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WARRANTY GUIDE

Dead Pixel Warranty Policy Guide

Understand dead pixel warranty policies, know your rights, and learn how to successfully claim warranty for defective pixels.

⏱️ 7 min read 📅 Updated October 2025

🧪 Test Your Monitor First

Before checking warranty policies, use our Dead Pixel Test to identify and document any defects.

→ Run Dead Pixel Test

1. Understanding Dead Pixel Types

Dead Pixel (Type 1)

Always black/off. Sub-pixels permanently inactive. Most common defect. Usually covered by warranty after certain threshold.

Bright Pixel (Type 2)

Always white/bright. All sub-pixels stuck on. Very noticeable on dark backgrounds. Higher warranty priority.

Stuck Pixel (Type 3)

Stuck on red/green/blue. One or two sub-pixels stuck. May be fixable with pixel fixing tools. Often NOT covered by warranty.

Important: Most manufacturers distinguish between dead pixels (black) and bright pixels (white). Bright pixels typically have stricter warranty thresholds due to higher visibility.

2. ISO 13406-2 Standard (Pixel Class)

Most manufacturers base warranty policies on ISO 13406-2 pixel fault classes:

Class Type 1 (Dead) Type 2 (Bright) Type 3 (Stuck) Usage
Class I 0 0 0 Medical, professional (rare, expensive)
Class II ≤2 ≤2 ≤5 High-end professional
Class III ≤5 ≤15 ≤50 Consumer monitors (most common)
Class IV ≤50 ≤150 ≤500 Budget/industrial

Reality: Most consumer monitors fall under Class II (premium) or Class III (standard). Even "zero bright pixel" guarantees often allow dead (black) pixels.

3. Brand-Specific Warranty Policies

Dell

  • Premium Panel Guarantee (UltraSharp series): 0 bright pixels during first 3 years. 1-6 dead pixels may be acceptable.
  • Standard Monitors: 3-5+ bright pixels required for warranty claim.
  • Policy: Generally customer-friendly. Advanced exchange available.
  • Note: UltraSharp line has best warranty. Budget lines more restrictive.

LG

  • Bright Pixels: 2+ bright pixels qualify for warranty.
  • Dead Pixels: 7+ dead pixels required (more lenient).
  • Combination: 10+ total defective pixels (bright + dead combined).
  • UltraGear Gaming: May have stricter policy (1 bright pixel).

Samsung

  • Bright Pixels: 3+ bright pixels for warranty claim.
  • Dead Pixels: 5+ dead pixels required.
  • Total Defects: 5+ pixels with any defect.
  • Odyssey Gaming: Some models offer zero bright pixel guarantee.
  • Regional Variation: Policies may differ by country.

ASUS

  • Standard: 3+ bright pixels or 5+ dark pixels.
  • ROG Gaming Monitors: Often 0 bright pixel guarantee during first year.
  • ProArt Series: Premium warranty with lower thresholds.
  • Note: Gaming line has best pixel policies.

BenQ

  • Bright Pixels: 1+ bright pixel qualifies (very customer-friendly).
  • Dead Pixels: 3+ dead pixels required.
  • Stuck Pixels: Generally not covered unless bright.
  • Zero Bright Pixel Guarantee: Available on select models.

Acer

  • Standard Policy: 5+ defective pixels (bright or dead).
  • Predator Gaming: 3+ bright pixels or 5+ dead pixels.
  • Regional Variation: Europe often has stricter consumer protection.

ViewSonic

  • Pixel Perfect Guarantee: 0 bright pixels or 3+ dead pixels on select models.
  • Standard: 3-5 pixels depending on monitor size.
  • Elite Gaming: Best warranty terms.

⚠️ Important: Policies change frequently and vary by region. Always check the manufacturer's official warranty page for your specific model and country before purchase.

4. How to Successfully Claim Dead Pixel Warranty

Step 1: Document the Defect

  1. Use our Dead Pixel Test to identify all defective pixels.
  2. Take high-quality photos of the defects on solid color backgrounds (black for bright pixels, white for dead pixels).
  3. Note exact pixel locations and count.
  4. Test on all primary colors (red, green, blue, black, white).

Step 2: Check Warranty Terms

  • Verify your monitor model and purchase date.
  • Review manufacturer's specific dead pixel policy for your model.
  • Confirm you're within warranty period (usually 1-3 years).
  • Check if your region has consumer protection laws that override manufacturer policy (e.g., EU consumer rights).

Step 3: Contact Support

  • Manufacturer Direct: Contact brand's customer support with photos and serial number.
  • Retailer: If within return period (14-30 days), return to retailer first (easier).
  • Be Professional: Provide clear photos, model number, serial number, and defect count.
  • Reference Policy: Quote the manufacturer's official pixel policy to support your claim.

Step 4: Escalation

If initial claim is denied:

  • Request escalation to supervisor or warranty specialist.
  • Cite consumer protection laws in your region (EU, Australia have strong protections).
  • Consider social media or public forums (manufacturers often respond to public complaints).
  • Check if your credit card offers extended warranty or purchase protection.

5. Tips for Monitor Buyers

✅ Test Immediately Upon Delivery

Run dead pixel test within retailer return period (14-30 days). Easier to return to retailer than claim manufacturer warranty.

✅ Buy from Retailer with Good Return Policy

Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg often have customer-friendly return policies. Some allow returns for any reason within 30 days.

✅ Consider Premium Lines

Dell UltraSharp, ASUS ProArt, BenQ Designer series often have zero bright pixel guarantees.

✅ Check Regional Laws

EU consumer law may override manufacturer policy. Australia's ACL provides strong protections.

❌ Don't Trust "Zero Dead Pixel" Marketing

Often means zero BRIGHT pixels. Read fine print - dead (black) pixels may still be allowed.

❌ Don't Assume All Dead Pixels Are Covered

Even 1 dead pixel may not qualify for warranty on standard monitors. Check threshold for your model.

6. Regional Consumer Protection Laws

European Union (EU)

  • 2-Year Warranty Minimum: All products must be free from defects for 2 years.
  • "Fit for Purpose": Monitor must work as expected. Excessive dead pixels may qualify for return.
  • Burden of Proof: First 6 months, seller must prove defect wasn't present at purchase (favors consumer).
  • Override Manufacturer: EU law can override restrictive manufacturer policies.

United States

  • Manufacturer Policy Rules: No federal law mandating dead pixel coverage.
  • State Laws: Some states (e.g., California) have stronger consumer protections.
  • Retailer Policies: Often easier than manufacturer warranty. Costco, Amazon very customer-friendly.

Australia (ACL)

  • Australian Consumer Law: Products must be of "acceptable quality."
  • Major vs Minor Defect: Multiple dead pixels may qualify as major defect (entitled to refund/replacement).
  • Cannot Override: Manufacturer cannot override ACL with restrictive warranty terms.

Other Regions

  • Canada: Similar to US. Provincial laws vary.
  • UK (post-Brexit): Retained EU-style consumer rights (2-year coverage).
  • Asia: Varies greatly. Japan, South Korea have strong protections. Check local laws.

🧪 Test Your Monitor Now

Don't wait to discover dead pixels. Test your monitor thoroughly within the return period.

Dead Pixel Test Uniformity Test Quick Test (3 Tests)

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on publicly available manufacturer policies as of 2025. Warranty terms vary by model, region, and are subject to change. Always verify current warranty terms with the manufacturer or retailer before purchase. FreeScreenTest is not affiliated with any monitor manufacturer and cannot guarantee warranty claim success.