Dead Pixels vs Stuck Pixels: What's the Difference?

Test your screen now — use White to spot dead pixels (black dots) and Black to spot stuck pixels (bright dots). Then use the guide below to choose the right fix or RMA path.

Discovered a suspicious dot on your new monitor? Before panicking or demanding a return, it's crucial to identify whether you're dealing with a dead pixel or a stuck pixel. This distinction matters significantly because they have different causes, appearances, and—most importantly—different fix-ability rates.

Quick Visual Guide

Dead Pixel:

Appears as a black dot on white or colored backgrounds
Always black, never changes color
Completely non-functional
Rare to fix (success rate < 5%)

Stuck Pixel:

Appears as a bright colored dot (red, green, blue, or white)
Color doesn't change
Visible on dark backgrounds
Possible to fix (success rate 30-60%)

What Causes Dead Pixels?

Dead pixels occur when the transistor that controls a pixel completely fails. Think of it as a blown fuse—no power is reaching that pixel, so it displays as black regardless of what should be shown.

Common Causes:

Manufacturing defects (most common)
Physical impact or pressure damage
Electrical surge during manufacturing
Age-related transistor failure (rare in modern panels)

Technical Explanation: Each pixel contains three sub-pixels (red, green, blue). A dead pixel means the entire pixel unit has failed—no sub-pixels receive power. It's a hardware failure at the transistor level.

What Causes Stuck Pixels?

Stuck pixels occur when one or more sub-pixels get "stuck" in the on position. Unlike dead pixels, these pixels ARE receiving power—they're just not responding to color change commands from the display controller.

Common Causes:

Manufacturing defects
Temporary charge buildup
Liquid crystal misalignment
Pressure applied during shipping or handling

Technical Explanation: Think of a stuck pixel like a light switch that's jammed in the "on" position. The sub-pixel is working but stuck displaying maximum brightness for one color (red, green, or blue).

How to Identify: The Testing Method

Use our free screen test tool to accurately identify the defect:

Step 1: Test on Black Background

Dead pixels: Remain black (hard to see)
Stuck pixels: Appear as bright dots (easy to see)

Step 2: Test on White Background

Dead pixels: Appear as black dots (easy to see)
Stuck pixels: Blend in or show as white (hard to see)

Step 3: Test on Color Backgrounds (Red, Green, Blue)

Dead pixels: Always black
Stuck pixels: Show complementary color (e.g., stuck red pixel shows cyan on red background)

Sub-Pixel Variations

Stuck pixels can display different colors depending on which sub-pixels are stuck:

Stuck Red: Bright red dot
Stuck Green: Bright green dot
Stuck Blue: Bright blue dot
Stuck Red + Green: Yellow dot
Stuck Red + Blue: Magenta dot
Stuck Green + Blue: Cyan dot
All Three Stuck: Bright white dot

Warranty Coverage: What Manufacturers Accept

Many pixel policies are based loosely on defect-class standards often referenced as ISO 13406-2 (brands vary by model/region).

Dead Pixels: Most manufacturers have minimum thresholds:

Dell: 1 bright pixel OR 5 dark pixels
ASUS: 3+ bright OR dark pixels
LG: 5+ defective pixels
Samsung: Varies by region (typically 3-7 pixels)
Apple: More lenient (case-by-case)

Stuck Pixels: Generally treated the same as dead pixels for warranty purposes. "Bright pixel" policies typically cover stuck pixels.

Important: Center-screen defects often have lower thresholds than edge defects.

Can You Fix Them?

Dead Pixels: Success Rate < 5%

Dead pixels rarely fix themselves. The transistor is hardware-failed, and no software or gentle pressure will repair an electrical failure. Your options:

Warranty replacement (recommended)
Live with it
Professional panel repair (expensive, not worth it)

Stuck Pixels: Success Rate 30-60%

Stuck pixels CAN often be fixed! See our complete guide: How to Fix a Stuck Pixel

Proven Methods:

Pressure method (40-60% success)
Pixel exerciser software (30-50% success)
Combination approach (highest success rate)

When to Return Your Monitor

Immediate Return Recommended If:

Multiple dead pixels (3+)
Dead pixel in center 50% of screen
Cluster of defective pixels
Monitor is within return window

Consider Living With If:

Single dead/stuck pixel in corner
Outside return window
Pixel isn't noticeable during normal use

Pro Tip: Test your monitor thoroughly within the return window using our comprehensive screen test.

Prevention: Can You Avoid Pixel Defects?

During Purchase:

Buy from retailers with generous return policies
Consider "Perfect Pixel" or "Zero Bright Pixel" guarantees
Check reviews for specific model's defect rates

During Unboxing:

Handle with care—avoid pressing on the screen
Test immediately (don't wait days)
Document any defects with photos

During Use:

Avoid applying pressure to the screen
Don't use harsh cleaning methods
Keep away from extreme temperatures

The Reality: Manufacturing Tolerances

Modern display manufacturing is incredibly precise, but not perfect:

Defect Rates by Price Range:

Budget ($100-300): 5-10% have at least one defective pixel
Mid-range ($300-600): 2-5% defect rate
Premium ($600+): 1-2% defect rate
Professional ($1000+): < 1% (often with guarantees)

These rates are why most manufacturers have minimum thresholds before accepting returns.

Real User Experiences

"I had a stuck green pixel that drove me crazy for weeks. Tried the pressure method and JScreenFix overnight—gone by morning!" - Sarah K.

"Dead pixel right in the center of my $400 monitor. Manufacturer initially refused replacement (under threshold), but after pushing back and citing their center-screen policy, they agreed." - Michael T.

"Honestly? I had a dead pixel in the corner. After a week, I completely stopped noticing it. Your brain adapts." - Alex R.

Bottom Line

Dead Pixels:

Hardware failure, not repairable
Always black
Warranty replacement is your best bet
Success rate for fixes: < 5%

Stuck Pixels:

Software/mechanical issue, often repairable
Colored or white
Try fixes before returning
Success rate: 30-60%

Action Steps:

Use our screen test tool to identify the defect type
If stuck, try our fixing methods
If dead or unfixable, check your warranty
Document and return within the window

Don't let confusion stop you from getting what you paid for—know the difference, test properly, and take action!

Related Articles:

Next steps: Verify with the Screen Test. If it’s stuck, use How to Fix a Stuck Pixel. If you see glow or bleed instead of dots, read IPS Glow vs Backlight Bleed.