Symptoms
- Hazy or oily-looking patch that doesn't wipe away
- Appears to be beneath the surface, not on top
- May look worse under certain lighting
- Rest of the screen looks and works normally
Likely causes
- CommonOleophobic (anti-fingerprint) coating wearing away unevenlyThis coating degrades with heavy use and cleaning over time, sometimes leaving a hazy look.
- PossibleMoisture trapped between the glass and display during a screen replacement or from water exposureIf layers aren't perfectly sealed, thin films of moisture can appear as an oily patch.
- PossibleAdhesive residue from a removed screen protectorOld adhesive can leave a hazy film that looks like it's under the glass.
What to do
- Confirm the residue is actually on the surface by trying to wipe it with a slightly damp microfiber cloth first.
- If it's on the surface, clean gently with a lens-safe cleaning solution and a soft cloth.
- If it truly appears to be under the glass, avoid trying to open the phone yourself.
- Note if this appeared after a repair, drop, or water exposure, which helps a technician pinpoint the cause.
- Get it looked at professionally if it doesn't wipe away and seems to be beneath the surface.
Tools and parts
- Microfiber cloth
- Lens-safe cleaning solution
When to call a pro
See a repair shop if the haze doesn't wipe off the surface and truly appears trapped beneath the glass.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.