OnePlus smartphones are equipped with a number of smart utilities that help enhance the user experience, improve battery life, and prevent accidental touches during certain conditions. One such feature is Pocket Mode, known for its usefulness in preventing accidental touches when your device is placed inside your pocket or bag. However, some users find Pocket Mode overly sensitive or unnecessary for their daily usage. If you’re one of those users experiencing frustration with screen interruptions or delays due to Pocket Mode, it’s possible to disable it with a few steps.
TL;DR
If Pocket Mode is causing issues on your OnePlus phone by preventing access to the screen or delaying unlocking, you can turn it off via the Settings menu. Just go to Settings > Utilities > Pocket mode and disable the toggle. This feature is meant to avoid accidental touches when the device is in your pocket, but not everyone needs or wants it activated. Disabling it improves direct screen access without interference.
Understanding Pocket Mode
Pocket Mode is a feature offered in OxygenOS—OnePlus’ custom Android UI—which automatically prevents the screen from responding to accidental touches when the proximity sensor is covered. This is most helpful when your phone is in your pocket, bag, or held in a position that might cause unintentional input.
When enabled, Pocket Mode uses the front proximity sensor (typically near the earpiece) to detect obstruction. If it senses coverage, it temporarily disables touch response to avoid false operations. While many appreciate this security, others may find it hindering normal usage, especially if the feature triggers unintentionally when the device is not in a pocket.
Reasons You Might Want to Turn It Off
Here are some common reasons users choose to disable Pocket Mode:
- Increased Unlock Time: Pocket Mode can delay face unlock or fingerprint authentication if the proximity sensor is partially blocked.
- False Positives: Holding the phone close to your face or placing your hand near the top may trigger Pocket Mode unnecessarily.
- Limited Customization: Users cannot fine-tune Pocket Mode sensitivity, which may lead to overreaching results.
How to Turn Off Pocket Mode on OnePlus Devices
Turning off Pocket Mode is straightforward, but the process might vary slightly depending on your OxygenOS version. Below is a general method that works across most OxygenOS 10, 11, 12, and 13 builds:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open the Settings app on your OnePlus phone.
- Scroll down and tap on Utilities.
- Locate and select Pocket mode.
- Disable the toggle next to Pocket Mode to turn it off.
Once disabled, your device will no longer use the proximity sensor to block the screen when it’s obstructed—allowing immediate interaction regardless of how the phone is held or where it’s placed.
For Older OnePlus Models
On some older models or OxygenOS builds, the path might be slightly different. If you can’t locate “Pocket Mode” under Utilities, try the following alternative:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Tap Display or search “Pocket mode” using the built-in search bar.
- If found, disable the feature using the available toggle.
Note that not all OnePlus models allow direct access to disable Pocket Mode. In some cases, this feature may be baked into system settings with no toggle. If that’s the case, consider further remedies below.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the Pocket Mode Setting
If Pocket Mode isn’t available as a toggle in your phone’s settings, it might be due to:
- Your OnePlus device being on a newer or beta version of OxygenOS where it’s integrated differently.
- Software limitations based on your region or build number.
In such cases, you can try using the following workarounds:
1. Access Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About phone.
- Tap the Build number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Once enabled, go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
- Look for settings that may affect sensor or touch access. While Pocket Mode itself won’t appear here, toggling related features may help alleviate its impact.
2. Use Third-Party Apps:
Certain third-party apps (especially on rooted devices) can allow greater control over system sensors. However, use caution when installing and granting permissions to such apps as they may compromise stability or privacy.
Apps like:
- Sensors Toolbox
- Sensor Disabler (requires root)
can provide insight into how your proximity sensors are behaving, and potentially give you greater control.
3. Contact OnePlus Support
If you’ve exhausted all options and Pocket Mode continues to interfere with usability, you may want to contact OnePlus support or visit the OnePlus Community forums. Changes to feature accessibility sometimes come with software updates and beta releases.
Pros and Cons of Disabling Pocket Mode
Before deciding to disable the feature permanently, it’s worth evaluating the advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of Disabling:
- Faster access to your phone in tight situations.
- Reduced false triggering when holding the phone close to your ear or face.
- Improved usability for users with certain accessibility needs.
Drawbacks of Disabling:
- Increased chance of accidental touches or calls when in your pocket.
- Screen may turn on unintentionally, affecting battery life.
- No screen lock safety when proximity sensor is covered.
Tips to Minimize Accidental Touches Without Pocket Mode
If you choose to turn Pocket Mode off, here are some suggestions to help maintain control:
- Enable Lift to Wake cautiously: This can unintentionally turn the display on in your pocket.
- Use a lock screen: Keep fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock active to prevent unintentional access.
- Turn off double-tap to wake: This gesture might activate the screen from inside your pocket.
Adapting these additional features can help you retain the benefits of touch prevention without relying solely on Pocket Mode.
Final Thoughts
Pocket Mode is an undoubtedly clever and helpful feature for many users, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. OnePlus gives its users some degree of control, allowing the option to disable this utility for a more seamless and personalized experience. Whether you’re a power user looking to streamline access or simply tired of false triggers, turning off Pocket Mode might provide the enhanced interaction you’re seeking. Just make sure to weigh the trade-offs and adjust other system settings accordingly.
By learning how to modify essential features like Pocket Mode, you’re taking greater command of your smartphone experience—something OnePlus has always encouraged through its customizable interface.