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Broken Pixel on iPhone: Test Your iPhone and Fix its Dead Pixels

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Finding a broken pixel on your iPhone screen can be frustrating. These pixel imperfections often appear as small, dark, or discolored dots, disrupting your viewing experience. Fortunately, identifying and even fixing dead or stuck pixels is possible with the right steps. This guide will walk you through the process of testing your iPhone for dead pixels and explore potential fixes.

What is a Dead Pixel?

A dead pixel on an iPhone screen is a pixel that remains permanently off, appearing as a black dot that does not change color with the rest of the display. Dead pixels occur when all three sub-pixels—red, green, and blue—stop functioning, resulting in a pixel that does not emit any light. This type of defect can happen due to manufacturing issues, physical damage, or wear over time.

Dead Pixels vs. Stuck Pixels

It’s essential to distinguish dead pixels from stuck pixels, as they appear differently and have different solutions:

• Dead Pixel: Appears as a black spot that does not light up, regardless of the screen's content. Dead pixels are typically permanent and harder to fix.
• Stuck Pixel: Shows as a bright dot in one color, such as red, green, or blue, due to one or more sub-pixels remaining active. Stuck pixels have a better chance of being fixed through software or manual techniques.

How to Test for Dead Pixels on Your iPhone

To accurately identify dead or stuck pixels on your iPhone, follow these testing steps. It’s best to work in a dark room to make pixel anomalies easier to spot.

Step 1: Clean Your Screen

Before testing, ensure your screen is free of dust and smudges. Use a microfiber cloth with distilled water or a screen-safe cleaner to gently wipe your screen. This will prevent any debris from being mistaken for dead pixels. Check our article on how to safely clean your screen for more information.

Step 2: Open a Dead Pixel Test

Visit DeadPixelTest.org on your iPhone. Start the dead pixel test video that will cycle through solid colors, such as red, green, blue, and black. These colors make dead or stuck pixels stand out for easier identification.

Dead Pixel Test For iPhone

Step 3: Inspect the Screen

Carefully observe each color on the screen. Dead pixels will appear as small black dots, while stuck pixels will remain fixed on a single color, standing out against each background color displayed.

How to Fix Dead or Stuck Pixels on an iPhone

While not all pixel issues are fixable, especially true dead pixels, the following methods may help resolve stuck or malfunctioning pixels:

Method 1: Pixel Fixer Videos

Try running a Dead Pixel Fixer video from DeadPixelTest.org. These videos rapidly cycle through colors, stimulating the stuck pixel. Let the video run for 10–30 minutes and check to see if the pixel is restored. Be sure to disable your iPhone's auto-lock feature so the video can run uninterrupted.

Fix Your Dead Pixels

Method 2: Gentle Pressure Technique

For a stubborn pixel, you can try the gentle pressure method with caution:

1. Turn off your iPhone.
2. Place a soft cloth over the location of the dead or stuck pixel.
3. Apply gentle pressure with your fingertip or a blunt object for about 5–10 seconds.
4. Turn the screen back on to see if the pixel responds.

Warning: Applying too much pressure can worsen damage, so proceed carefully.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party App

There are third-party apps like “JScreenFix” that rapidly flash colors to stimulate the pixel, similar to pixel fixer videos. These apps can be helpful for stuck pixels but are unlikely to work on true dead pixels.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your iPhone has multiple dead or stuck pixels or if the issue persists after attempting these fixes, consider reaching out to Apple Support or an authorized service provider. Many iPhone warranties include pixel defect policies, allowing for screen replacements if pixel issues exceed a certain threshold. Be sure to check your warranty coverage to avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Preventing Dead Pixels on Your iPhone

While dead pixels aren’t always preventable, the following tips can help minimize the risk:

• Handle your iPhone carefully: Avoid dropping or placing excessive pressure on the screen.
• Use a protective case: Cases can shield your device from impacts and minimize the risk of physical damage to the screen.
• Avoid exposure to moisture: Water can damage your screen’s components, so consider a waterproof case if your device is exposed to wet environments.
• Regularly clean the screen: Clean your iPhone’s screen periodically to avoid issues from debris or residue buildup.