How to troubleshoot burn-in or image retention on your Samsung OLED monitor

Last Update date : May 26. 2023
Burn-in or image retention in a Samsung OLED monitor

If you are experiencing burn-in or image retention on your Samsung OLED monitor, please use this guide to troubleshoot and solve the issues.

Note: If you are experiencing issues with your Samsung OLED monitor, please check for available software updates. Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.

Burn-in (or after-image) is a visible mark that is left on the screen. This mark can remain on the screen even while watching content. It is caused by leaving a fixed image on the screen for a long period of time and is particularly noticeable on OLED monitors.

Low, Mid and High levels of burn-in examples

When there are after-images on the screen, you can run the Pixel Refresh function to refresh your screen. This feature adjusts the pixels to provide a clearer screen. Follow the steps below to run Pixel Refresh.

1 Press the Home button on the remote, and then navigate to and select Menu.
2 Select Settings, and then select All Settings.
3 Select General & Privacy, and then select Panel Care.
4 Select Pixel Refresh.
5 Select Start Now or Start After Smart Monitor Off.
Start Now highlighted in the Pixel Refresh tab

Note: Some features, such as reservation, recording, and voice recognition, may not be available during Pixel Refresh. If the problem persists, please contact a Samsung Service Center for assistance.

Avoid displaying fixed images for a long time

Most video games have a user interface. This could be the speedometer in a racing game or the crosshair and health bar in an action game. If these features stay in the same place or if you play the game for a prolonged period of time, burn-in could happen.

Run the Screen Optimization function

Your Samsung OLED monitor is equipped with a Screen Optimization function that detects the state of the screen and prevents image retention. This function is automatically enabled by turning off the monitor without disconnecting the power cord, or after watching more than 4 hours of cumulative time. Please turn off the monitor using the remote or the Power button on the monitor.

Screen Optimization takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. When the power is turned on, a pop-up will appear, indicating that Screen Optimization is complete. When screen optimization is completed, the cumulative watching time is initialized.

If you unplugged the power cord when turning off the monitor, the Screen Optimization function will not work. In that case, when powering back on, the below pop-up messages will display depending on the number of cumulative hours you have used the monitor:

Pop-up message to turn off the power using the remote control after using the monitor for 4 or more cumulative hours.

Screen Optimization pop up message, Close is highlighted Screen Optimization pop up message, Close is highlighted

Pop-up message to start the Screen Optimization after using the monitor for 12 or more cumulative hours.

Screen Optimization pop up message, Start Now is highlighted Screen Optimization pop up message, Start Now is highlighted

In order to prevent screen burn-in, make sure to start Screen Optimization. Do not close Screen Optimization. You can select Start Now to run Screen Optimization. If nothing is selected, Screen Optimization will run automatically after one minute.

Turn on the Pixel Shift function

The Pixel Shift function refreshes pixels at regular intervals to prevent screen issues. Follow the steps below to run Pixel Shift.

1 Press the Home button on the remote, and then navigate to and select Menu.
2 Select Settings, and then select All Settings.
3 Select General & Privacy, and then select Panel Care.
4 Select Pixel Shift to turn it on.
Pixel Shift is highlighted in the Panel Care settings menu
5 You can follow the same steps again to turn Pixel Shift off.

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