Dead Pixel Test: Check Your Screen for Bad Pixels

Start the test to fill your screen with solid colors. Look closely at each one. A pixel that stays black, white or one bright color when the rest changes is a bad pixel.

Free, no sign-upWorks in your browserLast reviewed November 2026

Or jump to one color:

In the test, click or press the right arrow for the next color. Press Esc to exit.

Illustration of the Dead Pixel Test

How to check for dead pixels

Clean the screen first, so a speck of dust doesn't fool you. Then press Start full-screen test. Your whole display turns one solid color. Look across it slowly, section by section, from a normal viewing distance and then up close. Click to move to the next color.

Each color shows a different kind of fault, which is why the test cycles through several of them.

BackgroundWhat to look for
BlackBright dots: stuck or "hot" pixels that stay lit
WhiteDark dots: dead pixels that never light
Red, green, blueDots that stay the wrong color: stuck subpixels
GrayUneven patches or clouding across the panel

Dead pixel or stuck pixel?

A dead pixel gets no power and stays black on every color. That's usually permanent. A stuck pixel is lit and stuck on one color, often red, green or blue. Stuck pixels can sometimes recover on their own, or after some time showing rapidly changing colors.

What to do if you find one

  • New device? Test it as soon as you unbox it. Return windows are short, and many stores will swap a screen with a visible defect.
  • Check the warranty. Makers have pixel policies that say how many bad pixels count as a defect. They differ by brand and model, so read yours.
  • Don't press hard on the screen. Pushing on a panel to fix a pixel can cause more damage.

While you're checking your display, measure its real speed with the refresh rate test.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell a dead pixel from dust?

Dust moves or wipes away and looks the same on every color. A bad pixel stays in the exact same spot and is easiest to see on one particular background color.

Can a stuck pixel fix itself?

Sometimes. Stuck pixels occasionally recover after time or with use. Dead pixels that stay black on every color usually don't.

Does the dead pixel test work on phones and TVs?

Yes. Open this page in the phone's browser or a smart TV browser and start the test. On phones, tap to change colors.

Is one dead pixel covered by warranty?

It depends on the brand and model. Many manufacturers only replace a screen after a certain number of bad pixels. Check the warranty terms for your device.

Sources

Results depend on your device, browser and settings. Nothing you test on this page is uploaded or stored.

Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected] and we'll check it.