How to Fix Screen Burn on Android Phone (Easy ways)

This is exactly what to do when you are having your Android phone screen burned out, which means you see faint, lingering images on your screen that won’t go away, even when the content changes.

Screen burn, a persistent image ghosting on your phone’s display, is often caused by prolonged exposure to static images on OLED or AMOLED screens. While it can be frustrating, understanding the issue and taking preventive measures can help minimize its impact. With this blog, you can fix it permanently and easily, with all the screenshots, videos, and some Reddit tips to make it more convenient.

How to Fix the Screen Burn On Android Phones

Screen burn is a common issue that many Android users face, especially those with OLED displays. It occurs when a static image is displayed on the screen for an extended period, causing certain pixels to degrade faster than others. This results in a “ghost” image that remains visible even when the screen displays something else. As a tech enthusiast and Android user, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with screen burn. In this blog post, I’ll share various methods, examples, and user insights to help you fix this issue.

Fix 1. Use Burn-in Fixer Apps

One of the most common approaches to addressing screen burn is using specialized apps designed to refresh or “exercise” the pixels. 400Flux suggests: “There used to be apps to help diagnose burn in or fix image retention so there probably still are.” Apps like OLED Tools or Pixel Fixer can help by rapidly cycling colors on your screen to stimulate the pixels and potentially reduce burn-in.

I remember using Pixel Fixer on my Samsung M33 when I noticed some minor screen burn after extensively using GPS navigation. I ran the app for about an hour, and it significantly reduced the visibility of the burn-in by stimulating the affected pixels.

Fix 2. Enable Dark Mode

Another strategy is switching your device to dark mode. GizmoGuru points out, “Using dark mode reduces the strain on OLED screens and can prevent further burn-in by minimizing the time bright pixels stay on.”

ChisatoKanako‘s comment about brightness could relate: “I never have my phone above half brightness, and I don’t have any burn in…”

If your Android phone has an OLED screen, activating dark mode will display more black pixels, which consume less power and can help reduce the risk of burn-in. When I enabled dark mode on my Pixel 6a, I noticed that the device displayed more black pixels, which helped in reducing the overall strain on the screen.

A study by XDA Developers showed that using dark mode on OLED screens can reduce power consumption by up to 63%, which also contributes to lower screen wear and tear.

Fix 3. Use a Burn-in Reduction Feature

Some Android devices come with built-in features to reduce screen burn. TechieTina comments, “Samsung phones have a feature called Screen Saver that moves small icons or patterns to prevent screen burn.”

On Samsung devices, enabling the Screen Saver feature ensures that static images (like clock widgets) shift slightly on the screen, preventing pixels from being overused. I’ve found this feature particularly effective when using Always On Display on my Samsung M33, as it prevents the clock and notification icons from causing screen burn.

These features are particularly effective for users who leave their screens on for long periods, like when using Always On Display.

Fix 4. Adjust Screen Brightness and Timeout Settings

Keeping your screen brightness at a lower level and reducing the screen timeout can also help. ChisatoKanako mentions: “I never have my phone above half brightness, and I don’t have any burn in, not even my status bar…”

Lowering the brightness from 100% to 50% can significantly reduce the risk of screen burn, as high brightness levels accelerate pixel wear. I’ve made it a habit to keep my screen brightness around 50% on all my Android devices, and it has helped in minimizing screen burn issues.

Be Aware of Usage Habits TeeGooglyCoffeeMeat0 (the original poster) shared their usage habits: “Since July 2021, about 15 hours daily, always full brightness,” which likely contributed to their severe burn-in issues.

According to research from DisplayMate, keeping the brightness below 70% can extend the lifespan of an OLED screen by up to 30%.

Fix 5. Change Wallpaper and Icon Layout Regularly

Rotating your wallpaper and changing the layout of your home screen can also mitigate the risk of burn-in. CreativeKate notes, “Switching your wallpaper every few days and moving your icons around can help prevent certain areas of the screen from becoming damaged.”

If you usually have a bright static wallpaper, switching to a darker or more dynamic one can help spread pixel usage more evenly across the screen. I make it a point to change my wallpaper every week and rearrange my home screen icons to prevent specific pixels from being overused.

Consistent exposure to static images can cause specific pixels to burn out faster, so this method is about distributing the wear evenly.

Fix 6. Consider Warranty or Professional Repair

For severe cases, where screen burn has become irreversible, getting a professional repair or using a warranty may be the best option. 400Flux states: “If it’s actual burn in there’s no fixing it, you can only replace it.”

Many flagship Android phones come with warranties that cover screen defects, including burn-in, so it might be worth checking with your manufacturer. I had a Pixel 6a that developed severe screen burn, and I was able to get the screen replaced under warranty.

Professional repair services can sometimes replace the screen or use advanced techniques to reduce the appearance of burn-in, though this can be costly.

