Quickest way to fix dead pixels on your monitor

February 16, 2021

By Kim Komando

Your monitor is made up of millions of pixels. Each pixel is a group of red, green and blue subpixels that combine to create the images you see on your computer screen. When a few are dead or stuck, it can be super distracting.

Dead or stuck pixels are fairly easy to spot even without special tools since they tend to look like tiny discolored or white dots on your screen.

If you’re having trouble identifying them, though, we’ll show you some tools to use, then tips for ridding your monitor of these tiny little eyesores.

Step 1: Identify dead or stuck pixels

First things first: There’s a difference between a dead and a stuck pixel.

A dead pixel occurs when an entire pixel or a group of subpixels remain dark even when they’re supposed to be on. Since this implies that the pixel or group of subpixels are no longer powering on, they’re harder to fix than stuck pixels. In most cases, dead pixels are lost forever.

A stuck pixel occurs when one or two of the color subpixels remain activated even when they’re supposed to be off. For example, the blue subpixel might get stuck, so the entire pixel will display a different color than what is intended.

To see what’s going on, you can enlist software to help. Try a third-party download like InjuredPixels for Windows. If you’re on a Mac or don’t want to download anything, go with a browser-based solution like LCD DeadPixel Test.

These apps run a cycle of solid colored screens so you can spot bad pixels instantly. This YouTube video does the same thing, no download required.

Note: Most pixel fixing tools use flashing images. Caution is required, as these can trigger epileptic seizure attacks.

Use your warranty

If you’re within your display’s warranty period and you have detected stuck or dead pixels, check to see if the manufacturer will replace it.

Most monitor manufacturers have a return policy for dead and stuck pixels. They’ll usually replace a monitor if it has more than several pixels stuck in a single color or brightness setting. Since dead pixels are difficult to fix, replacing your monitor via the manufacturer’s warranty is your best route.

Software to get the job done

JScreenFix

If your display is out of warranty and you’d rather try your luck at fixing stuck or even dead pixels yourself, time to enlist some tools.

You can go the web browser application route with a site called JScreenFix. The free service claims to fix most stuck pixels within 10 minutes by using an HTML5 “PixelFixer” tool.

And since it’s HTML5 and JavaScript-based, there’s nothing to install. All you have to do is bring up the website, drag the PixelFixer window over the stuck pixel area then leave it on for at least 10 minutes.

PixelHealer

If you’re a Windows user, you can also use the free download PixelHealer to try and fix stuck or even dead pixels.

After detecting your monitor’s stuck or dead pixels, use PixelHealer’s flashing color box on the affected areas to try and jolt the pixels back into shape. The site claims that the tool uses the already proven method of using flashing RGB colors to restore a stuck pixel or even revive a dead one.

Again, take care when using this tool as it uses flashing screens and bright colors.

Last resort: Apply pressure

If your monitor is out of warranty and none of the pixel fixing software methods are working for you, you have two choices. Either you learn to live with a few stuck or dead pixels here and there, or, if you’re brave enough, there’s a last-ditch method you can attempt.

Important note: Use this method at your own risk. Komando.com is not responsible for any damages caused by this procedure.

First, take note of the location of the stuck or dead pixel. Then turn off your monitor and try applying gentle pressure on the affected area to “massage” it back to life. Use something with a narrow but flat edge like a pencil eraser or a pen cap. To avoid damaging your screen, wrap it with a soft, damp microfiber cloth.

The idea is that by applying gentle force, you might coax the pixel back into its proper alignment. If not done correctly, this method can actually create more dead pixels, and extreme caution is required.