Help Odd spot on my screen that won't come off?

CheeseJam · Jan 20, 2012

Hi,

On the surface of my screen, there is this odd spot (kind of in the shape of a "u") on the top of my screen (or so it seems). Similar to a fingerprint, it is hard to see with the screen on, but I can still sometimes kind of see it. I can't figure out what it is or how to get it off. I have tried water and soap, but that didn't do anything. Should I try alcohol or something? I really hope it is indeed something on the surface of the screen, not underneath.

Has anyone had a similar problem before? If so, how did you clean it? It's hard to describe, but I tried my best! Thanks!

AndroidKris · Jan 20, 2012

I have a similar issue. Only mine is in a straight line down the center of my screen. In this streak, it seems like no grease will stick to it or anything. I even got a bit brave and put a little water on it, just to see it bead up and roll of the streak on the screen and stick to the other parts. Any ideas?

CheeseJam · Jan 20, 2012

AndroidKris said:
I have a similar issue. Only mine is in a straight line down the center of my screen. In this streak, it seems like no grease will stick to it or anything. I even got a bit brave and put a little water on it, just to see it bead up and roll of the streak on the screen and stick to the other parts. Any ideas?

Yeah, this was a better description of mine as well (other than the shape). When I clean my screen perfectly, I can't see it. But once the oil from my fingers get on it, then it becomes visible.

As another note, I put my phone in a case thing while running that has a clear rubberish window for the screen. Could some chemical have bled off of that?

CheeseJam · Jan 22, 2012

Anyone have any advice?!

Mr. Poppalopolis · Jan 22, 2012

The glass has an oleophobic coating right? Maybe it's a place where there is either a lack or an excess of said coating.

CheeseJam · Jan 22, 2012

Mr. Poppalopolis said:
The glass has an oleophobic coating right? Maybe it's a place where there is either a lack or an excess of said coating.

A lack of coating is definitely possible, but I can't feel or see any thickness change. My phone did not come like this too by the way, it just happened recently.

stenzor · Jan 22, 2012

I'm fairly certain it's the oleophobic coating.. I had a similar issue on my iPhone 4 when I had one. It was in the form of a circular blob but with the same characteristics you are all describing.

CheeseJam · Jan 22, 2012

stenzor said:
I'm fairly certain it's the oleophobic coating.. I had a similar issue on my iPhone 4 when I had one. It was in the form of a circular blob but with the same characteristics you are all describing.

Is there anything I can do about it?

stenzor · Jan 22, 2012

I'm not sure.. You could look into products that will put a coating on your phone (not sure if they exist or not).. Or you may be able to get it exchanged if it's fairly new.. I'm not sure if Samsung covers that under their warranty or if it's considered normal wear and tear. Putting on a screen protector may also mask it. Those are just some ideas though because when I had that problem with my iPhone I sent it in and got replacement. Apple support is great, I haven't had any experience with Samsung support yet.

mttfrog13 · Jan 23, 2012

I think I know what you guys are talking about. I had that problem pretty bad with my old moto atrix 4g that I bought used and already had the issue. Tell me if this description matches the problem you're having. Basically when the phone is dirty, they appear to be just smudges or finger prints. But they actually won't wipe away. Then when you clean the screen, they nearly completely disappear, but when the screen starts to get dirty again they start to become visible again. Also, no amount of cleaning, wiping, or alcohol helped it.

There was a thread about this on another forum and I read that it could be caused by the screen coming into contact with another substance, maybe even another plastic like bubble wrap, for an extended period of time and there's basically some type of chemical reaction between the two and it will damage the coating on the screen. I don't think there is anything that can be done about it. Maybe putting a screen protector on it will at least help to hide it so that it isn't distracting/annoying. After having this problem with my atrix, besides scratches, this is half the reason I decided to put a screen protector on my gnex.

Do you know if the screen was like that when you purchased it, or did it arise at a later date?

CheeseJam · Jan 23, 2012

mttfrog13 said:
I think I know what you guys are talking about. I had that problem pretty bad with my old moto atrix 4g that I bought used and already had the issue. Tell me if this description matches the problem you're having. Basically when the phone is dirty, they appear to be just smudges or finger prints. But they actually won't wipe away. Then when you clean the screen, they nearly completely disappear, but when the screen starts to get dirty again they start to become visible again. Also, no amount of cleaning, wiping, or alcohol helped it.

There was a thread about this on another forum and I read that it could be caused by the screen coming into contact with another substance, maybe even another plastic like bubble wrap, for an extended period of time and there's basically some type of chemical reaction between the two and it will damage the coating on the screen. I don't think there is anything that can be done about it. Maybe putting a screen protector on it will at least help to hide it so that it isn't distracting/annoying. After having this problem with my atrix, besides scratches, this is half the reason I decided to put a screen protector on my gnex.

Do you know if the screen was like that when you purchased it, or did it arise at a later date?

That description matches my problem perfectly. It was not like this when I bought it. I have been using an armband to hold my phone that has a clear rubber side that is in contact with the screen. I wonder if this caused the problem? It's honestly not a huge deal, but my OCD doesn't like it haha. Could you link me to that thread by any chance?

Help Odd spot on my screen that won't come off?

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