Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel: How to Tell the Difference
They look similar but behave differently — and only one of them is fixable. Here's how to identify which type of pixel problem you have.
The key difference
Both dead and stuck pixels appear as anomalous dots on your display, but they have different causes and — critically — different repairability.
| Dead Pixel | Stuck Pixel | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Permanently black | Fixed colour (red, green, blue, or white) |
| Cause | Transistor failure | Pixel locked in one state |
| Repairable? | Generally no | Often yes |
| Visible on black screen? | No | Yes |
| Visible on white screen? | Yes | Sometimes |
How to identify which you have
Use our Dead Pixel Test tool and cycle through all five colours.
If the pixel appears black on all colour screens — it is a dead pixel. The transistor has failed and the pixel receives no power.
If the pixel shows a constant colour regardless of the background — it is a stuck pixel. The pixel is receiving power but not responding to colour signals.
If the pixel disappears on some colours and appears on others — it may be a hot pixel (a subpixel stuck at maximum brightness) or a partially damaged pixel.
Warranty coverage
Most monitor manufacturers have a pixel policy that specifies the minimum number of defective pixels required before a replacement is offered. Common thresholds:
- ✓**Class I (ISO 13406-2):** Zero defective pixels allowed
- ✓**Class II:** Up to 2 dead pixels, 2 stuck pixels per million pixels
- ✓**Class III:** Up to 5 dead pixels, 15 stuck pixels per million pixels
Check your monitor's documentation or manufacturer website for the specific policy. Premium gaming monitors and professional displays often offer zero-pixel-defect guarantees.