Why does my Pixel 7P screen get black on a light background and get really dim otherwise?

I’ve been experiencing a frustrating issue with my Pixel 7P where the screen gets black whenever I’m on a light background, and it becomes really dim at other times. This problem has been persistent and is making it difficult for me to use my device effectively. For example, when I’m browsing a website or reading a document with a white background, the screen just turns black, making it impossible for me to continue. On darker backgrounds, the screen doesn’t turn black but instead becomes incredibly dim, which strains my eyes and affects visibility. This issue has made basic tasks like texting and checking emails a challenge. I’ve already checked my brightness settings and haven’t found any improvements. It’s becoming increasingly inconvenient, and I’m hoping to understand what’s causing this problem with my Pixel 7P screen.
5 Answers

I believe the problem you’re seeing might be linked to a malfunction in the screen hardware itself. This can cause the display to behave erratically under certain conditions. Here are steps I took to address similar issues:
- Screen Test App: Download a screen testing app from the Play Store. These apps can help detect dead pixels or anomalies.
- Check for Latest Updates: Sometimes, these issues are caused by older software versions. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘System update’ to make sure you’re running the latest software.
- Consult a Technician: If the software update doesn’t resolve the issue, visiting an authorized service center could be necessary for a more detailed inspection of the hardware.
Different perspectives and experiences can offer valuable insights into quirky issues like this. It never hurts to try multiple routes to see what works best for you.

It sounds like your Pixel 7P might have a malfunctioning ambient light sensor. This sensor adjusts the screen brightness based on the surrounding light conditions. If it’s faulty, the screen might react poorly to light backgrounds. You can try:
- Calibrate the Sensor: Restart your phone and place it under different lighting conditions to see if the sensor responds correctly.
- Update Software: Ensure your device has the latest software updates, as these often fix such bugs.
- Factory Reset: If nothing works, consider a factory reset as a last resort, keeping in mind this will erase all data.
It’s always good to check with customer support for more in-depth help.

I’ve gone through the same trouble with my Pixel 7P. One way to identify if this is a software glitch or a hardware malfunction is by booting your device in safe mode. This disables third-party apps temporarily. Here’s what to do:
- Power Off: Hold down the power button until the power-off option appears on the screen.
- Reboot in Safe Mode: Long press on ‘Power Off’ until the ‘Reboot to safe mode’ option appears, then tap ‘OK’.
- Observe the Screen: Use your phone in safe mode and check if the issue persists.
If the problem doesn’t occur in safe mode, a third-party app might be causing the issue. You can then uninstall recently added apps. If it still occurs, the problem might be hardware-related.

I’ve faced a similar issue and felt like throwing my phone through the window out of frustration. Turns out, it was caused by a defective screen when I experienced the screen going black on light backgrounds. You might want to:
- Check Warranty: Verify if your device is still under warranty.
- Contact Support: Reach out to Google support for assistance. They have diagnostic tools that might pinpoint the issue.
- Repair or Replace: You might need to have the screen repaired or, if under warranty, replaced.
Getting professional help was inevitable for me, and it saved me endless frustration.

I experienced a similar issue, and it turned out to be a problem with the adaptive brightness feature. When the screen was black on light backgrounds or dim on others, I disabled adaptive brightness in the settings. Here’s how:
- Access Settings: Go to ‘Settings’ on your Pixel 7P.
- Search for Display: Look for ‘Display’ settings.
- Disable Adaptive Brightness: Toggle off the ‘Adaptive brightness’ option.
This simple step resolved my problem by preventing the phone from automatically adjusting the brightness based on ambient light.