Backlight Bleed: What It Is, How to Test, and Is It a Fault?

Which one do you have?

IPS glow

A whitish glow in the corners that changes or disappears when you move your head to look straight at that part of the screen. See fixes

Backlight bleed

Lighter or yellowish patches along the edges or corners that stay the same from any angle. See fixes

Fixes to try (easiest first)

1. Check it the right way

   Show a black screen in a dimly lit room and look straight at each corner. Glow that disappears when you look straight at it is IPS glow. Light that stays from any angle is backlight bleed. [1]

2. Turn the brightness down

   Lower brightness makes the leaking light less visible. [2]

3. Use more light in the room

   Bleed is most visible in a dark room. A brighter room makes it much harder to notice. [2]

4. Use lighter backgrounds and themes

   Bleed only really shows on dark content, so light themes and backgrounds hide it. [2]

Is it worth fixing?

Usually not worth repairing. Lenovo says this kind of bleed on IPS laptop screens is within specification and doesn't need a part replaced, and Intel says it can't be eliminated completely. If it's severe on a new screen, ask the seller or manufacturer before the return window closes.

Repair or replace? Try the calculator · Not sure this is your problem? Take the quiz

Common questions

Is backlight bleed normal?

Some is. Intel says it isn't technically possible to remove bleeding completely on IPS screens, and Lenovo treats it as within specification on its IPS laptops.

What's the difference between backlight bleed and IPS glow?

IPS glow changes with your viewing angle and fades when you look straight at it. Backlight bleed is visible from any angle.