Dead or stuck pixel? How to inspect your screen

1. Prepare a comfortable, clear view

1. Use the screen maker’s cleaning instructions to remove dust safely. Do not press on the panel.
2. Open the Dead Pixel Test on the monitor you want to inspect. Use a comfortable brightness and ordinary viewing distance.
3. Select a solid color and enter fullscreen if the browser permits it. If using the page-only fallback, inspect the covered area and repeat for other areas as needed.

Test one display at a time. Do not hold the browser across two monitors or confuse a cursor, toolbar or reflection with a persistent dot.

2. Compare black, white and the primary colors

On white, look for a persistent dark dot; on black, look for a persistent bright dot. Red, green and blue help reveal a location that does not match the surrounding color. Keep track of the same position rather than counting a new defect every time the background changes.

The terms dead, stuck, bright and dark pixel are sometimes used loosely. A dot’s appearance alone may not identify the exact failed subpixel. Dell’s guidance distinguishes bright and dark defects and recommends comparing solid colors and model-specific diagnostics.

Official guidance: Dell: display pixel guidelines

3. Check whether the mark stays with the panel

1. Exit the test and display another image or application at the same location.
2. Move the application window. Note whether the mark stays fixed on the physical screen or moves with the content.
3. If your monitor has a built-in diagnostic mode, follow its own manual and compare the same location there.

A mark that moves with a window points toward content or rendering rather than a fixed panel location. A mark in the same physical spot across different inputs is worth documenting, but the manufacturer should assess the defect.

4. Document the observation rather than trying a risky repair

Write down the model, affected location, which colors reveal the mark and whether it appears in built-in diagnostics. If support requests a photo, show only the test image, not private desktop content.

Do not rub, tap or press the screen, and do not rely on flashing “pixel repair” tools. Dell advises against DIY pixel fixes. Repair and exchange criteria depend on the maker, model and applicable coverage; do not assume another brand’s pixel-count policy applies to your display.

Official guidance: Dell: display pixel guidelines

Common questions