Do I need to know the cause before using a symptom guide?

No. Start with what you can clearly see or feel on the screen. Once the pattern is clearer, pressure, water, heat, or service context may become easier to judge.

Is a black spot always a dead pixel?

Usually no. A larger bruise, blob, or spreading dark area usually means something broader inside the display, not a single dead pixel.

Should I run tests before opening a symptom guide?

Only if the screen is dry, stable, and controllable. If touch is erratic, the panel is wet, or bruising is spreading, back up what matters or document the damage first.

When should I stop comparing symptoms?

Stop once one guide clearly matches and the practical next step is obvious: back up, capture evidence, read the relevant cause guidance, or arrange service.

Can software fix ghost touch after physical damage?

Usually no. Ghost touch and dead zones after impact, pressure, or liquid exposure often point toward hardware damage. Treat unstable touch as a reason to protect data and control first.

What if two symptom patterns seem to fit?

Start with the pattern that affects control or readability the most. If a dark blotch and lines appear together, choose the guide for the dominant or fastest-changing symptom.

Damage symptoms

Screen Damage Symptoms: Match the Visible Pattern

Black spots, pressure lines, ghost touch, and dead touch areas often need different next steps. Match what you can see or control before guessing at the cause.

Start with what you can see
Plain-English symptom checks
Practical next steps when the cause is unclear

Maintained byJacob Dymond

Content updated July 26, 2026

If you only know what the screen looks like

Start with the visible pattern: dark spots, lines, ghost touch, dead zones, flicker, or discoloration. The cause can come later.

Dark spots or black patchesA localized dark patch, black area, or spreading spot appears under the display.Dark spots guide Lines after pressureVertical or horizontal lines appeared after a squeeze, twist, closed lid, or pressure in a bag.Screen lines guide Ghost touch after damageThe display still lights up, but touch starts firing on its own or becomes hard to control.Ghost touch guide Touch dead zonesOne strip or block of the display no longer responds while the rest still works.Dead zones guide

FAQ

Quick answers for choosing the closest symptom and knowing when to stop testing.