You turned on your smartphone, and a strange circle suddenly appeared on the screen - white, black or translucent? It interferes with navigation, covers important interface elements, or is simply annoying with its presence. This problem occurs on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and other brands, regardless of version Android (from 10 to 14). In 80% of cases, the circle is removed using software methods, but sometimes intervention in the hardware is required.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons the appearance of the circle - from bugs in the firmware to damage to the matrix, and also give step-by-step guide for elimination. You will learn when you can handle it yourself, and in which cases you should contact a service center. We will pay special attention hidden Android settings that manufacturers do not advertise, but which often solve the problem without resetting the data.

1. Why a circle appeared on the Android screen: 5 main reasons

A circle on the screen rarely appears just like that - usually it is a consequence of a system failure, mechanical impact or application error. Here are the key reasons, ranked by frequency of occurrence:

  • 🔄 The touch layer is malfunctioning (touch panels). Most often it appears after the phone is dropped or gets wet. The circle can be a “dead zone” or, conversely, constantly act as a click.
  • 📱 A bug in the firmware or shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). For example, in Android 12 on some Xiaomi a circle appeared after an update due to a conflict with Google services.
  • 🎯 Activated "Touch Pointer" function (touch pointer). This option is intended for developers, but sometimes it is turned on accidentally through Settings → Accessibility.
  • 🦠 Virus software or malicious application. Some Trojans draw their own elements on top of the system interface, including circles or dots.
  • 🔧 Damage to the display cable or matrix. If the circle appears after repairing the screen or a strong impact, the problem is most likely a hardware one.

Before you begin troubleshooting, try reboot your device —in 30% of cases it helps. If the circle remains, read on.

⚠️ Attention: If the circle blinks or changes color when you tap the screen, this may indicate a problem. In this case, software methods will not help - the module needs to be replaced. damage to the touchscreen controller. In this case, software methods will not help - the module must be replaced.

2. Method 1: Disabling Touch Pointer

The most harmless reason is accidentally turned on touch pointer. This feature displays a dot on the screen where you touch it, which is useful for demonstrations or testing the sensor. To disable it:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility (on some firmware - Advanced functions).
  2. Find section Interaction and dexterity or Control.
  3. Disable the switch Show touches (or Pointer Location, Touch Visualization).

If such item no, check Settings → System → For developers. There may be an option Show clicks or Pointer debugging.

Are accessibility settings open?|Is there a "Show touches" option?|Are the settings for developers checked?|Is the phone rebooted after shutting down?-->

On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S22) this option is hidden. To activate it:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Software information.

2. Click on Build number 7 times - the notification “You have become a developer” will appear.


3. in Settings → System → For developers and disable Show clicks.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi s MIUI 14 the option can be called Display touch points and located in Settings → Advanced → Function Lab.

3. Method 2: Removing problematic applications

If the circle appears after installing a new application (especially from third-party sources), there is a high probability that it conflicts with the system. Here's how to find the culprit:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Sort the list by installation date (⋮ → Sort by: Latest).
  3. Remove suspicious apps (especially those with rights Overlay on top of other windows).

Typical "candidates" for removal:

  • 🎮 Launchers (for example, Nova Launcher, Action Launcher)
  • 🔍 Optimizers and "cleaners" (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster)
  • 📱 Applications for customizing the interface (Substratum, Xposed)
  • 🕵️‍♂️ apps with rights AccessibilityService (for example, automation devices like Tasker)

After deleting, reboot the phone. If the circle has disappeared, the problem is solved. If not, read further.

Never|Rarely (1-2 times a year)|Sometimes (once a month)|Often (weekly)-->

4. Method 3: Reset settings to factory settings

If the previous methods did not help, you will have to use “heavy artillery” — reset to factory settings. This will delete all data from the device, so first:

  • 📤 Make a backup via Settings → Google → Backup.
  • 🔐 Remember or take a photo of your account passwords.
  • 📱 Remove the memory card (if you have one).

Reset instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings.
  2. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
  3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or pattern).

After the reset, the phone will reboot If the circle was called. software failure, it will disappear. If not, there is a hardware problem.

What to do if after resetting the phone does not turn on?

If after resetting the device is stuck on the logo or does not respond, try:

Press Power + Volume up on. 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.

2. If that doesn’t help, enter recovery mode (Recovery Mode) and repeat the reset.

3. On Samsung to enter Recovery, use Power + Bixby + Volume Up.

5. Method 4: Checking for viruses and malware

Some viruses (for example, Trojans of the Android.Triada or Android.HiddenAdsfamily) can draw their elements on top of the system interface, including circles, dots or banners. To scan your device:

  1. Install an antivirus with a 2026 signature database (we recommend Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light).
  2. Run deep scanning (not fast!).
  3. Remove all detected threats and reboot the phone.

If the antivirus does not find anything, but suspicions remain, check application rights:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Special access.
  2. Open Overlay on top of other windows.
  3. Disable overlay rights for all suspicious apps.
Sign of infection What to do
The circle appears only in certain applications (for example, in the browser) Uninstall this application and install it again from the official source.
Advertising banners appear on the screen along with the circle This is adware - do scan and reset settings.
The circle blinks when connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network The virus may be downloading data from the server. Disconnect the Internet and check the traffic in Settings → Network and Internet → Data usage.

