512GB Model Bubbles Under Screen

[guitarsareboring]

I've had my Steam Deck for 10 days and I've just spotted a number of 1-2cm bubbles under the screen. I can only see them if I hold it at an angle and isn't very noticable in-game, certainly less so than the blotches on the OLED Vita when playing in a darkened room. At first I thought there might be a thin layer of plastic to peel off, but there isn't.

No idea it they were there from day one, or if they've just appeared, but it's a bit annoying. There are various posts around the Internet citing the same problem.

I'm trying to work out if I should request a replacement, which may turn out to be the same, or just put up with it unless it gets worse.

[Korky]

I have read about the issues on Reddit and some of the fixes to try. I have a 512GB SD for about the same length of time as you but no issues so far - fingers crossed! I would RMA Steam in the first instance to see if they can suggest any solutions then at least you’ve flagged the issue up with them.

[guitarsareboring]

Originally posted by Korky:

I have read about the issues on Reddit and some of the fixes to try. I have a 512GB SD for about the same length of time as you but no issues so far - fingers crossed! I would RMA Steam in the first instance to see if they can suggest any solutions then at least you’ve flagged the issue up with them.

Seems like good advice, thank you, I'll do just that.

[class101 [OLED deck]]

It's probably the most reported issue actually for the Deck, I found once a excellent reddit Thread with possible explanations of the cause and how to properly remedy but I can't find it now :(

If I rememeber the assumptions was about the bubbles are generated by a hot temperature. With the summer now ending, it seems there are less reports than before, it is probably an indication that the temperature has something to do with

https://www.google.com/search?q=steam+deck+screen+bubbles

[guitarsareboring]

Originally posted by class101 deck:

It's probably the most reported issue actually for the Deck, I found once a excellent reddit Thread with possible explanations of the cause and how to properly remedy but I can't find it now :(

If I rememeber the assumptions was about the bubbles are generated by a hot temperature. With the summer now ending, it seems there are less reports than before, it is probably an indication that the temperature has something to do with

https://www.google.com/search?q=steam+deck+screen+bubbles

Temperature makes sense.

I've seen mentions of using UV light or sunlight (not likely in November in the UK, right 😂) but that doesn't seem very practical to me. Hopefully Valve get back to me with a straightforward suggestion but I feel my only options will be replacement or acceptance!

[guitarsareboring]

Got a very fast reply from Valve, thought people may be interested

"Hello,

We are aware of an issue similar to what you're describing and are actively working on addressing it, but here is what we have learned about that issue so far:

The issue is caused by a residue on the surface of the display cover glass. This occurs during the manufacturing process and is not permanent.

The residue can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol (at or greater than 70% solution) or distilled white vinegar (at 5% acidity), though the marks may come back over time with touchscreen use if they are not cleaned sufficiently.

We are working on a more permanent cleaning solution involving our repair centers, but don't have additional information about that yet.

If you would like to attempt cleaning the display yourself and avoid the RMA process, we would recommend starting with the steps below. Before you start, please be sure that you have removed any screen protector in use and verified that the issue is actually directly related to the Steam Deck display.

Dampen a non-abrasive cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% or above). Use it to ensure all areas of the display cover glass are wiped with a solid, firm pressure.

When wiping the display, the display should be dampened with cleaning solution. Cleaning solution should not run off the display cover glass into the gaps of the product, but a few drops is nothing to worry about.

Let the alcohol evaporate naturally.

After cleaning, review if the residue spots are still present.
If isopropyl alcohol does not clean the spots, you may have better success with distilled white vinegar while using the same general process. In this case, you will want to rub the display dry after cleaning as the vinegar won't evaporate as quickly.

If you do attempt this cleaning method, we would be interested to hear your observations. If you're unsuccessful or aren't interested in trying this option, please let us know and we can look at arranging an RMA for you instead."

[class101 [OLED deck]]

Thanks a lot for sharing, I forwarded this to reddit, many are looking for such information

[guitarsareboring]

Originally posted by class101 deck:

Thanks a lot for sharing, I forwarded this to reddit, many are looking for such information

No problem!

These bubbles definitely look to be under the screen, not sure how rubbing with isopropyl will help but hopefully it does for people. I'm thinking I'll ask for a replacement, and hope the next unit isn't the same or worse.

[LateNightCoder]

Thanks for posting this, I just noticed these after installing my dbrand Kill-Switch case and thought I damaged something with the amount of force to get it in the case, glad to know that isnt what happened. Mine are pretty big, but I can’t see them when the screen is on so *shrug*

[LateNightCoder]

So I used this instead of Isopropyl Alcohol, and my “bubbles” are completely gone! Hope this helps someone else! https://a.co/d/4czRAFO

[moneyloo]

Originally posted by RuthlessHarbinger:

So I used this instead of Isopropyl Alcohol, and my “bubbles” are completely gone! Hope this helps someone else! https://a.co/d/4czRAFO

I was going to call B.S. because this seemed way too good to be true, but I happened to have a bottle of a different alcohol-free brand of cleaner called iKlear, so I went ahead and gave it a try feeling like I had nothing to lose….and whaddya know…it effin cleaned two huge bubbles up from my SteamDeck LCD screen!!!

Thanks so much for this simple solution Ruthless! No idea how it worked since they seemed to be under the screen, but it friggin did.