How to Fix Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display Text Edge Artifacts

Several Galaxy S26 Ultra owners report that the Privacy Display feature causes blurry text, visual artifacts, or a white shadow effect. This is related to the dual-pixel panel technology and the following steps can help minimize the issue.

Fix #1: Adjust Privacy Display Settings

The Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra can cause text to appear blurry or show visual artifacts due to the dual-pixel-type panel. Adjusting the intensity may reduce the effect.

1. Go to Settings > Display.
2. Tap Privacy Display (or Screen Privacy).
3. Lower the privacy level from Maximum to a mid-range setting.
4. Check if the blurriness improves.

Fix #2: Disable Privacy Display When Not Needed

If blurry text or white shadow effects appear even when Privacy Display is supposedly off, it may be enabled through a Quick Settings toggle.

1. Swipe down from the top to open Quick Settings.
2. Look for the Privacy Display or Screen Privacy tile and make sure it is turned off.
3. Also check Settings > Display > Privacy Display and toggle it off.

Fix #3: Force Restart

A force restart can clear display driver glitches that persist after toggling Privacy Display.

1. Press and hold Volume Down + Power for about 10 seconds.

Fix #4: Check for Software Updates

Samsung may release display calibration updates that reduce Privacy Display artifacts.

1. Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

Fix #5: Change Screen Color Mode

1. Go to Settings > Display > Screen Mode.
2. Try switching between Vivid and Natural.
3. This can reduce the perceived blurriness at certain angles.

Fix #6: Request a Samsung Warranty Exchange

If the Privacy Display causes severe text blurriness that persists even when turned off, this is a known hardware characteristic of the dual-pixel panel. Contact Samsung Support to discuss warranty options, as some units are more affected than others.