6. Method 5: Diagnosing hardware faults

If the circle does not disappear after all the software manipulations, the problem is most likely in hardwareHere's how to diagnose it:

  • 🔍 Checking the touchscreen: Run the sensor test through the engineering menu (code ##4636## or #0# for Samsung). If part of the screen does not respond to touch, the sensor is damaged.
  • 🔌 Checking the loop: If the circle appears after a fall or repair, the display cable may have come loose. In this case, the screen may periodically blink or display artifacts.
  • 🔄 Test with another display: The service center can connect a known working matrix - if the circle disappears, your screen is faulty.

Typical repair prices (2026):

  • Touchscreen replacement: from 2,500 to 8,000 ₽ (depending on the model).
  • Cable replacement: 1,500–3,000 ₽.
  • Diagnostics: 500–1,000 ₽ (often free for further repairs).
⚠️ Attention: If you decide to replace the screen yourself, keep in mind that on modern smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Xiaomi 14) the matrix is glued with touchscreen and battery. Incorrect dismantling can lead to complete loss of functionality of the device.

7. Method 6: Updating or flashing the system

Sometimes the circle appears due to bugs in the current firmware version. In this case, an update or a clean flashing will help. Here's how to do it:

Option 1: Over-the-air (OTA) update

  1. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. If an update is available, install it.

Option 2: Manual firmware via Recovery (for experienced users)

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer’s website (for example Xiaomi — miuidownload.com, Samsung — samfw.com).
  2. Move the firmware file (usually in the format .zip) to the root of the phone's memory.
  3. Boot into recovery mode (Power + Volume up).
  4. Select Apply update from ADB or Install from storage and specify the path to the file.

After flashing, all data will be erased, but the circle caused by a software failure will disappear.

💡

If after the update the circle remains, and there are complaints from other users on the Internet about the same problem - this massive firmware bug. In this case, all that remains is to wait for a patch from the manufacturer or roll back to the previous version of Android.

8. Method 7: Contacting the service center

If none of the methods helped, the only option left is contact the service center. Here's what you need to do before your visit:

  • 📋 Write down phone model and firmware version (Settings → About phone).
  • 🔄 Try to remember after what actions the circle appeared (falling, updating, installing an application).
  • 💰 Check the cost of diagnostics (in some services it is free).
  • 🔒 If the phone has important data, check whether they can be saved before repair.

Where to look for a reliable service:

  • 🏢 Official service centers manufacturer (warranty repairs, but more expensive).
  • 🔧 Independent workshops with good reviews (cheaper, but check licenses).
  • 🛠️ Services at large stores (for example, Svyaznoy or M.Video).

Average repair time:

  • Diagnostics: 15–30 minutes.
  • Replacement of the touchscreen: 1–3 hours.
  • Replacement of the cable/matrix: 2–5 hours (if the part is in stock).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the circle on the Android screen

The circle appeared after the phone fell. Is this really a hardware problem?

Most likely, yes. A fall could damage touchscreen, display cable or sensor controller. Try connecting the phone to the PC - if the circle is visible there too (for example, in debugging mode via scrcpy), the problem is definitely in the screen. If there is no circle on the PC, it may be a software failure caused by a shock (for example, damage to the file system).

There is not a circle on the screen, but a dot that does not disappear. What is this?

It can be:

  • Dead pixel — if the dot is the same color and does not move. It can only be treated by replacing the matrix.
  • Pressure artifact —if a dot appears after pressing the screen (for example, in a pocket). It will go away on its own in a few days.
  • Moisture ingress - if the dot blinks or changes color. You need to dry the phone (not with a hairdryer!).

Is it possible to remove the circle without resetting the data?

Yes, in most cases. Try:

  1. Disable the touch pointer (section 2).
  2. Delete recently installed applications (section 3).
  3. Update the firmware (section 7).

Resetting the data is only needed if the circle is caused by a deep system failure or a virus that is not removed by the antivirus.

The circle appears only in games or certain applications. What's the matter?

This is a typical sign of an application conflict with:

  • Android version (for example, the game is not optimized for Android 14).
  • Manufacturer firmware (for example, MIUI blocks some functions in games).
  • Overlaying others apps (for example, Game Launcher from Samsung can draw its own elements).

Solution:

  1. Update the problematic application.
  2. Disable the overlay of other windows for it (Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Special access).
  3. Try to disable the game mode in the phone settings.

After replacing the screen, a circle appeared in the service. What should I do?

This is one of the most common problems after repair. Reasons:

  • 🔧 Poorly glued touchscreen —air or dust got between the layers.
  • 🔌 Damaged cable —it could have been bent or connected incorrectly.
  • 📱 Non-original matrix —cheap Chinese screen modules often have defects.

Actions:

  1. Return to the service center and request warranty repairs (by law they are required to fix the defect free of charge).
  2. If they refuse, write a claim demanding a refund (a sample can be found on the Rospotrebnadzor website).
  3. Contact another service for diagnostics (take the receipt with you).