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Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel: How to Check Your Screen

Inspect a laptop or monitor for tiny dark, bright or discoloured spots using full-screen solid colours.

◷ 7 min read✓ Step-by-step troubleshooting◇ Free browser test
The short answer

Clean the display gently, open the dead pixel test, enter full screen and examine solid white, black, red, green and blue fields. Move your eyes across the panel and note marks that remain in the same place.

Start with the symptom, not a guess

A dead pixel is typically a pixel that remains dark; a stuck pixel or subpixel can stay bright or show an unexpected colour. Solid red, green, blue, white and black screens make these defects easier to spot.

Use the free DeviceDIY tool to observe what reaches your browser. Compare the result with another application when necessary, and change one setting at a time so you can tell what solved the problem. A browser test offers useful evidence; it is not a substitute for professional hardware diagnostics.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

01

Clean and inspect the display surface

Dust, fingerprints and screen protectors can resemble defects. Use a suitable dry microfibre cloth and follow the screen manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.

02

Use a comfortable screen brightness

Choose brightness high enough to see the panel clearly without causing discomfort. Reduce glare and move to steady lighting.

03

Display solid colours one at a time

Use the DeviceDIY full-screen display test and cycle white, black, red, green and blue. These patterns reveal different types of subpixel anomalies.

04

Look at several positions

Scan the centre, corners and edges. A spot that changes when you move your head might be surface contamination or reflection rather than a failed pixel.

05

Document any persistent defects

Note location and behaviour across colours. Check a screenshot on another display: a physical defect normally will not be captured in the screenshot.

06

Check the manufacturer’s pixel policy

Warranty or return eligibility varies by manufacturer, model, region and defect count. Avoid pressing hard or rubbing the display to “fix” pixels.

What your test results actually mean

Black spot on bright backgrounds

Could indicate a dead pixel, dark subpixel or surface issue; compare multiple colours.

Bright coloured dot on dark backgrounds

Could indicate a stuck subpixel or a local panel issue.

Mark visible in screenshots elsewhere

The source image or graphics processing may be responsible, not necessarily the panel.

Uniform colour test looks clean

No obvious defects were seen under these conditions; microscopic or intermittent issues may remain.

What an online test cannot prove

Web pages are limited to the information exposed by the browser, operating system and your permission choices. DeviceDIY cannot directly inspect internal circuits or guarantee that hardware will perform correctly in another application. Some tests require you to look, listen or touch the device and confirm what happened.

Privacy and safety: Only grant camera or microphone permission when you intend to use that test. Avoid excessive sound volume, never force a faulty connector and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance before attempting physical repairs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a dead pixel be fixed with a website?

No website can guarantee repair of failed display hardware. Rapid colour changes are sometimes suggested for stuck pixels, but results are uncertain and flashing patterns may be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some users.

Does a dead pixel show up in a screenshot?

A physical panel defect is not normally encoded in a screenshot. Viewing the screenshot on another healthy display can help distinguish it from an image issue.

How many dead pixels are acceptable?

Policies differ by brand, model and warranty. Consult your product’s official documentation rather than relying on a universal threshold.

Official references and further reading

For system permissions and browser behaviour, use the official documentation below. Menus and controls can vary by device and software version.

Keep troubleshooting

Ready to check your device?

Use the free interactive test first, then return to the guide if something fails.

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