Symptoms
- A tiny black, white, or colored dot that never changes
- Most visible on solid color backgrounds
- Doesn't move or disappear
- May be a single pixel or a small cluster
Likely causes
- CommonManufacturing defectSome panels leave the factory with one or more non-functioning pixels.
- PossiblePhysical impact or pressure damageA drop or squeeze can damage individual pixels in the panel.
- Less commonAge-related panel wearPixels can fail over years of heavy use.
What to do
- Display a full white, then full black, then solid red/green/blue screen to confirm the pixel is truly stuck, not dust or a smudge.
- Try gently massaging the exact spot with a soft cloth over the screen while a color-cycling video plays; this sometimes revives a stuck (not dead) pixel.
- Check if your phone is still under warranty, since some manufacturers cover dead pixels above a certain count.
- Avoid pressing hard on the screen, which can create more stuck pixels.
- If it's a single pixel and not bothersome, many people choose to live with it rather than replace the screen.
Tools and parts
- Soft cloth
Replacement display panelSearch: “screen replacement for [your phone model]”
When to call a pro
See a repair shop or manufacturer only if the dead pixels are numerous or bother you enough to warrant a full screen replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.