Burn-in is uneven pixel degradation that permanently leaves a trace of an image on the screen that hasn't changed for a long time: keyboard, navigation bar, app logo. You can't fix it with software: the pixels have worn out physically. The only solution is to replace the display assembly.
Signs of burn-in
- "Ghost" — on a light uniform background, the outline of a keyboard, status bar, or app panel that is not currently on the screen appears.
- Uneven tint: part of the screen turns yellow, green, or gray, while the color nearby remains clean.
- The trace doesn't disappear after restart, brightness change, or closing all apps.
- It's most noticeable on gray and light blue backgrounds — which is why burn-in is often noticed in "Settings" rather than games.
Why this happens
OLED screens are used in iPhones starting with iPhone X, and each pixel emits light on its own. Blue subpixels degrade faster than red and green, so an area that has been displaying the same bright image for months wears out faster than its neighbors. Three things accelerate wear: high brightness constantly enabled, static interface across the entire screen, and heat. This is why burn-in is most often seen on phones that work as a navigator in a car, lie in the sun, or display the same control panel all day.
What to do in the early stages
You can stop degradation, but you can't reverse it. It helps to reduce brightness, enable dark theme and "Auto Brightness", shorten the auto-lock time, keep the phone out of direct sunlight, and don't leave a static image on screen for long. Apps that promise to "cure" burn-in by rapidly changing colors do nothing at best: they don't restore the pixel, but rather bring the rest of the screen down to the burned area.
Burn-in or matrix defect
They are often confused, and treated differently. Burn-in appears only as a trace of a specific interface and is visible on a light background. A growing spot, ink blot, streak, or black dots are already a damaged matrix, and we've written about them separately: spots and black dots on iPhone screen. If you're unsure, a diagnostic provides the exact answer: the technician examines the screen on test fills that don't occur in normal use.
When to replace the display
When the trace interferes with reading or distorts colors in photos — not when you "can see it if you look closely". In modern iPhones, the glass is glued to the matrix, so the display assembly is replaced as a whole unit. After replacement, sensors are always checked and the housing is sealed: without fresh adhesive, moisture enters at the first rainy fall. You can book a diagnostic and repair at the service center.