A "black thing" on your phone screen is most commonly a dead pixel or a stuck pixel, which are tiny points on the display that aren't functioning correctly. These display anomalies can appear as small, persistent black or colored spots.
Understanding Black Spots on Your Phone Screen
Your phone screen is composed of millions of tiny pixels, each made up of red, green, and blue sub-pixels. When one or more of these sub-pixels malfunctions, it can result in a visible spot on your display.
Dead Pixels vs. Stuck Pixels
While both dead and stuck pixels are common causes of black spots, they behave differently:
| Feature | Stuck Pixel | Dead Pixel |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Appears as a colored dot (most commonly red, green, or blue), but can also be black. It's "stuck" in an 'on' position for a single color. | Appears as a permanent black spot. It's completely "off" and unresponsive. |
| State | Constantly illuminated in one color (or off, if stuck black). | Permanently unlit, showing black regardless of what's on screen. |
| Cause | Usually caused by a malfunction in the screen's pixel grid. | Similar to stuck pixels, caused by a malfunction in the pixel grid. |
| Fixability | Sometimes temporary and may be fixable with various methods. | Generally permanent; often requires professional screen replacement. |
Why Do These Black Spots Appear?
The primary reason for the appearance of stuck or dead pixels is a malfunction in the screen's pixel grid. This can happen due to various factors:
- Manufacturing Defects: Pixels can sometimes be faulty from the factory.
- Physical Damage: Even minor impacts or pressure can damage individual pixels or the underlying circuitry.
- Aging: Over time, components can degrade, leading to pixel failures.
- Software Glitches: Less commonly, a software issue might cause a pixel to appear unresponsive, though this is usually temporary.
What to Do About a Black Spot?
If you discover a black spot on your phone screen, here are some common approaches to consider:
- Identify the Type: Determine if it's a stuck pixel (which might flicker or show color, or be black) or a truly dead pixel (permanently black).
- For Stuck Pixels (Potentially Fixable):
- Gentle Pressure: With the phone off, place a microfiber cloth over the affected area and apply very light pressure with a stylus or your fingertip. While applying pressure, turn the phone on. Release pressure after the phone boots up. Be extremely cautious not to apply too much force, which could cause further damage.
- Pixel-Fixing Apps or Videos: There are apps and online videos that rapidly cycle through colors. Playing these on your screen for an extended period might stimulate a stuck pixel to revert to normal.
- For Dead Pixels (Usually Permanent):
- Dead pixels are often irreversible without replacing the screen.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the black spot is persistent, grows in size, or if you suspect it's a dead pixel, it's best to contact your phone's manufacturer or a certified repair service. They can accurately diagnose the issue and advise on repair or replacement options. Attempting complex repairs yourself can void warranties or cause further damage.
