sensor it works correctly again.
4. Restore the mobile to factory settings
If all else fails, you can choose to restore your device to its original state. Back up your important data and follow these steps: Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset. On Samsung, go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Factory Settings. This method will remove any settings that may be interfering with the operation of the sensors.
If problems persist, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer's technical support for a more complete review.
The sensors The features of your mobile are essential elements that directly influence your user experience. The good news is that, in most cases, problems can be identified and solved with accessible tools and methods. Whether it's calibrating the sensors, updating the from software or simply restarting the device, there is no reason to despair in the face of a failure. If nothing else works, you can always count on your device's warranty to obtain a definitive solution at no additional cost.