Backlight Bleed Test | Check your Display for Backlight Bleeding

A step-by-step guide to test your monitor for backlight bleed and assess its impact. You can also discover exclusive offers on top-rated TVs if you are looking to buy a new TV.
Explore TVs on Easy EMIs
3 min
11-Sep-2025

A backlight bleed test helps you spot screen issues like uneven lighting. If you use a laptop, monitor, or TV, you may notice bright spots around the edges. Gamers, designers, and everyday users run this test to check display quality. It is useful for new purchases or old screens.

If you are thinking of buying a new TV, check your loan eligibility first. It helps you understand your budget and narrow down your options. Once you have a budget in mind, explore the latest models on Bajaj Mall. Simply visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in over 4,000 cities, choose the model you want, and convert your purchase into Easy EMIs of up to Rs. 5 lakh. With Easy EMIs and zero down payment on select models, bringing home the right TV is simple and stress-free.

Overview of backlight bleed test

A backlight bleed test checks whether light leaks from the edges of an LCD screen. This leak occurs because the backlight inside the panel is not fully blocked. Running this test helps you know if your screen shows deep blacks or distracting bright patches. It is common in many LCD displays, but not always a defect. Some users may not notice it during regular use, while others who watch movies or play games in the dark find it more visible.

Why spend more when you can save more? Use the Maha Bachat savings calculator to combine dealer offers, brand offers, and Bajaj offers to bring down your purchase cost. Calculate your extra savings today!

What is backlight bleed test

A backlight bleed test is a simple way to detect light leakage in an LCD screen. All LCD panels use a backlight to create brightness. When this light does not stay evenly behind the screen, it seeps through at the edges. The test involves displaying a dark or black image on your screen and looking for glowing areas around the corners or sides. These glowing patches are the “bleed”. While a little bleeding is normal in most LCDs, too much can affect your viewing experience. The test is especially helpful for those who want to ensure good display quality in gaming, movie watching, or graphic design.

How do you check for backlight bleeding

You can perform a screen bleeding test at home with these simple steps:

  • Display a solid black image on your screen in a dark room.

  • Sit in front of the screen and look closely at the corners and edges.

  • Check if you notice any bright or cloudy patches where the black background should look even.

  • Adjust the brightness of your screen to see if the glow changes.

  • Compare the bleed at different viewing angles to confirm it is not just reflection or glare.

  • Repeat the test with other solid colours (grey, white, or blue) to be sure.

Backlight bleed vs IPS glow

Many people confuse backlight bleed with IPS glow. Here is how they differ:

Feature

Backlight bleed

IPS glow

Cause

Light leaks from screen edges due to imperfect panel fit

Natural glow from IPS panel design

Appearance

Bright patches around corners and edges

A hazy glow that changes with viewing angle

When visible

Always visible in dark scenes

More noticeable when viewed from sides

Fix

Often requires panel replacement

Reduced by adjusting angle or brightness

 

Using a dark screen for testing

  • Display a black screen: To run a backlight bleed test, show a fully black screen. This helps you see any light leaks, especially at the edges and corners.

  • Adjust the brightness: Lower the screen brightness to the minimum setting. This makes backlight bleed easier to spot, especially in dark scenes.

  • Examine from different angles: Check your TV from various angles. Light bleed is often more visible when viewed from the side.

  • Test with dark content: Along with a black screen, try dark videos or images. This shows how light leakage may affect movies or games.

Solutions to minimise the bleed effect

  • Adjust brightness and contrast settings: Lower these settings to reduce light leakage and make backlight bleed less noticeable.

  • Enable local dimming: Some TVs and monitors have a local dimming feature. It darkens parts of the screen in shadowed areas and reduces visible bleed.

  • Use a dark screen or wallpaper: A dark background can mask bleed, while bright or white screens make it more obvious.

  • Physical adjustments: Applying gentle pressure on the screen edges, while powered off, may realign the display. This offers only temporary relief.

  • Consider screen calibration tools: Professional calibration tools can optimise screen settings and reduce the impact of backlight bleed.

When should the monitor be replaced due to backlight issues

Backlight bleed is common in LED TVs and monitors. While small amounts are often manageable, severe bleed can be distracting, especially in dark scenes. Simple fixes such as brightness adjustments or local dimming may help. If the issue remains and spoils your viewing, replacement may be the best choice.

When backlight bleed spreads across multiple areas or creates visible discolouration, it is more than a minor flaw. If settings or quick fixes do not work, it is time to consider a new display.

