Dead pixel vs stuck pixel: what's the difference?
A dot on your screen that never changes is either dead or stuck — and the difference matters, because stuck pixels can often be fixed while dead ones usually can't.
At a glance
| Dead pixel | Stuck pixel | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | A black dot on every color | A red, green, blue or white dot |
| Easiest to see on | White and bright screens | Black and contrasting colors |
| Cause | The pixel isn't lighting at all | One or more subpixels stuck on or off |
| Fixable? | Rarely | Often, with a pixel-flashing tool |
How to check your screen
- Clean the screen so dust isn't mistaken for a pixel.
- Open the dead pixel test in full screen and step through black, white, red, green and blue.
- A dot that's black on every color is dead. A dot that shows a color on black is stuck.
- Note where it is — a photo helps — in case you need to claim a replacement.
Fixing a stuck pixel
Pixel-flashing tools cycle colors rapidly over the stuck pixel to jolt it back into working. Run the fixer over the spot for 10–30 minutes, then test again. Avoid pressing hard on the screen, which can cause more damage.
Dead pixels are a hardware failure and rarely recover. Check the manufacturer's pixel policy — it sets how many defects a panel needs to qualify for replacement — and the retailer's return window.
Tools used in this guide
Related guides
Dead pixel vs stuck pixel: what's the difference? — FAQ
Occasionally a pixel that looks dead is really stuck off and recovers, but a truly dead pixel rarely comes back.