Monitor Dead Pixels: Diagnostic Steps

Quick Answer

To diagnose monitor dead pixels, run a full-screen colour test using black, white, red, green and blue images, inspect the panel under good lighting, and confirm whether the pixel is fully dead (always black), stuck (frozen on one colour), or hot (always white). Use a free tool like deadpixeltest.org for a five-minute scan.

Step One: Run a Full-Colour Pixel Test

Open a free dead pixel test site in full-screen mode and cycle through pure black, white, red, green and blue backgrounds. Press F11 in your browser to maximise. Sit roughly 50cm from the panel and slowly scan the screen with a microfibre cloth handy. Dead pixels show as tiny dots that don't change colour with the background, while stuck pixels stick to one colour only.

Step Two: Distinguish Dead vs Stuck vs Hot

A dead pixel stays black across every colour. A stuck pixel might show red on a green background or blue on a red one. A hot pixel glows bright white even on a black screen. Stuck pixels can sometimes be revived with software like JScreenFix, which rapidly cycles colours over a 10-minute window. Dead pixels mean the transistor itself has failed and a panel swap is the only fix.

Step Three: Confirm It's Not Dust or Cable Issue

Wipe the suspect spot with a slightly damp microfibre cloth using zero pressure. Then unplug and re-seat your DisplayPort or HDMI cable. Sometimes a single dim line looks like dead pixels but is actually a damaged cable, especially after a loadshedding-induced power surge that fried the signal pathway. Try a fresh cable before claiming warranty.

SA Warranty Path and Claim Tips

Most monitors sold through Evetech in SA carry 2-3 year warranties, and brands like LG, Samsung and ASUS apply the ISO 9241-307 dead pixel policy. That means 1-2 stuck pixels often won't qualify, but 3+ usually do. Document the issue with phone photos under each colour test and email the proof with your invoice number for a quick collection from anywhere in SA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I revive a stuck pixel without buying software?

Open JScreenFix in your browser, drag the flashing window over the stuck pixel, and let it run for 10-30 minutes. Roughly 60% of stuck pixels recover with this method.

Will a single dead pixel be replaced under SA warranty?

Usually not. Most brands invoke the ISO 9241-307 Class II spec, which permits up to 2 dead sub-pixels. Three or more typically qualifies for replacement.

Can a dead pixel spread or worsen over time?

A true dead pixel won't multiply, but neighbouring stuck pixels can develop independently. If you spot multiple new dead pixels in 6 months, claim warranty before the policy window closes.