Small dots, bright spots, dark spots, or unusual pixels on your TV screen can sometimes be caused by a temporary video issue, an app or input problem, or the content being displayed. In some cases, the issue may be related to the TV panel itself. Follow the steps below to help identify what may be causing the issue.

Steps and menu names may vary by TV model, operating system, and software version.

What You May Notice

You may see one or more of the following:

• A small white, red, green, blue, or black dot on the screen
• A dot that appears in the same location at all times
• A dot that only appears when using one app or input
• Tiny specks or bright spots during dark scenes
• A cluster of dots or unusual marks on the screen
• A spot that looks like a stuck or dead pixel

Step 1: Check if the Dot Appears on All Content

First, check whether the dot or pixel issue appears everywhere or only in one place.

Try the following:

1. Open a different app, such as YouTube, Netflix, or another streaming app.
2. Change to a different HDMI input, if you have a device connected.
3. Open the TV’s home screen or settings menu.
4. Play different types of content, including bright scenes and dark scenes.

If the dot only appears in one app, channel, video, or connected device, the issue may be with that content, app, or external device rather than the TV screen.

Step 2: Power Cycle the TV

A restart can clear temporary display or software issues.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. Unplug the TV from the power outlet.
3. Wait at least 60 seconds.
4. Plug the TV back in.
5. Turn the TV on and check the screen again.

Step 3: Check the Screen for Dust, Marks, or Debris

Sometimes a small mark on the screen can look like a pixel issue.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen.
3. Do not press hard on the panel.
4. Do not use glass cleaner, alcohol, paper towels, or harsh chemicals.

After cleaning, turn the TV back on and check if the dot is still visible.

Step 4: Test the TV Menu or Home Screen

A good way to check if the issue is coming from the TV screen is to see whether it appears over the TV’s own menus.

Google TV

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Open a menu with a solid background, such as Display & Sound or System.
4. Check whether the dot appears in the same location.

Fire TV

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Open a settings menu, such as Display & Sounds.
4. Check whether the dot appears in the same location.

Roku TV

1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Open a menu such as TV picture settings or System.
4. Check whether the dot appears in the same location.

If the dot appears in the exact same place on the TV’s menus and across different apps or inputs, it may be related to the TV panel.

Step 5: Check External Devices and HDMI Cables

If the dot only appears while using an external device, such as a cable box, game console, Blu-ray player, or streaming device, try the following:

1. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
2. Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
3. Try a different HDMI cable.
4. Restart the connected device.
5. Test another device on the same HDMI port, if available.

If the issue only happens with one external device, the device or cable may be causing the problem.

Step 6: Restart or Reset the App

If the dot or display issue only appears in one app, try restarting the app or checking for app updates.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Choose the app.
4. Select Force stop.
5. Open the app again.

You can also check the Google Play Store for app updates.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Applications.
3. Select Manage Installed Applications.
4. Choose the app.
5. Select Force stop.
6. Open the app again.

Roku TV

1. Press the Home button.
2. Highlight the app.
3. Press the Star (*) button on the remote.
4. Select Check for updates, if available.
5. You can also remove and reinstall the app if needed.

Step 7: Check for TV Software Updates

Keeping your TV software up to date can help resolve display and app-related issues.

Google TV

1. Press Home on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select About.
5. Select System update.

Fire TV

1. Press Home on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select My Fire TV.
4. Select About.
5. Select Check for Updates.

Roku TV

1. Press Home on the remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Software update.
5. Select Check now.

Step 8: Try a Picture Test or Solid Background

To better identify the issue, display a solid color or simple image on the screen.

You can use:

• The TV home screen
• A settings menu
• A solid-color test video from a trusted app
• A blank white, black, red, green, or blue screen image from a connected device

Check whether the dot stays in the exact same location on every color and screen.

A dot that stays in the same place on all content may be a stuck, dead, or bright pixel. A dot that changes, moves, disappears, or only appears on certain videos is more likely related to the content, app, cable, or external device.

Step 9: Avoid Pressing or Tapping the Screen

Do not press, rub, tap, or massage the screen to try to fix a pixel. Applying pressure to the panel can cause additional damage.

Only clean the screen gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

When the Issue May Be a Pixel or Panel Concern

The issue may be related to the TV panel if:

• The dot appears in the same location on every app, input, and menu
• The dot is visible after restarting the TV
• The dot appears on different colors or test screens
• There are multiple dots or a cluster of dots
• The dot appears as a bright spot, dark spot, or colored pixel that does not go away

If possible, take a clear photo of the screen showing the issue. It may help to take photos with different backgrounds, such as a white screen, black screen, and the TV home screen.

Helpful Information to Have Ready

If additional support is needed, please try have the following information available:

• TV model number
• TV serial number
• TV operating system: Google TV, Fire TV, or Roku TV
• A description of the issue
• Whether the dot appears on all apps, inputs, and menus
• When the issue first started
• Photos of the screen showing the dot or pixel concern

The model and serial number can usually be found on the back of the TV or in the TV’s settings menu.