See Dead Pixels on Your Phone Screen? Here’s How They Happened
Screens are the gateway to the digital space. But they’re nothing without the pixels. These may be puny things, but when to put together, they can project your favorite shows, display pictures of friends on your Facebook wall, and present the news articles you read in the morning while sipping your coffee.
Pixels have an important job in changing colors in response to the image or content being displayed. These little guys are on all of your screens, from your computer to your phone. Pixels are everywhere, and they’re vital for the user experience.
But sometimes, pixels “die.” They usually look like a group or groups of black spots. These spots don’t illuminate and are annoying to look at. Sadly, they cannot usually be repaired (by yourself, at least).
To be better equipped in dealing with this problem, you have to know some stuff first. So, what really causes dead pixels? How do we prevent this? Read on to find out.
What Is a Dead Pixel?
A dead pixel occurs when sub-pixels are permanently turned off and, sometimes, transistors malfunction wherein zero voltage is getting to the pixel units. Each pixel contains RBG (red, blue, green) that changes to make up the picture. You’ll know when they stop working because they usually look like a cluster or clusters of black spots around your screen.
Are Dead Pixels Different from Stuck Pixels?
If there’s one thing both types have in common is that they both affect user experience. But to know if it’s dead pixels or stuck pixels on your screen, you have to know the difference between the two.
Stuck pixels are what they are — stuck. They’ve lost their ability to change their colors, resulting in them being stuck to one color for a prolonged amount of time. Whether big or small, they are noticeable and annoying. However, unlike dead pixels, they are less permanent. To stop stubborn pixels, run a changing screensaver to exercise the pixels. You can also use mobile apps to help do the same. When not in use, be sure to turn off your display. But you can also wait for it to disappear. However, there’s no telling how long it’ll take.
Common Causes of Dead Pixels
Everybody’s automatic response is always to do a quick online search on how-tos and DIYs in fixing dead pixels. But in truth, there’s only so much you can do. So while you still can, do your part to prevent dead pixels in your device. When it comes to dead pixels, you have two suspects. It only comes down to either: it was made that way, or you caused it yourself.
Manufacturing Defect
You might have been extra careful with your new phone that you’ve never dropped it before. Yet, you find dead pixels sitting on your screen. This could be a manufacturing defect. These pixel defects are, more often than not, undetectable during assembly.
If this is the case for you, contact the manufacturer. But, first, have it replaced by a defect-free and functional one. Then, be properly compensated for the damage that you never caused in the first place.
Frequent Falling, Bumping and Knocking Over
You dropping your phone constantly can cause more than just cosmetic wear. In fact, dropping is one of the most common reasons cell phone screen repairs are needed.
When you drop your phone, the fall damages the connection to one or more pixels on your screen, causing them to “die.” The transistor that relays the power fails to do so, which results in a black (and very annoying) spot that never lights up.
This is very avoidable, which is good news. But if you are way past that point and you’re dealing with the consequences, focus on how you can prevent any further damage. For example, avoid placing your phone where it’s at risk of falling or unnecessary pressure is on it.
Although there are DIY fixes you can do with the help of mobile apps, a sure and long-term solution is always to consult a professional. You can look up solutions all you want, but your safest bet is always to see a technician. The best and reliable option to prevent it from reoccurring in the future is to have the LCD replaced by a professional.
If your phone is newly purchased, you should check with the manufacturer; they usually offer a warranty. Most of the time, they require a minimum number of dead pixels before they choose to repair or replace the screen. This way, you can ensure that your phone gets the repair it needs.
