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Free Dead Pixel Test — Find Dead & Stuck Pixels Online

Cycle solid colors to find dead, stuck, and hot pixels.

Fill your screen with solid colors to spot dead, stuck, or hot pixels.

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How it works

How to test for dead and stuck pixels

Set your display to fullscreen and cycle through each solid color — red, green, blue, white, black, cyan, magenta, and gray. Inspect the entire screen carefully for any dots that do not match the surrounding color. A dead pixel appears as a tiny black dot on every color because it is permanently off. A stuck pixel appears as a single bright dot of red, green, or blue that stays the same color on every background.

Run the test with the lights dimmed or off for the best contrast, especially when checking for dead pixels on black. On white and light colors, stuck sub-pixels are easier to spot because they stand out as bright pinpricks.

Reviving stuck pixels

If you find a stuck pixel, enable the Auto-Cycle feature, which rapidly switches between colors every 3 seconds. This rapid color change forces the liquid crystal in that sub-pixel to move, which can sometimes free it. You can repeat the cycle several times over a few minutes. If the pixel remains stuck after 5-10 minutes, it is likely a permanent hardware defect.

Never apply heavy pressure to a stuck pixel. Gentle rubbing with a soft, dry cloth while the screen is cycling colors is the safest physical method. Excessive force can damage the liquid crystal layer permanently.

How to check a used laptop or monitor

When buying a used device, run this test before paying. Set the screen to white and black at full brightness and look closely at every area of the panel. A cluster of 3 or more dead pixels is a valid reason to negotiate a lower price or walk away. For OLED screens, note that a single dead pixel is more serious because the affected area cannot produce any light at all.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dead pixel and a stuck pixel? expand_more
A dead pixel is always black — it receives no power and never lights up. A stuck pixel stays stuck on one color (red, green, or blue) because a sub-pixel is frozen. Dead pixels are almost always permanent, while stuck pixels can sometimes be revived with rapid color cycling or gentle pressure.
Can a dead pixel be fixed? expand_more
True dead pixels are a hardware failure and cannot be repaired without replacing the panel. Some "dead" pixels are actually stuck pixels, which have a chance of recovery through color cycling tools, gentle massage, or specialized videos.
How many dead pixels are acceptable on a new monitor? expand_more
Most manufacturers allow 3-5 dead pixels under warranty (ISO 13406-2 Class II). Policies vary widely — premium brands often offer zero-tolerance, while budget panels may allow up to 8. Check your warranty terms before buying.
Does the color cycling method actually work? expand_more
Rapid color cycling can sometimes unstuck a pixel by forcing its liquid crystal to move again. Success rates are modest — roughly 20-30% — but it is harmless to try. Do not press on the screen hard, as that can cause more damage.
Can dead pixels spread or get worse over time? expand_more
A single dead pixel rarely spreads to neighbors, but it can indicate overall display degradation. If you notice new dead pixels appearing over time, the display may be failing and could eventually need replacement.