DisplayPixels

Dead / stuck-pixel tools

Full-screen colour test


Found a dead pixel?
Run the pixel-jog fixer

Full-screen colour slides reveal dead pixels; a flashing pixel-jog square can help revive stuck ones.

Last updated: February 2026

How to Use These Tools

Full-screen colour test: Click "Start test" to enter full-screen mode. Tap or click to cycle through solid colours — black, white, red, green, and blue. Each solid fill makes it easy to spot dead pixels (permanently off, appearing as tiny black dots on a coloured background) or stuck pixels (permanently on in one colour). Click the × button to exit.

Pixel-jog fixer: If you spot a stuck pixel, click "Run pixel-jog," then click directly on the faulty pixel. A 250-pixel square will flash random colours rapidly at the spot. Let it run for 5–30 minutes. The rapid colour cycling can sometimes unstick a misfiring transistor by exercising it through all states. Click anywhere on the page to stop.

Photosensitive epilepsy warning: The pixel-jog fixer produces rapid flashing. Do not use it if you are sensitive to strobing lights.

Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel: What's the Difference?

A dead pixel is a pixel whose transistor has completely failed. It appears as a permanently black dot (on an LCD) or sometimes a permanently white dot (on some OLED panels). Dead pixels cannot be fixed with software — they require a panel replacement.

A stuck pixel is a pixel locked in one colour — usually red, green, or blue — because its transistor is stuck in an "on" state for that sub-pixel. Unlike dead pixels, stuck pixels can sometimes be fixed by rapidly cycling the sub-pixel through all states, which is exactly what the pixel-jog tool does.

A third category, hot pixels, appear only when the display is warm or after long use. They often show up as bright white or coloured dots in dark scenes. Hot pixels can be a sign of early transistor failure and may eventually become permanently stuck or dead.

Can You Actually Fix a Stuck Pixel?

The pixel-jog technique (rapidly flashing random colours at the stuck pixel) has a roughly 60–80% success rate according to user reports across enthusiast forums. The idea is that the rapid state changes can "un-freeze" the transistor controlling the sub-pixel. Here's what to try:

  1. Run the pixel-jog for 10–30 minutes with the flashing square centred on the stuck pixel.
  2. If that doesn't work, turn the display off for 24 hours and try again.
  3. Apply very gentle pressure with a soft cloth over the pixel while the fixer runs (be careful — too much pressure can damage the panel).
  4. If the pixel is still stuck after multiple attempts, it has likely become a permanent defect and may be covered under your manufacturer's warranty.

Dead-Pixel Warranty Policies by Manufacturer

Most manufacturers have a threshold for how many dead or stuck pixels must be present before they offer a replacement. Policies vary, so always check your specific model's warranty terms:

BrandTypical policy
Dell (UltraSharp)Zero-tolerance — any bright dot = replacement
AppleZero-tolerance on most products
SamsungVaries by model; often 3+ bright pixels or 5+ dark pixels
LGVaries; UltraFine line has stricter policy
ASUSVaries; ROG line typically 0–1 bright pixels allowed
BenQZero-tolerance on SW (photographer) line

Always test your new monitor within the return window. Run this dead-pixel test on all solid colours as soon as you unbox a new display.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a dead pixel?

Use the full-screen colour test above and look carefully on each solid colour. A dead pixel will appear as a tiny black dot that does not change colour. Check all five colours — some defects are only visible against a specific background.

Will a dead pixel spread?

Dead pixels do not "spread" in the traditional sense — each pixel fails independently. However, if a manufacturing defect caused the dead pixel, other nearby pixels may fail over time. Monitor the area and document new defects for warranty purposes.

How many dead pixels is acceptable on a new monitor?

That depends on the manufacturer's warranty policy (see table above). For premium monitors, zero-tolerance policies are common. For budget panels, manufacturers may allow 3–5 defects before offering a replacement. Check your warranty terms before purchasing.

Does the stuck-pixel fix really work?

It works in many cases — the success rate is roughly 60–80% for truly stuck (not dead) pixels. The key difference: stuck pixels still receive power but are frozen in one state. Rapidly cycling them can reset the transistor. Dead pixels receive no power and cannot be fixed with software.

Can I use this test on a phone or tablet?

Yes. The full-screen colour test and pixel-jog fixer both work on mobile browsers. For the best results on phones, rotate to landscape mode and enable full-screen (some mobile browsers hide the address bar when you scroll).

Full-screen test:
• Page enters full-screen.
• Tap to cycle colours.
• Tap the ✕ button to exit.

Pixel-jog fixer:
• Cursor becomes a cross-hair—tap the faulty pixel.
• A 250 px square flashes random colours (max 10 min).
• Tap anywhere on the page to stop.

⚠️ Rapid flashes can trigger photosensitive epilepsy.