How to test Kindle for dead pixels
Step 1: Open a blank document or navigate to Settings → Device Options → System Info — the white background makes dark dead pixels immediately visible.
Step 2:Check for any persistent dark or light spots that don't move when you change pages. Unlike LCD screens, E-Ink refreshes slowly — allow 2–3 seconds after each page turn.
Step 3:Use the test tool above directly on your Kindle. Navigate to this page on your Kindle's Silk browser to run the full colour cycle. Cycle through white, black, and grey — these reveal the most dead pixel types on E-Ink panels.
Hold your Kindle at a slight angle toward a light source. Check corners and edges, which are more prone to pressure-related damage during transit.
Model-specific notes
- Kindle Paperwhite — 300 PPI panel: dead pixels appear as tiny sharp dark dots, most noticeable in high-contrast text areas.
- Kindle Colorsoft — Kaleido colour E-Ink: dead pixels may appear as a stuck colour tile. Test on red, green, and blue solid screens individually.
- Kindle Scribe— Large 10.2" panel at 300 PPI: a dead pixel near the writing area is particularly disruptive. Scan the full surface methodically.
What a dead pixel looks like on Kindle
E-Ink displays use electronic ink microcapsules, not transistors. When a microcapsule fails, it gets stuck in one state — appearing as a fixed white, grey, or black spot that does not respond to page turns or screen refreshes.
This is different from LCD and OLED dead pixels, which typically appear as permanently black dots. On E-Ink, the failure can go in either direction — a stuck dark spot or a stuck bright spot. Because E-Ink refreshes slowly, these defects are easy to spot: they remain completely static while the rest of the screen updates.
Unlike LCD dead pixels which are usually black dots, E-Ink failures can appear as white or grey — learn the full difference between dead pixel vs stuck pixel. For the E-Ink-specific breakdown, see our dead pixels on E-Ink guide.
Amazondead pixel warranty — what's covered
Amazon's 1-year Limited Warranty covers Kindle defects in materials and workmanship, including dead pixels caused by manufacturing faults. Coverage applies to all current Kindle models: Paperwhite, Colorsoft, Scribe, and the base Kindle.
- Dead pixels from manufacturing defect: covered — Amazon will typically replace the device.
- Dead pixels after physical damage or liquid contact: not covered.
- Within 30 days of purchase: Amazon processes a no-questions-asked return or replacement.
To contact support: go to amazon.com/devicesupport, select your Kindle model, then choose “Request replacement.” Amazon may ask for photos — take a screenshot on your Kindle by holding Power + Volume Down simultaneously.
For a broader comparison of dead pixel policies across all device brands, see our dead pixel warranty guide.
How to fix a dead pixel on Kindle
E-Ink dead pixels cannot be fixed by software — the microcapsule element has physically failed and cannot be cycled back into a working state. Replacing the device through Amazon warranty support is the only reliable solution.
One exception: if you see a coloured stuck pixel on a Kindle Colorsoft, it may be a stuck sub-pixel in the colour filter layer (not the E-Ink base layer). In that case, running our free dead pixel fix tool for 10–15 minutes is worth trying before contacting support.
If you're out of warranty, Amazon offers discounted out-of-warranty replacements. Refurbished Kindles from Amazon carry a 90-day warranty.