Guide · Stuck Pixel Fixer
How to fix a stuck pixel
Updated · 6 min read
A pixel stuck on red, green or blue is distracting, and sometimes it can be revived. Stuck pixels are often a sub-pixel that has stopped switching, and rapid colour changes can occasionally wake it up. This guide covers the safe ways to try, how long to leave them running and when to give up and use your warranty.
Try the stuck pixel fixer nowFree, runs in your browser, nothing uploaded.First, confirm it is stuck and not dead
Run the dead pixel test and cycle through solid colours. A pixel that stays one bright colour on other backgrounds is stuck. A pixel that is black everywhere is dead and cannot be fixed with software. Our dead pixel guide explains the difference in more detail.
Use the flashing window
The stuck pixel fixer shows a small window of rapidly changing colour that you can drag over the problem pixel.
- Read and accept the photosensitivity warning. Do not use the fixer if flashing lights can trigger you.
- Drag the flashing window so it covers the stuck pixel.
- Leave it running for 10 to 20 minutes, then press Stop and check the pixel against a solid colour.
- Repeat a few times. If nothing changes after about an hour in total, the pixel is unlikely to respond.
Other methods worth trying
Turn the screen off and leave it for some hours or overnight. Sometimes a rest is enough for the pixel to reset. Power cycling the device is harmless and costs nothing.
The pressure method is the third option, but be careful. With the screen off, wrap a soft cloth around a blunt, rounded tip, such as a pen cap, and apply gentle pressure on the pixel for a few seconds while turning the screen on. Too much force can crack the panel or create new faults, so stop if the screen shows any distortion. Do not use this on a screen you cannot afford to risk.
Be careful with OLED screens
Flashing patterns put extra stress on OLED displays, where bright static or repeated content can contribute to burn-in. Use the fixer for short sessions, move the window between runs and avoid long unattended use on an OLED screen. LCD panels tolerate it better.
When it cannot be fixed
If the pixel stays stuck after several attempts, the fault is in the panel. Check the warranty and the manufacturer’s pixel policy, and contact the seller if the device is new. Photographs of the pixel on a black or white screen help your case.
FAQ
Common questions
Can a stuck pixel fix itself?
Sometimes. Stuck pixels occasionally recover after the screen has been off for a while, but there is no guarantee.
How long should I run a stuck pixel fixer?
Run it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Longer sessions rarely help and add wear on OLED screens.
Is the stuck pixel fixer safe?
It is generally safe for LCD screens, but flashing colours can trigger photosensitive people and are best used in short sessions on OLED.
Can software fix a dead pixel?
No. A dead pixel has no power, so software cannot revive it. Only a stuck or hot pixel may respond.