Burn-in on TVs and monitors: everything you need to know and how to prevent it

What is burn-in on TVs and monitors? Surely on more than one occasion you've wondered if that annoying ghosting effect on your monitor, TV, or even your phone screen is inevitable or if you can still do something for your computer. The famous 'burn-in' Screen burn-in is not just an urban legend, but a real phenomenon that can affect both new and old devices, especially if you are one of those who use them for many hours in a row or always leave the same channel or fixed image on.

This article will explain in detail and clearly everything you need to know about The burn-in effect: what exactly it is, how and why it occurs on different display technologies, What are its symptoms, what measures you can take to prevent it, and what solutions exist when it's already present? Take a seat, because not only will you clarify your doubts, but you'll also discover practical tips and tricks to extend the life of your device.

What is burn-in and why does it occur on screens and monitors?

Burn-in, also known as screen burn-in, is a phenomenon that occurs when a static image remains on the screen for too long, leaving a permanent mark or "ghosting" effect, visible even when you switch between the two. This happens because the pixels in the affected area have worked harder than the others, deteriorating unevenly. The result is spots, darker areas, lines, or even remnants of logos that remain there, no matter what you put on the screen.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to new OLED displays, although it has been more widely known for them. Historically, it also affected CRT (tube-type) monitors and televisions, plasma screens, and even some LCDs. Each technology has its own unique way of experiencing it, but the visual damage is similar: image degradation due to uneven pixel usage.

In OLED panels and their QD-OLED and AMOLED variants, burn-in is due to the accelerated aging of the organic diodes that produce light in each pixel. Unlike older LCDs or CRTs, which use backlighting, each pixel here lights up on its own. If they always display the same image or a fixed element, those pixels are put under more strain and eventually burn out more quickly.

Degradation mechanisms and differences according to display technology

Every display technology has its vulnerability to burn-in, although all can end up showing some ghosting effect if not used properly. Below, we explain how and why this phenomenon occurs in the main types of panels:

• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)Screen burn-in was very common in past decades. Light-emitting phosphors would lose their brightness after prolonged exposure to static images, leaving permanent marks. Monochrome screens (amber, green) were especially susceptible.
• plasma screensThey also suffered from burn-in due to uneven pixel wear. Logos, menus, and news tickers on television are typical examples. Technological improvements and techniques like pixel shifting helped reduce this problem.
• LCD and LED: They are much less vulnerable to burn-in. They don't have organic diodes, but they can experience temporary burn-in if fixed images are displayed for extended periods. It usually goes away on its own, although it can be more noticeable on TN models than on IPS models.
• OLED and QD-OLED: They are the most prone to permanent burnout. Organic diodes, as they lose efficiency with constant use and brightness, especially when displaying bright or saturated colors, eventually wear out irreversibly.

The main difference is that with OLED, burnout is irreversible because the diodes permanently lose luminosity; with LCD, the retention is usually temporary and recovers over time or by changing the content.

Symptoms: How to detect burn-in or image retention?

Burn-in is easily detected: it appears as spots, shadows, or 'ghosts' of images that have been on the screen for a long time, such as logos, menu bars, or static graphics. On OLED displays, it's common to notice a loss of brightness or a color shift in these areas, with reddish, bluish, or yellowish tones, especially where more light has been exposed.

To check for burn-in, try putting a solid-color background (white, black, gray, red, or blue) on the full screen: if shapes or areas appear with different shades, there is probably burn-in. On LCD screens, it's usually seen as a ghost shadow that disappears after a while; on OLED screens, if it lasts for several hours or days, it's usually permanent.

Other symptoms include differences in brightness between areas, slower response to image changes, color distortion, lines, dark bands, or visible marks on the image.

Main causes of burn-in

Screen burn-in is usually caused by prolonged use of static images, but other factors can accelerate it:

• Still images or logos: Network logos, taskbars, menus, video game HUDs, clocks, sports scores, etc.
• Very high brightness: Keeping the brightness at maximum reduces the lifespan of the diodes in OLEDs.
• Saturated colorsRed, followed by blue and green, are the colors that cause the most burnout. Using graphics or icons in these colors increases the likelihood of burnout.
• Constant use without turning off or resting the screen: The longer the content is on with fixed content, the greater the risk.
• Excessive heatInternal heat, in mobile phones or monitors, accelerates the degradation of diodes.
• Intensive use of HDR or high refresh rates: Overexposing the screen to maximum brightness for long periods encourages uneven wear.

On professional or industrial devices, where there are fixed elements on the screen, the risk of burn-in increases if preventive measures are not taken.

What types of screens are most prone to burn-in?

To a greater or lesser extent, any type of display can suffer burn-in: CRT, plasma, LCD, OLED, QD-OLED, AMOLED, miniLED. However, OLEDs are currently the most vulnerable, while modern LCDs are very resistant.

OLED displays control each pixel individually, which improves image quality but also means that fixed areas can deteriorate faster than others. This affects OLED TVs, monitors, smartphones, tablets, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

On the other hand, LCD panels, although less prone to this, can exhibit temporary retention if used with static content for a long time and on older or low-quality models.

What is the difference between burn-in and image retention?

While they are often used interchangeably, the key difference is that burn-in is permanent, and image retention is usually temporary. The retention appears as a shadow or ghost of the previous image, but with normal use and content changes, it usually disappears on its own.

