Dead Pixel Test
Check your monitor for dead, stuck, or hot pixels with our comprehensive color test
How to Use This Test
Best Testing Conditions: Clean your screen first and test in a dark room for best results. Make sure your monitor has been on for at least 30 minutes.
Test Process:
- 1. Click "Start Dead Pixel Test" above
- 2. Your screen will display solid colors
- 3. Look for pixels that don't match the color
- 4. Press space or click to cycle through colors
What to Look For:
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Dead Pixels: Always black, no light
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Stuck Pixels: Stuck on one color (red, green, or blue)
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Hot Pixels: Always white or bright
Colors Tested:
Skip the Hassle - Dead Pixel-Free Monitors
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ASUS ROG Gaming Monitor
Zero tolerance dead pixel policy + 3-year warranty
Professional Grade
Dell UltraSharp 4K
Premium Panel Guarantee + zero bright pixel policy
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Understanding Pixel Defects
What Are Dead Pixels?
Dead pixels are defective pixels on your screen that remain unlit, appearing as tiny black dots. They occur when the transistor that powers the pixel fails completely, preventing any light from passing through.
Dead Pixels vs Stuck Pixels
| Type | Appearance | Cause | Fixable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Pixel | Always black | Complete transistor failure | Usually No |
| Stuck Pixel | Single color (R, G, or B) | Transistor stuck on/off | Sometimes Yes |
| Hot Pixel | Always white/bright | All sub-pixels stuck on | Maybe |
Manufacturer Policies
Most manufacturers have pixel defect policies that determine warranty coverage:
- Premium monitors: 0-1 dead pixel tolerance
- Standard monitors: 3-5 dead pixel tolerance
- Budget monitors: 5-8 dead pixel tolerance
- Location matters: Center pixels often have stricter policies
Found Dead Pixels? Here's What to Do
For New Monitors:
- • Check the return policy immediately
- • Document the defect with photos
- • Contact the retailer within the return window
- • Reference the manufacturer's pixel policy
For Used Monitors:
- • Always test before purchasing
- • Negotiate price based on defects
- • Consider if the location impacts your use
- • Factor in that dead pixels can't be fixed
Possible Fixes for Stuck Pixels:
- • Gentle pressure method (risky)
- • Pixel flashing software
- • Heat method (not recommended)
- • Professional repair (expensive)
Related Resources
Complete Dead Pixel Testing Guide
What Are Dead Pixels?
Dead pixels are defective spots on your screen that fail to display colors correctly. They appear as tiny dots that remain black (dead) or stuck on a single color (stuck pixel). Understanding the difference is crucial for determining if a fix is possible.
Quick Identification Guide:
- Dead Pixel: Always black, cannot be fixed
- Stuck Pixel: Shows one color constantly, often fixable
- Hot Pixel: Always white or bright, sometimes fixable
- Dust/Debris: Appears on surface, can be cleaned
Step-by-Step Testing Process
1. Prepare Your Screen
- Clean your screen thoroughly with microfiber cloth
- Set brightness to maximum for better visibility
- Disable any blue light filters or night mode
- Close all other applications for fullscreen testing
2. Systematic Color Testing
- Test pure black - reveals hot/stuck pixels
- Test pure white - reveals dead pixels
- Test red, green, blue - identifies color-specific issues
- Check all screen areas methodically, corner to corner
- Use magnifying glass for small screens
3. Document Findings
- Count total number of affected pixels
- Note their locations (quadrant/coordinates)
- Identify type (dead, stuck, or hot)
- Take photos for warranty claims
Dead Pixel Policies by Manufacturer
| Brand | Dead Pixels Required | Policy Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | 6+ bright pixels | Premium Panel Guarantee available |
| ASUS | 3-5 depending on location | Zero Bright Dot policy on some models |
| LG | 4+ pixels | Standard ISO 13406-2 |
| Samsung | 7+ pixels | Standard warranty |
| Apple | Case-by-case basis | AppleCare+ recommended |
How to Fix Stuck Pixels
Important: These methods work for stuck pixels only, not dead pixels!
Method 1: Pixel Massage
- Turn off monitor and let it cool for 30 minutes
- Place soft cloth over stuck pixel area
- Use blunt object (pen cap) to gently press pixel
- Turn on monitor while maintaining pressure
- Release pressure after 5-10 seconds
Method 2: Rapid Color Cycling
- Use our pixel fixing tool (link below)
- Position flashing area over stuck pixel
- Run for 10-60 minutes
- Success rate: 60-70% for stuck pixels
Method 3: Heat Method
- Apply warm (not hot) damp cloth to area
- Leave for 30-60 seconds
- Gently massage in circular motion
- Repeat 3-5 times if needed
Buying Guide: What's Acceptable?
✓ Generally Acceptable
- • 1-2 stuck pixels on edges
- • Sub-pixel defects not visible at normal distance
- • Pixels only visible on specific colors
- • Issues covered by warranty
✗ Not Acceptable
- • Dead pixels in center viewing area
- • Clusters of 2+ pixels together
- • Bright pixels visible from normal distance
- • More than 3 total defects
Professional Testing Standards
The ISO 13406-2 standard classifies displays into four quality classes:
- Class 0: Zero defects allowed (premium/medical displays)
- Class 1: Maximum 2 defects per million pixels
- Class 2: Maximum 5 defects per million pixels (most consumer displays)
- Class 3: Maximum 50 defects per million pixels
Calculate Your Display's Pixel Count:
- • 1920×1080 (Full HD) = 2,073,600 pixels
- • 2560×1440 (QHD) = 3,686,400 pixels
- • 3840×2160 (4K) = 8,294,400 pixels
- • 5120×2880 (5K) = 14,745,600 pixels
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dead pixels spread or get worse?
No, dead pixels don't spread to neighboring pixels. However, displays can develop additional dead pixels over time due to aging or physical damage.
Are dead pixels covered under warranty?
Most manufacturers have specific dead pixel policies requiring a minimum number of defects before replacement. Premium warranties or "zero dead pixel" guarantees offer better protection.
Can software cause pixel issues?
No, dead or stuck pixels are hardware defects. If pixel issues appear and disappear with software changes, it's likely a graphics card or driver issue.
Should I return a monitor with one dead pixel?
If within the return period, yes. Most retailers accept returns for any reason. After the return period, check the manufacturer's pixel policy for warranty coverage.
Do OLED screens have dead pixels?
OLED displays can have dead pixels, though they're less common. OLED pixels can also suffer from burn-in, which is a different issue requiring separate testing.
Dead Pixel Test Tools Comparison
| Feature | Our Tool | JScreenFix | Dead Pixel Buddy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free/Paid | Free |
| No Download | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pixel Fixing | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mobile Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Detailed Guide | ✓ | Limited | ✗ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test for dead pixels before buying a monitor?
Use our free dead pixel test tool. Cycle through solid colors (black, white, red, green, blue) in fullscreen mode. Dead pixels will appear as dots that don't change color.
How many dead pixels are acceptable on a new monitor?
Most manufacturers consider 0-3 dead pixels acceptable, but many retailers offer zero dead pixel guarantees. Always check the warranty policy before purchasing.
Can dead pixels be fixed?
Dead pixels are usually permanent hardware defects. Stuck pixels (showing one color) can sometimes be fixed with pixel exercising tools, but dead pixels (completely black) typically cannot be repaired.