topic Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal? in Galaxy S26

Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ThatGuyNate — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:10:32 GMT

Is anyone else noticing faint “phantom” shapes on their S26 Ultra screen?

I’m seeing a rectangular box near the top (just under the front camera) and a trapezoid-like shape near the bottom. I can only see them when the screen is black and light hits it at certain angles.

I do have a Zagg screen protector installed, but it seems odd since I don’t see these shapes all the time.

Just trying to figure out if this is normal or if anyone else is seeing the same thing.

Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

catloverplayer — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:23:41 GMT

Its either air bubbles under the screen protector or a hardware issue with the phone.

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ThatGuyNate — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:49:04 GMT

It doesn't look like air bubbles. I'll have to reach out to Samsung. I'm trying to see if anyone else has the same issue.

Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

Mujibar — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:10:00 GMT

Nothing like that on mine.

Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

SamsungMod — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:45:31 GMT

Hi there ThatGuyNate!

Thanks for reaching out. Do the shapes show on your S26 Ultra while in Safe Mode? This is a diagnostic tool that temporarily disables all third-party apps, allowing you to check if a downloaded app is causing the shapes to appear on your screen.

Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the Side button (Power) and Volume Down button simultaneously.
2. When the "Power off" option appears on the screen, release the buttons.
3. Touch and hold Power off until the Safe mode icon appears.
4. Tap Safe mode to confirm.
5. The device will restart, and "Safe mode" will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

How to Exit Safe Mode:
Simply restart your phone using the normal power menu.

Let me know if this helps! 🙂

Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

immie1 — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:04:08 GMT

Am sorry that happened

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ThatGuyNate — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:21:03 GMT

Haven't had a chance to try this yet. Will try this evening and see what happens. Thank you

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ThatGuyNate — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:29:25 GMT

Really hard to get photos of it but this is what I'm see. Hope it's visible

Re: Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

Mujibar — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:36:53 GMT

I can see what you're talking about. Almost looks like burn-in. Are you sure it's not a defect in the screen protector? That would be a lot better than the alternative.

If it is a defect in the screen itself, I would return it. See if you can get it exchanged. You should still be within the return period for the phone, no?

Re: Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

Robin621k — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:05:00 GMT

You might need to remove the screen protector, and find out if it is one or the other hoping it is the screen protector, because Samsung customer service frankly is less than stellar.

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ChaosGoblin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:11:21 GMT

I just noticed the same thing on my phone today. I also have a Zagg screen protector on, so please let me know if taking it off fixes it!

Re: Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

Mujibar — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:32:43 GMT

If you have the same shapes and are using the same screen protector, wouldn't that suggest it might be the screen protector? Why not remove it and confirm?

Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ChaosGoblin — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:08:08 GMT

Did you ever figure out if it was the screen protector?

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

Mujibar — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:45:38 GMT

You have the same issue, right? Did you remove your screen protector to check?

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ThatGuyNate — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:09:13 GMT

I reached out to Samsung. They told me it was a part of the privacy screen feature but advised I take it and have it looked at just in case.

Definitely NOT my screen protector.

Re: Re: Weird Shapes Showing on my S26 Ultra Screen… Normal?

ChaosGoblin — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:15:32 GMT

Thanks for the reply! Glad it is normalish. If you do take it in and find out otherwise, would you be willing to put an update on here? Thanks again.