In a method of controlling display screen states and an apparatus, the method includes following actions. A signal emitter emits a detection signal outward. A second signal receiver receives a reflection signal of the detection signal formed by an external object. Based on intensity of the reflection signal received by the second signal receiver, distance states between terminals and the object are determined. The method controls the display screen states based on the distance states. Since the signal receiver away from the signal emitter precisely detects the distance states between terminals and the object, the method controls the display screen states of the terminals.