Screen Burn-In Test Free & Online

What is Screen Burn-In?

Screen burn-in (also called "image retention" or "ghost image") is a permanent discoloration of your display caused by uneven pixel degradation. It appears as a faint, ghost-like image that remains visible even when the screen displays other content.

Unlike temporary image retention (which fades after a few minutes), true burn-in is permanent and typically requires a screen replacement to fix.

What Causes Burn-In?

Burn-in occurs when static elements (like logos, taskbars, or HUDs) are displayed for extended periods at high brightness. The pixels showing those static elements age faster than the rest of the screen, leaving a permanent mark.

Common causes include:

• Static logos: News channel logos, app logos, watermarks
• Taskbars & menus: Windows taskbar, phone status bars
• Game HUDs: Health bars, ammo counters, mini-maps
• High brightness: The brighter the display, the faster pixels age
• Extended use: Hours of the same static content

Which Displays Are Affected?

Burn-in affects different display technologies differently:

• OLED: Most susceptible. Every OLED screen can eventually burn in.
• AMOLED: Same as OLED. Common on Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, etc.
• Plasma: Historically prone to burn-in (now discontinued).
• LCD / LED: Rare, but possible with extreme static content.
• QLED: Rare. QLED uses quantum dots, not organic pixels.
• MicroLED: Very rare. Newer technology with better resistance.

How to Test for Burn-In

Testing for burn-in is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Clean your screen: Remove dust and fingerprints.
2. Set brightness to maximum: In your display settings.
3. Open our test tool: Click "Start Free Burn-In Test" below.
4. Cycle through colors: White, black, red, green, blue, gray.
5. Look for ghost images: Faint logos or shapes on solid colors.
6. Document findings: Take photos for warranty claims.

🔍 Start Free Burn-In Test Now

What Our Burn-In Test Checks

Our free online tool runs a comprehensive burn-in diagnostic:

• Solid color cycling: White, black, red, green, blue, gray
• Uniformity check: Detects uneven brightness
• Ghost image detection: Reveals faint static images
• Image retention test: Distinguishes temporary vs permanent
• Fullscreen mode: Maximum accuracy

Can Burn-In Be Fixed?

True burn-in cannot be reversed: it's a physical degradation of the pixels. However, there are a few things you can try:

• Pixel refresh: Some TVs have a built-in "pixel refresh" or "panel refresh" feature. Run it once.
• Image retention vs burn-in: If the ghost fades after a few minutes, it's temporary retention, not permanent burn-in.
• Warranty claim: Some manufacturers cover burn-in within the first year. Document your findings.
• Professional repair: A technician can sometimes replace the affected panel.

🛠️ Full Fix Guide (5 Methods)

How to Prevent Burn-In

Prevention is the best cure. Here's how to protect your display:

• Lower brightness: 50-70% is enough for most environments
• Use dark mode: Reduces static bright areas
• Enable screensavers: Especially with moving elements
• Auto-hide taskbars: In Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Rotate content: Avoid showing the same static content daily
• Enable pixel shift: Most OLED TVs have this feature
• Turn off when not in use: Don't leave static screens on

Related Tests & Guides

• OLED Screen Test: Complete diagnostic for OLED displays
• OLED Burn-In Test: Specific to OLED panels
• Dead Pixel Test: Find dead and stuck pixels
• Ghosting Test: Motion blur and trailing
• How to Fix Burn-In: 5 proven methods
• Complete Burn-In Guide: In-depth article
• How to Prevent Burn-In: Protection tips