For many gadget owners, seeing a dead pixel or stuck pixel on their expensive smartphone or tablet screen can be frustrating and disappointing. Dead pixels and stuck pixels refer to small, usually colored dots that do not function properly on a device’s digital display.
A dead pixel shows up as a darkened spot on the screen and no longer responds when addressed, while a stuck pixel remains permanently lit or dark. These issues arise when individual sub-pixels in a pixel stop functioning, resulting in brightness or color balance issues. They can severely impact the overall image quality and viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games.
Although single dead or stuck pixels may not seem like a big deal, in some cases the number of affected pixels increases over time.
In this helpful guide, we will discuss some of the main causes that can lead to stuck or dead pixels and provide tips to potentially fix dead pixel or get a dead pixel fix working again.
Reasons For Dead Pixel On Phone
There are several main reasons why dead pixels on phone might happen or can become stuck, ruining the screen on an expensive device. Here are some of the common issues with dead pixels:
- Physical damage from drops or impacts is a common culprit, as the force may cause microscopic cracks or fractures that disrupt individual sub-pixels.
- Prolonged vibration from regular use over many months or years can also lead to internal wiring detaching within the LCD/LED panel.
- Overheating from extended exposure to high temperatures, as excessive heat can potentially cause dead pixels on phone or stuck pixel circuitry prematurely.
- Manufacturing defects sometimes occur as well, resulting in defective or weakly performing pixels right from the start.
- Water damaged phones can have dead pixels. When water enters the internal components of a phone, it can interfere with the functionality of the display. Which can cause dead pixels.
- But stuck/dead pixels may not immediately manifest and could progressively worsen over the ownership period, especially if a device is left in direct sunlight for lengthy durations.
No matter the root cause, the visual outcome is usually the same -malfunctioning pixels that diminish the screen quality and ruin the viewing or gaming experience on an otherwise functioning gadget.
How To Fix Dead Or Stuck Pixels
For gadget owners frustrated with annoying stuck or dead pixels ruining the display of their expensive device, the first troubleshooting step is often trying software-based solutions before pursuing any hardware repairs.
A popular method is to download and use special dead pixel fix apps available online from reputed developers. These programs cycle through various solid color screens like red, green and blue walls of color to attempt gently massaging stubborn pixels back into working order. Leaving the ailing device running such an app program overnight is sometimes all that’s needed to reset a troublesome dead pixel fix.
Another software-focused approach worth attempting involves gently rubbing or massaging the screen surface near the problematic pixel using a soft, clean cloth. The delicate pressure may help dislodge anything internally and reconnect faulty contact points. It’s also advisable to check the product manual or manufacturer’s support site to see if they offer a pixel repair service or special warranty coverage for recently affected models.
As a last resort, finding a trusted local technician who provides professional screen repair may fix some dead pixels for a nominal fee if only a couple malfunction. But for extensive pixel damage, a full LCD/LED replacement is typically more cost-effective than repairing numerous dead spots across the display of your expensive dead pixel phone. With diligent troubleshooting using these software and hardware methods, many annoying stuck and dead pixels plaguing devices can often still be fixed without requiring a costly new screen installation.
Final Thoughts
In summary, dead pixels or stuck pixels frustratingly affecting the display of phones, tablets or other digital devices are issues many users have to face at some point through normal usage over time or due to unlucky mishaps. Thankfully, all hope is usually not lost for fixing such flawed pixels through different troubleshooting steps tried sequentially, such as attempting a dead pixel fix.
This guide covered several potential causes for the malfunctions and outlined remedies at both the software and hardware levels that technology lovers can attempt themselves before accepting defeat. While a single or handful of bad pixels may be tolerable, extensive damage indicates larger underlying issues requiring professional troubleshooting or parts replacement.
Following this straightforward process of systematically working through problem isolation and solutions commonly cures interface flaws like dead spots, bringing treasured screens back to fully functioning life.
With careful handling and regular usage routines to promote long service life expectancy for invested gadgets, hopefully these eminently fixable display aberrations can be prevented or less likely to develop at all in the first place through best practices.