Trigger: Proximity Sensor

The Proximity Sensor trigger fires when the device's proximity sensor detects changes in distance. This can be used to detect when something (like your hand or face) is near or far from the device, as well as wave gestures for hands-free control.

Options

Near - Fires when an object is detected close to the proximity sensor
Far - Fires when the proximity sensor detects that an object has moved away
Slow Wave - Fires when an object passes near the sensor with a wave gesture lasting 500ms or longer
Fast Wave - Fires when an object passes near the sensor with a quick wave gesture under 500ms

Examples

Example 1: Silence phone when placed face down

Triggers

Proximity Sensor: Near

Actions

Set Ringer Mode: Vibrate Only

Constraints

Device Orientation: Face Down

Example 2: Toggle flashlight with hand wave

Triggers

Proximity Sensor: Fast Wave

Actions

Toggle Flashlight

Example 3: Answer call with wave gesture

Triggers

Proximity Sensor: Slow Wave

Actions

Answer Call
Enable Speakerphone

Constraints

Call State: Ringing

Wave Gesture Detection

Wave gestures work by detecting a near-to-far transition:

The timer starts when an object moves near the sensor
Fast Wave: Completes if the object moves away within 500 milliseconds
Slow Wave: Completes if the object moves away after 500 milliseconds or more

Notes

By default, this trigger only works when the device's screen is on
You can enable the "Proximity sensor when screen off" setting in MacroDroid's trigger settings to allow detection when the screen is off
Device compatibility varies - some manufacturers (notably Samsung) keep the proximity sensor deactivated except during specific activities like phone calls
The proximity sensor is a binary sensor (near/far) on most devices, not a distance-measuring sensor
For the trigger to fire, the state must actually change (e.g., from far to near) - it won't fire repeatedly while an object remains near

See Also