Dead Pixel Test

Screen “burn-in” and “dead pixels” are related in that they are both display issues, but they are distinct problems that affect screens differently.

A dead pixel is a defect in the screen where a pixel (the smallest element of a display) does not function correctly. Dead pixels may appear as black, white, or stuck in one color because they are not receiving or displaying any color correctly. This issue can occur due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or component failures.

• Characteristics: Specific, localized dots on the screen that do not change color or respond to input.
• Mostly Affected Displays: LCD, OLED, plasma, and other types of screens.
• Cause: Manufacturing defects, physical damage, or electrical issues causing individual pixels to fail.

Screen Dead Pixel Test will create conditions that make dead pixels stand out, making it easy for you to spot them, if any are present

Here’s how you should proceed:

• Click start button below to start testing, the screen will be filled with solid color;
• Make sure to enter full screen mode in your browser to cover the screen in it’s entirety;
• Inspect the screen for any suspicious specks in each step of this test.

How this test works

Here is what we’re trying to do here:

Dead pixel test is designed to expose pixels that fail to respond when specific color is being requested. This could mean that they fail to turn black for dark colors or fail to turn white for light colors. These pixels may also be “hot,” which refers to a type of dead pixel where partial failure causes the pixel to emit only a certain color (e.g., bright red, green, blue, or a combination of these colors, such as magenta or cyan).

By cycling through a specific set of solid colors, we can create conditions that make dead pixels more noticeable, allowing them to be quickly spotted by your inspecting eye. At this point, it is also helpful to mark the location of each dead pixel. Instead of marking directly on the screen, use a blank sheet of paper that represents your screen. This way, you can avoid identifying the same dead pixels multiple times, preventing them from being counted repeatedly in the total number of dead pixels found.

With this test, we want to draw out any inconsistencies in pixel matrix on your screen, focusing on those issues that are typically associated with dead pixel ir sub-pixel.

During the test, you will be shown a series of solid color images. These colors are chosen based on how screens display color and their tendency to reveal areas with dead pixels. Be sure to display these images on the screen you want to test. For best results, put your browser in full-screen mode so that every corner of your screen is covered and thoroughly tested.

We expect this test to create conditions that will highlight dead pixels on your screen. Any non-uniform specs that you might notice on grey, red, green or blue background might be a dead pixel, so you should inspect and evaluate it closely.

How to evaluate this test

This test will require you to look at the screen and go through the slides of different solid color. Each color should be inspected for any inconsistencies.

Start the test and do not go to the next slide unless you’re happy with the view and no indication of dead pixels came up while viewing the image in full screen from an upclose inspection of the display.

Tip: A quick glance is not enough to find dead pixels. You should focus on an area no larger than what three fingers would cover on your screen. Think of it like reading a book: scan the entire screen with your eyes. This approach is necessary because human vision can only focus on a small area at a time, and anything in the periphery is filled in by the brain.

Analyze what you see: From my experience, I’ve noticed that dead pixels are not all the same. They can vary depending on the type of screen you have and other factors, such as the screen’s finish (matte, glossy, touchscreen, etc.)

Look for any discoloration or variations in pixel brightness: A solid color displayed on a good screen should not have any such deviations. Pixels are very small; for example, a dot in this text is usually represented by four pixels on most devices.

Dead pixel examples (close-up photo’s)

Well-captured and very noticeable examples of screen dead-pixels are is displayed in the images below.

These images were taken with macro lenses, so your camera might not be able to capture this level of detail, especially when it comes to focusing on the individual sub-pixels that make up a single pixel. However, these examples should give you an idea of what’s really happening with those pixels when they appear dead.

General Tips

• Once again, make sure your screen is clean, as what might seem like a dead pixel can often be removed by gently scraping it with your fingernail (though this is not recommended – be gentle with your screen and use proper cleaning materials!).

• When a pixel is dead, it is permanently non-functional. Do not attempt to revive dead pixels, especially by purchasing an app or software that claims to fix them; this is simply not possible. For example, you wouldn’t expect to fix a burned-out light bulb with software, would you?

• Consult your owner’s manual and service documentation to understand your device’s dead pixel policy. Unfortunately, most of these policies are not in favor of the user and may include terms such as dead pixel density per inch and similar statements.

What’s next?

Once you’re done testing for dead pixels, there are couple or more similar tests available including long-term burn-in tests for LCD monitors, oLED TV’s and other screens here on our website. Feel free to pick any of those quick and free tests to perform here online, bookmark this site for future reference and re-run any test any time you need.