To ensure that Samsung phones are functioning properly, users sometimes need to check the various sensors installed in the device. Several sensors, such as proximity sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, can affect usage. If one of them is not functioning properly, various user activities can be disrupted.
Fortunately, checking sensors on various Samsung phones is very easy. Using the One UI system interface, there is a number of built in support for this.
How to Check Samsung Phone Sensors
- Open the Samsung Members app.
- Go to the Support tab.
- In the Phone diagnostics section, tap the Get started button.
- Allow the system to perform the checks.
- Follow the on screen instructions to complete the checks.
- Once the checks are complete, select the Sensor menu.
- Check the sensors as needed.
- Click the Test again button to retest.
One way to do this is by using the Samsung Members app. This app is generally available by default, but can also be downloaded independently through the Samsung Galaxy Store if you haven't found it yet.
This Samsung made app is equipped with a Phone Diagnostics feature that allows users to check various functions on their phone. This includes special support for checking sensors.
However, if this is your first time using the Phone Diagnostics feature, you will need to perform a full function check of your phone, as described above. A dedicated sensor menu will then appear and be usable.
If you have previously used the Phone Diagnostics function for a comprehensive check, you can then tap the diagnostic results. Then, simply press the Test all button to retest all phone functions or the Sensor menu if you only want to check the sensors.
Unfortunately, the test results in the Members app are displayed simply. Samsung, for example, will only display "Normal" to indicate that the sensors are functioning properly.
Through Hardware Module Test
- Open the Phone app.
- Make sure the Keypad tab is open.
- Enter the code *#0*#.
- Once the Hardware Module Test page opens, select Sensor.
- Check the value changes for each sensor to ensure its functionality.
- Tap the test menu for each sensor if necessary.
- Tap the appropriate button to further check each sensor.
Besides using Members, checking sensors on Samsung phones can also be done through the Hardware Module Test. This menu can be accessed without the hassle of installing any applications.
Its location is quite hidden. To access the Hardware Module Test, users need to enter a secret code on the dialpad, similar to checking the IMEI number.
The Hardware Module Test itself offers similar support to the Phone Diagnostics feature. Users can use it to check not only sensors but also various other phone functions.
What's interesting about this testing method is that the results are displayed more comprehensively. The system will display data from each sensor in real time, which will change when the user applies pressure.
For example, users can move the phone to check the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetic sensors. Users can open and close the top of the screen with their palm to view changes in light sensor data.
The Hardware Module Test also has a dedicated test function for each sensor. Users can press the appropriate button to activate it, and the system will display a message such as "Pass" if it's functioning normally or "Fail" if it fails.
Using Third Party Apps
- Install an app that supports sensor checking, such as Device Info or CPU-Z.
- Open the app after installation.
- Perform the initial setup according to the app you're using.
- Find and open "Sensors."
- Check the sensor as needed.
What if your Samsung phone doesn't support the Members app or the Hardware Module Test function? Sensor checking can also be done using a third party app.
There are now various third party apps available to check sensors on Android phones. These include Device Info and CPU-Z, which can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, each of these apps requires different steps to perform sensor checks. But in general, users can use it as reviewed above.