Black dot appeared at top of screen

[Driverbrown85]

 hi I have small black dot that kept appearing then disappearing but now it's always there even when reseting to factory settings. I read it could be someone tracking my device. Is that true or does anyone know what is it? I have a samsung a21s. 

Tia

[AntS]

@Holds333 , No worries.

You could try checking for any software updates (Settings > Software update; and also checking Galaxy Store and Play Store if there are any apps that need updating); or booting the device in Safe Mode to rule out any non-stock apps (https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-start-my-galaxy-device-in-safe-mode/ ); and after all that if the issue is still present a data backup and factory reset to rule out any software cause (https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-perform-factory-reset-on-my-mobile-device... )

But I strongly suspect from the test result that it’s more a hardware issue and so would be best checked out by a Samsung Support Centre (you can get in touch with Support or book a repair if you're in the UK: https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/contact/#product-support or Ireland: https://www.samsung.com/ie/support/contact/#contactinfo )

[Holds333]

Ok thank you I will try that. But is there any chance My phone has been tapped or bugged or something. Its a crazy thought I know but ive never known anything like this. I'm even trying to act casual infront if my phone incase someone can see so they don't know haha.

[AntS]

@Holds333 , Haha! No worries. I'm going to say that it's highly unlikely to have been bugged - and any decent phone tapper wouldn't announce themselves with an obvious sign (unless they work for Frank Drebin's Police Squad...)

Doing a forum search, I came across this: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-series/black-dot-on-screen/m-p/4139180/highlight/true...  from illEez regarding a 'simulate display with cutout' option in the Developer Mode options. I'm not sure if it'll apply for what you're describing, but might be worth a check to see if the 'simulate display with cutout' option in there has been set to anything but 'default'.

[Tuckerbites79]

If it's in the top center of the screen, then it's almost certainly your front facing camera. So wouldn't show in a screen shot since it's not on the page on the screen or the notification bar or whatever. I never even notice it until someone like you reminds me of it. Lol. Just be thankful you're not rocking an IPhone. You'd have a solid blacked out rectangle bout 1/3 width of top screen. I'm assuming you've figured out the answer to your question in this post but if not then.......