Display Tools

Dead Pixel Test

Detect dead, stuck, and hot pixels on any screen. Cycle through solid colors and inspect your display pixel-by-pixel.

Ready to Test Your Screen?

Click the button below to enter full-screen mode. Your entire screen will display solid colors one by one. Inspect each color carefully for any dots that don’t match.

Before You Begin
  • View your screen from about 30 cm (12 in) away
  • Inspect every part of the screen — edges, corners, and center
  • Clean your screen to avoid confusing dust with dead pixels
  • Press Esc or click Exit to leave full-screen
Complete Guide

How to Run a Dead Pixel Test

A dead pixel test is the most reliable way to check whether your screen has defective pixels. By displaying solid colors across the entire display, any pixel that fails to render correctly becomes immediately visible.

What Are Dead, Stuck, and Hot Pixels?

Not all defective pixels are the same. A dead pixel appears as a tiny black dot that never lights up — it remains off regardless of what color is displayed. A stuck pixel always shows one color (red, green, or blue) because one of its subpixels is stuck on. A hot pixel appears as a bright white dot that stays lit constantly. The 9-color test helps you identify which type of defect you’re dealing with.

How to Perform the Test

  1. Click “Start the Test” — your browser will enter full-screen mode.
  2. Cycle through all 9 colors using the on-screen buttons, the arrow keys, or the Space bar.
  3. Inspect the entire panel from about 30 cm (12 inches) away. Look for any dots that don’t match the background color.
  4. Note any defective pixels — record their position (row/column coordinates) and which color(s) they’re visible on.
  5. Run the Stuck Pixel Fixer if you find stuck pixels. Rapid color cycling can sometimes revive them.
  6. Press Esc or click Exit when done.

Understanding the 9 Test Colors

White — reveals dead pixels (always black)
Black — reveals stuck bright subpixels and hot pixels
Red — checks the red subpixel layer
Green — checks the green subpixel layer
Blue — checks the blue subpixel layer
Cyan — combines green + blue
Magenta — combines red + blue
Yellow — combines red + green
Gray — reveals color-tinted stuck pixels

Using the Stuck Pixel Fixer

The Stuck Pixel Fixer rapidly cycles through colors at high speed to stimulate stuck subpixels. This works by exercising the liquid crystal material, which can sometimes loosen a stuck subpixel. Run the fixer for 20–60 minutes on the affected area. The fixer is safe for OLED screens because it continuously cycles colors, preventing any static burn-in.

Dust vs. Dead Pixels

If you spot a dark dot, it could be dust rather than a dead pixel. The telltale sign: a dust particle will disappear or change appearance when you switch between colors. A dead pixel remains black on every color. If the dot vanishes on certain colors, clean your screen and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dead pixel be fixed?
Dead pixels are typically permanent physical defects and cannot be repaired. However, stuck pixels may be revived using the Pixel Fixer mode or gentle pressure methods. Most manufacturers consider a certain number of dead pixels acceptable — check your warranty policy.
How many dead pixels are acceptable?
This varies by manufacturer. Most will accept returns or exchanges for displays with 3–5 or more dead pixels. Premium monitors and laptops may have a zero-tolerance policy. Always run this test within your return window.
What causes dead pixels?
Dead pixels are usually caused by manufacturing defects where a transistor fails or a subpixel gets stuck during production. Physical pressure, impact, or manufacturing contamination can also cause pixel failure. They can appear at any time but most commonly show up early in a display’s life.
Is this test safe for OLED/AMOLED screens?
Yes. The test cycles through colors continuously and does not display any static bright element for prolonged periods. The Stuck Pixel Fixer is designed to prevent burn-in by constantly changing colors. However, we recommend not leaving any solid test color on screen for more than a few minutes.
Does this work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Open this page in your mobile browser and tap “Start the Test”. The full-screen mode works on all modern phones and tablets. Rotating to landscape covers more of the display area.