DeadPixelDevice.pro

iPad Dead Pixel Guide

All Models — iPad Pro (OLED) · Air (LCD) · mini · Standard

🟡 DEPENDS ON CAUSE

Apple covers iPad display defects under the 1-year limited warranty using an internal pixel defect standard. A single dead pixel in a prominent area is often replaced at the Genius Bar, but outcomes vary.

Act within: Make a Genius Bar appointment within 1 year of purchase

Contact: Apple Support at apple.com/support or nearest Apple Store

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Testing a desktop monitor? → MonitorTest.pro

How to test iPad for dead pixels

Use the test tool above in full screen. The iPad's large display makes it easy to scan — cycle through white, black, red, green, and blue. Dead pixels stay fixed while the rest of the screen changes colour.

Test in a dark room for best results. Disable True Tone (Settings → Display & Brightness → True Tone) during the test — True Tone adjusts colours to ambient light and can make defect detection less accurate. ProMotion (120Hz on iPad Pro) does not affect dead pixel visibility.

The iPad is best tested in both portrait and landscape orientation — rotate the device between colour cycles to cover the full panel at different viewing angles.

Xiaomi Pad 6 users: this same test tool works for your device — the full-colour cycle is compatible with all Android tablet displays.

What a dead pixel looks like on iPad

Dead pixels look different depending on your iPad model's display technology:

  • iPad Pro (M4, OLED) — Dead pixels appear as completely dark dots that emit no light on any background. OLED pixels fail to illuminate entirely.
  • iPad Air / Standard / mini (LCD)— Dead pixels typically appear as permanently black dots. Stuck pixels appear as a fixed coloured dot (red, green, or blue) that doesn't respond to screen content.

iPad Retina displays are high resolution (264–264+ ppi depending on model) — a single dead pixel is approximately 0.096mm, very small but highly visible against uniform colour backgrounds.

Appledead pixel warranty — what's covered

Apple's 1-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects. Apple uses an internal pixel defect policy based on ISO 13406-2 Class II — they do not publish the exact threshold, but a single clearly visible dead pixel in a prominent area of the screen is typically covered.

AppleCare+ extends coverage to 2 years and adds accidental damage protection. Apple's dead pixel policy for iPads follows the same framework as iPhones — our detailed Apple dead pixel warranty guide explains the full claim process, what to say at the Genius Bar, and how to escalate if your initial claim is declined.

How to fix a dead pixel on iPad

For stuck pixels on LCD iPads (Air, mini, standard), try the stuck pixel fixer — rapid colour cycling can sometimes unstick an LCD sub-pixel. Run it for 10–15 minutes with the screen at full brightness. This does not work on OLED iPad Pro models or confirmed dead LCD pixels (permanently off, not stuck on a colour).

For dead pixels on any iPad model, warranty replacement via Apple is the only resolution. Make a Genius Bar appointment with photos or video of the defect ready.

FAQ

How many dead pixels will Apple replace an iPad for?+
Apple doesn't publish a minimum number. A single clearly visible dead pixel in the centre or prominently used area of the screen is often replaced at the Genius Bar. Edge pixels or very small defects may vary by staff — be persistent and escalate politely if needed.
My iPad has a bright coloured dot — is that a dead pixel?+
A permanently coloured dot is a stuck pixel, not a dead pixel. On LCD iPads, stuck pixels can sometimes be resolved using the rapid colour cycling method. On OLED iPad Pro, any pixel defect is a hardware fault that requires Apple replacement.
Dead pixel on iPad Air 5 — is it covered?+
Yes. The iPad Air 5 uses an IPS LCD display. A manufacturing-defect dead pixel within the 1-year warranty is covered by Apple. Contact your nearest Apple Store for a Genius Bar appointment.
Does 1 dead pixel on an iPad qualify for replacement?+
In most cases, yes — if it's a genuine dead pixel in a visible area, Apple typically replaces the device. The key is demonstrating it's a manufacturing defect (not physical damage) and that it's clearly visible during normal use.