A single dot on your screen that does not match the surrounding color is alarming, but not all dots are the same. Knowing whether you have a dead pixel or a stuck pixel determines whether you can fix it.
1. Understand the difference
A dead pixel is permanently off. It appears as a small black dot because the subpixels receive no power. Dead pixels are a physical defect and cannot be repaired.
A stuck pixel is stuck on one color — red, green, or blue — and appears as a bright dot. It happens when the transistor controlling that subpixel is stuck open. Stuck pixels can sometimes be restored.
A hot pixel is similar to a stuck pixel but appears white (all subpixels stuck on) and may appear and disappear depending on temperature.
2. Test your screen
Use our Dead Pixel Test to cycle through solid red, green, blue, white, and black screens. Walk up close to your monitor and look for any dot that does not match the background.
- A black dot on a white screen = dead pixel
- A bright red/green/blue dot on a black screen = stuck pixel
- A white dot on any color = hot pixel
Mark each one with a sticky note so you can track them.
3. Try to fix a stuck pixel
Stuck pixels sometimes respond to pressure or rapid color cycling. Our Dead Pixel Test includes a flashing pattern designed to stimulate stuck subpixels. Run it for 10-15 minutes on the affected area.
The manual method: turn the screen off. Apply gentle pressure with a soft cloth on the stuck pixel area, then turn the screen on while maintaining pressure. Release after a few seconds. This can “unstick” the transistor.
A stuck pixel that does not respond after these attempts is likely permanently stuck.
4. Dead pixels need replacement
Dead pixels are a hardware fault in the LCD panel itself. No software tool or physical trick can revive a subpixel that has lost power. If the dead pixel is in a central area and bothers you, the panel needs replacement.
Most manufacturers consider a few dead pixels within spec — typically 3-5 depending on the brand. Check your warranty for the threshold.
5. Prevent future pixel issues
Dead and stuck pixels can appear spontaneously with age, but physical pressure on the screen (leaning on it, pressing on it during transport) increases the risk. On laptops, closing the lid with a small object on the keyboard can transfer pressure to the display.
The bottom line
Run the Dead Pixel Test to identify which kind you have. A stuck pixel has a fair chance of recovery. A dead pixel does not. Knowing the difference saves you from wasting time on an unfixable problem.