With phones boasting OLED and AMOLED displays, it’s no wonder they’ve become our primary devices. However, constantly using your device has its drawbacks. And one of these is screen discoloration, also known as screen burn-in. So, let us look at how you can fix screen burn issues on iPhone and Android.
Your device’s screen is made up of pixels, and as needrf, these pixels dim or brighten up. Over time, those pixels start to degrade as you use your phone, more so if your device has an OLED or AMOLED display. When this happens, you will notice discolored spots or random images appearing to be permanently imprinted on the screen. This is is screen burn.
On that note, let us have a look at 8 ways that can help you fix the screen burn issue on iPhone and Android.
1. Turn the Device off for a While and Back On
Turning the device screen off lets it rest for a while. It can also help cool down an overheated phone. Then, once enough time has passed, you can turn your phone back on to check. This can help fix screen burn-in issues that are still in the early stages or have been caused due to a temporary glitch. Follow the below steps to turn off your phone.
On Android
Step 1: Long-press the Power button to open menu options.
Step 2: Here, tap on Power off.
Wait for the device to power off. Then, let your device stay switched off for a while. Once the time is up, long-press the Power button to restart your phone. Then, check again.
On iPhone
Step 1: Depending on your device model, turn off your device by following these steps:
- For iPhone SE 1st gen, 5s, 5c, and 5: Long-press the top button.
- For iPhone SE 2nd gen onwards, 7, and 8: Long-press the side button.
- For iPhone X and above: Long-press the power and any volume buttons simultaneously.
Step 2: Hold and drag the slider till the end. Wait for the screen to go blank.
After your iPhone shuts down, let it stay in that state for a while. Then, press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears and check for any signs of screen burn. If the issue is still visible, continue to the next method.
2. Use a Third-Party Burn-in Fixer App
Certain third-party apps, like Dead Pixels Test and Fix on Play Store, can help diagnose and fix screen burn issues on your Android device. iPhone users can make use of apps like Doctor OLED X to diagnose the burn-in and fix it using any of the ways mentioned in this article. However, we advise against using third-party apps as they might compromise your device’s data and overall safety.
3. Try Playing a Colorful Video
Just like when using a third-party app, there are certain YouTube videos available that play colorful patterns on your device’s screen for an extended period of time. This can help reverse or reduce any screen burn-in caused by prolonged usage. Please note these videos can be long, so ensure you have plenty of time before proceeding. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open the YouTube app.
Step 2: Search and open a burn-in fixer video.
Keep the screen on and let the video play till the end. You can connect your device to a charger to ensure it doesn’t run out of battery mid-way. After that, restart your phone and see if this fixes the issue.
4. Check for Software Updates
If your device shows a discolored phone screen after a recent update, the issue might be software-related. In this case, there’s a good chance a software update is available to rectify this issue. So, manually check for software updates and install them on your Android or iOS device. Then, check again.
5. Enable Dark Mode
Turning on Dark Mode can reduce the chances of screen burn. Additionally, if your device is already showing signs of screen burn, turning the screen to darker colors can help prevent it from spreading further. In certain cases, it can even reduce or completely get rid of screen burn on your phone. Follow the below steps to do it.
On Android
Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Display.
Step 2: Here, select Dark.
On iPhone
Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on ‘Display & Brightness.’
Step 2: Tap on Dark.
6. Lower Screen Brightness
Constantly using your device at high or maximum brightness can end up causing apps or images to be burned into the phone screen. So, in case the burn-in process has started, immediately reduce the brightness of your device’s screen to the lowest possible. Then, use the device for a while. This, coupled with Dark Mode, should help reverse the damage after a while. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Either swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. If your iPhone has a Home button, swipe up from the bottom to open Control Center.
Android users can swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
Step 2: Use the brightness bar to turn down screen brightness.
7. Reset Your Device
Apart from deleting all device data, resetting also deletes all device settings and apps. So, if the screen burn-in is caused by any of these features or services, it will be reversed once your device is reset to factory default. Additionally, if you have your data backed up, you can restore a part of it after the reset. Follow the below steps to reset your Android device.
Note: You can check out our guide on resetting your iPhone for more details.
Step 1: Open Settings and tap on General management.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Reset.
Step 3: Here, tap on ‘Factory data reset.’
Step 4: Tap on Reset.
You might need to enter your device and account password to finish the process. After the reset process is complete, set up your Android device and see if this has fixed the screen burn-in issue.
8. Get the Screen Replaced
In case the screen discoloration has been there for a while or constantly growing in size, getting the screen replaced might be your only option. Once done, the entire screen panel will be replaced by a new one, instantly fixing the issue. We recommend contacting your device manufacturer or directly going to the nearest authorized service center to get the repairs done.
Tip: In case the burn-in issue has been affecting a specific Apple device due to a manufacturing defect, you can check the Apple Service Programmes page to see if any notification for repairs has been made.
Bonus: Tips for Preventing Screen Burn Issues on Android and iPhone
Since you know what screen burn is and how we can avoid it, let us have a look at a few quick tips that can help prevent this issue on your Android and iPhone.
- Give Your Device’s Screen a Break: Prolonged usage is one of the top ways to start or exacerbate screen burn issues on mobile phones. So, in between long sessions, switch off the device screen for a while.
- Turn Down Screen Brightness: Using your device at maximum brightness can cause apps or images to burn into the screen. Prevent this by occasionally lowering the screen brightness. You can also permanently enable Dark Mode to change your screen to darker colors.
- Set Screen Timeout: In case you forget to turn off your device’s screen, it might stay on for extended periods. This can cause image burn-in to occur. In this case, set a screen timeout duration to ensure it automatically turns off the device screen.
- Change Wallpaper: Static wallpapers can cause burn-in issues over time. In this case, you can either manually change the wallpaper after a while or turn on the wallpaper carousel and set it to change at certain durations.
- Keep Device Away From Direct Light: If you’re mostly outdoors, make sure to keep your device’s screen away from direct sunlight. This can prevent your device from overheating and stop early-onset burn-in issues.
Get Rid of Screen Burn on Your Phone
While screen burn is not a recent issue, it has increased with the advancement in mobile screens. We hope this article helped you fix the screen burn issue on your iPhone and Android device. You can also check out our other guide if you see vertical or horizontal lines on your Android phone screen and need some help fixing it.
Last updated on 09 December, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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