At a glance
| Question | Temporary image retention | Persistent burn-in |
|---|---|---|
| What it may look like | A faint trace of earlier content | A repeated trace or uneven area in the same position |
| What to observe | Whether it fades after varied normal content or standby | Whether it remains across repeated normal-use checks |
| Useful next step | Follow the device’s normal behavior and recheck | Consult the exact model’s care instructions and support |
A display can show an afterimage for a short time. No universal waiting period proves that it is permanent. Note what you see and compare again during normal use. Do not leave a still pattern on the display to force a test.
What is the difference between image retention and burn-in?
Image retention is a faint trace of earlier content. It may fade after the picture changes or the display enters normal standby. Burn-in is a lasting uneven mark on an OLED panel. Both can look similar during one short check, so a gray or color field cannot tell you which one it is.
Manufacturers do not always use the terms in the same way. LCD screens can also show a temporary afterimage. A ghost by itself does not prove lasting OLED damage.
How to repeat a visual check safely
If a logo, menu, or game element seems to remain, note its location and what was on screen before. Return to normal, varied use. Do not leave a test pattern running for a long time. Later, compare the same area on gray and solid colors at your usual brightness. Turn off strong color filters and reduce reflections if they affect the view.
- Look for the same recognizable outline or uneven patch in the same physical position.
- Compare after the display has had its usual opportunity to enter standby; do not interrupt a manufacturer’s automatic panel-care process.
- If the mark remains visible during normal content or on repeated checks, record the conditions and consult the model’s manual or support channel.
What color and gray patterns can show
Full-screen red, green, blue, white, and gray fields help you compare the same spot. ScreenCheckup’s 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50% gray labels are digital color values, not brightness readings. Note any shape you see and repeat the check. This cannot show how long it will last.
A screenshot records the image signal, not the light from an OLED panel. A camera photo may help you keep a note, but exposure and focus can hide or exaggerate marks.
What should you do if a mark stays?
Follow the care steps for your exact model. Some makers run panel care during standby, and the steps differ. Do not repeatedly start a generic refresh cycle or leave a browser animation running as a repair. If the mark remains after normal use and the maker’s care process, contact support and describe when and where it appears.
A browser test cannot tell whether an image is temporary, measure panel wear, or restore pixels. The maker can explain service options and warranty coverage for your model.
Sources & further reading
Manufacturer references checked on . Model-specific guidance does not apply to every display.
- LG TV: Troubleshooting Image Burn-In
- How to Fix Lines or Marks on Your LG OLED Monitor Using Image Cleaning
- How to Troubleshoot Image Retention on Samsung OLED TVs
Read our visual inspection method for exact pattern values and software verification limits. Report a correction if a claim or source needs attention.