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Image retention vs burn-in

Temporary retention fades; persistent uneven wear does not—but one quick test cannot prove burn-in.

Short answer

Show varied normal content for about 10 minutes, then briefly recheck 5% and 50% gray. A faint prior image that weakens or disappears behaves like temporary retention. A shape that persists across sessions and content may be permanent uneven aging, but use the manufacturer’s diagnostic and support process before naming it burn-in.

Open gray test screens Open quick colors

A recheck cannot establish a universal time limit

The approximately 10-minute rest below is our suggested checkpoint for comparing observations. It is not proof of permanent burn-in if a mark remains, nor a promise that temporary retention will disappear within that time. Apple says temporary persistence on its OLED iPhones can disappear after normal use; its explanation distinguishes that from burn-in.

Keep the same brightness and room lighting for both observations. If the image remains across sessions or disrupts ordinary use, use the device maker’s support process. Do not repeatedly trigger a long maintenance cycle to force a result: follow the model-specific panel-refresh instructions where applicable.

What to look for

  • A retained logo, status bar, keyboard, or game interface usually follows the shape of earlier static content.
  • Use ordinary varied video or full-screen content—not another long static “fix” pattern—for the rest period.
  • Compare at the same brightness and room light so the before-and-after observation is meaningful.
  • Do not repeatedly run long manual pixel or panel refresh cycles. Follow the exact model instructions.
  • Photograph the whole screen and a medium view on low gray if the shape remains visible during normal use.

Use this order

  1. Note the shape and content that preceded it.
  2. Play varied full-screen content for about 10 minutes.
  3. Briefly view 5% gray, 50% gray, and ordinary content again.
  4. Record whether the shape disappeared, weakened, stayed the same, or returned later.
  5. If persistent, use the device’s built-in diagnostic and contact support before repeating manual maintenance.

Common questions

Can a website remove burn-in?

No website can reverse permanent uneven pixel aging. Varied content may help temporary retention fade, while built-in maintenance may compensate within manufacturer limits.

How long does image retention last?

There is no universal duration. Track whether it clearly fades with varied use; if it persists or affects normal viewing, follow manufacturer guidance.

Official guidance used for this page