iPad Screen Burn (Removal, White Spot Dots on Screen)


The term “burn in” describes the discoloration of a device’s screen affecting the display of images. The device can work as usual; however, the display of images or words on the screen will negatively affect the user’s experience. Before you purchase an iPad, you might be wondering if an iPad can get a screen burn in.

So, can an iPad get screen burn in? An iPad can get a screen burn in, a common problem on devices using LCD screens. The burn in will occur on your iPad’s screen when you leave an image on the screen for too long. The pixels will struggle to change to other colors, hence you will keep seeing an image on the screen even after closing that image. If your iPad gets a screen burn in, you need to fix it immediately.

When you purchase an iPad, the goal is to use it for the longest time possible without any issues. However, you might hear some people discuss screen burn in and how it affects the display.

Screen burn in was first experienced by CRT monitor users where the phosphor compounds emitting light to produce images lost their ability to do so after a long time. Screen burn in can affect your device’s display, sometimes making it difficult to see images or read texts. Before you buy a new iPad, one of your concerns might be if the device can get a screen burn in.

An iPad can get a screen burn in, and it usually happens when you leave an image on the screen for too long. The pixels will struggle to change the color on your iPad’s screen making the image visible even after closing it and opening another program. Sometimes a screen burn in can be caused by defective hardware on your iPad.

When your iPad gets a screen burn in, you need to fix it as soon as possible because it can spread and affect the rest of the screen. You should note that screen burn in is permanent, hence it should not be confused with a graphical glitch or temporary image retention.

When using an iPad, the effectiveness of the light-producing components in the screen gradually lowers as the device gets older. As your iPad grows older, the possibility of it getting a screen burn in increases.

The effects can be gradual and might go unnoticed over time, but the screen burn in will become stronger, leaving images behind every time you use your iPad. When you open a certain app or image and leave it on the screen for a long time, the “ghost” of the image will get stuck on the screen and will not go away even after you close that app and open another one.

Screen burn in is permanent; therefore, if you can turn off the iPad and your screen is clear, your device does not have screen burn in. If you turn off your iPad and turn it back on and the image is still on the screen, it has screen burn in.

You should contact Apple Support for help if you believe your iPad has a screen burn in. If you have AppleCare or AppleCare+, Apple can repair your iPad screen, or they can replace it with a new one. If you do not have AppleCare or AppleCare+, you will have to pay for the repair or replacement.

If you buy a new iPad, you need not worry about your device getting screen burn in. Screen burn in usually affects older devices; hence you have a couple of years’ worth of use before your iPad gets screen burn in. However, if you buy a used iPad, you need to ask how long it has been in use.

The longer it has been in use, the more likely it will get screen burn after a short time of use. If you buy a used iPad, ensure you get AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase. Getting AppleCare+ will protect you from paying out of pocket when your iPad gets screen burn in and requires a screen replacement or repair to work properly.

How Do I Get Rid of Screen Burn on My iPad?

An iPad is an expensive device, and it is normal to want it to function optimally without any issues for a long time. If your iPad gets a screen burn in, you might be looking for solutions to fix the issue. Here is how you can get rid of the screen burn in on your iPad.

To get rid of screen burn on your iPad, you need to replace the screen. Screen burn in is permanent, and the only method of ensuring you get rid of the problem is to replace the screen. However, to confirm if the issue is a screen burn in, turn off the iPad for a few hours. If you turn on the iPad and the image is gone, your iPad does not have a screen burn in, but it could have some software problems.

After turning it on, contact Apple Support for help or take your iPad to the nearest Apple Store if the image is still there. The Apple customer team will check your iPad and inform you if they can replace the screen or you will have to get a new iPad.

Since screen burn in is permanent, there are several preventative measures you can use to prevent the issue from happening sooner. The first thing you need to do is lower your iPad’s brightness settings. The higher the brightness settings, the harder your iPad’s pixels work to display images and texts on your screen.

Do not use bright screen settings unless you have to. You should use “Dark Mode” if the application you are using supports it. Most applications have a “Dark Mode” feature which helps in reducing light and saving battery power, but it can also help make the pixels on your iPad’s screen last longer.

You can also prevent screen burn in on your iPad by getting rid of icons and widgets on your screen that you do not need. Only keep icons and widgets that you have to access quickly. If you have been using your iPad for several years, image retention can happen when you leave icons or widgets on display for a long time.

