Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel: How to Tell and How to Fix

A dead pixel is permanently off, so it shows as a black dot. A stuck pixel is always on, so it shows as a white or colored dot. Stuck pixels can sometimes be fixed with pixel-fixing software; dead pixels are a warranty question if there are enough of them.

Check it now with the black screen test

Which one do you have?

Dead pixel: Black dot on every color. All three subpixels are permanently off. See fixes
Stuck or bright pixel: Lit dot (white or a color), easiest to spot on black. See fixes

Fixes to try (easiest first)

Clean the screen
Dust can look like a bad pixel. Turn the screen off and wipe gently with a microfiber cloth, liquid on the cloth only. [2]
Identify which kind you have
Use our screen test. A pixel that stays dark on every color is dead; one that stays lit is stuck or bright. [1]
Try pixel-fixing software on a stuck pixel
⚠ Risky: only try this if you are comfortable, and not on a device still under warranty.
These tools flash colors rapidly over the pixel, for 30 minutes to several hours. Don't use them if flashing light could affect you. [2]
Gently massage the area (stuck pixels only)
⚠ Risky: only try this if you are comfortable, and not on a device still under warranty.
Some people gently rub around a stuck pixel with a soft cloth. Use very little pressure. Pressing too hard can damage the screen. [2]
Check the pixel policy while under warranty
Manufacturers replace screens only above a set number of faulty pixels, and only during the warranty period. [1]

Is it worth fixing?

Try software for stuck pixels first. For dead pixels, count them and check your model's pixel policy while you're still under warranty. Allowances can be generous: Dell, for example, allows up to 5 dark subpixels on its UltraSharp monitors.

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Sources

Last checked: October 21, 2026