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Dead pixel test

Cycle through solid colors in fullscreen to spot dead or stuck pixels on your monitor.

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  • No account needed
  • Works in your browser

How it works

  1. 1Click Start test to enter fullscreen on your monitor.
  2. 2Look closely at the screen as each solid color appears.
  3. 3Click or press Space, Enter or the right arrow to advance. Press Escape to exit early.

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Dead vs. stuck pixels

Two different defects. Both show up on a solid-color test.

A dead pixel appears as a small black dot that stays dark regardless of what color the screen displays. A stuck pixel shows a fixed color (red, green, or blue) that does not change. Switch to white and a dead pixel remains a dark dot because the transistor behind that subpixel has failed.

A stuck pixel stays one color no matter what fills the screen. On a black background you might see a red, green, blue, or white dot. On white it might disappear if it is stuck on white. Stuck pixels are subpixels frozen in the on position.

Check a new monitor soon after delivery, while the seller’s return period is open. Start with a solid-color test in a dim room. Defects that are invisible during normal browsing can stand out on pure red or pure blue.

A stuck pixel near the center may be more noticeable than one near an edge, but whether it qualifies for return or exchange depends on the exact policy. Document what you find with photos while the screen shows a single bright color.

What to do if you find one

Warranty claims, return windows, and stuck pixel fixes.

Take photos while the screen shows solid red, green, and blue. Support may ask for proof of a bright or dark subpixel defect, but the required evidence and exchange criteria vary by model. Note the pixel location relative to the center of the screen.

Return and warranty policies vary by seller, region, model, and defect type. Check the seller’s actual deadline and the manufacturer’s exact pixel policy; do not assume a generic 30-day period, warranty length, or zero-defect rule.

For a suspected stuck pixel, follow the manufacturer’s guidance before trying any home remedy. Avoid pressure, heat, or tools that could damage the panel or affect a claim. A persistent defect is best documented and handled through the seller or manufacturer’s process.

Dead pixels rarely recover. If the defect persists and sits in your main viewing area, exchange the monitor while you still can. A single bright pixel in the center of a gaming monitor is distracting during dark scenes and HDR content.

Dead pixel test FAQ

How to spot defects, warranty info, and stuck pixel fixes.

Fill your screen with solid colors one at a time using this test and look for dots that stay black or show a fixed wrong color. Cycle through red, green, blue, white, and black in a dim room at normal viewing distance.
A dead pixel appears as a small black dot that stays dark on every color, including white. It never lights up because the transistor behind that subpixel has failed permanently.
A dead pixel stays black on all colors and cannot be lit. A stuck pixel shows a fixed color (red, green, or blue) that does not change regardless of what fills the screen. Stuck pixels are sometimes fixable; dead pixels are not.
No, dead pixels cannot be fixed because the transistor behind the subpixel has failed permanently. Stuck pixels sometimes clear up, but nothing is guaranteed, so check the manufacturer’s guidance before trying any remedy.
Sometimes, but there is no guaranteed fix. A stuck subpixel may be temporary, so check it again over a few days. Do not press on the panel or use heat or tools, since that can damage it or affect a warranty claim. If it persists, document it with photos and go through the seller or manufacturer.
Zero dead pixels in the center viewing area is the standard most buyers expect. Manufacturer policies vary: some allow 1 to 3 bright or dark subpixels near edges. Check your exact warranty terms before accepting a defective panel.
Yes, test within the first few days of delivery while the return period is open. Run this test in a dim room and photograph any defect on solid red, green, and blue backgrounds for warranty claims.

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