How to Fix Screen Burn on 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.

What Is Screen Burn?

If you’re seeing faint ghost images on your Android screen that won’t disappear, you’re dealing with screen burn-in. This happens when static images remain on your display for too long, causing uneven pixel wear—especially on AMOLED and OLED screens.

Screen burn-in is permanent pixel degradation, but the good news is that you can reduce its visibility or prevent it from worsening using the right methods. In this guide, I’ll walk you through proven fixes, including AMOLED burn-in fixer apps, dark mode adjustments, and software tweaks.

How to Fix the Screen Burn On Phones

💡 In this expert guide, I’ll show you: ✅ The best fixes for reducing screen burn-in on Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and other Android and even iOS devices

• ✅ Proven methods using burn-in fixer apps, dark mode adjustments, and display tweaks
• ✅ Real user insights from Reddit & forums
• ✅ How to prevent screen burn from happening again

Fix 1. Use Burn-in Fixer Apps

If your screen burn is minor, burn-in fixer apps can refresh your pixels by rapidly cycling colors.

Redditor 400Flux suggests:

“There used to be apps to diagnose burn-in or fix image retention, so there probably still are.”

📌 Best Apps for Fixing Screen Burn:

• OLED Tools – Cycles bright colors to refresh pixels
• Pixel Fixer – Flashes RGB colors to reduce burn-in
• AMOLED Burn-in Fixer – Best for Samsung & Pixel phones

🔹 My experience:
I used Pixel Fixer on my Samsung M33 after intensive GPS navigation, and within an hour, the ghosting was barely noticeable.

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.”

OLED and AMOLED screens wear out faster at high brightness levels.

“I never have my phone above half brightness, and I don’t have any burn-in, not even in the status bar.”

Reddit user ChisatoKanako shares

📌 Steps to Protect Your Screen:

• Enable Dark Mode → (Settings > Display > Dark Mode)
• Lower brightness to 50% or less
• Use adaptive brightness → (Auto-adjusts brightness based on light conditions)

📌 A study by XDA Developers found that dark mode reduces OLED power consumption by 63%, slowing down pixel degradation.

Fix 3. Use a Burn-in Reduction Feature

Some Android brands offer built-in screen burn reduction tools:

• Samsung → Settings > Display > Screen Saver (Pixel shifting technology).
• Pixel & OnePlus → Developer Options > Burn-in Protection (Moves UI elements subtly over time).
• Enable Screen Shift/Prevent Image Retention on devices that support it.

📌 TechieTina explains:

“Samsung phones have a feature 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.

Key Takeaway: Screen burn-in is a permanent image retention issue, while screen flickering is a real-time screen refresh problem. If you’re experiencing flickering, check out this detailed fix guide: Fix My Screen Flickering on Android.

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.

• Keep brightness below 50% to minimize stress on pixels.
• Enable adaptive brightness (Settings > Display > Adaptive Brightness) to dynamically adjust brightness based on environment.
• Reduce screen timeout to 30 seconds or less (Settings > Display > Sleep).
• Avoid static bright images, especially white or blue hues, which cause faster burn-in.

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.

• ✔ Use dynamic wallpapers that change over time.
• ✔ Rearrange icons every week to distribute pixel usage.
• ✔ Avoid high-contrast images and prefer darker tones.

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

Screen burn-in test videos display cycling colors and patterns that help recalibrate pixel wear.

📌 SaintsTufan on Reddit shares:

“I played a screen burn-in fixer video at full brightness for 30 minutes, and the ghosting disappeared!”

✔ Search YouTube for “AMOLED Burn-in Fixer Video” or “Screen Burn Test for Android.”
✔ Play for 30-60 minutes at a moderate brightness level.
✔ Avoid prolonged high brightness as it could worsen burn-in.

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.”

10 Proven Ways to Fix Screen Burn on Your Phone (AMOLED & OLED Fixes)

• Use Burn-in Fixer Apps – Apps like OLED Tools, Pixel Fixer, or AMOLED Burn-in Fixer cycle colors to refresh stuck pixels.
• Enable Dark Mode – Reduces bright pixel wear by switching to black backgrounds and dark themes.
• Lower Brightness & Use Adaptive Brightness – Keep brightness below 50% and enable auto-brightness to prevent pixel strain.
• Reduce Screen Timeout – Set your phone to sleep after 30 seconds to avoid prolonged static images.
• Turn on Built-in Burn-in Protection – Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus offer screen saver & burn-in prevention features in settings.
• Change Wallpaper & Home Screen Layout – Rotate wallpapers frequently and move app icons to prevent localized pixel wear.
• Play Burn-in Fixer Videos – Search YouTube for “AMOLED Burn-in Fixer Video” → Play for 30-60 minutes. If videos aren’t playing properly, check out this guide: Fix Video Files Not Playing on Android.
• Keep Your Software Updated – Updates often include screen shift algorithms to prevent burn-in.
• Use a Blue Light Filter or Night Mode – Reduces high-intensity pixel strain on AMOLED and OLED screens.
• Consider a Screen Replacement – If burn-in is severe, check warranty coverage or get a professional display replacement.

Screen Burn vs. Screen Flickering: What’s the Difference?

Many users confuse screen burn-in with screen flickering, but these are completely different display issues. Understanding the difference helps in applying the right fix.

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!