You just bought a new monitor, laptop, or TV. Or you noticed a tiny dot on your screen that was not there before. Dead pixels, stuck pixels, backlight bleed, and color banding are common display issues — and you should check for them while you can still return the product.
Test Your Screen Now
Use our free Screen & Display Test to check for:
- Dead pixels — pixels that stay black/dark regardless of color
- Stuck pixels — pixels stuck on one color (usually red, green, or blue)
- Backlight bleed — light leaking from the edges on dark screens
- Color uniformity — patches of different brightness
- Color accuracy — gradients and color transitions
The test shows full-screen solid colors. Look carefully at each one for any defective pixels.
How to Use
- Open our Screen Test
- Click through each color (red, green, blue, white, black)
- Look closely at the entire screen on each color
- Dead pixels show as tiny dark dots on bright colors
- Stuck pixels show as tiny colored dots on black
Tip: Turn off the lights and look in a dark room. Dead pixels and backlight bleed are easier to spot.
Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel
| Dead Pixel | Stuck Pixel | |
|---|---|---|
| Appears as | Black dot (always off) | Colored dot (always on — usually R, G, or B) |
| Fixable? | Usually not | Sometimes (see below) |
| Cause | Permanently failed transistor | Transistor stuck in one state |
| Warranty? | Most manufacturers cover 3+ dead pixels | Varies by manufacturer |
How to Fix Stuck Pixels
Stuck pixels (not dead) can sometimes be fixed:
Method 1: Pressure
- Turn off the monitor
- Place a soft cloth over the stuck pixel
- Apply gentle pressure with a fingertip or eraser
- Turn the monitor on while releasing pressure
Method 2: Pixel Exerciser
Display rapidly flashing colors at the stuck pixel location for 30-60 minutes. Some websites and apps do this. Success rate is about 50-60%.
Method 3: Tap Gently
Turn off the screen. Gently tap the stuck pixel area with a capped pen. Turn on. Sometimes the physical vibration unsticks the transistor.
Important: These methods only work for stuck pixels, not dead pixels. Dead pixels have a permanently failed component that cannot be fixed without replacing the panel.
Check Your Refresh Rate
Use our FPS Test to verify your monitor is actually running at its advertised refresh rate:
| Refresh Rate | Smooth For |
|---|---|
| 60 Hz | Office work, browsing, movies |
| 75 Hz | Slightly smoother, good budget option |
| 120 Hz | Gaming, noticeable improvement |
| 144 Hz | Competitive gaming, very smooth |
| 240 Hz+ | Pro gaming, diminishing returns |
Common issue: You buy a 144 Hz monitor but it runs at 60 Hz because you need to change the setting in Windows:
- Right-click desktop → Display settings → Advanced display
- Change refresh rate to the maximum
Check Your Resolution
Use our Browser Info tool to see your actual display resolution and pixel ratio. Common resolutions:
| Resolution | Name | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1920×1080 | Full HD (1080p) | Most monitors |
| 2560×1440 | QHD (1440p) | Gaming monitors |
| 3840×2160 | 4K UHD | High-end monitors, TVs |
| 2560×1600 | WQXGA | MacBook Pro |
| 3456×2234 | Retina | MacBook Pro 16" |
When to Return a Monitor
Most manufacturers have dead pixel policies:
- 1-3 dead pixels: Many brands do NOT accept returns for this
- 3+ dead pixels: Most brands will replace
- 1 dead pixel in center: Some brands will replace
- Bright stuck pixel (always on): More likely to be accepted as defect
Check the return policy before buying. Some retailers (Amazon, Costco, Best Buy) are more lenient than manufacturer warranty.
Return within the window — do not wait. Test your new monitor within the first few days while you can still return it easily.
Related Tools
- Screen Test — full-screen color test for dead pixels
- FPS Test — verify your monitor's refresh rate
- Browser Info — check resolution and display details
- Keyboard Test — test your keyboard while you are at it
- Mouse Test — test mouse buttons and scroll