Burn-in, on the other hand, persists even when changing the image, adjusting settings, or leaving the device off for days or weeks, and is irreversible once it occurs.

Factors that accelerate burn-in in OLED and QD-OLED

Situations and content that repeat fixed images or static elements can accelerate the appearance of burn-in on OLED screens:

• Repeatedly watching the same channels or keeping the TV on the same logo or fixed menu for hours or days.
• Playing video games with persistent HUD (scoreboards, bars, maps) for long periods of time.
• Using office applications with fixed on-screen elements, such as toolbars or taskbars, for extended periods.
• Play HDR content or video games at maximum brightness for extended periods.
• Do not use the display in hot or poorly ventilated environments, as heat accelerates the wear of the OLED diodes.

Can a burn-in screen be repaired? Can it be removed?

Unfortunately, if the damage is permanent, there's no way to completely erase it; the pixels have lost their ability to emit light, and the damage is irreversible.

But if the effect is only temporary, you can reduce or eliminate it by turning off the device for several hours, using dynamic screensavers, or changing the content frequently. Many devices, especially recent OLEDs, incorporate features such as pixel refresher o 'pixel shift' which help modify wear and delay burning.

After these functions, if the damage is severe, the improvement will be limited or null, since the degradation of the diodes is irreversible.

Technologies and measures to prevent burn-in

To reduce the risk of burns, manufacturers have developed various integrated solutions and functions:

• Pixel Shift or image shift: : Moves the image slightly so that the affected pixels do not remain static for too long.
• Pixel Refresher: Features that balance pixel usage by running automatically after a certain amount of use or when the device is turned off.
• Automatic brightness reduction: Decreases the brightness if it detects static images for a long time.
• Dynamic screensavers: Screens that wake up when inactive and display patterns that exercise all pixels.
• Dark modes and high brightness reduction in HDR: Options that protect the panel and prevent overheating that can accelerate wear.

Some brands, such as MSI with its QD-OLED monitors, have incorporated advanced solutions under the name OLED Care 2.0, which include these features and offer warranties of up to 3 years, even against burn-in. Other companies such as LG, Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic have improved algorithms and technology to reduce risks.

Practical tips to avoid burn-in and extend the life of your screen

The best way to take care of your screen is through prevention and proper use. Here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid leaving still images for too long: Change channels, windows, or content periodically.
• Turn on your screensaver when you're not using the screen and reduce the brightness whenever possible.
• Don't leave logos, taskbars, or icons stuck for long periods of time. If you're working with the same interface, try hiding the bar or moving elements around if possible.
• Use dark modes and limit saturated colors, especially red.
• Turn off or put your display to sleep frequently to give all pixels a rest and prevent uneven wear.
• Avoid hot or poorly ventilated environments.
• On OLED devices, take advantage of pixel refresh features if they include them.
• In games or apps with persistent elements, try adjusting opacity, changing position, or enabling transparency.
• Do not keep the brightness and contrast at maximum continuously.
• Activate the protective features provided by the manufacturer and follow their recommendations to extend the lifespan.

Real cases and applications where burn-in is (or was) a problem

Burn-in affects both home and professional users. In places where screens remain open for many hours with the same interface—such as hospitals, industrial facilities, ATMs, or control systems—the risk is greater.

In the past, CRT monitors in hospitals, surveillance systems, or industrial controls displayed marks after long periods without changes in the image.. Today, although technologies have improved, improper use can still reduce lifespan.

On current smartphones and tablets, apps with fixed elements like navigation bars, icons, or static screens can cause burn-in after years of intensive use. Cases like the iPhone 15 and the Nintendo Switch OLED have been reported after many hours of use.

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Is it worth buying an OLED TV or monitor?

The image quality, contrast, and color offered by OLEDs are difficult to match, but their main drawback is the risk of burn-in. However, with good usage practices and preventative technologies, the likelihood of burn-in during normal use (watching TV shows, gaming, movies) is very low.

If you're going to be using it a lot with fixed screen elements (such as work monitors, panels with fixed information, etc.), it might be better to opt for an LCD, mini-LED, or QLED. For entertainment, movies, and gaming, a current OLED can last for many years if you follow the recommendations.

The warranty policy typically covers manufacturing defects, not burn-in wear, so it's a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing and follow the instructions to extend its lifespan.

Common mistakes and myths about burn-in

There are misconceptions about burnout and its risk on various screens. Here are some common myths:

• "Only OLEDs burn in": No, although they are the most prone, CRT, plasma and to a lesser extent LCD screens can also suffer from it.
• "Burn-in can be solved with miracle programs": False. If the damage is permanent, there is no permanent solution. The programs only help in cases of temporary retention.
• "Turning off the screen removes the damage": Only if it's a temporary burn; if it's a permanent burn, there's no way to reverse it.
• "Burn-in is a thing of the past": Today, it remains a risk in modern technology if precautions are not taken.
• "All OLEDs burn out quickly": Thanks to improvements, the risk has been greatly reduced. With proper use, they can last for years without visible burn-through.
• Laser TV vs OLED: Which is the best option?

As you can see, burn-in is a complex phenomenon, but it's preventable, or at least minimized, if you apply good practices and take advantage of your screen's preventive features. Switching between content, avoiding still images, adjusting brightness, and following the manufacturer's recommendations will extend the life of your device and avoid unnecessary worries. For more information, we've provided this link. screen burnSee you in the next articles!