Do you ever notice your phone’s screen suddenly light up even when it doesn’t receive a notification? It is easier to ignore if it happens now and then, but it can be a real headscratcher if it happens more frequently. Some users are quick to jump to the conclusion that their device is being controlled by someone else remotely. However, the truth is often much simpler. In this article, we bring you the top 10 ways to fix the ‘Android phone screen keeps turning on randomly’ issue.
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In This Article
What is causing this strange behaviour?
Watching a phone’s screen light up randomly is weird to witness. However, like most oddities, this can be explained too. Here are some reasons why your phone’s display might be acting irregularly:
Dirt accumulation under the screen protector: Dirt and dust particles stuck under the screen protector can trigger the touch display and cause it to light up randomly. If the screen protector is not stuck properly to the display, pull it off and apply it again.
Faulty proximity sensor: The proximity sensor on your phone is responsible for killing the display when you bring it close to your ear to pick up a call. When you move the phone away from your ear, it lights up again. A faulty proximity sensor can cause the display to light up randomly.
Ghost notifications: Notifications cause your phone to light up. However, when a notification disappears immediately upon arrival, it is called a ‘ghost notification’. This typically happens due to glitches in the software.
Rogue apps: A third-party app gone rogue can mess with your phone’s normal functioning and cause it to behave strangely. Random display flashes are not an uncommon sign of this issue.
Turn off Lift To Wake
Lift to wake is a handy feature that allows you to quickly glance through your notifications and look at the time on your phone, without needing to press a button. As the name suggests, you simply need to lift your phone to activate the lock screen. On certain phones, this feature is turned on by default. If you don’t want your device’s screen to get activated every time you lift it, here’s how you can turn it off.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Advanced features.
Step 2: Tap on Motions and gestures.
Step 3: Turn off the toggle switch for Lift to wake.
Turn off Double Tap to Turn on Screen
If your phone’s screen keeps turning on while you’re fidgeting with it, it is most likely due to the ‘Double Tap to Turn on Screen’ feature. This handy function cuts your reliance on the side key to unlock your phone. A double tap is all it takes to lock your phone or turn on the lock screen. If you don’t want your phone to respond while you’re tapping its idle screen, here’s how you can turn off the double tap for your lock screen.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Advanced features.
Step 2: Tap on Motions and gestures.
Step 3: Turn off the toggle switch for Doube tap to turn on screen.
Make sure the side key isn’t pressed
Software glitches aside, there is a good chance that your phone’s screen keeps lighting up randomly because of the side key getting triggered. More often than not, this is due to a faulty case that isn’t a perfect match for your phone and presses against the side key. Inspect the case thoroughly to know for sure. Better yet, pull your phone out of the case and use it for a bit to see if you encounter the problem again.
Disable Google Assistant when your phone is locked
Your phone is very receptive to the ‘Hey Google’ voice trigger. It can even set off the voice assistant when your phone is locked, springing the dormant lock screen into action. Accidental triggers may be uncommon, but they are known to happen. Here’s how you can disable Google Assistant when your phone is locked.
Step 1: Tap the Google widget on your phone’s home screen. Alternatively, launch the Google app from the app drawer.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Hit Settings.
Step 4: Select Google Assistant.
Step 5: Tap on Lock screen.
Step 6: Turn off the toggle switch for Assistant responses on lock screen.
Check for Ghost notifications
A ‘ghost notification’ is one that flashes on your screen for a brief moment and immediately goes away. If you notice your phone’s screen light up but can’t view any new notifications, there is a way you can check for them. Here’s how.
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Tap on Notification & status bar.
Step 3: Tap on More settings.
Step 4: Select Notification history.
Step 5: This is where you can see the log of all the notifications that your phone has received. The most recent notification will be at the top of the list.
Restart the phone in Safe Mode
If you suspect that your phone’s screen keeps randomly turning on due to a malfunctioning third-party app, try restarting your phone in Safe Mode. Press and hold the side key to enter the power menu, then tap and hold the Power Off option to activate Safe Mode. Once your phone enters safe mode, it will disable all the third-party apps on the system. If you encounter the issue again, it means that third-party apps have nothing to do with it. However, if your phone keeps functioning normally, you will need to figure out which third-party app is the culprit behind this problem and remove it from your device.
Use a different charger
If you only experience random lock screen triggers while charging your phone, it is likely due to a faulty charger. Inspect the USB cable and the power adapter for any damage. If your charger isn’t able to constantly power your phone, it will do so in fits and bursts. This causes the lock screen to light up randomly. You can even try using a different wall outlet if you’re sure there is nothing wrong with your charger.
Check the proximity sensor
Your phone’s proximity sensor is responsible for cutting off the display when you bring your phone close to your ear upon picking up a call. If this sensor starts malfunctioning, it will trigger the lock screen into action at random times. Dial *#0*# on your phone and tap on ‘Sensor’ to perform a quick diagnostic test. Give your phone’s screen a quick wipe to make sure that grime and dirt do not collect on the sensor. Read this article to learn other tricks to fix this issue.
Update your phone’s OS
If the problem you’re facing is bug-related, chances are that the manufacturer has already patched it with an update. Here’s how you can update your phone’s OS.
Step 1: Connect your phone to a WiFi network and plug in its charger.
Step 2: Go to Settings and select Software update.
Step 3: Tap on Download and Install. Your smartphone will check for any new updates.
Step 4: If an update is available, tap on Install Now. You can also schedule the update for a later time.
Perform a factory reset of your device
If the issue is strictly software-related, you can perform a factory reset of your device as a last-ditch measure to fix it. Make sure you have backed up all your personal data since a complete reset of your phone will permanently erase it.
Step 1: Go to Settings, scroll down and select General management.
Step 2: Tap on Reset.
Step 3: Select Factory data reset.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on Reset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my phone’s screen keep randomly turning on?
If your phone’s screen randomly lights up without pressing the side key, it could be due to the ‘raise to wake’ feature which activates the lock screen to give you a quick peek at the notifications every time you lift your phone. You can turn this feature off from advanced settings.
Can ghost touches cause my phone’s screen to light up randomly?
While it is super uncommon for ghost touches to affect your phone’s lock screen, it is not entirely impossible. If the ‘double tap to wake’ feature is enabled on your device, it can cause ghost touches to turn on the screen. To eliminate the ghost touches, wipe your phone’s screen thoroughly and replace the screen protector.
What is the main cause of ghost touch?
Water droplets, dust particles, or grime collecting under the screen protector are the main causes that lead to ghost touches on your phone.
How do I fix the ghost screen on my phone?
Inspect the phone’s screen for any physical damage and check the proximity sensor. Additionally, make sure your phone’s OS is updated to the latest version. Use a high-quality charger to power your device and not a knockoff that trickle charges it.
How do I find out if the proximity sensor on my phone is broken?
A faulty proximity sensor can trigger your phone’s lock screen randomly. Dial *#0*# and tap on ‘Sensor’ to run a diagnostic test on it.
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Conclusion
These are the top 10 ways to fix the ‘Android phone screen keeps turning on randomly’ issue. If these fixes don’t work out for you, chances are that your phone’s hardware is at fault. Take your device to a professional service centre to diagnose the problem. Got any more questions? Let us know in the comments!
