Samsung monitors include a pixel refresh feature to fix image persistence and ghosting
Pixel refresh is a maintenance tool built into Samsung monitors that resets stuck pixels and clears temporary image memory. It runs a pattern across your screen to "exercise" pixels that may have displayed the same image for too long, which can leave a faint ghost of that image even after you switch to something else. You should run pixel refresh when you notice an image lingering on your screen, or as routine maintenance if your monitor displays static content for many hours at a time.
The feature is different from a straightforward power cycle. Turning your monitor off and on again does not clear pixel memory the way pixel refresh does. Samsung built this tool specifically for monitors used in offices, control rooms, or anywhere a single window or menu stays visible for extended periods — situations where image persistence becomes visible.
Key Takeaways
- Run pixel refresh when you see a faint ghost image on your screen that persists even after switching to a different display.
- Pixel refresh takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your monitor model and should not be interrupted once started.
- If your monitor displays the same content for 8+ hours daily, running pixel refresh weekly or monthly prevents persistence from building up.
- Pixel refresh is safe to run as often as you want and does not wear out your monitor or reduce its lifespan.
When you notice image ghosting or persistence
The most obvious time to run pixel refresh is when you actually see the problem. If you switch from a bright menu or window to a dark background and can still faintly see the outline of what was on screen before, that is image persistence. It usually fades on its own within minutes, but pixel refresh clears it when ready.
This happens most often on monitors that display the same interface all day — a spreadsheet, a security camera feed, a point-of-sale system, or a design process with a fixed toolbar. The pixels in those areas get "tired" and take longer to change color, leaving a ghost image behind.
For monitors used in static-content environments
If your Samsung monitor is in an office, control room, factory floor, or any setting where the same window or process stays on screen for 8 or more hours daily, run pixel refresh on a regular schedule rather than waiting for persistence to appear. Weekly or monthly maintenance prevents the problem from building up in the first place.
Many IT departments set pixel refresh to run automatically on a schedule — usually overnight or during a maintenance window. Check your monitor's menu to see if this option is available on your model. If it is, you can set it to run weekly without any manual action on your part.
How to run pixel refresh on your Samsung monitor
The exact steps depend on your monitor model, but the general path is the same. Press the physical menu button on your monitor (usually on the bottom bezel or back panel) to open the on-screen menu. Look for an option called Pixel Refresh, Pixel Cleaning, or Image Persistence — Samsung uses different names across product lines.
Once you find it, select the option and confirm. Your monitor will display a message telling you the refresh is running and how long it will take — typically 10 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off the monitor or unplug it during this time. You can use your computer normally while pixel refresh runs in the background, though your display may flicker or show patterns.
After the process finishes, your monitor will return to normal display. Any ghost images should be gone. If persistence returns quickly, it usually means the monitor is in an environment where pixel refresh needs to run more often, or the monitor itself is aging and pixels are becoming less responsive.
Pixel refresh versus factory reset
Pixel refresh is not the same as a factory reset. Pixel refresh only clears pixel memory and does not change any of your monitor settings — brightness, contrast, color temperature, input source, or any other configuration stays exactly as it was. A factory reset, by contrast, wipes all your settings back to Samsung's defaults.
If you are troubleshooting a monitor problem and someone suggests a factory reset, that is a different operation. You would use factory reset if your monitor is not responding to controls, displaying wrong colors, or having other configuration issues — not for image persistence.
When pixel refresh will not help
Pixel refresh works on image persistence — the faint ghost of a previous image. It does not fix dead pixels (pixels that never light up), stuck pixels (pixels that stay one color), or physical damage to the screen. If you see a bright dot that never changes color, or a dark spot that never lights up, that is a hardware defect and pixel refresh cannot repair it.
Pixel refresh also will not help if your monitor is displaying a blurry image, color banding, or flickering. Those are separate issues related to cable connection, refresh rate settings, or monitor age. If you run pixel refresh and the problem persists, the issue is something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pixel refresh take?
Most Samsung monitors complete pixel refresh in 10 to 30 minutes, depending on screen size and model. Larger monitors and higher-resolution panels take longer. The monitor will tell you the estimated time when you start the process.
Can I use my monitor while pixel refresh is running?
Yes. Pixel refresh runs in the background and you can use your computer normally. Your display may show patterns or flicker during the process, but this is expected and does not affect your work.
Is it safe to run pixel refresh every day?
Yes. Pixel refresh does not wear out your monitor or reduce its lifespan. You can run it as often as you want. Many offices run it nightly as part of routine maintenance without any problems.
What if I accidentally unplug the monitor during pixel refresh?
The process will stop, but it will not damage the monitor. straightforward plug it back in and run pixel refresh again from the beginning. You do not need to do anything special to recover.
Does pixel refresh work on all Samsung monitor models?
Most Samsung monitors made in the last 10 years include pixel refresh, but not all. Check your monitor's manual or menu to see if the option is available. If you cannot find it, your model may not have this feature.