Dead Pixel Test for Your Phone
Free full-screen test for iPhone and Android. Tap through solid colours to spot dead or stuck pixels instantly — no app needed.
Tap anywhere to cycle colours · Long press for previous
How to Test Your Phone for Dead Pixels
- 1.Clean your screen with a microfiber cloth — dust can look like a dead pixel.
- 2.Tap Start Full Screen Test above. Set brightness to maximum.
- 3.Tap through each colour — black, white, red, green, blue, yellow. A dead pixel stays black on all; a stuck pixel shows as an unmoving coloured dot.
Phone-Specific Testing Tips
- High PPI screens (400–500+ ppi) make a single pixel about 0.05 mm — hold your phone 20–30 cm from your face.
- Disable True Tone (iPhone) and Night Mode before testing for accurate colour reproduction.
- Test in a dimly lit room — ambient glare hides faint defects.
- Check all colours: a dead pixel is black on every background; a stuck pixel appears as a bright dot only on black.
What Does a Dead Pixel Look Like on a Phone?
A dead pixel appears as a tiny black dot that stays black on every background colour. A stuck pixel looks like a bright coloured dot (red, green, blue, or yellow) that does not change. Here's how to spot them:
White background
Dead pixel = black dot
Black background
Dead pixel invisible
Red background
Dead pixel = black dot
Green background
Dead pixel = black dot
Blue background
Dead pixel = black dot
Yellow background
Dead pixel = black dot
Quick tip
A dead pixel stays black on all colours. A stuck pixel shows as a bright dot only on black. Use the full test tool to check all colours at once.
Quick Answer — Is It Covered?
If the dead pixel appeared without physical damage, it is likely a manufacturing defect and is usually covered by your manufacturer warranty. Apple typically replaces the screen for any dead pixel. Samsung requires 3 or more on Super AMOLED screens — but phones reported quickly are often replaced with just one. See the full phone dead pixel warranty guide for carrier-by-carrier details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dead pixel on a phone look like?
A dead pixel is a tiny black dot that stays black regardless of what colour the screen shows. A stuck pixel is a coloured dot that does not change — often red, green, or blue on a black background.
Can a dead pixel fix itself on a phone?
True dead pixels cannot fix themselves — the organic material or transistor has failed permanently. Stuck pixels sometimes recover on their own or after running a rapid colour-cycling tool.
Is a dead pixel covered by phone warranty?
Yes, if caused by a manufacturing defect. Physical damage (dropping, pressure) is excluded. Apple covers any dead pixel; Samsung requires 3+ for guaranteed replacement. Report the issue as soon as you notice it.
What's the difference between a dead pixel and a stuck pixel on AMOLED?
On AMOLED, a dead pixel is permanently dark because the organic emitter has burned out. A stuck pixel emits the wrong colour because it is stuck in one state — this is more common and sometimes fixable with a cycling tool.
Does dropping a phone cause dead pixels?
Yes. Impact forces can damage the thin-film transistors that control individual pixels, or break the display driver IC. Dead pixels from drops are classified as physical damage and are usually not covered by standard warranty — but AppleCare+ and Samsung Care+ may cover them.
Will a dead pixel affect my phone's trade-in value?
Yes — most carrier and manufacturer trade-in programmes treat dead pixels as screen damage, reducing your payout by 20–40%. See our trade-in guide for carrier-specific policies.
Need Help With Screen Repair?
If your dead pixel is not covered by warranty, professional screen repair services can replace the display. Compare costs before deciding whether to repair or trade in your phone.
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