When the images from the icons or widgets appear on the screen for a long time, they could lead to a screen burn in. If you have to keep an icon or widget on the screen, try to move them around frequently. You should also pick a wallpaper with darker colors and change it often to prevent screen burn in.

You should also use a lock screen and sleep timer to prevent your iPad from getting screen burn in. iPads have the lock screen and sleep timer feature that locks your screen and makes your iPad go into sleep mode.

Therefore, if you leave an image or app open on your iPad by mistake, the lock screen and sleep timer will shut off the screen and lock it, preventing your iPad from getting a screen burn in. Ensure that the time is short enough to prevent the screen burn in, do not set a sleep timer that lasts long before it shuts off your iPad; that will not be effective.

It is important to note that the only way to fix a screen burn in is a screen replacement; if that cannot work, then you have to get a new device. There are apps purporting to fix a screen burn in but they do not work.

These apps can even make the issue worse because they end up “burning” the entire screen so that your iPad’s screen color can match. Therefore, if your iPad gets a screen burn in, do not be tempted to download apps that claim to fix a screen burn in; you should contact Apple Support for help.

Why Is There a White Spot on My iPad Screen and How Do I Get Rid of It?

If an iPad has any blemish on the screen, it could impact how it displays images and text and its touch sensitivity. When you want to use your iPad, and the moment you turn it on and see a white spot, you will be scratching your head and thinking about how to make the spot varnish. Here is why that white spot is on your iPad’s screen and how you can get rid of it.

The white spot is on your iPad’s screen because of a hardware or software issue. Software issues can cause the white spot to appear if you installed the wrong app, the system is not running correctly, or one of your apps is not functioning correctly. If a software issue does not cause the white spot, your iPad screen could be having hardware problems.

Ensure your iPad runs on an updated operating system, and all apps function correctly to fix a software issue. To fix a hardware issue, you have to take the iPad for diagnosis and repair or replacement. Do not attempt to open the iPad by yourself, and if you cause further damage, Apple will not repair your iPad for free, even if you have AppleCare or AppleCare+.

If you are not sure what is the cause of the white spot on your screen, it is important to contact Apple Support for help. You can describe where the white spot is located on the screen and when you first see it. If there is an Apple Store close to you, you can take your iPad to the store and have an Apple Genius take a look at it.

You can also take the iPad to the nearest authorized dealer for diagnosis. When they find out if it is a software or hardware issue, they will repair if the issue is fixable or replace the iPad if the damage is irreversible.

It is very important to have AppleCare or AppleCare+ when purchasing an iPad. AppleCare usually lasts for one year, and after that, you have the option of purchasing an AppleCare+ plan or using it without one.

When you use an iPad without AppleCare or AppleCare+, you will have to pay out of pocket if it gets a white spot on the screen and needs to be repaired. The lowest repair cost by Apple outside of warranty is almost 200 USD and could rise to 650 USD. If Apple cannot fix the problem, you will have to pay for a new iPad if you do not have AppleCare or AppleCare+.

If software issues cause the white spot, you can easily fix it yourself by updating the operating system, changing the settings, or uninstalling apps causing the display issues. However, if a hardware issue caused the damage, you cannot repair it at home or have an authorized third-party repair it.

Apple will not replace any device opened by a third party without authorization. If you open your iPad and cause further damage, Apple will not replace the device even if it is still under warranty.

If you do not have time to take the iPad to an Apple Store, contact Apple Support and request to send your iPad via mail. It could take between 5 and 10 business days to repair your iPad. You can also go to the official Apple Support website and check the status of your iPad’s repair. 

Summary

Screen burn in is a problem in most smartphones and tablets that use LCD and OLED screens. The problem usually occurs when you have been using your iPad for several years. Screen burn in is a permanent issue, and the only way to fix it is to replace the screen. However, there are measures you can use to prevent your iPad from getting a screen burn in.

These preventative measures include lowering the brightness settings, using a lock screen and sleep timer, using dark mode, using dark wallpapers and changing it frequently, and moving around icons and widgets on your screen.

Finally, if your iPad develops a white screen, it could have been caused by a software or hardware issue. If it is a hardware issue, do not attempt to repair it. Take it to an Apple Store or an authorized dealer. Ensure that you have AppleCare or AppleCare+. If your iPad does not have any warranty, you will have to pay a fee for the repair or replacement.

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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