On a dark background you see a lighter or white spot on your MacBook screen. Sometimes it is a small circle, sometimes a bigger cloud at the edge. On a white page you hardly notice it. A white spot on your MacBook screen is not a dead pixel or dirt, but usually damage in the layers behind the picture. This article explains where such a spot comes from, whether it gets worse and what you can do.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook screens in Amsterdam.
First: is it dirt?
Clean the screen with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth. If the spot does not go, and you see it mainly on dark and grey backgrounds, it is inside the screen. See cleaning the screen without damage.
How does a white spot form?
Behind your MacBook's display panel are thin layers that spread the backlight evenly over the screen: a reflector film and several diffuser films. If pressure is put on the screen, one of those layers can get a small dent or shift. At that spot the light is spread differently, and you see a lighter patch.
Common causes:
- Pressure in a full bag, for example from a charger or book against the lid.
- Something on the keyboard when closing, such as a pen or earbud.
- Leaning on the lid or putting something heavy on it.
- A drop or knock.
Other kinds of light patches
- Light edges (backlight bleed) along the edges are partly normal on LCD screens.
- Bands of light at the bottom on older MacBook Pros may point to Flexgate. See Flexgate.
- Marks that look like they are on the coating, especially on older Retina models, are wear of the anti-reflective layer. See marks on the screen: Staingate.
How to see the spot clearly
Put a completely black or dark grey background on screen, for example a full-screen video with a black picture, and turn brightness to full. Look straight at the screen and then at an angle. A pressure mark stays in the same place and barely changes when you look at an angle. Take a photo with your phone; that way you can see later whether the spot grows, and show it when you have the MacBook checked.
Does the spot grow?
A pressure mark often stays the same size. If it grows, lines or cracks appear, or the screen goes dark in that spot, there is more damage to the panel. Then also read screen cracked without a drop.
Can you remove the spot?
Unfortunately not with software or by pressing the screen. Pressing makes it worse rather than better. The films are inside the screen and cannot be replaced separately on a MacBook. The only real solution is replacing the screen.
Should you have it repaired?
If the spot does not bother you, you can simply keep working; it is usually not harmful to the rest of the MacBook. If you work a lot with photos, video or dark backgrounds, it is annoying and replacement is worth considering.
Prevention
- Use a sleeve with a firm side, and do not put loose items against the lid.
- Check that nothing lies on the keyboard before closing.
- Lift the MacBook by the bottom, not by the screen.
Also see carrying your MacBook safely.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We look at the spot, test the screen and tell you whether replacement is needed and what it costs. More on our page about MacBook screen repair.
Frequently asked questions
Is a white spot a dead pixel?
No. A dead pixel is a tiny dot; a white spot is a larger, hazy light patch.
Can a screen protector cause the spot?
A thick protector or camera cover can apply pressure when closing. Over time that can cause marks or cracks.
Is a pressure mark covered by Apple?
It is usually seen as damage from pressure or an accident.
