Help Screen blanks while dialing

[pwabrahams]

I have a Moto E phone running Android 5.1. After dialing a number, I often need to enter additional digits. The problem is that the screen blanks out frequently while I'm entering them. Is there any setting for preventing this behavior? I looked under Display Settings but didn't find anything.

 

[mikedt]

Make sure the proximity sensor is clear? Which is what blanks the screen when you hold the phone to your ear during a call. It's usually at the top.

 

[pwabrahams]

Is there a way to disable that sensor, at least temporarily?

 

[pwabrahams]

Also, the screen sometimes dims or blanks out entirely (not just during phone calls). I realize I may not be able to prevent that, but is there a way to bring the screen back without otherwise changing the state of the device?