Dead Pixel Test: How to Check Your Monitor for Defective Pixels
Fast answer: Use this guide as a practical checklist for dead pixel test: how to check your monitor for defective pixels. Start with the main browser tool, confirm the result with one focused follow-up test, then change only one device, browser, or setting at a time so you know what actually fixed the issue.
Dead and stuck pixels are tiny defects on your screen where individual pixels fail to display the correct color. A dead pixel stays permanently black, while a stuck pixel shows a fixed red, green, or blue dot. These defects are most common on new monitors and can often be grounds for a warranty return.
Dead vs Stuck Pixels
- Dead pixel: Always black (the pixel is completely non-functional)
- Stuck pixel: Always shows one color (red, green, or blue) regardless of what should be displayed
- Hot pixel: Always white (all sub-pixels stuck on)
Stuck pixels can sometimes be fixed. Dead pixels usually cannot.
How to Test for Dead Pixels
- Open the screen tester
- Select a solid color (start with white to find dead pixels)
- Go fullscreen and carefully examine the entire display
- Switch to black to find stuck/hot pixels
- Test red, green, and blue to identify stuck sub-pixels
Specialized Screen Tests
- Dead Pixel Test — Focused test for finding dead pixels
- Stuck Pixel Test — Identify stuck sub-pixels
- Black Screen Test — Check for backlight bleed and IPS glow
- White Screen Test — Test uniformity and clean your screen
- Monitor Sharpness Test — Check text clarity, color fringing, and sub-pixel layout
- Online Ruler — Measure on-screen objects in cm and inches with credit-card calibration
Can You Fix Dead Pixels?
For Stuck Pixels (Sometimes)
- Pressure method: Gently press on the stuck pixel with a soft cloth while turning the display off and on
- Pixel exerciser: Run rapidly flashing colors over the stuck pixel to unstick it
For Dead Pixels (Usually Not)
Dead pixels indicate physical damage to the transistor. Most manufacturers have a dead pixel warranty policy — check if yours qualifies for a replacement.
FAQ
How many dead pixels is acceptable?
ISO 9241-307 defines classes. Class 0 allows zero defects. Most consumer monitors are Class 1 (allows up to 1-2 defects). Premium brands like Dell and ASUS offer zero-dead-pixel guarantees on select models.
Test your screen: Open the screen tester now.
Quick Action Checklist
- Clean the display first so dust is not mistaken for a pixel issue.
- Use full-screen mode where possible.
- Test several solid colors, not only black or white.
- Compare screenshots only after checking the screen directly.
