Screen & Dead Pixels
    Display · Dead pixels

    Dead pixel test

    Fill your screen with solid colours and scan it closely. Dead pixels stay black and stuck pixels stay one colour, so they stand out against the right background.

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    About the dead pixel test

    Updated

    A dead pixel never lights up and shows as a black dot on every colour. A stuck pixel is stuck on one colour, usually red, green or blue, and shows on most backgrounds except its own. The dead pixel test fills the whole screen with pure colours, one at a time, so both kinds stand out. It's worth running on any new monitor or laptop while you can still return it.

    How to use it

    1. Wipe the screen so dust isn't mistaken for a pixel.
    2. Open each colour in full screen, starting with white and black.
    3. Scan the panel slowly in sections, from a normal viewing distance and then up close.
    4. Note where any dot appears and which colours it shows on.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many dead pixels are acceptable?

    It depends on the manufacturer's pixel policy. Many allow a few before they'll replace a panel, while some premium lines promise zero. Check the policy for your model and test within the return window.

    Can a stuck pixel fix itself?

    Sometimes. Stuck pixels occasionally recover after hours of use. A pixel that stays black on every colour is dead and won't recover.

    Does this work on phones and TVs?

    Yes. Open the page on the device's browser and use full screen. On a TV, open it in the TV's browser or cast a browser tab.

    Specific tests