Introduction
All LCD monitors have hundreds of thousands of pixels, each made up of three color cells. It is rare for every cell in every pixel to be working properly. Monitor manufacturers have a minimum number of dead and stuck pixels that each of their monitors can have, even when they are brand new. If your monitor is no longer under warranty or your manufacturer won’t support the number of pixels you have problems with, there are still solutions. Read on to learn how to fix a stuck pixel on an LCD monitor.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Step One
Identify your pixel problem. A stuck pixel is one where one or more of the cells is stuck on (so you have a bright, oddly coloured, point of light) or off (you have an oddly dark spot). A dead pixel that no longer works will appear as a black spot.
Step Two
Try running pixel fixing software. This method is the safest for the health of your monitor so it should always be the first thing you attempt. There are several pixel testing programs out there and most of them are free. The software will rapidly turn pixels on and off. Cycling through the various colours very rapidly will sometimes “unstick” the pixels and fix the problem.
Step Three
Memorize the location of the pixel and turn off your monitor. Using a pointed, but dull, object (such as a screwdriver) poke your monitor gently at the point of the stuck pixel. You may want to use a protective cloth so the object doesn’t directly touch the screen. While poking, turn the monitor on and continue to poke for a few seconds. This may fix the pixel.
Step Four
Tap on the stuck pixel with a soft but pointed object such as the edge of a pencil eraser. You will need to do this hard enough to create a discolouration at the point of impact but not so hard as to hurt the screen. After tapping the monitor five to 10 times, the pixel may start to behave normally.
Tips & Warnings
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If you don’t find success with any of the pressure methods, you can try working on the pixels around the damaged one. This is a last ditch effort and is potentially damaging to the monitor.
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When working with stuck pixels, it is best to use a completely black or completely white background. This make the pixels stand out the best.
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Be very careful with any method that requires you to touch your screen. You may not fix the problem and you may create more stuck or dead pixels in the process.