iPhone 16 Pro Max proximity sensor issue with e-SIM

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Level 1

14 points

iPhone 16 Pro Max proximity sensor issue with e-SIM

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well.

I have recently upgraded from a 15PM to a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max and its proximity sensor has been giving me some issues. I have a screen protector on, iOS has been updated to 18.6.

The display stays dark after the call. Upon pressing the power button it lights up after a few seconds (3-5). At times the display stays dark during an incoming call, the phone is responsive (ringing and vibrating) but the display remains dark.

I called the Apple Authorized Service Provider and briefed them about the issue. The operator told me that it is happening on 16PMs with specific MNP sim cards/e-sims, so I should try a different sim card and see whether or not that fixes the issue otherwise they suggested I bring the device to them so they can fix it through some "settings".

Could it really be a sim card/e-sim interference? I'm currently using an e-sim in my phone. Had it in my 15PM and everything worked perfectly.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: PROXIMITY SENSOR ISSUE?

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 31, 2025 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

QuiGonJinn

Level 1

38 points

Jul 31, 2025 11:04 AM in response to Maz_ijb

You can try removing the eSIM and making a call through FaceTime with WiFi to check if the sensor works. If it works, the eSIM argument is no longer valid in that scenario.

Personally, I think the eSIM interference explanation is deflection on their part, trying to isolate the issue and avoid taking any responsibility.

I’d try taking off the screen protector. If it’s too opaque or not perfectly aligned, it can cause light refraction or partially obstruct the sensor, which can be a direct culprit for the issue you’re experiencing.

If the sensor still doesn’t work during WiFi FaceTime calls, with the screen protector removed, then it is 100% a hardware/calibration issue.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

221,154 points

Jul 31, 2025 10:58 AM in response to Maz_ijb

Remove the screen protector. It is interfering with the proximity sensor.

This has nothing to do with the eSIM.

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Answer 3

Jul 31, 2025 11:02 AM in response to Maz_ijb

Whoever you spoke with has NO CLUE what they're talking about. The Proximity Sensor is completely, totally unrelated to any SIM you are using. It's more likely as KiltedTim suggests an issue with the screen protector you are using.

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Answer 4

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 1, 2025 05:57 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

And is it working as expected after removing the screen protector?

After removing the screen protector it has happened once. I was on a call and removed the phone from my ear, the display remained dark and turned on after I pressed the power button 3-4 times.

Seems more like a hardware issue.

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Answer 5

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 31, 2025 11:38 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Maz_ijb wrote:

He was one of the Apple Authorized Service Provider reps. I was surprised to hear about how he blamed the eSIM and mobile carrier.

You should be surprised as that's just total BUNK.

Indeed. I have now removed the screen protector.

I installed a third-party app from the App Store to test the proximity sensor on my iPhones. Whenever I'm placing my hand on top of my device (16PM) to cover the front camera, it's turning the screen off after some delay while on the other phone, with the protector on, the display goes dark instantly.

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Answer 6

Aug 1, 2025 06:29 AM in response to Maz_ijb

Maz_ijb wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

And is it working as expected after removing the screen protector?

After removing the screen protector it has happened once. I was on a call and removed the phone from my ear, the display remained dark and turned on after I pressed the power button 3-4 times.

Seems more like a hardware issue.

If it's important to you, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and show it to Apple.

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Answer 7

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 3, 2025 07:02 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Maz_ijb wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

And is it working as expected after removing the screen protector?

After removing the screen protector it has happened once. I was on a call and removed the phone from my ear, the display remained dark and turned on after I pressed the power button 3-4 times.

Seems more like a hardware issue.

If it's important to you, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and show it to Apple.

Yes, I will take it to the Authorized Service Provider here.

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Answer 8

Jul 31, 2025 11:43 AM in response to Maz_ijb

Maz_ijb wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Maz_ijb wrote:

He was one of the Apple Authorized Service Provider reps. I was surprised to hear about how he blamed the eSIM and mobile carrier.

You should be surprised as that's just total BUNK.

Indeed. I have now removed the screen protector.

I installed a third-party app from the App Store to test the proximity sensor on my iPhones. Whenever I'm placing my hand on top of my device (16PM) to cover the front camera, it's turning the screen off after some delay while on the other phone, with the protector on, the display goes dark instantly.

Why do you need a 3rd party app to test the proximity sensor? Have someone call you, put the phone to your ear and if the screen goes dark, it's working. When you remove the phone from your ear, if the screen lights up, it's working.

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Answer 9

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 31, 2025 11:45 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Maz_ijb wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

Maz_ijb wrote:

He was one of the Apple Authorized Service Provider reps. I was surprised to hear about how he blamed the eSIM and mobile carrier.

You should be surprised as that's just total BUNK.

Indeed. I have now removed the screen protector.

I installed a third-party app from the App Store to test the proximity sensor on my iPhones. Whenever I'm placing my hand on top of my device (16PM) to cover the front camera, it's turning the screen off after some delay while on the other phone, with the protector on, the display goes dark instantly.

Why do you need a 3rd party app to test the proximity sensor? Have someone call you, put the phone to your ear and if the screen goes dark, it's working. When you remove the phone from your ear, if the screen lights up, it's working.

That's the thing, it's happening randomly during a call or an incoming call. Like 2 outta 10 calls during the day.

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Answer 10

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 4, 2025 01:10 PM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

If it's important to you, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and show it to Apple.

Got it replaced with a device from a new batch. Hopefully this one won't be having the same issue.

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Answer 11

Maz_ijb Author

Level 1

14 points

Jul 31, 2025 01:11 PM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

You've made 10 calls since you removed the screen protector? It seems you just removed it based on comments in this thread.

Sorry I meant to state that I made 10 calls "during the day" with the screen protector on and in only 2 calls did the issue occur when the screen went dark after removing the phone from my ear and the phone was only responsive to volume and action button where I could feel the vibration. I kept pressing the power button and the screen turned back on.

I only made 2-3 calls after removing the screen protector as per the recommendations in this thread.

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Answer 12

Jul 31, 2025 01:32 PM in response to Maz_ijb

Maz_ijb wrote:

lobsterghost1 wrote:

You've made 10 calls since you removed the screen protector? It seems you just removed it based on comments in this thread.

Sorry I meant to state that I made 10 calls "during the day" with the screen protector on and in only 2 calls did the issue occur when the screen went dark after removing the phone from my ear and the phone was only responsive to volume and action button where I could feel the vibration. I kept pressing the power button and the screen turned back on.

I only made 2-3 calls after removing the screen protector as per the recommendations in this thread.

And is it working as expected after removing the screen protector?

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Answer 13

Sep 18, 2025 02:54 AM in response to Maz_ijb

Proximity sensor is not getting engaged in my IP16 plus after updating to IOS 26. The phone gives haptic feedback when on call due to skin contact sometimes the call gets disconnected. This was not the problem before

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