Screen Burn-In Test
Check any LCD, OLED or plasma screen for burn-in and image retention, then run a white-sweep or color fixer to clear it.
Quick answer
What is the Screen Burn-In Test?
A screen burn-in test lets you check any display for ghost images, then run a fixer that cycles colors and noise across the screen. Temporary image retention often fades after 10 to 30 minutes of the fixer; permanent burn-in from worn pixels cannot be repaired by software.
Key features
- Check mode with solid colors and arrow-key stepping
- Fixer mode: color sweep, color cycle and noise patterns
- Built-in timer that stops the fixer automatically
- Works for OLED, plasma and LCD screens
Why use it
- Clear temporary retention without extra apps
- See whether a mark is retention or burn-in
- Free and safe for your display
Built and tested by Whitson Rao
About the Screen Burn-In Test
Check any screen (OLED, LCD or plasma) for burn-in and image retention, then try to clear it. In Check mode, step through 50% gray, dark gray, white, black and pure red, green and blue fields; faint taskbars, logos, keyboards or game HUDs that stay visible are burn-in or retention. In Fixer mode, run a white bar sweep, a color cycle or color noise for a set time, which often clears temporary retention on LCDs and OLEDs. For OLED-specific checks, see the OLED Burn-In Test and the OLED Gray Test.
How to use the Screen Burn-In Test
Turn the brightness up and go fullscreen in a dim room.
In Check mode, use the arrows or field buttons to step through each color. 50% gray shows burn-in best.
If you see shapes, switch to Fixer, choose White sweep (or a flashing pattern if flashing does not bother you) and run it for 10–30 minutes.
Check again afterwards. Shapes that remain after several runs are usually permanent burn-in.
Common uses
Buying a used screen
Spot burned-in logos or taskbars before you pay.
After long static use
Check monitors that showed dashboards, tickers or games for hours.
Clearing image retention
Run the fixer when a ghost image lingers after a static screen.
Warranty claims
Photograph burn-in on a gray field to show support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between image retention and burn-in?
Image retention is temporary and fades after minutes or hours of varied content. Burn-in is permanent wear of the pixels and does not go away.
Can this fixer repair burn-in?
It can help clear temporary image retention. Permanent burn-in on OLED is uneven pixel wear, which no pattern can undo; your TV or monitor's own pixel refresher is the best option.
Which color shows burn-in best?
A mid or dark gray usually shows it most clearly, followed by solid red, green and blue.