Have you noticed a red pixel or red dots on your computer monitor?
A few different things can cause this annoying issue.
Don’t worry – in most cases, red pixels on a monitor can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Keep reading; I’ll walk you through different solutions to eliminate those red pixels on your monitor.
What Causes Red Pixels on a Monitor?
There are a few potential causes of red pixels on an LCD monitor:
- Stuck pixels – This is when a pixel gets “stuck”, displaying only the red subpixel. Stuck pixels may flicker or remain constantly red.
- Dead pixels – A dead pixel no longer displays any colour at all. Dead pixels on a monitor may appear black but can also occur as white, red, blue, or green pixels.
- Subpixel damage – LCDs use red, green, and blue subpixels to create colours. A damaged or defective red subpixel will cause a red-tinted pixel.
- Pressure damage – Too much pressure on the monitor screen can damage individual pixels and cause red pixels to appear.
- Manufacturing defects – Imperfections in manufacturing or the monitor materials themselves can lead to pixel abnormalities.
How to Fix Red Pixels on an LCD Monitor
Here are the best ways to troubleshoot and fix red pixel issues on a computer monitor:
1. Run a Pixel Fixing Video
One of the most straightforward solutions is running a pixel-fixing video on your monitor.
These videos rapidly flash different colours and patterns designed to force stuck or dead pixels to start working correctly again.
To use a pixel-fixing video:
- Search for “pixel fixer” or “dead pixel fixer” on YouTube and pick a long video (at least 10 minutes).
- Set the video to full screen and highest resolution. Sit close to the monitor to inspect for changes.
- Let the video run for at least 10-15 minutes to allow time for the pixels to correct. Pause to check for changes and run again if needed.
- Restart the monitor and see if the red pixel is gone after using the fixer video.
2. Apply Gentle Pressure
If a red pixel appeared after pressure was applied, massaging the spot may fix the issue.
- Using your fingertip, gently massage the area around the red pixel. Be careful not to press too hard.
- Try tapping lightly on the red pixel multiple times. The light pressure can loosen a stuck pixel.
- If massaging and tapping do not work, you can apply light pressure directly to the red pixel for around 10 seconds.
3. Use Software Tools
There are free software utilities designed to fix stuck pixels:
- JScreenFix has blinking pixel patterns and colours to attempt to repair monitor pixels.
- UDPixel is an app that rapidly inverts pixel colours to fix stuck pixels.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to run the pixel fixing patterns. Multiple short sessions may be required.
4. Update Display Drivers
Outdated monitor or GPU drivers could also cause pixel abnormalities.
- Download the latest display drivers from the monitor/GPU manufacturer’s website.
- Uninstall the old drivers, restart the PC, then install the new drivers.
Updating drivers can resolve software-related pixel issues.
5. Adjust Monitor Settings
Changing some display settings might clear up red pixel problems:
- Try turning down the brightness to around 50% or enabling a pixel-saver setting if available.
- Toggle RGB colours off and on under monitor settings.
- Switch the monitor input from digital to analogue if possible.
- Adjusting monitor settings resets the display, which could fix stuck pixels.
6. Replace the Monitor
If the red pixel persists after trying all troubleshooting steps, the monitor likely has a hardware defect.
Stuck pixels generally cannot be repaired at home once the display is damaged.
Getting a new monitor is the best option in this case.
Red Pixel FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about fixing red pixels on a computer monitor:
Ques 1: Is a red pixel bad for my monitor?
Ans: A single red pixel is not likely to spread or cause further issues with the monitor.
However, several clustered red pixels may get worse over time. Try the fixes above as soon as you notice a red pixel.
Ques 2: How can I tell if the pixel is stuck or dead?
Ans: Stuck pixels remain a solid color, while dead pixels are black or always off.
A stuck red pixel will stay red when displaying white or black images.
Ques 3: Should I return my monitor for one red pixel?
Ans: Most manufacturers allow up to 3-5 stuck pixels before a replacement is warranted.
Try fixing the single red pixel yourself before going through the hassle of a return.
Ques 4: Can tapping the red pixel fix it?
Ans: Gently tapping or massaging around the pixel can help unstick it without damaging the screen further.
Don’t use excessive force and tap lightly instead.
Ques 5: Will a dead pixel eventually fix itself?
Ans: Dead pixels don’t spontaneously recover, unfortunately.
Stuck pixels may fix themselves over time, but dead pixels require troubleshooting to regain function.
Conclusion
With patience and using the correct troubleshooting techniques, you can likely remove an annoying red pixel from your monitor.
Test different options like pixel fixing videos, software tools, and monitor setting adjustments.
If the pixel remains after trying everything, then replacing the monitor is the only option.
Just a few red pixels does not necessarily mean the monitor is defective.
But if the issues worsen over time, a new display may be needed.
