UPDATE::: After a series of checks I found that: The intent works if the screen is UNLOCKED. The check for screen lock also works (if it is locked or not). My conclusion is: The intent will not work if the screen is LOCKED (the phone screen is lit, but screen is locked). It seems to ignore the intent or the intent is not active upon screen lock. ANY help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have already accepted defeat (IF there is nothing that can be done about this). ALSO I have noticed that when you press the power button, ONLY power options are available. The option to MUTE, VIBRATE or RING are no longer there. Perhaps this issue is a side-effect...