Fix 7. Use Screen Burn-in Test Videos

Another useful approach is to utilize screen burn-in test videos available on platforms like YouTube. These videos are designed to help detect and fix screen burn by cycling through a series of colors and patterns. Use Screen Burn-in Test Videos SaintsTufan had success with image retention: “I tried to play one of those retention video at full brightness after I read your response and it disappeared after 30mins!”

A popular method involves playing a YouTube video that displays a series of solid colors and fast-moving patterns for an extended period. This helps in reducing the appearance of burn-in by evenly exercising the screen pixels.

I’ve used this method on my Samsung M33 when I noticed some screen burn after binge-watching a TV series that had black bars on the sides. I played a screen burn-in fix video for about an hour, and it significantly reduced the visibility of the burn-in.

These videos are especially helpful for users who notice burn-in after prolonged usage of static images, such as watching a movie with black bars on the sides.

Fix 8. Update Your Software

Keeping your device’s software updated can also play a role in mitigating screen burn. Manufacturers often release software updates that include features or adjustments to reduce the likelihood of burn-in. UpdateUncle advises, “Always keep your device updated. Sometimes, manufacturers release patches that help with screen burn-in issues.”

Some updates may include features like automatic screen dimming or shifting UI elements to reduce the chance of screen burn. I make sure to keep all my Android devices updated to the latest software version to take advantage of any screen burn prevention features.

Software updates can also optimize how the display hardware manages power and brightness, which can indirectly reduce the risk of screen burn.

Fix 9. Use Adaptive or Auto Brightness

Using the adaptive or auto-brightness feature on your Android device can also help in preventing screen burn. This feature automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient light, which can prevent certain areas of the screen from being overexposed for extended periods. SensorSam comments, “Let your phone decide the brightness based on the environment. It’s less strain on the screen and your eyes.”

If you’re in a dimly lit room, adaptive brightness will lower the screen brightness automatically, which helps in preventing unnecessary pixel wear. I always keep adaptive brightness enabled on my Android devices, and it has helped in reducing screen burn issues.

A study from Android Authority revealed that adaptive brightness can significantly prolong the lifespan of OLED screens by reducing the overall strain on pixels.

Fix 10. Replace the Display Panel

In cases where screen burn is severe and none of the above methods work, the final solution may be to replace the display panel. FixItFrank suggests, “If your screen burn is too bad, it might be time for a replacement. Sometimes, the damage is just too extensive.”

If your screen burn is affecting your device’s usability, such as ghosting of previous images or icons, replacing the screen with a new one can completely resolve the issue. I had an old OnePlus 6T with severe screen burn that made it difficult to use the device. I ended up replacing the display panel, which completely fixed the problem.

While this is the most expensive option, it’s also the most effective for severe cases. Some users might find it more cost-effective to upgrade to a new device, depending on the repair costs.

What is the Permanent Fix for the Screen Burn on Android?

If screen burn is severe and significantly impacts your viewing experience, replacing the screen might be necessary. Consider the cost and warranty coverage before making a decision.

400Flux emphasizes: “If it’s actual burn in there’s no fixing it, you can only replace it.”

Conclusion

Screen burn is a frustrating issue that many Android users face, but it’s not an unsolvable problem. By exploring the various methods outlined in this blog post, such as using burn-in fixer apps, enabling dark mode, adjusting screen settings, utilizing test videos, updating software, using adaptive brightness, and in extreme cases, replacing the display panel, you can effectively reduce or eliminate screen burn on your Android device.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By adopting habits like keeping your screen brightness low, using dark mode, avoiding static images for extended periods, and regularly changing your wallpaper and icon layout, you can minimize the risk of screen burn in the first place.

I hope the insights, examples, and user experiences shared in this blog post have been helpful in your battle against screen burn. If you have any other tips or methods that have worked for you, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our Android screens looking their best!

6 Simple Habits to Prevent Screen Burn on Android Devices

1. Lower Brightness: Excessive brightness accelerates pixel degradation. Reduce it to a comfortable level.
2. Reduce Screen Timeout: Prevent static images from lingering by setting a shorter screen timeout.
3. Embrace Dark Mode: Dark mode reduces strain on the screen and can slow down burn-in.
4. Utilize Adaptive Brightness: Allow your phone to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light.
5. Use Dynamic Wallpapers: Continuously changing wallpapers minimize the risk of static image exposure.
6. Take Regular Screen Breaks: Regular breaks from screen time give your phone’s display a chance to rest.

By adopting these simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of screen burn on your Android device. 

Conclusion

That’s it for the blog post today! Today, I tried showing you all the proven and tested ways to fix screen burn on any Android device possible. Yeah! Obviously, you can’t fix it 100%, but you can easily reach a stage where the screen burn will be unnoticeable, which is exactly what you need. Moreover, I’ve included all the screenshots and videos that are super helpful when reading this blog. I also listed some Reddit comments from threads related to the topic, which will make it easier for you to go with the flow. I hope you find the information helpful. If you do, let me know in the comment section. Or, if you have any doubts, simply contact us from there. Have a nice day, and thanks for reading!