Dead Pixel Test
Free online dead pixel test for monitors, laptops, phones and TVs. Cycle full-screen colors, tap any faulty dot to log its exact position, and download a report for your return.
What Is A Dead Pixel Test?
A dead pixel test shows one solid color across your whole screen at a time, so any pixel that does not match stands out. A dead pixel appears as a black dot on bright colors, a stuck pixel as a red, green or blue dot that never changes, and a hot pixel as a white dot that stays lit.
Every pixel on an LCD or OLED panel is made of three tiny sub-pixels: red, green and blue. Mixing them creates every color you see. When the transistor behind a pixel fails, that pixel can no longer light, and in a busy photo or video your eye simply skips over it. A flat field of one color removes the distraction, so a single faulty pixel among millions becomes easy to spot.
That is why the test uses white and black first, then the primary colors. White lights every sub-pixel, so a dead pixel shows as a dark hole. Black lights none, so anything still glowing is stuck or hot. Red, green and blue isolate each channel, and cyan, magenta and yellow confirm which sub-pixel is at fault.
Dead Pixel
All three sub-pixels are off for good. It shows as a black dot on white and on every bright color.
Stuck Pixel
One or two sub-pixels are always on. It shows as a red, green or blue dot, clearest on black. Sometimes fixable.
Hot Pixel
All three sub-pixels are always on. It shows as a bright white dot on black and on dark colors.
How To Check Your Screen For Dead Pixels In 5 Steps
The whole check takes about two minutes. A little setup first stops dust and scaling from fooling you.
Clean The Screen
Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. Dust on white looks exactly like a dead pixel.
Use Native Resolution
Set the recommended resolution so every test pixel maps to one panel pixel.
Go Full Screen
Press Full Screen Test so the corners and edges are covered too.
Step Through Every Color
Press Space, click or swipe. Scan slowly in a grid, corner to corner, on each color.
Mark And Save
Turn on Mark, tap each dot to log its x and y, then download the report.
Dead, Stuck Or Hot Pixel: How To Tell What You Found
Check the same dot on several colors. How it looks on each one tells you what kind of fault it is and whether it can be fixed.
How Many Dead Pixels Are Acceptable?
Most panel makers grade faults against the ISO pixel fault classes from ISO 13406-2, now replaced by the ISO 9241-300 series. Its common Class II grade allows 2 always-lit, 2 always-dark and 5 sub-pixel faults per million pixels. Here is what that means at today's resolutions:
- Always lit4
- Always dark4
- Sub-pixel10
- Always lit7
- Always dark7
- Sub-pixel18
- Always lit16
- Always dark16
- Sub-pixel41
- Always lit-
- Always dark-
- Sub-pixel-
The standard is a floor, not a promise. Many brands publish stricter policies, and some guarantee zero bright pixels. A screen that is within the standard can still be returnable during the store's return window, so check your brand's policy and test on the day it arrives.
Found A Dead Pixel? What To Do Next
Work through these in order. The first two rule out the easy causes before you start a return.
1. Rule Out Dust
Wipe the spot with a microfiber cloth and look from a slight angle. If the dot moves against the pattern or comes off, it was never a pixel.
2. Try The Stuck Pixel Fixer
If the dot is colored, it may be stuck rather than dead. Run the fixer over it for 10 to 30 minutes.
Open Stuck Pixel Fixer3. Record The Evidence
Mark every faulty pixel, download the report and take a photo of the screen showing the dot on white or black.
4. Return Or Claim Warranty
Inside the return window, a store swap is usually quickest. After that, check the brand's pixel policy and send your report with the claim.
Dead pixel policy by brandAvoid the pressure trick. Rubbing or pressing a dead pixel is widely suggested online, but it can crack the panel or kill neighbouring pixels, and it may void the warranty.
Dead Pixel Test For Phones, Laptops, Monitors And TVs
The same colors work on every screen, but each device has its own catch.
Phones And Tablets
Turn off auto brightness and dark mode, and turn the phone sideways. On iPhone the test fills the browser window, since Safari blocks true full screen.
Mobile screen testLaptops
Plug in the charger so the screen runs at full brightness, and check the edges near the hinge, where pressure faults are common.
Laptop screen testMonitors
Set native resolution and 100% scaling first. On large screens, split it into quarters and scan each one in turn.
Monitor screen testSmart TVs
Open this page in the TV browser and switch off motion smoothing and dynamic contrast. Walk up close for the final check.
TV screen testDead Pixel Test FAQ
Quick answers to what people ask most before and after running the test.
What is a dead pixel test?
A dead pixel test fills your screen with solid colors one at a time so faulty pixels stand out. A dead pixel shows as a dark dot on bright colors, while a stuck pixel shows as a colored dot that never changes. It takes about two minutes and needs nothing more than a browser.
How do I check my screen for dead pixels?
Clean the screen, open the Dead Pixel Test, press Full Screen Test and step through every color with Space, a click or a swipe. Look slowly across the whole screen on each color, especially the corners. Turn on Mark and tap any dot you find to log its exact position.
Which color is best for finding dead pixels?
White is best for dead pixels, because a pixel that never lights shows as a black dot. Black is best for stuck and hot pixels, because anything that stays lit glows. Then use red, green and blue to find out which sub-pixel is at fault.
What is the difference between a dead pixel and a stuck pixel?
A dead pixel never lights up, so it stays black on every color. A stuck pixel is lit all the time in one color, usually red, green or blue, and shows on black or contrasting colors. Stuck pixels can sometimes be fixed; dead pixels cannot.
Is one dead pixel acceptable?
Under the common ISO Class II grade, a Full HD screen may have up to about 4 always-dark pixels and still be within the standard. Many brands are stricter, and some promise zero bright pixels. Even one dead pixel can be returnable inside the store return window, so test as soon as the screen arrives.
Can a dead pixel fix itself?
A truly dead pixel does not come back on its own, because the transistor that drives it has failed. A pixel that appears dead but sometimes flickers on may be stuck or have a loose connection, and the Stuck Pixel Fixer is worth a try.
Can I fix a dead pixel with software?
No software can repair a dead pixel. Software like the Stuck Pixel Fixer flashes colors to revive stuck pixels, which works in some cases after 10 to 30 minutes. Pressing or rubbing the screen is often suggested online, but it can damage more pixels and is not recommended.
Does the dead pixel test work on phones and TVs?
Yes. It runs in any modern browser on phones, tablets, laptops, monitors and smart TVs. On iPhone, Safari does not allow true full screen for web pages, so the test fills the browser window instead; turn the phone sideways for the most coverage.
Do dead pixels get worse over time?
A single dead pixel usually stays the same. A growing cluster, a line of pixels or a spreading dark area points to a panel or cable fault and should be reported to the seller or under warranty.
Is the dead pixel test safe for my screen?
Yes. Showing solid colors is no different from displaying a normal picture. The only test that flashes is the separate Stuck Pixel Fixer, which shows a warning first because rapid flashing is unsafe for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Ready To Check Your Screen?
Two minutes now can save you a faulty screen for years.