Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How to Test Any Google Pixel Phone for Dead Pixels & Dead Touch Zones Using Developer Options
If you're buying a used, refurbished, or renewed Google Pixel phone, it's a good idea to test the touchscreen and display before keeping it. The built-in Developer Options make it easy to check for dead touch zones.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Open Settings.
Tap About phone.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Build number 7 times.
Enter your PIN or password if prompted.
You'll see a message saying "You are now a developer!"
Step 2: Turn On Pointer Location
Go back to Settings.
Tap System.
Tap Developer options.
Scroll to the Input section.
Turn on Pointer location.
A crosshair and touch trail will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Test the Entire Touchscreen
Without lifting your finger, slowly:
Draw horizontal lines.
Draw vertical lines.
Draw diagonal lines.
Draw circles around the edges.
Drag your finger from corner to corner.
What a Good Screen Looks Like
A properly working touchscreen will:
Draw one continuous line.
Track your finger smoothly.
Respond across the entire display.
Signs of a Dead Touch Zone
Your touchscreen may have a defective digitizer if:
The line suddenly disappears.
A vertical or horizontal strip won't register touch.
The pointer skips or jumps.
One area consistently fails to respond.
If the problem occurs in the exact same place every time—even after restarting the phone—it's likely a hardware issue.
How to Test for Dead Pixels
Dead pixels are different from touch problems.
A dead pixel:
Appears as a tiny black, white, red, green, or blue dot.
Still responds to touch.
Does not change color when the screen changes.
Check for Dead Pixels
Set the screen brightness to maximum.
Display full-screen solid colors:
White
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Carefully inspect the display from different angles.
If a pixel remains the same color on every screen, it may be dead or stuck.
You can also use a free dead pixel test app from the Google Play Store to cycle through these colors.
Additional Checks Before Keeping a Pixel Phone
While you're testing, also verify:
Speakers
Microphones
Cameras
Flashlight
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Cellular signal
Charging port
Fingerprint reader (if equipped)
Power and volume buttons
Vibration motor
Pro Tip
If you buy a used or refurbished Google Pixel phone, perform these tests before transferring your data. If you discover a dead touch zone or display defect, it's much easier to return or exchange the phone while you're still within the seller's return window. #googlepixel
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
How to Test Any Google Pixel Phone for Dead Pixels & Dead Touch Zones Using Developer Options
If you're buying a used, refurbished, or renewed Google Pixel phone, it's a good idea to test the touchscreen and display before keeping it. The built-in Developer Options make it easy to check for dead touch zones.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Open Settings.
Tap About phone.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Build number 7 times.
Enter your PIN or password if prompted.
You'll see a message saying "You are now a developer!"
Step 2: Turn On Pointer Location
Go back to Settings.
Tap System.
Tap Developer options.
Scroll to the Input section.
Turn on Pointer location.
A crosshair and touch trail will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Test the Entire Touchscreen
Without lifting your finger, slowly:
Draw horizontal lines.
Draw vertical lines.
Draw diagonal lines.
Draw circles around the edges.
Drag your finger from corner to corner.
What a Good Screen Looks Like
A properly working touchscreen will:
Draw one continuous line.
Track your finger smoothly.
Respond across the entire display.
Signs of a Dead Touch Zone
Your touchscreen may have a defective digitizer if:
The line suddenly disappears.
A vertical or horizontal strip won't register touch.
The pointer skips or jumps.
One area consistently fails to respond.
If the problem occurs in the exact same place every time—even after restarting the phone—it's likely a hardware issue.
How to Test for Dead Pixels
Dead pixels are different from touch problems.
A dead pixel:
Appears as a tiny black, white, red, green, or blue dot.
Still responds to touch.
Does not change color when the screen changes.
Check for Dead Pixels
Set the screen brightness to maximum.
Display full-screen solid colors:
White
Black
Red
Green
Blue
Carefully inspect the display from different angles.
If a pixel remains the same color on every screen, it may be dead or stuck.
You can also use a free dead pixel test app from the Google Play Store to cycle through these colors.
Additional Checks Before Keeping a Pixel Phone
While you're testing, also verify:
Speakers
Microphones
Cameras
Flashlight
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Cellular signal
Charging port
Fingerprint reader (if equipped)
Power and volume buttons
Vibration motor
Pro Tip
If you buy a used or refurbished Google Pixel phone, perform these tests before transferring your data. If you discover a dead touch zone or display defect, it's much easier to return or exchange the phone while you're still within the seller's return window. #googlepixel
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
