FPSTester

Dead Pixel Fixer

This tool rapidly cycles through colors to try to unstick a stuck pixel. Position the fullscreen display over the problem area and let it run for at least 15 minutes.

⚡ Faster (more aggressive)🐢 Slower (gentler)

⚠️ Warning: This produces rapid flashing colors. Do not use if you have photosensitive epilepsy.

Need to check for dead pixels first?

← Go to Dead Pixel Test

Quick Guide

1
Find the Pixel

Use the Dead Pixel Test to identify stuck pixels on your screen.

2
Position Window

Move your browser window so it covers the stuck pixel area.

3
Start the Fixer

Click Start and the tool goes fullscreen, rapidly cycling through 8 colors to force the stuck crystal through all its states.

4
Wait 15-60 min

Let it run. Check periodically. Some pixels fix in minutes, others take hours.

Monitor screen flashing rapid RGB color bands with a magnified neon green repair icon over a stuck pixel area, illustrating the dead pixel fixer in action
Rapidly cycling RGB colors can shock stuck sub-pixels back into normal operation.

How the Pixel Fixer Works

Stuck pixels happen when a pixel gets stuck showing one color and doesn’t change properly. A pixel fixer rapidly cycles through different colors to force the pixel to update again. This can sometimes free it and restore normal behavior. It’s similar to loosening something stuck by moving it back and forth until it works again.

The tool cycles through 8 colors: red, green, blue, white, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. This ensures all three sub-pixels (R, G, B) are being alternately turned on and off, maximizing the chance of freeing a stuck crystal.

Success rate varies. Based on user reports and our testing, roughly 20-30% of stuck pixels can be fixed this way. The chances are better for newly stuck pixels compared to ones that have been stuck for months. If the pixel was caused by a physical impact, the chances drop significantly.

Other Methods to Fix Stuck Pixels

If color cycling doesn't work, there are a few physical methods you can try. These carry a small risk of damage, so proceed carefully:

👆 Pressure Method

  1. Turn off your monitor completely
  2. Place a soft, lint-free cloth over the stuck pixel area
  3. Using a blunt object (pen cap, pencil eraser), apply gentle pressure through the cloth
  4. While still applying pressure, turn the monitor back on
  5. Release the pressure slowly

⚠️ Be very gentle - too much pressure can crack the panel or damage surrounding pixels.

🌡️ Heat Method

  1. Dampen a cloth with warm (not hot) water
  2. Seal the cloth in a plastic bag to avoid liquid near the screen
  3. Gently press the warm bag against the stuck pixel area
  4. Hold for 5-10 seconds
  5. Remove and check if the pixel is fixed

⚠️ Never use hot water. Excess heat can permanently damage LCD panels.

Combination Approach (Best Results)

For the best chance of fixing a stuck pixel, try combining methods: Run the color cycling tool while gently applying pressure to the stuck pixel area with a soft cloth. The combination of physical manipulation and rapid state changes gives the crystal the best chance of freeing itself. Run this combo for 15-30 minutes before checking results.

When to Give Up

If you've tried color cycling for several hours and the physical methods haven't worked, the pixel is likely either truly dead (transistor failure) or severely stuck. At this point, your options are:

  • • Contact the manufacturer - If your monitor is still under warranty and meets their dead pixel policy requirements
  • • Return to retailer - Many retailers accept returns within 30 days regardless of manufacturer policy
  • • Learn to live with it - A single stuck pixel in a corner is annoying but most people stop noticing it after a few weeks
  • • Professional repair - Some repair shops can replace individual pixels, but it's usually not cost-effective

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the dead pixel fixer actually work?

With stuck pixels, it works roughly 20-30% of the time. Color cycling forces the liquid crystal through all its states, which can shake it loose. Some pixels come back in minutes, others take hours. Since it's free and can't damage anything, there's no reason not to try.

How long should I run the pixel fixer?

Start with 10-15 minutes. If the stuck pixel hasn't changed, try running it for an hour. Some people leave it running overnight. If it hasn't fixed after a few hours, the pixel is likely permanently stuck or dead.

Can this damage my screen?

No - rapidly cycling colors is what your screen does naturally when displaying video content. This tool just does it faster and more targeted. There's zero risk of damage to your monitor.

Will this work on a dead pixel or only stuck pixels?

Only stuck pixels. If a pixel shows a fixed color (red, green, blue) on every background, color cycling might fix it. If it's completely black no matter what, the transistor is dead and software can't help. Use the Dead Pixel Test to figure out which type you have before spending time here.

What speed should I set the color cycling to?

Faster cycling (20-50ms) is more aggressive and may fix stubborn pixels faster. Slower cycling (100-200ms) is gentler. Start with the default (100ms) and if it doesn't work after 15 minutes, try increasing the speed. There's no one-size-fits-all answer - different pixels respond to different speeds.

Should I use the pixel fixer on my phone or tablet?

Yes, it works on any screen. If you notice a stuck pixel on your phone's display, position the fixer over it and let it run. However, be aware that rapid color cycling will drain your battery faster than normal usage.

Explore More Tools

Get the full picture of your setup. Each tool is free, runs in your browser, and needs zero downloads.

FPS Test

Measure your real-time frame rate and browser rendering performance.

Refresh Rate Test

Check if your monitor is actually running at its advertised refresh rate.

Screen Size Checker

Detect your exact screen resolution, viewport size, and pixel ratio.

Mouse Polling Rate

Test how fast your mouse reports its position to your computer.

Reaction Time Test

Challenge your reflexes and measure your reaction speed in milliseconds.

Dead Pixel Test

Scan your display for stuck or dead pixels with fullscreen color tests.