Dead Pixel Test
Check your monitor for dead, stuck, or hot pixels with full-screen solid color panels. Free, instant, no download required.
Choose a Color
Click a color to preview it below, then use "Go Fullscreen" to fill your entire display.
Select a color and go fullscreen. Examine every area of your screen for dots that don't match.
How to Test for Dead Pixels
- Clean your screen — Wipe your display with a microfiber cloth to remove dust or smudges that could be mistaken for dead pixels.
- Set brightness to maximum — Dead and stuck pixels are easier to spot at full brightness.
- Click each color above — Go fullscreen and slowly scan every region of your display.
- Look for anomalies — Dead pixels appear as black dots, stuck pixels show a fixed color (red, green, or blue).
- Test all colors — A stuck pixel may only be visible on certain background colors.
Types of Pixel Defects Explained
A modern display is composed of millions of pixels. Each pixel is made up of three smaller sub-pixels (Red, Green, and Blue). An LCD panel uses individual transistors to control the light passing through these sub-pixels. When a defect occurs, the result is one of three common issues:
A dead pixel occurs when the power to all three sub-pixels fails. The pixel is permanently turned off, resulting in a black dot on the screen that never changes color. Because the underlying transistor is completely dead, this is considered a permanent hardware failure and cannot be fixed.
A stuck pixel happens when one or more of the sub-pixel transistors receives constant power, locking it in the "on" state. This creates a bright, fixed dot that is usually red, green, or blue. Unlike dead pixels or permanent OLED burn-in, stuck pixels can sometimes be revived using software stuck pixel fixers that rapidly cycle sub-pixel states.
A hot pixel is similar to a stuck pixel but is typically white. It occurs when all three RGB sub-pixels are locked in the "on" position simultaneously, creating maximum luminance. These are often most noticeable against solid black backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Fix a Stuck Pixel
Unlike dead pixels, stuck pixels are often fixable because the sub-pixel transistor is still powered — it's just locked in one state. There are two established techniques:
- Pixel Cycling (Software Method): Run a rapid color-cycling pattern over the stuck pixel for 20–60 minutes. The constant switching can "unstick" the transistor. Search for "JScreenFix" or "pixel fixer" — these tools flash a small rectangle of rapidly changing colors that you drag over the stuck pixel.
- Gentle Pressure (Physical Method): Power off the monitor. Wrap a soft cloth around a pencil eraser tip. While powering the monitor back on, gently apply light pressure directly over the stuck pixel location for 10–15 seconds. This can re-seat the liquid crystal material. Use very light pressure — excessive force will permanently damage surrounding pixels.
Neither method works 100% of the time. Dead pixels (permanently black) respond to neither technique and require a warranty claim.
Manufacturer Dead Pixel Warranty Policies
Whether a dead pixel qualifies for a warranty replacement depends entirely on the manufacturer's policy. The ISO 13406-2 standard defines four defect classes, but most consumer monitors follow individual vendor thresholds:
| Manufacturer | Policy Name | Dead Pixel Threshold for Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Dell (UltraSharp) | Premium Panel Guarantee | 1 dead pixel — immediate replacement |
| LG | Zero Bright Dot | 1 bright (stuck) pixel on select models |
| ASUS (ROG/ProArt) | Dead Pixel Free | 0 dead pixels on premium lines |
| Samsung | Standard Warranty | Varies; typically ISO Class II (~2 dead pixels) |
| BenQ | Standard Warranty | Typically 3–5 dead pixels before replacement |
| Budget / Generic | ISO 13406-2 Class III | Up to 5 dead pixels permitted |
Always check your specific model's warranty documentation. Policies listed are for representative product lines and may vary by region and purchase date.
Beyond Dead Pixels: Additional Hardware Checks
Checking for pixel defects is only the first step in validating a new monitor. To ensure your display is performing at its peak, you should also verify the following hardware characteristics:
- Verify Native Resolution: Ensure your OS display settings match your monitor's native resolution. Using a Full HD (1080p) setting on a QHD (1440p) or 4K Ultra HD panel will cause blurring.
- Check Refresh Rate: High-end monitors default to 60Hz out of the box. Go into your display settings and maximize the refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz).
- Cable Bandwidth: If you are unable to achieve your maximum resolution or 10-bit color depth, verify you are using a certified DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 cable.
- DPI and Scaling: On high-density screens (like Apple Retina displays), the physical Pixels Per Inch (PPI) is so high that scaling is required. This increases your Device Pixel Ratio (DPR), ensuring that web pages render with sharp CSS pixels while maintaining a proper physical screen size and aspect ratio.
Reference: Wikipedia — Defective pixel | ISO 13406-2 Pixel Defect Standard