A Reddit post has sparked concern after a Pixel 10 Pro owner claimed the Pixel 10 Pro flashlight lens melted, leaving a dark, crater-like spot around the LED module in a macro photo.
The user says it appeared during normal use, not after a fall or obvious mishap. While this isn’t evidence of a widespread problem, it’s a hardware failure that’s easy to miss.
A few key details aren’t clear: how long the flashlight was on, whether the phone was in a thick case, whether it was in a hot environment, and whether an overheating warning was displayed.
What the photo actually shows
The image shows a localized dark spot near the flash, with the surrounding plastic appearing warped or bulging. If it’s heat damage, it’s clear that lightning is the cause. It’s one of the few parts of a phone designed to produce light and heat in a small space.
But photos can be deceiving. A similar stain could be caused by chemical exposure (cleaners, solvents, lotions), residue stuck to the module, or damage that occurred earlier and only became visible later.
How to check your phone for health
First, check the flash area in bright light. Tilt the phone so that the reflections move across the surface. This allows distortions, haze or small pits to be seen.
If something isn’t right, take several clear photos from different angles, including a wide shot that shows the entire camera bar and a close-up that shows the spot in context. Write down the date you first noticed it and whether you have ever left the flashlight on for long periods of time, especially in a pocket or bag.
If the marker changes over the course of a few days, that is also useful information.
What to do next
Until you know more, avoid using the flashlight for long, uninterrupted sessions and do not leave it running unattended. If the phone feels unusually warm near the camera bar, stop using the light and allow the device to cool down. This is an isolated case for now and the Pixel 10 Pro is still one of the best Pixels you can buy right now.
If the phone is under warranty, contact support with your photos and timeline. If this is not the case, a reputable repair shop can often tell you whether it is heat distortion, a cracked cover or contamination and what the realistic solution is.
