Does My Warranty Cover Dead Pixels?
Does My Warranty Cover Dead Pixels?
Just bought a new monitor or device and noticed a tiny black dot on the screen? It could be a dead pixel—and you're probably wondering: "Will my warranty cover this?" Here's everything you need to know.
Brand Policies: Not All Warranties Are the Same
Dell
Dell’s Premium Panel Exchange policy often covers bright pixels (constantly lit), even if it’s just one. However, dead (black) pixels usually require at least 6 defective pixels before replacement is considered.
Depending on your purchase channel, you may still qualify for a return if you're within the seller’s return window (like 30 days).
MSI
MSI typically honors warranty claims if there are 5 or more dead pixels. Some users have reported returns with 3+ dead pixels, but the official threshold varies by model and region.
ASUS
ASUS requires at least 5 dead pixels before accepting a warranty claim. A single dead pixel is not usually considered grounds for replacement.
AOC and Others
AOC is more lenient—some of their policies allow for screen replacements with just one bright or dead pixel, depending on the model and warranty tier.
What Should You Do First?
- Check your device brand and model.
- Visit the manufacturer's website to review their pixel warranty policy.
- Use PixelTest.net to count any dead or stuck pixels.
- Compare the number with the brand’s minimum replacement threshold.
- Check your seller's return policy. Sometimes this is faster and more effective than dealing with warranty claims.
Summary Table: When Does Warranty Apply?
| Pixel Type | Count | Brands | Warranty Coverage? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Pixel | 1+ | Dell UltraSharp, AOC | Yes |
| Dead Pixel | 1 | Dell, ASUS, MSI | No (generally) |
| Dead Pixel | 5+ | ASUS, MSI | Yes |
| Dead Pixel | 6+ | Dell | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Dead pixels may be tiny, but they’re a big deal—especially on a brand-new screen. Don’t panic if you spot one. First, test your screen using PixelTest.net. Then, check your brand’s policy and seller return window. Often, that’s the quickest path to a pixel-perfect replacement.