The white spot on an Android screen could result from minor software glitches or more serious hardware malfunctions.
The may appear in various forms, each indicating different underlying causes.
Hardware malfunctions, such as backlight issues in LCD screens, can cause discrepancies in illumination, leading to visible white areas. Meanwhile, screen pressure damage, from accidental force or persistent pressure, can also disrupt display integrity, manifesting as white anomalies.
- Backlight Layer Issues:
- Overly bright areas
- Uneven screen luminance
- Display Matrix Problems:
- Dead pixels: Constantly unlit pixels appearing as black dots
- Stuck pixels: Constantly lit pixels, which may appear white
Differentiating Hardware and Software Issues
To determine whether white spots are due to hardware or software problems, a series of checks are necessary.
For software-related issues, a simple system reboot or factory reset may eliminate screen aberrations. In contrast, hardware issues typically persist despite software interventions.
- Software Checks:
- Restart your device.
- Check for system and app updates.
- Perform a factory reset (back up data beforehand).
- Hardware Checks:
- Look for physical damage, such as cracks or signs of impact.
- Remove screen protectors or cases that might be applying pressure.
- Check if spots persist in BIOS mode or during device startup.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Addressing white spots on your Android screen often begins with simple fixes before considering more complex solutions.
Performing a Soft Reset
To potentially resolve minor software glitches causing white spots, you should perform a soft reset.
This action can be accomplished by pressing and holding your phone’s power button for about 30 seconds until the device restarts. A soft reset can clear temporary software issues without erasing your data.
Inspecting for Physical Damage
Examine your device for signs of physical damage. Look closely at the screen for cracks or signs of a swollen battery that may be exerting pressure on the display. Physical deformities on the phone structure could hint at internal damage affecting the screen.
Checking for Software Updates
Ensure your device is running on the latest software.
Navigate to Settings > System > System updates to check for available updates. Installing them might provide fixes that resolve display anomalies including white spots.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
When encountering persistent white spots on your Android screen, certain advanced methods may be necessary to address the issue. These techniques should be used with caution as they can affect your data and the functionality of your device.
Executing a Factory Reset
If all other troubleshooting steps have failed, performing a factory reset may be your last resort.
A factory reset will erase all data from your device and restore it to its original factory settings. Before proceeding with this step, it’s crucial to back up all of your important data as it will be irrecoverable after the reset. To execute a factory reset:
- Go to Settings on your Android device.
- Scroll to and select System.
- Tap on Reset options.
- Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm by tapping on Reset Phone and enter your PIN if prompted to start the process.
Boot in Safe Mode to Identify Rogue Apps
Booting your Android device in Safe Mode allows you to operate it with only the essential system apps running. This can help you determine if a third-party app is causing the white spots on your screen.
To boot into Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the Power button on your device.
- In the power menu, long-press on the option to Power Off.
- In the pop-up, select OK to reboot to Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, observe if the white spots persist.
- If the issue is resolved in Safe Mode, it is likely that a third-party app is the culprit.
- You can then uninstall recently added apps one by one to pinpoint the problematic application.
- If white spots still appear, the problem may be related to firmware or hardware, and professional service or replacement might be necessary.