MacBook Dead Pixel Test — MacBook Pro & MacBook Air
MacBook Retina displays pack 220–254 pixels per inch — individual pixels are tiny. Run the test below at maximum screen brightness to catch any dead or stuck pixel before your return window closes.
Run the MacBook dead pixel test
Set your MacBook brightness to maximum before starting. Cycle through all colours — a stuck pixel will stay one colour; a dead pixel stays black against a white screen.
Press F11 for best results on desktop
How to test a MacBook display for dead pixels
- →Set brightness to maximum: Dead pixels are hardest to see at low brightness. Drag the brightness slider to maximum in System Settings → Displays.
- →Disable True Tone: True Tone adjusts colour temperature based on ambient light. Disable it during testing so colours are pure. System Settings → Displays → True Tone.
- →Go full screen: Click the full-screen button in the test tool above. Use the keyboard arrows or click to cycle through colours.
- →Check black first: A solid black screen reveals bright (stuck) pixels — any coloured dot against black is a stuck sub-pixel. This is especially important on MacBook Pro mini-LED displays.
- →Check white next: A solid white screen reveals dead pixels — black dots that do not change. This is the most important test for warranty documentation.
- →Do not confuse the notch: On M-series MacBook Pro, the camera notch at the top is not a dead pixel — it is the camera housing. Pixel defects appear within the active display area only.
MacBook Pro mini-LED: local dimming can hide dark pixels
MacBook Pro 14" and 16" M3/M4 models use mini-LED backlighting with local dimming. When showing a solid white screen, all dimming zones are at maximum — dark pixels should be visible. But on a mixed-content screen, local dimming can mask a dark dead pixel by dimming surrounding zones. Always use solid colour full-screen tests, not regular desktop screenshots.
MacBook display specs by model
| Model | Display | Type | Resolution | PPI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 16" (M4/M3 Max/Pro) | Liquid Retina XDR | Mini-LED IPS | 3456×2234 | 254 PPI | Local dimming can mask dark pixels — test at max brightness |
| MacBook Pro 14" (M4/M3 Max/Pro) | Liquid Retina XDR | Mini-LED IPS | 3024×1964 | 254 PPI | Same panel as 16" — local dimming caveat applies |
| MacBook Pro 13" (M2) | Retina IPS | IPS LCD | 2560×1600 | 227 PPI | No mini-LED — straightforward dead pixel testing |
| MacBook Air 15" (M4/M3) | Liquid Retina | IPS LCD | 2880×1864 | 224 PPI | No notch, no mini-LED — easiest to test |
| MacBook Air 13" (M4/M3) | Liquid Retina | IPS LCD | 2560×1664 | 224 PPI | No mini-LED — standard testing applies |
Found a dead pixel on your MacBook? What to do
If the pixel shows colour (red, green, blue, white) on a black background, it is a stuck pixel — not permanently dead. Try the pixel fixer for 20 minutes before booking an Apple appointment. Stuck pixels sometimes resolve with rapid colour cycling.
If the pixel stays black on a white screen, it is a dead pixel. Apple assesses MacBook display defects case-by-case at the Genius Bar. A single clearly visible dead pixel on a high-density Retina display often qualifies for a repair, particularly within the first year and with AppleCare+.
- 1Photograph the defect: white background for dead pixels, black background for stuck pixels.
- 2Screenshot the test tool result showing the pixel clearly.
- 3Book a Genius Bar appointment at apple.com/retail or via the Apple Support app.
- 4If within the 14-day Apple return window, return directly — faster than warranty service.
- 5Mention if AppleCare+ is active — it expands what Apple Support can do.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my MacBook for dead pixels?+
Set brightness to maximum, disable True Tone, then run the full-screen test above. Cycle through black (for stuck bright pixels) and white (for dead dark pixels). Spend 20–30 seconds on each colour.
Does Apple warranty cover a dead pixel on MacBook?+
Apple assesses MacBook pixel defects case-by-case at the Genius Bar. A single clearly visible dead pixel on a Retina display is often replaced — Apple is more helpful in practice than ISO Class II would require. Book a Genius Bar appointment at apple.com/retail.
What is the notch and could it be confused with a dead pixel?+
The notch on M-series MacBook Pro is the camera housing — not a dead pixel. Dead pixels appear within the active display area as a dot that does not change colour when you scroll or change the background.
Does AppleCare+ cover dead pixels on MacBook?+
Manufacturing defects like dead pixels fall under standard warranty. AppleCare+ extends coverage to 3 years and improves your chances on borderline cases. It also covers 2 accidental damage incidents per year, which is relevant if the pixel damage was caused by impact.