How to Fix LG OLED Screen Burn-In (And Prevent It From Coming Back)

If you’re an owner of an LG OLED display, seeing ghostly after-images on your screen can feel soul-crushing.

Screen burn-in on LG OLED TVs can often be treated and, with the right know-how, permanently avoided. This guide walks you through fixing LG OLED burn-in step by step, using strategies tested in 2024.

Contents show

What Is Burn-In On LG OLED TVs?

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology powers LG’s best TVs, giving stunning colour, infinite contrast, and insanely deep blacks. But all that splendour comes with a caveat.

Unlike LED or LCDs, OLED pixels emit their own light. If a specific set of pixels stays lit for too long (think static logos, news tickers, or game HUDs), those pixels can age faster, leading to the faint outlines or “ghost images” you see on burn-in affected screens.

Burn-in is persistent image retention. It’s different from temporary image retention, where after-images fade away after a short time. Burn-in is a permanent change to the organic compounds in the OLED pixels.

Key symptoms include:

Faded news tickers that linger after channels are changed.
Persistent gaming HUDs or channel logos showing as discoloration.
A patchwork-like appearance across the screen during dark scenes.

Understanding this difference helps you determine whether your LG OLED needs a fix or just a short rest.

Before we kick off the fix-it steps, here’s a video that visually demonstrates what OLED burn-in looks like and some proven home remedies:

Video Credit: Shades of Tech / YouTube

How to Fix LG OLED Screen Burn-In

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to fix LG OLED Screen Burn-In and prevent it from coming back.

Step 1: Use LG’s Built-In Burn-In Tools

LG equips their OLED sets with tools specifically designed for combatting and reversing early signs of burn-in. If you’ve spotted a persistent logo or banner, LG’s “Pixel Refresher” is your first defense.

To run a Pixel Refresher on most LG OLED TVs (CX, C1, G2, etc.):

Go to Settings.
Navigate to “Picture.”
Scroll to “OLED Panel Settings.”

Select “Pixel Refresher.”

This process can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour. Once complete, check to see if the problematic image has faded.

LG also automates this process occasionally when you turn off your TV after a long viewing session. Still, running it manually can accelerate recovery.

After Pixel Refresher:

If the after-image is mostly gone, the issue was likely temporary image retention.
If it persists after a few runs, you’re likely dealing with moderate burn-in.

Step 2: Try Panel Compensation Modes

Older and newer LG OLED models all use panel compensation to maintain uniformity across the screen. These algorithms cycle through all pixels, gently “exercising” them to counteract uneven wear.

How to trigger compensation manually:

Keep the TV powered off for a few hours (usually 4+) after extended use.

If not triggered automatically, run “Panel Refresh” from the settings menu every few months (but not more than recommended, as excessive use can stress the panel).

LG’s documentation suggests this process gradually reduces the appearance of minor burn-in and helps the panel self-balance.

Step 3: Reduce Burn-In With Content Rotation

If your typical daily use involves static content (sports scoreboards, news banners, YouTube app UIs, etc.), change things up:

Play full-screen, moving content for several hours (e.g., nature documentaries, movies without permanent overlays).
Cycle through color slideshows or “screen washing” videos from platforms like YouTube. These force your panel to “exercise” pixels across the full spectrum, diffusing the stuck after-images.

Pro tip: Community data shows color cycling videos are especially effective in the first week after retention appears.

Step 4: Adjust TV Settings For Future Burn-In Resistance

Prevention is as vital as a cure. To shield your LG OLED from recurring burn-in, adjust the following settings:

Screen Shift: Keeps elements from lingering in the same position by minutely shifting the entire image at intervals.
Logo Luminance Adjustment: Many 2023–2024 LG OLEDs can detect static logos and reduce their brightness automatically.

Lower Overall Brightness: High brightness settings accelerate OLED pixel wear. Adjust “OLED Light” and “Contrast” down by 10-20% if you often watch channels with static content.
Set Energy Saving Mode: Not only does this save power, but it also reduces panel stress.

Combining these tweaks with “Pixel Refresher” runs can protect your investment for years.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Firmware Updates

LG regularly releases firmware updates for Smart TVs and OLED models, targeting performance, new features, and occasionally panel management tweaks based on user data. Keeping your TV updated ensures you benefit from the latest anti-burn-in technology.

Navigate to “Settings” → “All Settings” → “General” → “About This TV” → “Check for Updates.”
Connect your TV to Wi-Fi for automatic updates.

Visit the LG official support page for manual update files and patch notes.

Newer firmware can improve the effectiveness of Pixel Refresher and add smarter logo detection algorithms.

Step 6: Use External Devices With Care

Game consoles, streaming sticks, and set-top boxes can add static overlays or logos on your LG OLED. To prevent further damage:

Enable “Screen Saver” modes on consoles and streaming devices.
Turn off or hide static elements like HUDs, pause screens, and channel info bars.
Adjust device settings to activate auto-dimming or logo shifting features where available.

