Some Android smartphones, particularly rugged models from brands like Ulefone, come with a built-in infrared thermometer. This feature can be handy for measuring temperature in various environments. However, many users have encountered a frustrating issue where the thermometer app won’t start, and a “calibration parameter is empty” error message appears. This prevents the app from functioning properly, leaving you unable to use the thermometer.
Understanding the Issue
When you attempt to launch the thermometer app on these phones, you’ll be met with an error stating: “Calibration parameter is empty. Please calibrate first.” The problem here is that the calibration setting resides within the app, which means you need to open the app in order to calibrate it. However, the app won’t open due to this calibration error, creating a catch-22 situation.
Many common troubleshooting steps, like clearing the app’s cache, granting necessary permissions, or even performing a factory reset, do not resolve the issue. This indicates that the problem isn’t a hardware malfunction but rather a software bug.
The Culprit: Software Bug from Ulefone
In this particular case, the issue stems from a software bug on the part of the phone’s manufacturer, Ulefone. The infrared thermometers are present on several models of Ulefone’s rugged phones, and the bug affects the app’s calibration process. While this might seem like a major issue, the good news is that it’s a software-related problem, not a hardware failure.
How to Fix It
Fortunately, Ulefone has acknowledged the issue and released a software update to resolve it. The fix comes in the form of a wireless patch, not a full firmware update. Here’s what you need to do to get the thermometer app working again:
Check for a firmware update: Go to the settings on your phone and check if there is any available firmware update.
Install the patch: If a wireless patch is available, download and install it.
Reboot your phone: After the update is installed, restart your phone to ensure that all changes take effect.
Open the thermometer app: Once your phone reboots, the thermometer app should now work without any issues, allowing you to calibrate it and use the infrared thermometer.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with the frustrating “calibration parameter is empty” error on your Ulefone Android phone, don’t panic. It’s a known software issue, and Ulefone has released a fix. Just make sure to check for and install the wireless patch, reboot your phone, and you’ll be able to use the infrared thermometer app as intended.