New Monitor Checklist: 5 Things to Test (Dead Pixels, Backlight Bleed)
Return windows are short. Here is what to check in ten minutes on the day it arrives.
Updated:
Why test right away?
Most panel defects are there from day one, and return windows are often short. If you notice a problem weeks later, it may be treated as damage from use. Ten minutes on the day it arrives is enough.
1. Look for dead and stuck pixels
- Open the Monitor Test and press Start test; the screen fills with a solid colour.
- Step through red → green → blue → white → black and scan the screen section by section.
- A black dot on white is a dead pixel, a bright dot on black is a stuck/hot pixel, and a dot visible on only one colour is a sub-pixel defect.
Not sure if it's dust? Wipe the screen with a soft cloth. Dust changes with viewing angle; a bad pixel stays the same shape in the same spot.
2. Check backlight bleed and uniformity
Darken the room, set brightness to maximum and look at the corners on a black screen. Cloudy bright edges are backlight bleed. IPS panels show some "IPS glow" at an angle, which is usually within normal limits. On grey and white screens, look for blotchy darker or tinted areas.
3. Confirm resolution and refresh rate
Plenty of people run a 144 or 165 Hz monitor at 60 Hz without knowing. In Windows, go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display to set the refresh rate, and make sure resolution is set to "Recommended". High refresh rates may need DisplayPort or a suitable HDMI cable.
4. If you find a bad pixel
- Take a photo of the spot with your phone; macro mode helps.
- Check the warranty: brands and retailers have different dead-pixel policies (how many before an exchange).
- Try un-sticking it: a pixel stuck on one colour sometimes recovers after a few minutes of rapidly changing colours. Truly dead pixels rarely come back.
5. After testing
OLED monitors can develop burn-in from static images. Turn the screen off when you leave, or if it must stay on, use Black screen mode in Keep Screen Awake to keep pixels almost off.
Tools used in this guide
FAQ
Is this useful for buying a used monitor?
Yes. Connect it to the seller's laptop, open this page and step through the colours — it takes a few minutes.
Does it work for laptop and phone screens?
Yes. On phones, tap to move to the next colour.
Will one dead pixel get an exchange?
It depends on the product and retailer. "Zero dead pixel" products or store policies may cover even one, so check the warranty terms.