How to Check for Dead Pixels on Any Screen
Dead pixels are tiny dots on your screen that fail to display the correct color. They can appear on monitors, laptops, phones, tablets, and TVs. Here is how to find them quickly using a free browser-based test.
What Are Dead Pixels?
A dead pixel is a pixel that no longer lights up. It appears as a tiny black dot on a bright background. A stuck pixel is different — it stays lit in one color (red, green, or blue) regardless of what the screen displays.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Dead Pixel Test in your browser.
- Click the fullscreen button to fill your entire screen with a solid color.
- Start with a white screen — dead pixels appear as black dots on white.
- Carefully scan your entire screen. Look at every area, including edges and corners.
- Switch to black, red, green, and blue screens. Stuck pixels show up against contrasting colors.
- If you find any, note their location. Check your manufacturer's warranty policy for dead pixel claims.
Best Conditions for Testing
- Dim or dark room — makes small defects easier to spot.
- Clean screen — wipe fingerprints and dust first so you do not mistake debris for dead pixels.
- Maximum brightness — ensures dead pixels contrast clearly against the background.
- Native resolution — run your display at its native resolution for accurate results.
When to Test
- New purchase — test within the return window.
- Used/refurbished — check before completing the transaction.
- Warranty claim — document dead pixels before contacting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a dead pixel?
Dead pixels (permanently off) usually cannot be fixed. Stuck pixels (stuck on one color) can sometimes be fixed by gently massaging the area with a soft cloth or running a rapid color-cycling tool.
How many dead pixels is acceptable?
Most manufacturers allow 1-5 dead pixels under warranty. Check your manufacturer's dead pixel policy — some premium brands offer zero-dead-pixel guarantees.
Do dead pixels spread?
Dead pixels generally do not spread. However, if the cause is physical damage (like pressure), adjacent pixels may also fail over time.
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Written by the DeviceKit Team
We build free, private, browser-based diagnostic tools for screens, keyboards, mice, webcams, microphones, speakers, and controllers. Our guides are written by the same engineers who build the tools — so the advice is practical, tested, and based on real hardware experience.