How Many Dead Pixels Are Normal? Monitor Warranty Policies Explained

On this page

1. The ISO 13406-2 Standard Explained
2. Real-World Manufacturer Policies (2026)
3. What Counts as a Dead Pixel for Warranty Purposes?
4. How to Make a Dead Pixel Warranty Claim
5. Frequently Asked Questions

You just ran a dead pixel test and found one — or two — dark dots on your brand-new monitor. Are you entitled to a replacement? The answer depends on your monitor brand, the number and type of pixels affected, and the warranty policy the manufacturer uses. This guide explains the international standards, real-world manufacturer policies, and exactly what to do if you find dead pixels.

The ISO 13406-2 Standard Explained

The ISO 13406-2 (now superseded by ISO 9241-302) standard defines four classes of display panel quality based on acceptable defect levels per million pixels:

• Class I – Zero defective pixels permitted. Used in medical-grade and high-precision professional monitors.
• Class II – Up to 2 fully dead pixels, 2 fully lit (white) pixels, and 5 partial (single sub-pixel) defects per million pixels. This is the most common class for consumer monitors.
• Class III – Up to 5 fully dead, 15 fully lit, and 50 partial sub-pixel defects per million pixels. This class is rare for consumer products but exists for budget commercial applications.
• Class IV – No practical limit. Used for non-critical display applications.

A standard 1080p monitor has 2,073,600 pixels (roughly 2 million). Under Class II, a manufacturer could technically allow up to 4 fully dead pixels before honouring a warranty claim.

Real-World Manufacturer Policies (2026)

Dell UltraSharp and Dell Premium Panel Guarantee

Dell offers a Premium Panel Guarantee on UltraSharp monitors: if your monitor has even one dead pixel during the warranty period, Dell will replace it. This is one of the strongest dead pixel policies available and applies to UltraSharp U-series and some P-series monitors. Standard Dell monitors follow a more typical “more than X pixels” policy.

ASUS ProArt and ROG

ASUS offers a No Dead Pixel Guarantee on ProArt and ROG Swift OLED monitors. If any dead pixels are present within the first 30 days, the monitor qualifies for free replacement. Standard ASUS monitors follow ISO Class II tolerances.

LG UltraGear OLED

LG offers a 3-year limited warranty on UltraGear OLED monitors including dead pixel coverage, subject to normal ISO Class II tolerances for non-OLED panels. OLED panels have a different defect classification due to their different sub-pixel structure.

Samsung, BenQ, Acer, ViewSonic

These brands generally follow ISO Class II tolerances for their standard product lines. Premium or gaming-focused lines may offer enhanced zero-dead-pixel guarantees — always check the specific product warranty page before purchasing.

What Counts as a Dead Pixel for Warranty Purposes?

• Type 1 defect – A pixel that is always bright (fully lit in white). This is a hot pixel.
• Type 2 defect – A pixel that is always dark (fully off). This is a true dead pixel.
• Type 3 defect – A single sub-pixel that is always bright or always dark. These require more defects before a warranty claim is valid.

Warranty teams will ask you to run a test to document the defect type. Use our dead pixel test tool and take a close-up photograph of each defect against both a black and a white background for your records.

How to Make a Dead Pixel Warranty Claim

1. Document all defects – Run a full colour test and photograph every pixel defect you find.
2. Count the defect types – Classify each defect as Type 1 (bright), Type 2 (dark), or Type 3 (sub-pixel).
3. Check your warranty policy – Find the specific dead pixel policy on the manufacturer's website for your exact model.
4. Contact support within the window – Most enhanced dead pixel policies only apply within the first 30 days of purchase. Standard warranties may cover claims for the full warranty period (1–3 years).
5. Provide proof of purchase – Keep your receipt or order confirmation accessible before contacting support.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have one dead pixel — can I get a replacement?

It depends on your monitor brand and model. If you own a Dell UltraSharp, ASUS ProArt, or another monitor with a zero dead pixel guarantee, yes. For most standard consumer monitors, one dead pixel typically falls within ISO Class II tolerances and may not qualify for a warranty replacement. Contact your manufacturer's support team to discuss your specific situation.

Does location of the dead pixel matter?

For warranty purposes, the ISO standard counts total defects per million pixels regardless of location. However, from a usability standpoint, a dead pixel in the centre of the screen is far more disruptive than one in the corner. Many support agents use discretion and may approve a replacement for a centrally located pixel defect even if it falls within tolerance.

How do I find all dead pixels on my screen?

Use our free dead pixel test tool to cycle through solid red, green, blue, white, and black full-screen backgrounds. Inspect each colour carefully from approximately 30 cm. Dead pixels appear as black dots on coloured backgrounds; stuck bright pixels appear as coloured dots on the black background.