Symptoms
- Dark or discolored blotchy patch on the screen
- Appeared right after sitting on the phone or a tight squeeze
- Patch may look like a bruise or rainbow sheen
- Rest of the screen displays normally
Likely causes
- CommonPressure applied to the LCD panelBending force can separate layers inside the display and cause blotchy dark patches, especially on LCD screens.
- CommonImpact bruising the panel without cracking the glassA hard press can damage the panel underneath intact glass.
What to do
- Stop applying any further pressure to the area.
- Restart the phone to rule out a rendering glitch, though pressure marks are almost always physical.
- Take a photo of the mark to track if it spreads over the next few days.
- Back up your data soon in case the display continues to degrade.
- Avoid keeping the phone in a back pocket or tight bag where it can be sat on or squeezed.
Tools and parts
Replacement display panelSearch: “screen replacement for [your phone model]”
When to call a pro
See a repair shop for a screen replacement; pressure damage to the panel doesn't heal or fix itself.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.