Buyers checking a monitor before a return period ends and owners comparing display settings can use the same simple visual check. Wipe away dust or smudges first, then keep the screen at a comfortable viewing distance so marks on the surface are less likely to look like pixel problems.
How to use Stuck Pixel Test
- Press Start Test to open the test in fullscreen. You can also use the Fullscreen button.
- Under Pattern mode, select Red, Green, Blue, White, or Black. Look across the whole display for a subpixel that appears to stay an unexpected color.
- Use Previous and Next to change fields manually. In fullscreen, you can also tap the left or right half of the screen to move between patterns.
- Press Space to use automatic mode. Reduced motion keeps progression manual, so use Previous or Next instead.
- Use Reset to restore the page. Press Escape to leave fullscreen, or use Exit fullscreen when that button is shown.
When to use it
- Before a return window closes: Check a new monitor or laptop display while you still have time to follow up with the seller.
- When buying a used screen: Inspect the panel before completing a purchase, rather than relying only on a seller’s photos.
- After changing display settings: Compare the fields with your usual settings if you want to see whether a suspected spot is still visible.
- When one tiny mark catches your eye: Change the background and see whether the mark remains in the same place and shows an unexpected color.
- After moving or transporting a display: Make a quick visual check for a newly noticeable spot before using it for work or entertainment.
- During routine screen checks: Run through the fields occasionally if you like to keep an eye on a display you use every day.
Tips for checking stuck pixels
Watch the same screen location as you change from red to green and blue. A subpixel that stays an unexpected color across different backgrounds is worth noting; write down its approximate location and which fields made it easiest to see.
Check the entire panel, including near the edges, rather than focusing only on the center. If you are comparing two settings, keep the room, viewing position, and other display settings consistent so you are comparing like with like.
White and black are also available in Pattern mode. Use them as additional backgrounds when checking a suspicious spot. If bright patterns cause discomfort, stop the test; there is no need to push through it.
Limits of the Stuck Pixel Test
This is a visual inspection, not pixel detection or repair. The patterns do not diagnose the cause of a mark or change the display hardware, and they do not provide a calibrated measurement. Results depend on what you can see on the screen, so a faint spot may be difficult to judge.
Do not press the panel or use rapid flashing to try to change a pixel. If a suspected defect remains visible and affects your use of the display, document where it appears and contact the seller or manufacturer about the next steps. For a confirmed hardware issue, their inspection or support process is a better next step than a browser pattern.