What is the difference between a dead and stuck pixel?

A stuck pixel is permanently lit in one colour (red, green or blue) because it is receiving power. A dead pixel stays black because it receives no power, which is why it usually cannot be revived.

How do I fix a stuck pixel?

Run rapidly cycling colours over the pixel for 10–30 minutes, or gently massage the spot with a soft cloth while the screen is on. The sooner you try, the better the odds.

Are dead pixels covered by warranty?

Sometimes. Makers set a threshold for how many faulty pixels qualify, so check your warranty and return window — a single dead pixel may not meet it.

Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel (and How to Fix One)

Quick answer: A stuck pixel is stuck on one colour (red, green or blue) and can often be revived; a dead pixel stays black and usually cannot be fixed because it receives no power. Run a colour test to tell them apart.

Find and classify the spot: open the dead pixel test and cycle through solid red, green, blue, white and black.

How to tell them apart

On solid colour backgrounds, a stuck pixel stays one fixed colour while everything around it changes — it is lit, just frozen. A dead pixel shows as a black dot on a white screen and never lights up on any colour, because no signal is reaching it.

How to fix a stuck pixel

Stuck pixels can often be freed by rapidly flashing colours over them for 10–30 minutes, which exercises the sub-pixels. A second method is to power the screen on, then gently massage the exact spot through a soft cloth. The longer a pixel has been stuck, the lower the chance, so try early.

Can a dead pixel be fixed?

Usually not — a truly dead pixel gets no power, so colour-cycling and pressure do nothing. Your best route is warranty or return. Manufacturers publish a minimum number of faulty pixels that qualifies for replacement, so check the policy and act before the return window closes.

Confirm the result

Re-run the dead pixel test after trying a fix. For a full new-monitor check, see our guide on checking a monitor for dead pixels.