Millions of pixels comprise all display devices. The pixels are responsible for changing colors as per the projected image. But it can die or get stuck sometimes, and you will see a dark spot on your display. People wrongfully call a stuck pixel a hot pixel, also. Basically, you can see hot pixels only in digital cameras when any electrical charge leaks into the sensor wells of the camera. If it comes to talk about a dead pixel, all the sub-pixels remain permanently off. As a result, the pixel looks black. It may happen due to a broken transistor. Are you seeing a colored or white pixel? Then you can fix it. But if you are seeing a black pixel, then the chance of getting fixed is low.
How to Fix Hot, Dead or Stuck Pixels on Your Screen
Let’s see how to fix a dead pixel on your monitor or smartphone.
What are Dead or Stuck Pixels?
A Dead or stuck pixel refers to a fixed spot on display. These are pretty harmless and not permanent. Compatibility problems with software apps, technical errors, or manufacturing defects can cause the problem. Generally, a stuck pixel is green, red, or blue. On the other hand, a dead pixel is black.
How are dead/stuck pixels an issue for the users?
Sometimes stuck or dead pixels remain in a corner, and we think they won’t grab our attention, but it does. Therefore, they can irritate you and take away your focus. In addition, these can point to a more serious issue like monitor failure.
What causes dead pixels?
A manufacturing defect is the most common problem. In addition, any physical damage to the display device may damage your laptop’s one or more pixels.
Will dead pixels go away or spread?
These don’t usually spread. If these do spread, you should replace the screen. Otherwise, you can hire a specialist. You can see the portions permanently malfunctioned, resulting in these not going away with time.
How to Test New Screens for Stuck or Dead Pixels
Testing a new monitor for a bad pixel is essential, and it could be done by running your screen through a palette of basic colors. Moreover, you need to run the screen black & white in full-screen mode with the help of the EIZO Monitor Test.
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EIZO Monitor Test:
With the help of this online tool, you can find stuck pixels and eventually fix them. It includes a wide range of options and makes all of these available in a single test window. However, as soon as you learn a basic idea about this, you can use it easily.
If you are willing to test the screen, you should check all those boxes which you need to include in your test. It is recommended to go with the default setting, where you need to check all boxes. When you test many monitors, opening the test is possible on an extra monitor. Once you are ready, you should tap on Start test so that you can launch the full-screen test window.
Now, you can see the first test pattern. Every display has an explainer in the bottom right detailing what you need to find. After that, a menu will be available, allowing you to move from one test to the next on the left. After moving through the black & white screens and solid colors like green, blue, and red, you need to check the screen. If you want to exit, you should hit the ESC key. Otherwise, you can tap on the exit symbol in the top right corner. If you find a bad pixel, it is recommended to use UDPixel or JScreenFix to flash it.
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Online Monitor Test:
Performing the thorough test not only helps you to identify bad pixels but also lets you test your monitor quality. Most browsers don’t support Flash. However, you can make it a try and use it with the executable version to make this functional.
Selecting between three different modes is possible to test the screen. Once you run the executable, you can see the screen differently.
Your task is to take the mouse to the test window’s top portion. Then, you can see a menu appearing. After that, you can see an info window which you can turn off with a button in the menu’s top right corner. Now, you should tap on the Homogenuity test point. Then, you must move through the three colors and black & white.
How to Fix Dead or Stuck Pixels:
It is not possible to fix a dead pixel. However, if you want to fix a stuck pixel, you can try this process mentioned below-
- Your first task is to detect dead or stuck pixels and to do so, you need to see your monitor in different color palettes.
- After that, to fix that pixel, you should use a third-party tool that flashes the pixel with many colors. Using UDPixel (Windows) or LCD (online) is recommended.
- Finally, you should try a manual process where you must use a damp cloth to rub the stuck pixel, or you can use a pointy. In this case, make sure that you are using a soft item, like the rubber/eraser at the pencil’s end.
Tools that you can use to Fix Hot, Dead or Stuck Pixels on Your Screen:
- JScreenFix
- Pixel Doctor Pro
- Aurelitec PixelHealer
- Rizonesoft Pixel Repair
- Dead pixel
- Filehorse Pixel Repair
What to Do If You Can’t Fix Your Stuck or Dead Pixel?
If you make all the attempts to remove the bad pixel and nothing works, you should make peace with it. An ugly pixel will not break the screen, and soon you will forget about this matter. But when the defect affects more than one pixel, you should replace your monitor. You should check the warranty. Sometimes, the marketplace from where you bought the product covers dead pixels.
The Bottom Line:
If you want to detect any stuck pixel, you can take help from a few online monitoring tests or third-party apps & tools. You can see some ways mentioned in this article, along with some effective tools that you can try. If the tools don’t work, you should follow the manual guide. But when nothing works, you may need to take your device to a hardware engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do stuck pixels go away?
No. However, these pixels are temporary. You may need to attempt a few effective ways to remove them.
Can all stuck pixels be fixed?
These pixels are seen in colors except black or white. A few methods can help you to fix the problem. But if the pixel is dead, you can’t fix this. However, if you fix a stuck pixel somehow, you should know that the fix is not guaranteed.
Can hot pixels be fixed?
You should apply pressure on the screen where you have seen the stuck pixel. Ensure that you don’t apply pressure anywhere else because it can increase the production of more stuck pixels. When you apply pressure, you should power on the PC and screen. Then, you need to remove the pressure. We hope that then you will not get to see the stuck pixel anymore.
