Glossary → Screen & Display Terms
What Is Screen Burn-In?
A permanent ghost image etched into an OLED or AMOLED display from prolonged static content.
Definition: Screen burn-in is a permanent discolouration or ghost image on an OLED or AMOLED display caused by prolonged display of static content. The same pixels are activated at high brightness for extended periods, causing them to degrade faster than surrounding pixels — leaving a faint but permanent impression of the static element.
Why it’s irreversible
OLED pixels degrade with use — this is normal. But pixels displaying constant bright content (a navigation bar, a status bar, a keyboard outline) degrade faster than the surrounding pixels. Once the differential is large enough, the ghost image is permanently visible — no software fix, brightness setting, or screen protector will remove it. The only fix is a full screen panel replacement.
How to slow burn-in
Enable dark mode: Black OLED pixels are off — not degrading. Dark mode extends panel lifespan significantly.
Reduce brightness: Lower brightness means less pixel degradation per hour of use.
Use auto-hide navigation bar: Removes the permanently-lit navigation bar — the most common source of burn-in.
Don’t leave static images displayed: Especially at full brightness. Pause videos rather than freeze-framing for long periods.
Related terms
→ OLED — burn-in only occurs on OLED/AMOLED, not LCD
→ AMOLED — Samsung’s OLED variant equally susceptible to burn-in
→ Dead Pixel — different from burn-in but also irreversible
→ True Tone — Apple’s adaptive colour feature on OLED iPhones
Ghost image permanently on your screen?
Burn-in can only be fixed with a screen replacement. PhoneDoctor stocks OEM-grade OLED and AMOLED panels for all major brands.