How to Test an Android LCD Screen: Simple Guide

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Use a simple app to check your phone’s touch and LCD functionality

Co-authored by Shavo Hacopian and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: June 7, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Downloading a Screen Test App
|
• Testing the LCD Display Using the Application
|
• Tips to Maintain a Healthy Screen
|
• Expert Interview
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Dead pixels are black spots caused by failing color pigments, while stuck pixels are frozen pigments that can’t change color. Detecting these issues early is crucial, so regularly testing your LCD display can help prevent problems from worsening. In this article we'll teach you how you can test your Android's LCD screen.

Testing Your Android's LCD Screen

If you notice a spot that won't go away, you might have a dead or stuck pixel; running a screen test will help you further diagnose it. Download a screen test application from the Play Store, then launch it and press the Test button to run a color test. Finally, look for dead or stuck pixels.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Downloading a Screen Test App

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1. 
   1
   Open your Google Play Store. Tap open its icon from your Android phone or tablet's home screen to access it. Here, you can download different kinds of software that's specifically designed for Android smartphones and tablets.
2. 
   2
   Find a screen test application. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and enter “screen test” into the search field. Press the magnifying glass icon to start searching, and a list of corresponding apps will be displayed.

   • You'll see a bunch of apps that are made for testing LCD displays. You can choose any one of these..
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3. 
   3
   Install the screen testing app. Tap on the app you want, then tap the “Install” button on the app's Overview page.

   • Tap “Accept” on the Permissions screen that appears, and the app will begin downloading and installing onto your Android smartphone or tablet.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Testing the LCD Display Using the Application

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1. 
   1
   Launch the screen test app. Tap its newly created icon from your Android's home screen to open it.

   • You'll see different options depending on the app you installed, but you can use "Color purity" or "Color shades" to see if there are dead or stuck pixels.
2. 
   2
   Begin testing. Once you launch a color test, the application will change your screen into different solid colors like red, blue, green, black, and white. To cycle between colors, simply tap anywhere on the screen of your device, and its color will change to the next one.
3. 
   3
   Look out for dead and stuck pixels. If you see any black (or any other color) square dot on your screen as you change it from one solid color to another, then your Android has a dead or a stuck pixel.

   • Take your device to an authorized smartphone repair shop promptly to prevent further issues.
4. 
   4
   Exit the application. You can double-tap the screen to exit, or tap the back navigation arrow from your Android's navigation bar. Once you've returned to the main screen, you can exit the app by pressing the three-line icon and swiping on the app.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Screen

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1. 
   1
   Clean it regularly. Use an electronic wipe or microfiber cloth to wipe away fingerprints, dust, or smudges. Avoid using harsh or abrasive chemicals on your phone's screen.
2. 
   2
   Run tests regularly. Use any screen testing app to make sure your screen is functioning properly.
3. 
   3
   Avoid putting too much pressure on the screen. There are lots of sensors and lights behind your screen, so putting excess pressure on it (like mashing your finger to select something on the screen) can damage it.
4. 
   4
   Keep it updated. Updating your phone's software seems like an odd solution, but the software updates actually keep the technology behind the screen functioning.
5. 
   5
   Keep it dry. Most modern phones are waterproof, but any hole in the case is a potential area where water can get in and wreak havoc on your phone.
6. 
   6
   Limit exposure to extreme temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can affect your touchscreen, so don't leave it in direct sunlight where it can overheat quickly.
7. 
   7
   Protect your screen. Many modern screens are more resilient, but if you regularly use your phone in tough environments, you might want to consider investing in a screen protector.
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Tips

• Download applications from the Google Play Store while connected to a Wi-Fi connection only. Downloading apps using your mobile data may result in unnecessary network charges.
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• Screen testing applications are generally free to download and install on any Android device, no matter its make and model.
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• There used to be phone codes that you could enter to get diagnostics, but this feature has been disabled with most modern phones.
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Be sure to use the latest updated software from the Google Play Store, as the old software may not show everything.

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