Dead pixel test: find dead and stuck pixels
Switch your screen to solid colours one at a time and look for dots that refuse to change. Nine colours reveal dead pixels, stuck pixels and uneven backlight. It works on monitors, laptops, tablets and phones.
How a dead pixel test works
A screen is a grid of tiny dots, and each dot is made of red, green and blue subpixels that mix to make every colour. When one of those parts fails or gets stuck, you see a dot that stays the wrong colour. The best way to find them is to fill the whole screen with one solid colour at a time. A fault that hides on a busy picture stands out clearly against a plain background.
This test cycles through black, white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow and grey. Look closely at every part of the screen on each colour, from a normal viewing distance first and then from close up. A magnifying glass or phone camera can help you confirm a tiny dot.
Which colour finds which fault
Use each colour for the fault it shows best, and scan the whole screen every time.
| Colour | Best for finding | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Stuck bright pixels, backlight bleed | Bright dots, glowing edges |
| White | Dead pixels, dirt, uneven brightness | Black dots, patches |
| Red, green, blue | Stuck or dead subpixels | Dots of another colour |
| Cyan, magenta, yellow | Faults on one channel | Dots that look off-colour |
| Grey | Uniformity and tint | Cloudy or tinted areas |
Dead pixel versus stuck pixel
A dead pixel is permanently off, so it shows as a black dot on a white or coloured screen. A stuck pixel is permanently on in one colour, so it shows as a bright red, green, blue or white dot on a black screen. A hot pixel is a stuck one that stays white. Dirt, dust or a mark on the screen can look like a pixel fault, so wipe the screen with a dry cloth and look again before you decide.
Stuck pixels sometimes recover on their own or with gentle pressure by someone who knows the risks. Dead pixels almost never come back. Do not press hard on an LCD or OLED, and avoid pixel fixing videos from unknown sources, which can add wear without any proof of benefit.
What to do if you find a fault
Note the colour and position, and photograph the fault with the colour that shows it best. Then check the warranty. Many makers use a pixel policy that sets the number and type of faults before a replacement is allowed, and the limit differs between brands and panel classes. Some retailers accept a return within the first weeks regardless, so test a new screen as soon as it arrives.
Also look for backlight bleed on black, where light leaks at the edges, and for uneven brightness or tinting on grey. For a thorough display check, follow with the gradient banding test, the refresh rate checker and the motion blur test.
How to use the dead pixel test
- Clean the screen with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Dim the room lights and set the screen to normal brightness.
- Press Start full screen test and look over the whole screen.
- Use the arrow keys or click to move through all nine colours.
- Note any dot that stays the wrong colour and check your warranty policy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Testing a dirty screen and mistaking dust for a dead pixel.
- Checking only the white screen, which hides stuck bright pixels.
- Pressing hard on the panel to try to fix a pixel.
Related tools and guides
Keep going with these: Gradient banding and contrast test, Refresh rate checker, Motion blur and ghosting test, Monitor viewing distance and angle calculator, best graphics cards guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my screen for dead pixels?
Start the full-screen test and look at each solid colour in turn. Dead pixels show as black dots on bright colours and stuck pixels show as bright dots on black. Scan the whole screen on each colour and confirm any dot by moving your head.
What is the difference between a dead and a stuck pixel?
A dead pixel is permanently off and looks black. A stuck pixel is permanently on in one colour, such as red, green, blue or white. Stuck pixels sometimes fade over time, but dead pixels almost never recover. Both are covered by different warranty rules.
Can dead pixels be fixed?
Rarely. Stuck pixels sometimes recover and gentle methods may help, but dead pixels are usually permanent. Be careful, because pressing on a panel can cause damage that voids the warranty. The safest fix is a warranty replacement within the maker policy.
How many dead pixels are acceptable?
It depends on the maker and panel class. Many policies allow a small number of faults before a replacement, while some premium lines promise a zero bright pixel policy. Check the warranty that came with your screen, and test new screens as soon as they arrive.
Does the test work on phones and laptops?
Yes. It works in any browser, on phones, tablets, laptops and monitors. Use full-screen mode where available. On a phone, hide the browser bars first so the colour fills the whole display and no edges are hidden. Rotate a phone to check every edge.
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