Some older Garmin watches experience some burning problems on their screens, leaving an imprint on the screen that does not disappear. This happens on some of the best Garmin watches, such as the Garmin Fenix and the Epix series.
First stained via Notebookcheck, Garmin Epix Gen 2 and Garmin Fenix 6 Pro could show signs of OLED burning. Here’s why it happens.
Garmin screens can be affected by burning
OLED BURN-IN ON EPIX GEN 2 FROM R/Garmin
As you can see in the picture on the Reddit thread above, the burning has left an Epix Gen 2 that looks like it has two screens in one, with data that should not be on the screen that is clearly readable.
The user in question actually pointed out that they are switching between Garmin Epix and an Apple Watch where the latter was carried on weekdays. It suggests that although the “on the dock” is constantly showing system information while charging, increasing the chances of OLED burning.
Burn-in is especially likely that a smartwatch sits on a charging dock because the devices often do not update their information as regularly as, for example, a phone or tablet or even a TV. This means that system information such as battery life is probably eventually burned in.
It’s still not just OLED panels that seem to suffer from burning. Another Reddit thread has suggested that a mip (memory in pixel) view on a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro liked the same fate.
Screenshot clearly shows two layers of information on the screen where the traditional dials from a Garmin watch appear under the layer where a user selects their training.
A commentator has suggested that the MIP burning could be reversible as it is caused by an imbalance of charge caused by static, so if you see signs of this, consider switching modes or turning off the device for a while. Other users in comments also report Fenix 7 and Venu 2 Amoled Burn-ins.
For more general prevention, you may want to consider turning off the always-on functionality of your device. This not only minimizes the amount of time elements is on the screen, but also helps extend the life of the battery (although Garmin devices are not a slouch in that regard).
