Dead Pixel Test - Find Dead, Stuck, and Bright Pixels Online
Find dead, stuck, and bright pixels before they become a bigger problem. This free Dead Pixel Test uses six full-screen color patterns to help you spot pixel defects, save their location, identify the fault type, and decide whether Pixel Fixer or a warranty claim is worth trying.
Two minutes, and worth doing properly
- Clean the screen first with a dry microfibre cloth. Most reported dead pixels turn out to be dust.
- Dim the room. Reflections hide faults, particularly on the black screen.
- Sit at your normal viewing distance, then lean closer for each colour. A single bad pixel is small enough to miss from a metre away.
Or go straight to a colour
If you already know what you are looking for, open any field on its own. Arrow keys move between colours, Esc leaves.
How the Dead Pixel Test Works
Choose the guided mode or jump straight to a color screen if you already know what you want to check.
Inspect black, white, red, green, blue, and gray screens to spot glowing, dark, or stuck pixels that stay visible across different colors.
Mark each fault when you find it. The tool records its pixel location, suggests the likely fault type, and tells you whether Pixel Fixer is worth trying.
What Your Test Result Means
Your report shows how many pixel defects the test found, where they appear on the screen, and the most likely fault type. It also records the pixel coordinates, screen resolution, and whether the fault is worth trying with Pixel Fixer.
A dead pixel stays black on every color. A stuck pixel or stuck subpixel appears on some colors but disappears on others, which usually means one RGB subpixel is not switching correctly. The location map helps you confirm the same spot across multiple color screens, reducing false reports caused by dust or reflections.
If the report marks a fault as worth trying the fixer, it is likely responding like a stuck pixel rather than a permanently failed one. Saving the fault count and coordinates also helps when comparing your screen against a manufacturer's return or warranty policy.
Understanding Different Pixel Faults
Not every pixel defect is permanent. The color patterns help separate a dead pixel, stuck pixel, bright pixel, and subpixel fault by showing how each one behaves across different screens.
- Dead Pixel: Stays black on every color because the pixel no longer responds.
- Stuck Pixel: Stays red, green, or blue on some screens but changes on others, which means one RGB subpixel is stuck.
- Bright Pixel: Appears white or unusually bright against darker backgrounds because the pixel remains lit.
- Subpixel Fault: Only one of the three RGB subpixels fails, so the pixel looks normal on some colors but incorrect on others.
The black screen is best for finding glowing pixels, while white, red, green, and blue screens reveal color-specific faults. Checking the same spot across multiple colors helps confirm the defect before deciding whether Pixel Fixer or a warranty claim is the better next step.
How to Inspect Your Screen Properly
A careful inspection helps you find real pixel defects instead of mistaking dust or reflections for a faulty pixel. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth before starting, then test in a dim room with brightness at a comfortable level.
View the display from your normal viewing distance first, then move closer only if you need to confirm a suspicious spot. Check the same location across black, white, red, green, blue, and gray screens. If the mark changes or disappears, it is more likely dust or glare than a dead or stuck pixel.
Can You Fix a Dead Pixel?
A dead pixel usually cannot be repaired because the pixel has stopped responding. A stuck pixel, however, may recover if only one RGB subpixel is stuck instead of permanently damaged. That is why identifying the fault type before trying a fix matters.
The safest method is to use a Pixel Fixer, which rapidly cycles through colors to encourage a stuck subpixel to respond again. Avoid pressing hard on the screen, as physical pressure can create new display damage. If the pixel stays black on every test color after multiple checks, it is likely a true dead pixel. In that case, save the pixel location from your report and check your monitor or laptop manufacturer's warranty policy.
When Should You Use Your Warranty?
Use your warranty if the report confirms a dead pixel that stays visible across every test color. Many manufacturers follow different pixel defect policies, so the required number and location of faulty pixels can vary. Save the pixel coordinates, fault count, and screen resolution from your report before contacting support. These details make it easier to verify the defect during a return or warranty claim.
FAQs
What is a dead pixel?
A dead pixel is a pixel that stays black because it no longer responds to the display signal. It remains visible on black, white, red, green, blue, and gray test screens, which usually means the pixel has permanently failed.
What is the difference between a dead pixel and a stuck pixel?
A dead pixel stays black on every color, while a stuck pixel remains red, green, or blue because one RGB subpixel is stuck. A stuck pixel may recover, but a true dead pixel usually cannot.
Can a dead pixel be fixed?
In most cases, dead pixels cannot be repaired because the pixel has permanently stopped responding. If the report identifies a stuck pixel, using a Pixel Fixer may help restore the affected subpixel.
How do I know if it's dust or a dead pixel?
Dust usually moves, changes shape, or disappears after cleaning the screen with a microfiber cloth. A dead or stuck pixel stays in the exact same location across multiple full-screen color tests.
How many dead pixels are acceptable for a warranty?
The acceptable number of pixel defects depends on your monitor or laptop manufacturer's policy. Some brands require multiple faulty pixels before approving a replacement, while others consider the pixel's location on the screen.
Does this test work on OLED, LCD, and LED screens?
Yes. The tool works on OLED, LCD, and LED displays by showing full-screen color patterns that make dead, stuck, and bright pixels easier to identify.
Can I test my phone or tablet screen?
Yes. You can run the test on Android phones, iPhones, and tablets in a modern browser. Switching through the full-screen color patterns makes small pixel defects easier to spot on mobile displays.