HTC 8S - problems with random display failure during calls

[Anonymous]

Hi, first post, so be patient.

Wanted to know if anyone else has experienced or heard of this problem. Bought the phone (HTC 8S - on O2 pay-monthly contract) just over a week ago. Yesterday started behaving strangely during calls. Shortly after the call starts, the display goes blank. Then it randomly flashes back on briefly (talking less than half a second here), sometimes if you move the phone around a bit it will come on, but there is no pattern to it. Happens during both outgoing and incoming calls. Obviously makes life difficult because it's difficult/nigh impossible to access other functions during the call, and sometimes I can't even end the call.

This behaviour only occurs during calls. At all other times, the display is stable.

An ideas?

There are other random annoyances with the device as well; like it keeps vibrating even though vibrate is turned off ...

My first reaction is to take it back, but there's a bit of a logistical problem; a) I live in Egham, but bought the phone in Stevenage (long rainy Sunday afternoon stuck in Stevenage town centre with nothing to do - don't ask). b) I rang the Staines O2 shop this morning, but they don't have stock of a replacement, and claim they can't order stock for replacement. They say that the Kingston store has stock, but that's an hour and lots of £££'s away on public transport - why should it cost me money for an equipment fault?

TIA

G.

[Anonymous]

I have heard of this problem with the display and can't remember what the reason or it was or a solution, if any.

Use the search box up the top of the page and have a look around?

Also - if you call CS and explain it is faulty (if that is indeed a fault) within 28 days but you have tried all your local stores and there is no stock, they might be able to accomodate a replacement. They might just say that you have to go to the store but it is worth checking?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Check in your call app settings for "proximity sensor". See if turning it on/off helps. It's an option on Android phones but not sure if the same applies to windows phones.....?

[Anonymous]

http://forums.wpcentral.com/nokia-lumia-920/207528-after-touch-update-im-getting-black-screen-during...

[MI5]

Interesting comment re dust in the speaker.....!! It could also possibly be a screen protector effecting the sensor.....

[Anonymous]

AHA!

"Proximity Sensor" - that was the clue.

Went back to the PDF manual, searched "proximity" and there it was, on page 8, little picture of the phone with labels showing all the bits, including the location of the proximity sensor; and a warning:

"If you want to use a screen protector, please don’t cover and block the proximity

sensor. You can purchase the dedicated screen protector for your phone that

already has a small opening for the sensor."

So went and looked; nope, my screen protector (fitted yesterday, by coincidence!) doesn't have a cutout for the proximity sensor. Removed it, problem fixed.

Anyone know where to buy screen protectors with the proper cutouts ... ?

Many thanks to all for the assistance. And the moral of the story? RTFM ... properly.

G.

[MI5]

All to often the problem with "generic" screen protectors 😞 I would "assume" any decent accessory shop would have the correct ones but I'd be asking the question or viewing them before buying - It shouldn't be difficult to make them fit