Youโre all set for a movie night.
Your popcornโs ready, you press the play button, and there it is โ an annoyingly bright light glaring out from the corners of your monitor.
This is what we call backlight bleed.
But what causes it, and can we fix it? Donโt worry; we have all your questions covered right here.

What is Backlight Bleed?
Backlight bleed is an issue that can occur with LED monitors.
Youโll know your monitor has this problem when you notice patches of light coming out from the corners or along the edges of the screen, particularly when viewing dark scenes.
Imagine your monitor is like a window with a light behind it.
However, if some light still peeps through the corners or sides, we call it backlight bleed.
Causes of Backlight Bleed
Backlight bleed happens because of the way LCD monitors are built.
They work by shining a light (the โbacklightโ) through lots of tiny, coloured crystals to create an image.
Sometimes, the monitorโs design or assembly doesnโt completely block out the backlight around the edges. This can be due to:
- Poor Construction: Light may sneak out around the edges of the frame that holds everything together and is not well-made or assembled.
- Pressure on the Screen: Too much stress is sometimes applied to the screen during assembly, which can cause light leakage.
- Uneven Backlight Distribution: If the backlight isnโt evenly spread, it may result in hotspots or areas with more light leakage.
Ways to Fix Backlight Bleed
Backlight bleed can be annoying, especially when trying to enjoy a movie or a game with dark scenes.
Hereโs what you can do to fix it:
1. Reduce Monitor Brightness
One of the simplest ways to reduce backlight bleed is to lower the brightness of your monitor.
This may not completely solve the issue but can make it less noticeable.
2. Pressure Adjustment
Remember how pressure on the screen can cause backlight bleed?
Sometimes, loosening the monitorโs bezel (the plastic frame around the screen) can help.
Note: However, this requires care, and itโs not recommended unless you know what youโre doing.
Screen Uniformity Function
Some monitors have a built-in function called screen uniformity or uniformity compensation.
This feature can help balance the backlight across the screen, reducing the bleed effect.
Return or Replace
If your monitorโs backlight bleed most of the time and youโve just bought it, the best solution might be to return it and get a replacement.
Always check the manufacturerโs return policy before purchasing.
FAQ Section
Ques 1: Is backlight bleed normal?
Ans: Small backlight bleed, especially on IPS and LCD monitors, can be normal.
However, if itโs so much that itโs distracting, you might have a defective monitor.
Ques 2: Does the backlight bleed get worse over time?
Ans: Typically, no. Backlight bleed is a manufacturing issue and usually doesnโt change over time.
Ques 3: Can the backlight bleed be fixed?
Ans: While minor backlight bleed can be managed with techniques like reducing brightness, serious backlight bleed often canโt be completely fixed by users.
Ques 4: Is backlight bleed covered under warranty?
Ans: It depends on the manufacturerโs policy. Some consider excessive backlight bleed a defect and cover it under warranty, while others may not.
Conclusion
Backlight bleed can be a spoiler when enjoying your favourite movies or games.
But now, youโre armed with the knowledge of what it is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.
Remember, itโs best to consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer for advice when in doubt.