Dead Pixel Test – Check Your Screen Online
Cycle through full-screen colors to find dead, stuck and hot pixels on any monitor, laptop, TV or phone. Clean the screen, click Start and look at each color for a few seconds. Checking a whole monitor? The complete monitor test takes you through every check in order.
Black
Click or press F for fullscreen
Current Test Color
Black
#000000
RGB: 0, 0, 0
Test Colors
How to test: Click "Start Dead Pixel Test" or press F to enter fullscreen mode. Use arrow keys to cycle through test colors. Look for any pixels that do not change with the selected color. Press ESC to exit.
Found a stuck pixel? Try to revive it with the Dead Pixel Fixer
How to Use This Tool
What is this Test?
A dead pixel test fills the screen with one solid color at a time so that a single faulty pixel has nowhere to hide. Dead pixels show as dark dots, stuck pixels as colored dots and hot pixels as white dots on black. Cycling through white, black, red, green and blue checks every subpixel in both its on and off state. To look at one color for longer, use the color screen instead.
Pixel Issues Explained
- Dead Pixels: Black spots that don't display any color
- Stuck Pixels: Colored spots (usually red, green, or blue) that don't change
- Hot Pixels: Pixels that appear bright and change to other colors unexpectedly
- Dust Under Screen: Appears as dark spots but usually in specific locations
What to Look For
- Dark spots on solid color backgrounds - indicates dead pixels:
- Persistent colored dots - indicates stuck pixels:
- Pixels that don't respond to color changes - defective pixels:
- Clustered issues - may indicate manufacturing defects:
Testing Tips
- •Use each solid color for at least 10-15 seconds
- •Test in a dark room with good eyesight for best results
- •View from various angles and distances
- •Take a photo with your phone to zoom in on suspicious areas
- •Compare with known reference displays
Keyboard Shortcuts
How this test works
The test fills the screen with one solid color at a time: black, white, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow and gray. You can step through them yourself or let them cycle automatically. Because every pixel is told to show exactly the same color, any pixel that shows something else stands out. Everything runs in your browser and nothing about your screen is recorded or sent.
Pro Tip: Photograph any defect with its position on screen before you contact the seller. Manufacturers each publish a pixel policy that says how many defects they accept, so check yours along with your retailer's return window. A colored dot may still be revived with the Dead Pixel Fixer.
Free to Use
Comprehensive Detection
Results in Seconds
What Are Dead Pixels?
Dead Pixels
Pixels that are not receiving power and appear as small dark/black dots on your display. They fail to illuminate regardless of color changes.
- • Appear as black or dark spots
- • Permanent defect (hard to fix)
- • More common than stuck pixels
Stuck Pixels
Pixels "stuck" in the ON position, displaying a single color (usually red, green, or blue). They may respond to physical pressure or heat.
- • Appear as colored dots (RGB)
- • Sometimes fixable with tools/methods
- • Less common but more noticeable
Types of Defective Pixels
Black Dead Pixel
Appears on colored backgrounds
Red Stuck Pixel
Stuck on red subpixel
Green Stuck Pixel
Stuck on green subpixel
Blue Stuck Pixel
Stuck on blue subpixel
How to Use This Dead Pixel Test
- 1
Clean Your Screen
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean your screen. Remove any dust or smudges.
- 2
Start the Test
Click "Start Test" and press F11 for fullscreen mode (recommended for best results).
- 3
Look Carefully
Spend 10-15 seconds on each color. Look for spots that don't match the background color.
- 4
Document Issues
Take photos of any dead pixels found. Note their location for warranty claims.
💡 Warranty Information
If you find dead pixels within your warranty period, contact the manufacturer with documented evidence (photos). Most manufacturers cover 0-8 dead pixels. Premium displays often have stricter standards.
Common manufacturers: Dell, LG, ASUS, BenQ, Samsung, HP, AOC, MSI
Found a stuck pixel, not a dead one?
Stuck pixels (colored dots that stay red, green, or blue) can sometimes be repaired. Our free Dead Pixel Fixer flashes rapid colors to try to unstick them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dead, stuck and hot pixel?
A dead pixel never lights up, so it shows as a black dot on every color. A stuck pixel has one or two subpixels that stay on, so it shows as a red, green, blue, cyan, magenta or yellow dot. A hot pixel is stuck on all three subpixels and shows as a white dot, most visible on black.
Can dead pixels be fixed?
A truly dead pixel is a hardware fault and cannot be repaired in software. Stuck pixels are different: they are lit but not responding, and rapidly flashing colors over them with the Dead Pixel Fixer sometimes gets them working again.
How many dead pixels are acceptable on a new monitor?
It depends on the manufacturer. Each brand publishes a pixel policy, often based on ISO 9241-307 classes, that says how many bright and dark pixel defects it accepts before replacing a panel. Some premium lines promise zero bright pixels, budget lines often allow a few. Your retailer's return window is usually more generous than the warranty, so test straight away.
Why should I run the test in full screen?
Without full screen, the browser bars and taskbar cover the top and bottom of the panel, and defects near the edges are easy to miss. Full screen also removes everything else from view so a single wrong-colored dot stands out.
I found a dot, but it moved when I wiped the screen. What was it?
Dust or a smudge on the surface. Pixel defects stay in exactly the same spot and look sharp from every angle. Clean the screen with a dry microfibre cloth before you test, and check any suspicious dot again afterwards.
Can I test a phone, tablet or TV?
Yes. Open this page in the device's browser and tap Start. For a TV, use its built-in browser or connect a laptop over HDMI and run the test in full screen on the TV.
Written by R. Ottens, front-end developer & image editing specialist.