If your monitor is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer for a repair or replacement. If not, upgrading to a model with improved display technology, such as OLED or a premium LED, can greatly improve your viewing experience.

Identifying signs of backlight bleed

  • Bright spots in corners: The most common sign is light leakage in the corners or along the edges.

  • Uneven brightness: Look for patches of higher brightness compared to the rest of the screen.

  • Discolouration around edges: Irregular lighting or colour distortion often appears along the sides in dark scenes.

  • Inconsistent blacks: Check for uneven dark levels along the edges during black or shadowed scenes.

  • Visible halo effect: A halo around bright objects on a dark background, such as on a TCL TV, is another clear sign.

If you are planning to buy a new TV, Samsung LED TVs offer advanced image quality and a lower risk of backlight bleed. You can explore the latest models to find the right one for your needs.

Get electronics and appliances on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Upgrading your home with the latest electronics and appliances is now easier and more affordable with Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options and latest offers. You can also maximise your savings by using the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator—a smart tool that combines brand offers, dealer offers, and EMI offers, all in one place, helping you lower the overall cost while still paying in small, bite-sized instalments. Follow these steps to get started:

  • Explore products on Bajaj Mall: Browse a wide range of electronics and appliances from trusted brands. Compare features like energy ratings, storage capacity, performance settings, and design to choose the right product for your home.

  • Visit a partner store: Once you shortlist a model, step into any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. See the product in person, talk to experts, and make a confident decision.

  • Choose the Easy EMI Loan option: At checkout, select the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. Avail financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh and split the cost into convenient monthly instalments. Some products also come with a zero down payment option.

  • Check your loan eligibility online: Plan better by checking your loan eligibility in minutes. Simply enter your mobile number and OTP to know your pre-approved limit.

  • Use the EMI Network Card for purchases up to Rs. 3 lakh: Already own the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card? Use it for instant, paperless checkout and convert your purchases of up to Rs. 3 lakh into Easy EMIs.

TV by brand

Mi TV

Sony TV

LG TV

OnePlus TV

Samsung TV

Vu TV

TCL TV

Panasonic TV

Lloyd TV

Kodak TV

Realme TV

Philips TV

Haier TV

Intex TV

Hyundai TV

Bpl TV

Akai TV

Amstrad TV

Sansui TV

Elista TV

ITEL TV

 

TV by features

LED TV

Smart TV

Full HD TV

Android TV

OLED TV

QLED TV

HD TV

 

 

TV by size

32-inch TV

40-inch TV

75-inch TV

65-inch TV

43-inch TV

49-inch TV

50-inch TV

55-inch TV

 

TVs by brands

Sony TV

Mi TV

LG TV

Haier TV

OnePlus TV

Vu TV

TCL TV

Samsung TV

Panasonic TV

Philips TV

 

TVs by budget

TVs under Rs. 15,000

TVs under Rs. 20,000

TVs under Rs. 25,000

TVs under Rs. 30,000

TVs under Rs. 40,000

TVs under Rs. 50,000

Pro tip:

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi the smarter way – bring home appliances and gadgets at up to 60% off

Bajaj Finserv App for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.

  • Explore and apply for co-branded credit cards online.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements, and even get quick customer support—all on the app.
Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page. 

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy TVs on EMIs?

Yes, you can purchase TVs with Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI options.

If you are an existing user of the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card:

  • Explore a wide range of TVs on Bajaj Mall

  • Choose the preferred model and visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store to check it out in person

  • Use your EMI Network Card and avail of Easy EMIs for affordable monthly payments

  • Enjoy your new TV on Easy EMIs

If you do not have one, there is no need to worry. Check your eligibility for an Insta EMI Card and take the first step towards enjoying the affordability and convenience of Easy EMIs.

What is the easiest way to test backlight bleed?
The easiest way to test for backlight bleed is by displaying a completely black screen and inspecting the edges and corners of the monitor. Bright spots or light leakage indicate backlight bleed.

Does backlight bleed occur in all monitors?
Backlight bleed does not occur on all monitors, but it is more common on LED and LCD displays. OLED screens, for example, typically do not suffer from this issue due to their self-emitting pixels.

How do I know if the backlight bleed is bad enough to replace the monitor?
If the backlight bleed is extensive, noticeable during regular use, or affects your viewing experience significantly, it may be time to consider replacing the monitor. Minor bleeds can often be fixed with adjustments.

Can backlight bleed be reduced with calibration?
Backlight bleed cannot be entirely eliminated with calibration, but reducing the brightness, contrast or activating local dimming may minimise its visibility, improving the overall viewing experience.

Show More Show Less