A tiny dot that stays on your Samsung TV is distracting, but it does not automatically mean the panel needs repair. Start with surface dirt and input checks, then use Samsung’s built-in Picture Test to narrow down the fault. The result tells you whether to keep troubleshooting the source or ask Samsung to assess the display.
Rule out a mark on the screen first
Surface dirt can resemble a defective pixel. Turn off the TV before inspecting the spot.
Unplug it before cleaning.
Gently wipe the screen with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, following your model’s cleaning instructions. Do not press on the suspected pixel or spray liquid onto the screen.
Reconnect the TV after cleaning.
Turn it on to check the same area. If the dot remains, compare another channel or input next.
Compare inputs when the dot appears on a connected device
Use this check when you see the dot while watching an external device. Comparing sources helps separate cable and device problems from a fault within the TV.
Switch to another channel.
To compare inputs, open Menu > Source and choose another input. Follow your model’s manual if your remote uses different navigation.
If the problem is limited to one connected device, turn off the TV.
Unplug the TV before handling its connections.
Reseat the HDMI or antenna cable at both ends.
Replace any damaged cable.
Restart the connected device to compare the picture again.
Substitute another device if the fault remains on that input.
For HDMI diagnostics on supported 2022-and-later TVs, open All Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > HDMI Troubleshooting. Availability depends on the model and firmware; Samsung specifies a cable shorter than 2 meters for reliable testing.
Select the affected HDMI connection.
Follow the test’s on-screen prompts.
Replace the cable if the test identifies a fault.
Run Samsung’s Picture Test
On US Samsung TVs from 2022 onward, check the dot against a picture generated by the TV itself.
- 1.Open All Settings > Support.
- 2.Select Device Care > Self Diagnosis.
- 3.Choose Picture Test, then select OK.
- 4.Inspect the spot in the test picture and answer the on-screen questions.
- 5.If the defect remains visible, contact Samsung for assessment through the repair route below.
Restore access to diagnostics or find the right menu
A running TV app can make diagnostics unavailable. Exit active apps if the diagnostic option is greyed out.
Retry Picture Test. On models with the alternative diagnostic label, open Home > Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Run Diagnostics.
Menu paths also differ by region. For an Australian 2026 model, open Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Picture Test.
For an Australian 2023–2025 model, open Settings > All Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Picture Test.
For an Australian 2022 model, open Menu > Settings > All Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Picture Test.
If none of these paths matches, find your exact model’s manual through Samsung’s Manuals & Software page, using the equivalent Samsung site for your purchase region.
If you still cannot access the test, contact Samsung support for help with your model’s diagnostic menu.
Restart and update for software-related artifacts
Software glitches are the cause these restart and update checks address.
With the TV on, hold the remote’s Power button continuously until the TV switches off and back on. This performs a cold boot on supported Samsung Smart TVs.
If remote cold boot is unavailable, unplug the power cord while the TV is on. Do not use this alternative during a firmware update or OLED maintenance cycle.
Wait 30 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord.
Turn the TV on.
If the problem continues, open Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
Let installation and the automatic restart finish without interrupting power. Samsung does not promise that restarting or updating will revive a stuck pixel.
A dot that remains in Picture Test warrants Samsung support assessment. A factory reset is optional software troubleshooting, so you do not need to erase your setup before seeking help for a persistent panel dot.
Use OLED maintenance for image retention
OLED panel care treats image retention; Samsung does not promise a cure for a single stuck pixel.
On supported Samsung OLED TVs, turn the TV off with the remote’s Power button after at least four cumulative viewing hours to allow automatic Screen Optimization.
Leave it off and connected to electricity for approximately 10 minutes without interruption.
Turn the TV back on after the cycle.
Check for the completion message.
For image retention on an OLED model offering manual refresh, open Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Panel Care > Pixel Refresh. Availability varies by model; this is not a QLED or LCD feature.
Select Start Now or Start After TV Off.
Allow the process to finish with power connected. The TV turns off for more than an hour; do not turn it back on during the process.
Arrange Samsung’s assessment for a persistent dot
If the spot remains visible in Picture Test, arrange a support assessment. The test diagnoses the display; it does not repair pixels.
In the US, open Samsung’s repair services page and select Request a repair.
Sign in to your Samsung account.
Select or add your TV.
Provide the requested model, serial number and fault details, including whether the dot remains in the test picture.
Open My Products to check warranty information.
Use Review Warranty if the recorded date needs correction. Coverage depends on the product, location and warranty assessment; one bright pixel does not automatically guarantee a panel replacement.
If the portal cannot arrange service for your TV, contact Samsung support directly for the next route. Physical panel faults require service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SmartThings if I cannot find my remote?
Yes, for a compatible TV already linked to SmartThings. Open the phone app and choose Menu > All devices. Select your TV. Use Home and the directional controls or touch area to navigate its diagnostic menus. SmartThings requires a Samsung account and an internet connection; it provides remote navigation, not a separate pixel-repair feature.
Can I reset picture settings without resetting the whole TV?
Yes. On 2022-and-newer Canadian Samsung TVs with this menu, open Settings > All Settings > Picture > Expert Settings > Reset Picture > Reset. This removes picture customizations and addresses configuration problems. Samsung does not establish it as a repair for a physically defective pixel.
Can Samsung inspect the TV remotely?
Yes, on an internet-connected TV supporting Remote Management. Contact Samsung support and request remote assistance. Open Settings > Support > Remote Management. Review the displayed terms before accepting them. Give the generated eight-digit PIN to the Samsung representative. The technician can investigate settings and software; physical panel faults still require service.