Recently got screen burn-in, and want to know, “How do I fix screen burn-in on my iPhone”? In this article we are going to cover everything you need to know on the topic – from what screen burn-in is, how to identify it, how to repair it, and more.
At imFixed, we discuss issues like if it’s worth getting a MacBook screen fixed or if their batteries can be repaired, and we go through some things that all new MacBook users should know.
For people with tech issues, we explore why your iPhone isn't charging or holding charge, what to do when a software update fails, how to deal with water damage on an iPhone, how to fix speaker problems, and more.
For now, let’s focus on screen burn-in on your iPhone.
What Causes Screen Burn-in?
Also known as screen image retention, screen burn-in is a relatively common issue where a particular image or even elements of a user interface stay visible on the screen after you have moved to a different app, task, or screen. This results in a faint, shadow-like image that will overlap the content you are trying to look at – a frustrating issue to have.
OLED screens on iPhones can fall victim to these burn-ins, and it probably happens more frequently than you think, and some models are more susceptible to them than others.
Scream burn-in tends to happen when a phone is used on a high brightness setting for an extended period of time on the same or similar pages. Things like navigation buttons, status bars, and app icons are more likely to cause the burn-in due to their high contrast. When these elements are continuously used, the pixels in these specific parts of the screen can degrade.
This is what leads to the dreaded burn-in effect.
How to Identify Screen Burn-in
The first time you notice screen burn-in can be jarring. You will see a faint outline or imprint on the screen where previous elements were – a bit like a ghost. They can take different forms, from shadows to outlines and white marks on the background. No matter which one it is, you should confirm the issue and resolve it as soon as possible.
To confirm screen burn-in, you can use test videos, or you can check your device in a dim place. We will go through these options below so that you can run a test on your iPhone.
Burn-In Test Videos
You can test for burn-in by using a burn-in test video online (like this one). These kinds of videos will show high-contrast patterns that will allow you to easily see any kind of image retention.
This is something that should be done relatively often. Failing to notice burn-in early on can result in issues that you would rather not want to deal with.
Dim Place Check
Another simple test you can carry out is just checking your device in a dimly-lit room. Turn your phone’s screen brightness all the way down, and examine it for any burn-in (images that persist after the screen changes).
Are Some iPhones More Prone to it Than Others?
Unfortunately, with greater visuals comes greater risk of burn-in. OLED screens, while they offer stunning colours and graphics, are at the top of the list when it comes to susceptibility.
This means that any device with an OLED screen is more likely to get screen burn-in, and you need to be aware of this so that you can take action when necessary. If you know that your iPhone is at risk, then you can take preventative measures from the get-go.
The iPhones all have OLED screens, making them more prone to burn-in than other iPhone models:
- iPhone X,XS/XS Max
- iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
Just remember that it isn’t only Apple devices that have OLED screens. More and more companies are using this technology because of its visual intensity. Many different brands like Huawei, Samsung, Google Pixels, Vivo, Realme, HMD, and more, are using OLED screens. So, this is not an issue that can affect iPhones alone.
How Do I Fix Screen Burn-In on My iPhone
So, how do I fix screen burn-in on my iPhone? The good news is, even if you already have screen burn-in, there are things that you can do to help. Unless the burn-in is severe, these will help to remedy the issue, so just sit tight and try them out.
Use Burn-In Remover Videos
It might sound strange, but there are burn-in remover videos that will, without a better way of putting it, massage the pixels that have been impacted, and get them back to their original state. These videos will display all kinds of high contrast images and videos that will reduce the burn-in.
We suggest leaving these on for several hours at a time to get the most out of it. Luckily, there are all kinds available on sites like YouTube, like this one or even this one.
Turn Your iPhone Off for a Few Hours
Probably the easiest solution – you can simply turn your iPhone off for a few hours to allow the pixels to go back to their normal state. This won’t always eliminate the issue completely, but it can go a long way to reducing the visibility of the burn-in.
If you can, leave your iPhone off and untouched for a full 24 hours. While leaving it for the night will help, giving it longer should result in better outcomes.
Use Third-Party Apps
Another option to consider is the use of third-party apps available on the App Store. There are different apps that claim to reduce or even completely get rid of burn-in on a device, but always take this with a grain of salt.
Some people have reported that these apps work wonders, while others see little difference in their screen burn-in. Remember that there are varying levels of burn-in, and these remedies are unlikely to work in extreme cases. We would only recommend using free apps, since there are free videos that you can use that will do the same thing.
Replace Your iPhone Screen
If nothing else works, the only solution might be to replace your iPhone screen. This can be expensive, but the results are worth it if you get the job done at a qualified and trusted repair shop like us.
You can use your burn-in screen for as long as you can, but once it gets to be too much, why not give us a call so that we can help?
Need Help? imFixed is Here
Burn-in is more common than you might think, and knowing what to look out for, and which iPhones are more susceptible to it, can go a long way. Hopefully the information we’ve given you today will help you if you’re experiencing this issue, and you can get your iPhone working again in no time – without even needing to leave the comfort of your own home.
At imFixed, you can learn more about iPhone screen repairs, SIM card issues, what to do if your iPhone won’t turn on or vibrate, and so much more. If you’ve asked it, we’ve probably answered it.
So, how do I fix screen burn-in on my iPhone? Luckily, this issue is usually easy to resolve, so the above options should help you out. If you need further assistance for tech repairs, we have locations in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury, and Manchester, and offer call-out repairs in the local area.
