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Fix a TV that has burn-in

We'll distinguish image retention from burn-in, run the pixel refresher, and help you decide when to call a pro or replace the TV.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10 min (plus 1–8 hours for refresh and varied content)
What you'll need
  • TV remote
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Distinguish image retention from burn-in, run the pixel refresher, and decide next steps.

  • Confirm the TV is OLED. LCD and LED TVs do not get burn-in.
  • Good: You know the TV type. Proceed to Run pixel refresher.
  • Bad: If not OLED, the ghost may be from a different cause—check input or source.

Run pixel refresher

Goal: Reduce image retention with the built-in pixel refresher.

  • Go to Settings > Picture or Display. Find Pixel Refresher, Panel Refresh, or similar.
  • Run it—it may take an hour. Do not run it more than once every few months unless the manual says otherwise.
  • Vary content for 4–8 hours—full-screen video with no static elements.
  • Good: Ghost fades. Image retention—done. Lower brightness and vary content to prevent recurrence.
  • Bad: Ghost stays—burn-in. Check warranty or consider replacement.

Check warranty

Goal: See if burn-in is covered.

  • Look up your warranty. Some manufacturers offer limited burn-in coverage.
  • Document with photos—show the ghost on a solid gray screen.
  • Good: Warranty claim filed or you have accepted the outcome.
  • Bad: Out of warranty—panel replacement may cost more than a new TV.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • The pixel refresher did not help and the ghost is visible on all content.
  • You want a quote for panel replacement.
  • Replacement cost may exceed a new TV—consider replacing the TV.

Verification

  • Image retention reduced or burn-in confirmed.
  • Pixel refresher run (if applicable).
  • Warranty checked.
  • Brightness reduced and content varied to prevent future burn-in.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm OLED Burn-in affects OLED only.
  2. Retention vs burn-in Run pixel refresher; vary content for hours.
  3. Check warranty Document and contact manufacturer if policy allows.
  4. Call a pro Permanent burn-in—panel replacement or new TV.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model and type (OLED)
  • Whether ghost fades with varied content
  • Warranty status
  • Steps already tried

Is the TV OLED?

Burn-in affects OLED only. LCD/LED TVs do not get burn-in.

Check the TV model. OLED: proceed. LCD/LED: ghost images are rare—may be a different issue; check input or source.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

LCD/LED — different issue

LCD/LED TVs do not get burn-in. If you see ghost images, check input, source, or picture settings. May be image persistence from a different cause.

Done

Does the ghost fade with varied content or pixel refresh?

Image retention fades; burn-in does not.

Run the pixel refresher. Vary content for 4–8 hours. Fades: image retention—done. Stays: burn-in—check warranty or consider replacement.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Burn-in — check warranty

Burn-in is permanent. Document with photos. Check warranty—some cover burn-in. Panel replacement is costly—often more than a new TV.

Done

Done

Image retention reduced. Vary content and lower brightness to prevent future burn-in.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between image retention and burn-in?
Image retention is temporary—ghost images fade after varying content or running the pixel refresher. Burn-in is permanent—the ghost remains even after refresh. Both affect OLED only.
Can I fix OLED burn-in myself?
Image retention: yes—run the pixel refresher and vary content. Burn-in: no—it is permanent. The pixel refresher may reduce mild cases but cannot fix severe burn-in.
When should I call a technician for burn-in?
If the pixel refresher does not reduce the ghost image and it remains visible on solid colors, the burn-in is permanent. Panel replacement is costly—often more than a new TV. Check warranty.

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