MacBook Air 2021 displaying infrared-like colors

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Air 2021 displaying infrared-like colors

I was using my MacBook Air (2021) today when the screen suddenly changed colours and it’s now displaying almost like an infrared screen. I’ve tried power cycling it, tried to work with the Accessibility setting and toggle the settings on and off but there’s no change.

The display screen looks like the image attached but should actually be the Patagonia picture that Apple has. Any ideas what’s wrong?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: MacBook Air screen issue

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 10:28 PM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,885 points

Nov 7, 2025 3:28 AM in response to sanch007

Are these parts always shown at the same spots on the display?

Does it change when you move your display towards the keyboard and back?

What about a grey background?

Do photos in the photos app look the same, if you view them full screen?

Starting up in Safe Mode could be a way to let your Mac diagnose itself and test the background.

Start up your Mac in safe mode – Apple Support (AU)

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,078 points

Nov 7, 2025 10:12 AM in response to sanch007

Try checking the "Accessibility --> Display" System Settings. Is "Invert Colors" enabled....if so, then disable it.

Otherwise, you most likely have a hardware issue of some sort with the laptop.

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Answer 3

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,885 points

Nov 7, 2025 12:43 AM in response to sanch007

What happens, if you choose another background photo?

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Answer 4

Ingo2711

Level 9

78,885 points

Nov 8, 2025 1:24 PM in response to sanch007

I guess, in that case it looks like a connection error between the display and graphic card cable.

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Answer 5

sanch007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 8, 2025 12:42 PM in response to Ingo2711

Thanks re the safe mode option. I’ll try that. But I did notice that it changed when I moved the display towards the keyboard - it kinda reverted to normal. Makes me think it’s a hardware issue. I’ve booked with the Genius Bar today so we’ll see what happens

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