Do OLED pixels burn out?

8 janvier 2025

Yes, OLED pixels can burn out, but it happens in a different way compared to LCD screens. Here’s an in-depth explanation:

How OLED Pixels Work

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens are made of organic compounds that emit light when an electric current passes through them. Each pixel on an OLED screen is an individual light source, unlike LCD screens that rely on a backlight. This allows OLEDs to have deep blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors.

Pixel Burn-In and Image Retention

While OLED screens offer excellent picture quality, they come with a potential downside called burn-in or image retention. These issues occur due to the unique properties of OLED technology, where each pixel is responsible for its own light emission.

1. OLED Burn-In (Permanent Damage)

What is Burn-In?: Burn-in happens when a static image is displayed on the screen for an extended period. Over time, the organic materials in the OLED pixels used to display that image degrade at different rates, causing those pixels to lose brightness and appear discolored. This can result in a ghost image or permanent shadow on the screen.
How Burn-In Occurs:
- It can happen from displaying static elements for long periods (e.g., logos, UI elements, or news tickers that stay on the screen too long).
- Even everyday use, like using a smartphone for text messages, navigation, or gaming HUDs, can potentially lead to burn-in if the same elements are shown for long periods at a high brightness setting.

2. OLED Image Retention (Temporary Issue)

What is Image Retention?: Unlike burn-in, image retention is a temporary phenomenon where the image from a previously displayed scene or element remains faintly visible for a while even after switching to a different screen. This usually disappears after a few minutes or hours of using the device and does not cause permanent damage.
How Image Retention Occurs:
- It can happen if a static image is displayed for too long, but the pixel degradation isn’t severe enough to result in permanent burn-in.
- It is often more noticeable when using the device at higher brightness settings.

What Causes Burn-In and Image Retention?

Static Content: If the screen displays static images (like the status bar, navigation buttons, game HUDs, or logos) for an extended period, the individual pixels used to display these elements can become worn out.
High Brightness: Using the OLED screen at high brightness settings can accelerate the process of burn-in because the pixels are stressed more, especially when displaying static images.
Long Exposure: Keeping the screen on for a prolonged period with static content (e.g., leaving the screen on with a paused game or a website open) can increase the likelihood of burn-in.

How to Prevent OLED Burn-In

While OLED screens are at risk of burn-in, there are some strategies you can use to minimize or prevent it:

Use Screen Savers: For devices like smartphones or televisions, using screen savers or screens that have moving elements can reduce the chance of burn-in.
Enable Features to Prevent Burn-In:
- Many OLED devices have built-in features to mitigate burn-in, such as pixel-shifting (where pixels are subtly moved at regular intervals to prevent a static image from affecting the same pixels).
- Some devices have automatic brightness adjustments or dark mode, which can reduce the risk of burn-in by lowering brightness or avoiding static content on bright screens.
Reduce Screen Brightness: Using a lower brightness level can help reduce the strain on individual pixels and extend the lifespan of the OLED screen.
Avoid Static Content: Avoid leaving your screen on with static images for long periods. For example, if you’re watching TV, avoid leaving the same channel on with static logos or menus.
Use Dark Mode: Dark mode reduces the stress on pixels by displaying dark colors instead of bright ones, which can help reduce the chance of burn-in.
Adjust Screen Timeout: On smartphones, tablets, and other devices, setting a shorter screen timeout can prevent your screen from being on too long without user interaction.

How to Fix OLED Burn-In

If burn-in does occur, here are a few options you can try:

Built-in Burn-In Compensation: Some devices, like OLED TVs or smartphones, have built-in features to fix or reduce burn-in. These may include a pixel refresh or burn-in compensation feature that runs a process to even out the wear on pixels.
OLED Screen Replacements: If the burn-in is severe, the only permanent solution might be to replace the screen, either through the manufacturer or a third-party repair service.
Use a White Screen: Some people recommend using a white screen for several hours to try to "rejuvenate" the pixels by evenly distributing the wear. However, this method is controversial and often doesn't completely fix burn-in.

Summary:

Yes, OLED pixels can burn out (burn-in), especially if static content is displayed for too long at high brightness.
Burn-in is permanent, while image retention is usually temporary and resolves on its own.
Prevention is key: use low brightness, avoid static content, and enable screen shifting or pixel-refresh features if available.
Fixing burn-in is difficult and often requires screen replacement in severe cases, but temporary image retention may resolve on its own.

Managing OLED screens effectively to prevent issues like burn-in or image retention requires a bit of care and some adjustments to how you use the device. Below are specific tips to help you maintain your OLED screen's health and longevity:

1. Adjust Screen Brightness

Lower Brightness: OLED screens are more prone to burn-in at higher brightness levels. Dim the screen to a comfortable level, especially when using it for extended periods.
- Many smartphones and OLED TVs offer auto-brightness features, which adjust the brightness based on the ambient light. Enabling this can prevent your screen from staying too bright for too long.
Avoid Maximum Brightness: Max brightness isn’t necessary for most tasks. Reducing brightness to 60-80% of the maximum should be enough for daily use, especially when watching content or using apps that don’t require full brightness.

