Out of nowhere, a yellow spot appears on your laptop screen. Before you can tell what’s happening, you notice it doesn’t move or fade, no matter what’s on the display. It might be faint or glaring, small or wide, but it’s always there. You’re left wondering, “Why is there a yellow spot on my laptop screen?”
Don’t worry. Helping you take care of your favorite tech is what we do at Asurion. We’ve got the tech know-how to tackle every issue. Whether you need to fix a broken laptop screen, clean your laptop screen, or learn how to fix a yellow spot on a laptop screen, we’ve got you covered.
Common causes of yellow spots on screens
Several issues could be causing yellow spots on your laptop screen, such as:
- Pressure damage from the keyboard, lid, or mishandling. Closing the lid too tightly can press the screen against the keyboard, distorting the LCD layers and creating a yellow spot. Pressure damage can also happen if you drop your laptop or squeeze it into a bag.
- Adhesive burn-in from the screen’s internal components. Some laptops use adhesives to hold LCD layers together. Over time, heat can cause these adhesives to discolor and create a yellow patch.
- Heat exposure from the processor, battery, or external sources. Sometimes, heat from internal or environmental sources can discolor display materials, causing yellow spots on the laptop screen.
- Aging or defective LCD panel layers. As your laptop ages, LCD layers can deteriorate or fail because of defects, leading to yellow blotches that may worsen over time.
How to confirm the issue
You can figure out what’s behind the yellow spot on your laptop screen by trying the following:
- Open a solid white or light background. This can help you spot discoloration more easily.
- Check if the yellow spot changes size and location when you move the laptop. Movement could indicate temporary pressure or display cable issues. A fixed spot likely means permanent LCD damage.
- Take a screenshot and view it on another device. If the spot isn’t visible in the image, it’s likely a hardware problem.
When is screen repair or replacement necessary?
Some yellow spots are just cosmetic, but others require professional intervention. Here’s how to tell the difference.
- Spot is growing, spreading, or affecting visibility. A growing spot or one that obscures texts and images signals progressing damage and the need for repair.
- Discoloration persists across all apps and lighting. If the spot remains visible regardless of what’s on the screen or how you adjust brightness, it might be a hardware issue that won’t go away on its own.
- Display performance is impacted. A yellow spot accompanied by other display issues often signifies severe damage.
Your laptop requires repair or replacement if:
- The screen doesn’t respond when you touch or click.
- Moving images leave faint trails behind.
- A faint outline of a previous image stays on the screen even after it changes.
- Part of the screen flickers or goes dark unexpectedly.
Is it covered by warranty or protection plans?
Before you spend money on a screen repair or replacement, check whether your warranty or home tech protection plan can cover the cost. Review your manufacturer's standard warranty that came with the laptop to see if screen discoloration is included. Coverage varies by brand and model.
Cosmetic damage may not be covered unless it affects function. Most standard warranties exclude purely cosmetic issues, but if the yellow spot interferes with visibility or performance, you may still qualify for a repair or replacement.
If you purchased an extended plan, such as AppleCare or Geek Squad Protection, review the terms. These plans often provide broader coverage than the manufacturer’s warranty.
Be sure to document the issue and contact support for a repair assessment. Take clear photos and videos of the yellow spot, then contact your warranty provider or protection plan support team to confirm coverage and arrange service.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, seek Asurion’s expert tech help to diagnose the problem and get your laptop back to working order.
FAQ
Will the spot spread or get worse over time?
It depends on the root cause. If it's due to heat, pressure, or physical damage, the affected area can slowly expand if you don’t fix the cause of the problem.
Is a yellow spot a sign of permanent screen damage?
Not always. Spots caused by heat or pressure can go away once the laptop cools down or the pressure is relieved. However, if the spots don’t change, it could be permanent damage to the LCD layer.
Can overheating or pressure create discoloration on displays?
Yes, excess heat can damage display materials, and pressure can distort the LCD layers, causing yellowish spots.
