Proximity sensors are used in many user devices to detect a user's proximity to it. The proximity detection may be used to control the transmit power of a user device to ensure that the transmit power is in the allowed power range. There are other uses of proximity detection. A proximity sensor, like many other electronic devices, needs power supply for its normal operation. Many user devices are battery operated and therefore reducing power consumption of a user device is essential. A method and apparatus are disclosed that may enable reduced power consumption for a proximity sensor. The disclosed method may be applied to any user device that employs a proximity sensor.