How can I tell a screen scratch from a dead pixel or pressure mark?

A surface scratch changes with angled light and is often clearer when the screen is off. A dead or bright pixel stays fixed across solid colors. A pressure mark may show discoloration or a halo and can also affect touch response.

Screen Scratch, Pressure Mark or Dead Pixel?

The short answer

A scratch is physical damage to the screen surface or protector. It is usually clearer under angled light with the display off and may fade or reflect as a thin line when the screen is on. A defective pixel stays at the same position across solid colors. Pressure damage or an internal crack can produce a white spot, colored patch or touch failure and is more serious. Inspect or remove an old protector first because many apparent scratches are on the protector.

Quick distinctionA mark obvious under angled light with the screen off is likely on the surface. A fixed bright or dark point across several solid colors is more like a bad pixel. Local rainbow color, whitening and touch problems suggest pressure damage.

Inspect without pressing

Remove or replace a protector containing bubbles or grit, then clean the display. With the screen off, scan it under angled light for fine reflected lines. Turn the screen on and inspect the same position. A mark that almost disappears is likely a shallow surface or protector scratch. A pixel-sized bright or dark point that remains should be checked using the dead pixel process.

Pressure damage often follows bending or compression and may cause local discoloration, halos or touch drift. Do not press the area in an attempt to restore it because this can expand the damage. For used devices, pressure marks and internal cracks usually affect value and warranty more than a single bad pixel.

Step-by-step check

Clean the screen, temporarily remove the protector and record surface marks under angled light.
Open the solid-color test and inspect black, white, red, green and blue to see whether the issue stays at one pixel position.
Use the multi-touch test to check for broken or jumping traces near the damage.
Photograph both the screen-off angled-light view and the screen-on solid-color view, and note whether the protector was removed.

When to contact support

If a new device arrives with a clear scratch, pressure mark or internal crack, avoid polishing, covering or repairing it yourself and request inspection through the sales channel. Accidental damage is commonly excluded from defect warranties, but the seller must assess shipping or factory damage. For a used purchase, record physical damage before payment and negotiate accordingly.

If the issue is a pixel defect, continue with the dead pixel guide. For a complete inspection, use the used-screen checklist or new phone unboxing check.