If you’ve noticed that one tiny area of your LCD screen is always light or always dark, you probably have a stuck pixel. Pixels can become stuck due to a transistor malfunction or an uneven distribution of liquid crystal. But quite often, the fix is simple and can be completed at home.

Software

Search online for pixel-fixing software. Many of these programs are free, and fix pixels which have become stuck by turning them on and off rapidly. This should be the first attempt to fix stuck pixels.

Under Pressure

If the software option does not work, try using a soft and damp cloth to dislodge pixels. Turn off your screen or monitor. Then, take the damp cloth and wrap it around something with a focused but dull point, such as a pencil or PDA stylus. Apply pressure directly onto the stuck pixel, and turn your screen back on at the same time. Once you do this, remove the cloth and instrument, and your stuck pixel should disappear.

Tap Out

Turn on your monitor or screen, and then load a black image so that the stuck pixel will show up clearly. Once you’ve found an instrument with a rounded end, gently tap the stuck pixel enough that a white glow appears under the point of contact. After a few taps, gradually increase the pressure of the taps until the stuck pixel is gone.