Discovering a bright spot or white dot on your phone screen can be frustrating, especially when it interrupts your viewing experience. This issue is known as “screen blemishing” or “bright pixels” and can occur for several reasons, ranging from hardware defects to pixel malfunctions. The good news is that some of these issues are fixable. In this guide, we’ll explain the causes of bright spots on phone screens and how to troubleshoot them effectively.

What Causes Bright Spots on Your Phone Screen?

1. Stuck Pixels
A common cause of bright spots is a stuck pixel. Pixels are tiny dots that make up the display, and each pixel consists of sub-pixels (red, green, and blue). Sometimes, one or more of these sub-pixels can get stuck in the “on” position, causing a bright spot to appear on the screen.

2. Pressure Damage
Bright spots can also result from excessive pressure on certain parts of the screen. This might happen due to pressing the screen too hard, carrying the phone in a tight pocket, or placing heavy objects on it. Pressure can disrupt the display’s internal layers, creating a bright spot.

3. Screen Burn-in
Though more common on OLED screens, burn-in occurs when certain elements of the screen remain static for too long, causing ghost images or bright spots. This can result from keeping the same app, image, or icon displayed over an extended period.

4. Hardware Defects or Water Damage
In some cases, bright spots can indicate deeper hardware issues or moisture damage, which affects the display’s components. Water entering the phone can distort the display, creating unusual marks, bright spots, or discolorations.

How to Troubleshoot a Bright Spot

1. Pixel Fixing Tools
If the issue is caused by a stuck pixel, you can try to “unstick” it using specialized apps or websites designed for pixel repair. These tools flash different colors on your screen rapidly, attempting to activate and reset the stuck pixel.

– Steps:
1. Download a stuck pixel repair app (available on most app stores).
2. Run the app and let it cycle through various colors for a few minutes.
3. Check if the bright spot diminishes or disappears.

These tools are particularly effective for newer phones, where stuck pixels haven’t caused long-term damage.

2. Soft Reset
A simple soft reset or restart can sometimes fix screen glitches. Temporary software bugs or display anomalies might be resolved with this step.

– Steps:
1. Hold down the power button and select Restart (or power off, then power on).
2. Once the phone reboots, check if the bright spot remains.

3. Gently Massage the Screen
Sometimes applying gentle pressure to the affected area can help fix a stuck pixel. This technique can redistribute the liquid crystals in an LCD screen, which may resolve pressure-related bright spots.

– Steps:
1. Turn off the phone to avoid any further screen damage.
2. Using a microfiber cloth or soft cloth, gently apply pressure on the bright spot.
3. Turn the phone back on and check if the bright spot has improved.

Be careful not to press too hard, as excessive force can damage the screen further.

4. Screen Burn-in Tools
For burn-in issues, there are dedicated apps that flash various colors or images on the screen to refresh the display and reduce burn-in effects. These apps work similarly to pixel-fixing tools but are specifically designed for persistent bright spots caused by static images.

– Steps:
1. Download and run a burn-in fix app.
2. Allow the app to cycle through different colors for about 30 minutes to see if the spot fades.

5. Check for Warranty or Repair Options
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue and your phone is still under warranty, consider taking it to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Most warranties cover display defects, including bright spots caused by hardware malfunctions.

6. Visit a Repair Shop
If the bright spot is the result of water damage or physical trauma, a professional repair service may be necessary. Technicians can open the phone to inspect for damage and may be able to replace affected parts.

Bright spots on your phone screen can be caused by anything from stuck pixels to hardware damage. While some issues, like stuck pixels or burn-in, can be resolved using apps or DIY techniques, others may require professional repair. If you encounter a bright spot on your screen, start with simple fixes like pixel-repair tools or a soft reset, and if those don’t work, explore repair options to keep your display functioning at its best.