2. Enable Dark Mode

Dark Mode: Use dark mode whenever possible to reduce the amount of bright content on the screen. OLED displays don’t use power for black pixels, so switching to dark mode helps to save energy and reduce strain on the pixels.
- Smartphones, apps, and websites: Many operating systems (like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS) now have a system-wide dark mode. Enable it in apps like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, and set your phone or laptop to use dark themes wherever available.
Turn Off Dynamic Wallpapers: Live or animated wallpapers can contribute to screen burn-in if they are static over time. Stick to static wallpapers, preferably dark or black ones to minimize OLED wear.

3. Use Screen Savers or Timeouts

Screen Savers: Enable a screen saver that moves around the screen or periodically changes the displayed content, preventing a static image from being displayed for too long. This is particularly helpful for TVs and monitors.
Auto Lock / Sleep Mode: Set your device to automatically turn off or lock after a short period of inactivity. On smartphones and laptops, you can set the screen to go to sleep after 1-2 minutes of no interaction.

4. Enable Pixel-Refresh or Screen Calibration Features

Pixel Shift: Some OLED displays have a feature called pixel shift or screen shift, which subtly shifts pixels every few seconds or minutes to prevent burn-in. This helps evenly distribute wear across the pixels. Make sure this feature is enabled if available.
Pixel Refresher/Panel Calibration: Many OLED TVs (e.g., LG and Samsung) and smartphones include a pixel refresher or panel calibration tool that runs a process to refresh or recalibrate the OLED panel, reducing the likelihood of burn-in. Run this process periodically if your device offers it.
- On TVs: LG OLED TVs, for example, offer a Pixel Refresher feature that helps address burn-in by “refreshing” the panel.
- On Smartphones: Some Android phones with OLED displays (like Pixel and Samsung Galaxy) come with an option to refresh the screen.

5. Avoid Static Content for Long Periods

Avoid Static UI Elements: Don't leave static content like text, logos, or status bars visible for long periods. For example:
- Don’t leave news apps or social media feeds running for too long.
- Avoid leaving a device on a paused screen (e.g., a video or game) for long periods.
Video/TV Viewing: When watching TV or movies on an OLED screen, try to avoid channels with static logos, watermarks, or bright station identifiers on the screen for extended periods. Streaming services often have static images or channel markers, so switching to varied content helps.

6. Regularly Change Content

Switch Content: If you're using the OLED screen for prolonged tasks (like reading or browsing), try to regularly change the content you’re viewing. For example, switch between websites or apps rather than keeping one screen open for hours.
Avoid Static Elements in Games: In gaming, HUD elements (health bars, scores, etc.) can cause burn-in if left static. Many modern games have an option to hide UI elements during gameplay or offer dynamic elements that can move or change.

7. Use Protective Features and Settings

Use Built-in Protective Settings:
- OLED TVs: Many TVs now come with auto-dimming and auto-contrast adjustment features to prevent bright, static content from staying on the screen too long.
- Smartphones: Enable “Night Mode” or “Blue Light Filter”, which adjusts the color temperature to warmer tones to reduce strain on the eyes and minimize burn-in.

8. Maintain Good Screen Hygiene

Avoid Heat: Excessive heat can degrade OLED panels faster, leading to more rapid wear on pixels. Ensure your device is not exposed to high temperatures (e.g., under direct sunlight or in a hot car).
Screen Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen regularly, avoiding any harsh chemicals that could damage the OLED material. Gently wipe the screen rather than pressing hard on it.

9. Use Screen Burn-In Detection Tools

Detect Burn-In Early: If you're worried about OLED burn-in, consider using tools that can detect potential burn-in or image retention. Some apps like Dead Pixel Test or JScreenFix can help you identify stuck or dead pixels early.
On OLED TVs: Some brands, like LG, offer built-in tools that help you check the condition of your OLED screen and can even help with burn-in recovery.

10. Warranty and Replacement Options

Warranty Coverage: Check whether your device (smartphone or TV) is covered under warranty for burn-in issues. OLED screen burn-in may be covered by some manufacturers if it occurs within a certain time frame or under specific conditions.
Exchange or Replace: If burn-in occurs early and you notice it within the warranty period, contact the manufacturer for a potential replacement or repair. Some manufacturers, like LG, offer replacement or repair services for OLED TVs with burn-in under certain circumstances.

Summary: Key Tips to Manage OLED Screens

Lower brightness to reduce stress on individual pixels.
Use dark mode or dark themes to minimize static bright pixels.
Enable pixel shifting and pixel refresh features if available.
Avoid static content for prolonged periods (logos, status bars, etc.).
Set your device to auto-lock or use screen savers to prevent burn-in.
If you notice burn-in, try pixel refreshers or screen calibration tools to mitigate the damage.

By following these steps, you can extend the lifespan of your OLED display and significantly reduce the risk of burn-in or image retention. Would you like specific advice on managing OLED screens for a certain device (e.g., TV, smartphone, laptop)? Let me know if you need more details!