Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
"Scene lights" are the light and dark vertical lighting areas at the bottom of the MacBook display. This is a possible screen lighting or cable problem; what is important for diagnosis is whether the symptom is visible before you log into macOS.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Feature capture
Check the image without causing additional mechanical load.
Steps to follow
- Open a light solid background and set the brightness to medium.
- Take a picture of the bottom of the screen so that the light bars are visible. A screenshot alone may not show a physical lighting defect.
- Check that the bars are visible in the login window. If so, the problem isn't just one app's video settings.
- If the screen goes out when you move the lid, don't test it again by repeatedly bending it; leave in a safe position for normal use.
External display comparison
Isolate the internal display assembly from the wider display failure.
Steps to follow
- Connect a compatible external monitor and check the same light background.
- If the external image is normal, save a copy of the data until the computer is stable.
- In the Apple menu > About this Mac, write down the exact model and year. Do not post the serial number in a public comment.
- Ask for an estimate of the display cable, lighting and whole assembly; ask for an explanation of which part is broken before the repair.
If the problem persists
If the built-in display light bars remain and the external display is normal, display assembly diagnostics are required. Do not constantly bend the cover: this can deteriorate the condition of the cable. Check the validity of repair programs by serial number, not by year alone.
Request a repair