How to Fix stuck pixels on LCD screen

Identify the problem

Identify dead or stuck pixels. Stuck pixels always display color. Dead pixels are only white (for TN panels) or black. Try to determine if it's a dead pixel or just temporarily stuck.

Send screen to manufacturer (optional). If the pixel is dead, you should pay the warranty fee and send the screen back to the manufacturer.

If the warranty has expired, you can follow the following methods. However, be very careful because these are just methods to fix stuck pixels.

Force method

Turn on the computer and LCD screen.

Open a black photo so stuck pixels show clearly against a contrasting background. You have to open a black image and not a blank signal because you need the LCD's backlight to illuminate the back of the panel.

Find an object with a blunt, narrow end. You can use a capped marker, a blunt pencil, a plastic pen, or the tip of a makeup brush.

Before proceeding, read the warning section at the end of the article. Rubbing the screen can make things worse.

Use the round end of the device to gently press on the stuck pixel. Don't press too hard, just press enough to see a white dot flash at the contact point. If you don't see a white dot, you're not pressing hard enough. Press a little harder.

Press harder. Apply more force and press continuously 5-10 times until the pixel returns to normal.

Apply force. If pressing on the pixel doesn't bring any results, take a damp cloth (not too wet) or wet paper and fold it neatly so you don't accidentally tear it. Place the object in contact with the stuck pixel and press gently. Continue using the previous object to press the stuck pixel.

Try to apply the effect to the correct stuck pixel, not spreading to the surrounding area.

Check the result. Open a white image (e.g. a blank document or open about:blank in a web browser and press F11 to open full screen mode) to determine if you accidentally affected the screen instead of fixing stuck pixels. Are not. If the stuck pixel has been fixed, the entire screen will be white.

Thermal method

Turn on the computer and LCD screen.

Soak the towel in as hot water as possible. If possible, boil water until air bubbles appear at the bottom of the pot. Place the towel in the sieve and pour hot water over the towel.

Wear heat-resistant gloves or gloves. You don't want to burn your hands on the next step.

Place the hot towel in the sandwich bag. Remember to close the bag tightly.

Place the plastic bag containing the hot towel on top of the stuck pixel. Place the plastic bag on the screen but avoid contact with the ramp, because if the ramp opens, hot water will damage the computer. Try to focus the heat on the stuck pixel.

Slowly "massage" the pixel in a circular motion. Move the bag around the pixel in a massaging motion. The heat helps the liquid crystals flow easily into the unfilled area.

Software method

Try using pixel correction software (See Sources and Citations). You can reactivate stuck-pixel by quickly turning it on and off. There are many screen repair programs you can download for free online.

Hardware method

Try PixelTuneup (see Sources and Citations). These devices produce video signals that are tuned to eliminate stuck pixels and improve image quality, color and contrast. You can apply this method on LCD, LED, plasma or CRT TVs.

Turn off the screen.

Plug in and start PixelTuneup, then turn on the display.

Wait 20 minutes.

Turn off and uninstall PixelTuneup.

Stuck pixels and other IRs are gone, color/contrast is improved.

David Pac

Update 07 November 2023