Compare what the same point does
Start with shape and behavior, then use the name. Apple describes LCD subpixels that remain on or off and notes that irregular foreign material can resemble a pixel anomaly. Apple’s pixel anomaly explanation provides that background; the comparison below is our practical interpretation guide.
| Possible cause | On black | On white and RGB | Useful cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright / stuck pixel or subpixel | A sharp point stays lit. | It may remain lit or change appearance between colors. | Check the display’s own diagnostic and the same location across inputs. |
| Dark / dead pixel or subpixel | The point does not glow. | A sharp point stays dark on white or at least one primary color. | Compare every RGB field and rule out debris before documenting it. |
| Dust or debris | Often difficult to distinguish. | Often fuzzy or irregular, especially on white. | Inspect with the screen off and follow the maker’s cleaning instructions. |
| Software or rendered artifact | Can resemble a pixel on any test color. | If it is in a screenshot viewed on another screen, it was part of the rendered image. | |
| Glow, bleed or uneven brightness | A patch, haze or edge region rather than one point. | May become clearer on gray; not an isolated RGB point. | Compare angle, room light and ordinary content. See the glow and bleed guide. |
This comparison screens observations; it does not establish warranty eligibility, distinguish every panel design or prove that software can repair a fault.
Three illustrative cases
These are invented inputs demonstrating our check’s rules. They are not customer reports, repair results or photographs.
Bright on black, changes across RGB
Inputs: one bright point on black; its appearance changes across RGB; no mark in a screenshot viewed elsewhere.
Tool result: probably a bright or stuck pixel. A recent purchase sends you to the return/support path before an exercise.
Dark on white, no glow on black
Inputs: a sharp dark point on white; black shows no bright point; the dot is dark on one primary color.
Tool result: probably a dark or dead pixel. Confirm the physical panel and save evidence for support.
The mark appears in a screenshot elsewhere
Input: the same mark is visible when its screenshot is opened on another display.
Tool result: probably an app, cable or input problem. The screenshot observation takes priority over the apparent dot color.
A clean screenshot alone does not prove a panel fault: the cable, input or display processing can still be involved. The outside-the-browser checks narrow that down. See how the tool orders conflicting observations.
What to look for
- Stuck or bright: white or colored on black.
- Dead or dark: dark on white or a primary color; not glowing on black.
- Dust: often irregular, soft-edged, or affected by cleaning or screen-protector removal.
- App, cable, or input problem: visible in screenshots viewed on another display or changes when you switch the input or app.
Use this order
- Clean the surface.
- Check black and white.
- Check red, green, and blue.
- Confirm with the display’s built-in test.
Common questions
Is a white pixel dead or stuck?
A white point that stays lit on black is typically described as a bright or stuck pixel, not a dark/dead pixel.
Why does the dot disappear on one color?
That can reveal which red, green, or blue subpixel is not responding normally. Record the behavior instead of guessing the label.