Experiencing dead or stuck pixels on a TV screen can be annoying. When this happens, most TV owners will resort to getting a replacement TV, an expensive and time-consuming affair. The good news is that annoying stuck or dead pixels on your TV can easily be fixed without resorting to buying the best TV. If you are wanting to buy a new TV, you have some options. If you want you can get some with the latest and greatest apps and resolution. However, if you don’t want or need all the newest tech, you can check out the top-rated dumb TVs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- TV screens are made up of thousands of pixels. These are small squares of light. Each pixel has three sub-pixels made up of green, red, and blue.
- The most common reason your TV has dead pixels is due to failed power connections.
- It is essential to note that TV owners can’t permanently fix dead pixels on their screen display. However, it is possible to fix a stuck pixel.
Most TV owners don’t know that they can fix dead pixels on their TV at home. Better yet, if done well, you won’t void your warranty, and it’ll save you a lot of time and frustration. We’ve compiled a detailed guide on how to fix dead pixels on a TV screen. And, if you’re asking yourself, “How do I mirror my phone to my TV,” we have a guide to help you out.
If you’re having issues with TV hardware, you’ll want to read our guide on how to repair the TV main board. Additionally, you may find it useful to learn about different types of screens if you have wondered what are TV screens made of.
What are Dead Pixels?
TV screens are made up of thousands of pixels. These are small squares of light. Each pixel has three sub-pixels made up of green, red, and blue. These sub-pixels will change depending on the color they are required to project. The total number of pixels on the screen and what they are made up of is what determines what is TV resolution. Resolution is measured in terms of width by height, such as 1920×1080 or 4K UHD (3840×2160). The higher the resolution, the more detailed and vivid pictures will be displayed on your TV.
Therefore, if your TV pixel is showing a single color, it is stuck. This means one or more of the sub-pixels are lit up and won’t adjust color. However, it’s dead if it’s black and doesn’t light up. This means none of the sub-pixels on the screen will turn on, regardless of what’s showing on your TV screen.
And, if your TV is just not working well anymore, you’ll want to learn where to donate a TV when it’s time to retire it.
What causes Dead Pixels?
So, what causes dead pixels on TV screens? The most common reason your TV has dead pixels is due to failed power connections. The pixel transistor fails to recognize or receive electric voltage that tells the pixel when to light or change color. Additionally, you can read our article on how to fix a black spot on the TV screen to learn more about dead and stuck pixels.
Drop damage or trauma can also cause dead pixels. They can also form when a user constantly leaves static images on the TV screen for an extended time. You should avoid this even when you think it’s an energy-saving tip for your tv.
How to Fix Dead Pixels on TV Screen
- It is essential to note that TV owners can’t permanently fix dead pixels on their screen display. However, it is possible to fix a stuck pixel.
- TV owners could also wait for the dead/stuck pixels to disappear on their own. Sometimes, dead pixels go on their own, but there’s no estimated time on how long this could take. Letting the pixels disappear on their own is also another way to fix lines on tv.
- Try using a third-party application on the web. For example, there are free screen fixing applications (JScreenFix) on the web that can fix your stuck pixel in less than 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you could also try this method:
- First, identify the dead pixels on your TV screens by viewing your monitor in different color palettes.
- Next, turn off your monitor, and get a damp cloth to avoid scratching your screen.
- Apply some pressure on the area where you identified the dead pixel. You mustn’t put pressure anywhere else. This could trigger more dead pixels on your screen.
- While you are applying pressure to your TV screen, turn it on. Remove the pressure, and the dead pixel should be gone.
STAT: There were an estimated 119.9 million TV households in the U.S between 2018 and 2019. According to surveys, the average U.S consumer spent 238 minutes daily watching TV in 2017 (source)
If the dead or stuck pixel doesn’t disappear, replace the screen. Depending on your manufacturer, the warranty covers dead pixels. However, it is essential to note that most manufacturers will need a minimum number of dead pixels before replacing the screen on warranty.
If you’d like to learn more about a television’s special features, check out our guide to WiFi TV vs Smart TV.
F.A.Q.S
Is it possible to fix dead pixels?
If you are 100% sure your TV has dead pixels, you might need to visit a specialist. There are a few methods that could fix dead pixels, however, they are not very effective.
Are stuck pixels permanent?
No. Stuck pixels are normally temporary, and you’ll need to try a few methods to get rid of them.
Do dead pixels spread?
Dead pixels don’t spread. They are a small fault in your TV display that prevents the screen from illuminating.
Can dead pixels disappear on their own?
TV owners could wait for the dead pixels to disappear on their own. Sometimes, dead pixels go on their own, but there’s no estimated time on how long this could take.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pvtiV3B_nE
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel
- https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/tv-pixel-outage-or-colored-dots-on-screen-CT10000018-20150933240306#:~:text=The%20Pressure%20method%3A%20you%20can,pressure%20would%20fix%20the%20issue.r
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_consumption#:~:text=10%20External%20links-,Statistics,on%20the%20decline%20in%202016.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F59mxBCW9Gw