This reduces the risk of fresh burn-in and helps the built-in LG tools do their work.

Step 7: Advanced Recovery With External Burn-In Tools

If built-in remedies don’t fully resolve moderate burn-in, consider professional or DIY external solutions. These aren’t officially endorsed by LG, but user data and independent lab tests reveal some effectiveness:

OLED burn-in repair DVDs and USBs: These play rapid color-cycling patterns, sometimes more intense than YouTube videos.

Professional Panel Reconditioning: Some TV repair shops offer services that use proprietary equipment to “recondition” burned-in pixels.
Insurance/Warranty Claims: If your OLED is under warranty, severe cases of burn-in may be covered. Read up on LG’s burn-in policy for your region, as this varies worldwide.

Before using third-party tools, back up your panel settings and document the burn-in issue with photos for warranty purposes.

Is LG OLED Burn-In Permanent?

This is the million-dollar question. Tech communities and support forums overflow with anxious threads from users asking if their display is doomed. Here’s what real-world data and LG’s own resources say in 2024:

Image retention (sometimes mistaken for burn-in) is often reversible, especially if you catch it early. LG’s built-in “Pixel Refresher” and “Screen Shift” technologies target temporary retention.
True burn-in is more stubborn. While severe cases may be permanent, many moderate burn-in issues can be reduced through pixel management techniques and diligent use of built-in tools.

Note: Most LG OLEDs from 2018 onward come loaded with burn-in preventative features that actually work if understood and used correctly.

OLED Burn-In Is Rare – But Know The Risks

LG’s latest generation of OLED panels (including the award-winning G3 and C4 from 2024) has significantly improved burn-in resistance.

Multiple real-world tests and reports from RTINGS, a leading display review site, show that even after thousands of hours of varied content, only severe misuse causes noticeable burn-in.

Normal users (watching a mix of TV, movies, and games with breaks between static screens) are unlikely to encounter permanent problems. Nonetheless, knowledge is power when it comes to panel care, especially if you use your LG OLED for gaming or as a PC monitor.

Protect Your LG OLED Screen For Years To Come

Screen burn-in shouldn’t overshadow your enjoyment of LG’s exceptional OLED displays. By understanding the difference between image retention and burn-in and using built-in tools like Pixel Refresher, you can fix most issues before they become permanent.

Coupled with smart viewing habits and timely firmware updates, you’ll likely enjoy a flawless OLED for years.

If all else fails and you believe burn-in is severe, don’t hesitate to contact LG support or your regional authorized repair service. Warranties and professional help exist for a reason.

For richer community knowledge or to share your own fix, check out online groups like r/OLED or browse new “burn-in repair” content regularly posted on YouTube and AVS Forum.

FAQs About LG OLED Burn-In

Can all OLED TVs suffer from burn-in, or just LG models?

All OLED screens are vulnerable at some level due to their underlying technology. LG is a major panel supplier for many brands, so most consumer OLEDs share similar risks and preventative features.

However, LG’s panels are continually updated to mitigate the risk, which means newer models have improved protections.

What’s the fastest way to tell if I have temporary image retention or permanent burn-in?

Switch to a blank input or full-screen gray background. If the after-image quickly fades after a few minutes to an hour, it’s temporary. If it remains visible regardless of content or power cycles, it’s probably persistent burn-in.

How often should I run Pixel Refresher?

LG recommends only running Pixel Refresher manually when you notice an image retention problem, or after 2,000 hours of viewing. The tool also runs automatically after every 4 hours of accumulated use (in standby).

Overusing Pixel Refresher can reduce panel life, so moderation is key.

Can third-party devices or apps fix OLED burn-in?

Some claim success with external apps, USBs, or DVDs offering custom color-cycling patterns. These may help with mild retention or minor burn-in, but severe cases often require professional panel reconditioning or, in rare scenarios, replacement.

Does burn-in void my LG warranty?

Warranty terms can vary based on region and year of manufacture. Generally, LG’s warranty excludes “image retention or burn-in,” but some users have obtained panel replacements when burn-in developed in less than a year. Always read your specific warranty’s fine print and document issues if seeking a claim.

What content is riskiest for OLED burn-in?

Content with static elements, such as news channels with constant banners or video game HUDs, is the most common trigger for burn-in. Similarly, PC desktops, always-on dashboards, or karaoke lyrics bars can accelerate uneven pixel wear.

Is burn-in inevitable with extended use?

No. Proper care, varied content, and using the built-in Pixel Refresher and Screen Shift features make burn-in rare for the majority of LG OLED users today.

Should I avoid buying an LG OLED because of burn-in risk?

If you’re aware of the risks and follow best practices outlined here, the benefits of OLED typically far outweigh potential downsides. The majority of modern LG OLED TV owners will never encounter permanent burn-in issues.

Where can I find community support or real-world reports about LG OLED burn-in prevention and fixes?

Great resources include the r/OLED subreddit, AVS Forum, and LCD/OLED TV-specific threads on RTINGS. These communities stay current on troubleshooting methods as new firmware and models are released.