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Black Spot on iPhone Screen – Causes and How to Fix

As an iPhone user, I’ve been frustrated by mysterious black spots appearing on my phone’s screen. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share what I’ve discovered about the causes of this issue, and how to fix it. I’ll be discussing the different solutions I’ve found to address the black spots on my iPhone screen, as well as any other solutions I’ve come across during my research. Hopefully, this post can help other iPhone owners who are experiencing the same issue.

As you’re reading this article, you might want to avoid spending too much money on the repair. But don’t worry, there are ways to solve the problem on your own.

We understand how bothersome a black spot on iPhone screen is, so we’ll help you figure out the possible causes and how to fix it. Be sure to continue reading to learn more.

Cause of Black SpotDescriptionSolution
DirtDirt, dust, and stains can accumulate on the screen over time.Turn off the iPhone, unplug cables, and use a damp, lint-free cloth (preferably a lens cloth) to gently wipe the screen clean. Use water or a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol to dampen the cloth. Avoid paper towels and cleaning products, as they can wear off the protective coating.
Dead PixelDead pixels occur when a pixel is off due to a lack of power, often resulting from manufacturing defects.Method 1: Use heat by dipping a lint-free cloth in warm water, sealing it in a plastic bag, and gently massaging the black spot area. Be cautious not to apply too much heat. Method 2: Use pressure by wrapping a lint-free cloth around a pencil eraser and gently pushing the black spot towards the edge of the screen. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid further damage.
Damaged Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)Black spots may appear due to a damaged LCD, caused by dropping the phone, using force to connect cables, using a tight case, or squeezing the phone in a pocket or small bag.Seek professional help, preferably at an Apple Store. If the iPhone is under warranty and the glass screen is intact, the technician may replace the LCD screen free of charge. Otherwise, the LCD replacement may be costly.

Why Is There a Black Spot on Your iPhone Screen?

Before you do anything to fix this issue on your iPhone screen, it’s important to figure out the reason why it’s there. Depending on how the black spot on your iPhone screen looks like, it might be caused by one of the following:

1.  Dirt

Though they’re designed to be water and oil-resistant, it’s inevitable for your iPhone to come in contact with substances that could stain it. 

If you’ve been using your phone for a longer period, dirt and dust can accumulate on the screen. So, don’t panic yet. Check first if this is what caused the spot.

2.  Dead Pixel

A black spot might also be caused by a dead pixel. It means that the pixel is off due to the absence of power. When the transistor fails to supply current to a pixel, it would cause a black dot to appear on your screen.

Dead pixels are often associated with manufacturing defects.  However, those flaws might not show up sooner.

3.  Damaged Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Have you dropped your phone recently? Do you often throw it on the bed or sofa? Any of these might be the reason why there’s a black spot on the screen.

It doesn’t matter whether you can see a crack or not. The impact might have leaked the liquid out of your LCD even if the glass screen isn’t broken.

Aside from that, your other habits might also cause pressure on your iPhone. Some examples are when you use force to connect the wrong cables or use a tight case. Also if you squeeze your phone in your pocket or a small bag.

How to Fix Black Spot on Your iPhone Screen

Depending on the cause, a black spot on your screen can be fixed. So, check out these possible solutions:

1.       For Black Spots Caused by Dirt

If the black spot on your screen is due to dirt or dust, it’s recommended that you clean your iPhone with a lint-free cloth to avoid damage.

Make sure that your iPhone is turned off and all cables are unplugged. Then take a damp, lint-free – preferably a lens cloth, and use it to gently wipe your screen clean.

You can use water or an equal mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol to dampen the cloth. Don’t use paper towels and cleaning products, as they can wear off your phone’s protective coating.

2.       For Black Spots Caused by Dead Pixels

There’s no guarantee that you can fix a dead pixel on your own as it’s a manufacturing defect. However, there are methods you can try:

Method 1: Use Heat

Prepare some warm water, a lint-free cloth, and a plastic bag. First, you need to dip the cloth in warm water and then seal it in a plastic bag.

After that, use it to lightly massage the area where the black spot is. Be careful when doing this method as too much heat can damage your screen even more.

Method 2: Use Pressure

For this method, you will need a lint-free cloth and a pencil. First, wrap the cloth around the end where the pencil’s eraser is. Then use this wrapped end to apply pressure on the iPhone screen’s defective area. 

Gently push the black spot towards the edge of your screen and remember not to press too hard because it might cause further damage.

3.       For Black Spots Due to Damaged LCD

If the black spot appeared after you accidentally dropped your iPhone, it could be an indication that the LCD is damaged. 

Unfortunately, there’s no other way to fix it rather than to replace the LCD. So, you need to seek professional help in this case.

You should go to the nearest Apple Store. However, getting it fixed might cost you a lot of money, so check if your iPhone is still eligible for Apple’s warranty.

You’re lucky if your device still has an active warranty. Their technician will probably replace the LCD screen free of charge if the glass screen is still intact.

Read more: Blurry square on iPhone screen

Conclusion

It’s certainly inconvenient to use your phone when some parts of the screen are covered by dark dots. Yet, having a black spot on the iPhone screen isn’t unusual.

Knowing the possible causes will give you an idea of how to fix the issue. But always remember to be extra careful when trying to repair it on your own to avoid further damage to your device.

You may try to troubleshoot it, but when all else fails, just visit an Apple store near you. This problem is best checked by a professional technician.

Read more: Are iPhone hotspots secure?