How to fix the LED spotlight effect on MacBook Pro
I hope that soon this tip sheet becomes obsolete. Apple could make that happen with a simple firmware update for this problem, I’m guessing. I’m also guessing they may be dragging their heels on it in spite of criticism because of a possible pending release of new MacBooks and MacBook Pros this Fall.
This issue is one affecting only the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pros have a backlit display (and a backlit keyboard for easier typing in the dark). This backlit area is lit by LED lights. These LED lights power on behind the display when the computer is powered up.
People experiencing this error see what looks like Hollywood style spotlights going from the bottom of their display to the top. In the right conditions it could possibly be pretty, but since most people need to get work done when they are at their laptop, it’s distracting and prevents them from seeing the display fully to get anything done.
The problem is so prevalent that there is a 300 reply thread on the Apple support forums about it and sites like Ars Technica are starting to mention it and try to get it fixed by Apple. Never fear, there is a fix you can try while we all await Apple’s updated firmware release for the MacBook Pro line.
Type the following key combination: SHIFT+CONTROL+EJECT
The spotlight issue, caused by several LED lights in a series not lighting up as they should, should be fixed once you type that key sequence in. The drawback to the key sequence solution as opposed to a firmware based on is that you may have to repeat it over and over if the problem comes back. With a firmware fix it would be solved on the first try. Apple should address this issue before it becomes a public relations issue like MobileMe and the buggy Leopard launch.
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September 18th, 2008
I can’t see any advantage in pissed customers. How is that going to make people more inclined to buy the next product? Battered wife syndrome marketing?
April 7th, 2010
It worked!! thank you
February 22nd, 2011
I’m experiencing this too but Shift + Control + Eject does not work for me. What works for me is closing the LCD halfway.
February 22nd, 2011
Update, one of the ugly “spotlights” is not lighting anymore. Looks like defective wiring or something. And closing the LCD halfway no longer works most of the time. This is freakin scary. Will contact Apple support about it.
March 1st, 2011
Awesome–you’re the first hit on a google search for “macbook pro backlight failure spotlight effect”.
And, clearly, deservedly so! Thanks so much for this fix!
July 1st, 2011
Hi!
Thanks a lot for your tip. I thought I would have to buy a new MBP this morning, but ctrl shift eject worked easy! I found it by googling “macbook pro spotlights” on first try, top result even. Second was Apple article about Spotlight.
You made my day!
Regards
kg
August 11th, 2011
Thank you!
Man, this was annoying me and finding information via Google Web search didn’t help… only searching Google images helped narrow it down quickly to your post and image. It’s a wonder a non-image search got me to “Macbook Pro spotlight” at all (considering os X’s spotlight feature.). Thanks again!
August 19th, 2011
THANK YOU!!! WORKED! (whew)