Orange Spots On MacBook Screens: Possible Causes & Solutions
Technical problems are an ongoing struggle with all forms of technology, and Apple’s MacBook laptops are certainly no exception. Whether you’re using one of the pre-Silicon Intel models or aMacBook Air M3, problems can (and almost inevitably will) pop up in one form or another.
One such recurring issue is what users refer to as “orange spots”: Discolored cloudy patches that give the display an inconsistent orangey tint. Something that may not be as noticeable when viewing certain web pages, media, or games but will definitely stand out on the kinds of bright white backgrounds that are fairly commonplace in a lot of Mac apps.
While these orange blotches may not cause damage to the MacBook’s screen themselves, they are usually an indicator of screen damage (or at least stress) of one kind or another. Persistent screen discoloration like this is most likely the result of damage that will need to be repaired, however there is a chance that the spots aren’t permanent. So it’s a good idea to see if you can fix the problem on your own before attempting a costly screen repair or full-on laptop replacement.
Why for all the orange?
Appleprovides multiple explanations for possible display problems, with the closest sort-of-match being what the company is calling “pixel anomalies,” however it doesn’t seem to have directly addressed orange spots, specifically. That being said, MacBook users have managed to come to a consensus over the years.
The most likely culprits (outside of an outright defective screen, which will likely require getting it repaired or outright replacing it) are either heat or pressure. Many users mention experiencing these orange spots after the laptop has been working particularly hard. Others, after it’s been transported from one location to another — usually via a back or backpack.
Keeping the MacBook stored or operating in an environment that’s too warm (Apple recommends nothing below 50-degrees or above 95-degrees Fahrenheit) can strain, weaken, or damage sections of the display. Similarly, applying too much force to the screen can have a similar effect. It’s most likely why people sometimes encounter these orange blobby spots after carrying their MacBook around in a bag or backpack all day — the other items that are in there with it were probably pressing into the back of the screen, creating pressure points.
Potential fixes
If you’ve started to notice this orange discoloration on your MacBook’s display, there are a few potential fixes you can try before bringing it in for a repair or buying a new laptop.
One thing you should definitely not do is press and rub your fingers against the screen in an attempt to “squish” the discoloration away – this risks permanent screen damage.
Preventative measures
As with most technological troubleshooting, the best way to deal with these orange spots is to keep your MacBook out of the kinds of situations that might cause them.
Taking steps to prevent these orange spots doesn’t guarantee a permanently blob-free display, because mistakes can happen, someone who doesn’t know any better may borrow your MacBook, or the display is simply starting to wear down. In any case, if the orange spots appear even after taking precautions, you can try the steps in the previous section to remedy them.
