At a glance
| Visual clue | Dead or failed-off | Stuck or failed-on |
|---|---|---|
| Typical appearance | A dark point on a light field | A bright or colored point on a dark field |
| Useful backgrounds | White, then red, green, and blue | Black, then red, green, and blue |
| Next step | Repeat, note position, check model policy | Repeat, note position, check model policy |
These are common patterns, not universal rules for every panel or defect. A partially affected subpixel may not match a simple dark-versus-bright description.
What is the difference between a dead and stuck pixel?
In common display terminology, a dead or failed-off pixel or subpixel stays dark, so it is easiest to notice against white or another light color. A stuck or failed-on pixel or subpixel keeps showing light, often as a red, green, blue, or white point that stands out on black. The same small defect can look different as the background changes, which is why one screen color is not enough.
“Pixel” and “subpixel” are sometimes used loosely. One red, green, or blue part can be affected without the whole pixel going dark or bright. Manufacturers may also use their own definitions in support documents, so treat the table as a visual guide rather than a hardware diagnosis.
How to check the same spot across colors
First clean the display gently using the device maker’s instructions. A speck of dust or residue can resemble a pixel defect. Keep the display at its normal resolution and inspect from your usual viewing distance. Do not judge a point from a single enlarged photograph; focus and image processing can make tiny marks difficult to interpret.
Show full-screen white, black, red, green, and blue fields in turn. Keep your eyes on the same physical location and note whether the point stays fixed, changes color, or disappears against a matching background. A dark point on white that remains dark on the color fields is different from a red point that only stands out against black or green.
- Dark on light backgrounds: a pixel or subpixel that is not lighting is one possibility.
- Bright or colored on dark backgrounds: a pixel or subpixel held on is one possibility.
- Moves, changes shape, or disappears after gentle cleaning: consider dust, a mark, or another image issue before labeling it a pixel fault.
What should you do if the point stays visible?
Record its position and the backgrounds on which it appears, then repeat the check during normal use. If the display is new, still in a return period, or under warranty, consult the maker’s pixel policy for the exact product and region. Policies can distinguish bright pixels, dark pixels, subpixels, product families, and coverage periods; a browser check cannot decide whether a claim qualifies.
Avoid pressing, rubbing, or applying heat to the panel. A software pattern can make a point easier to see, but it cannot establish that a stuck pixel is repairable or restore a dead one. If the mark is a line, cluster, or changing patch rather than one fixed point, contact the device maker or seller with your observations instead of assuming it is a pixel issue.
Can you fix a dead or stuck pixel?
A web color test cannot repair an unlit pixel, and ScreenCheckup does not run a flashing pixel fixer. A bright subpixel may behave differently from a permanently dark point, but no browser page can promise it will recover. Avoid pressing or rubbing the panel; check the manufacturer’s model-specific guidance instead.
Can a screenshot prove a physical pixel defect?
No. A screenshot captures the image produced by the computer before it reaches the physical panel, so it cannot record a defect in that panel. If you need to document what you see, use a separate camera and include the viewing conditions; camera focus and exposure can make tiny marks hard to judge. The ScreenCheckup pattern page displays colors for you to inspect, but it does not automatically scan, count, diagnose, or certify pixels.
Sources & further reading
Manufacturer references checked on . Model-specific guidance does not apply to every display.
Read our visual inspection method for exact pattern values and software verification limits. Report a correction if a claim or source needs attention.