How to find dead pixels
- Clean your screen and dim the room.
- Start the test and look closely at every color.
- A dot that stays black is a dead pixel; a dot that stays one color is a stuck pixel.
Kinds of pixel faults
Dead pixels stay black, stuck pixels stay one color and hot pixels stay white. They are easiest to see on full-screen solid colors.
When to test
Test a new monitor, laptop or phone as soon as you get it, while you can still return it. Many manufacturers only replace screens above a set number of faulty pixels.
Backlight bleed and uniformity
Use the black and gray screens in a dark room to spot light leaking from the edges or uneven brightness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dead and stuck pixels?
A dead pixel gets no power and stays black on every color. A stuck pixel is lit in one color, such as red, green or blue, and stands out on dark backgrounds.
Can a stuck pixel be fixed?
Sometimes. Flashing colors over it for a while or gently massaging the spot can free it. Dead pixels usually cannot be fixed.
How do I check for backlight bleed?
Use the black screen in a dark room and look for light glowing at the edges or corners.
Does this work on phones?
Yes. Tap to change colors; after the last color the test closes.