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Plan on about an hour for the long Pixel Cleaning cycle on an LG OLED TV, but the exact time depends on the model and which cleaning procedure is running. LG’s guidance ranges from about 10–90 minutes for cleaning generally to about an hour for a long cycle and more than an hour for manual calibration. Keep the TV plugged in and off until the process finishes.
How long each LG OLED cleaning cycle takes
LG uses Pixel Cleaning (also called Pixel Refresher on some models) for more than one maintenance operation. The routine automatic cycle is different from the longer cycle or a manually started calibration, so their durations should not be treated as interchangeable.
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| Cycle | When it runs | LG’s stated duration |
|---|---|---|
| Routine automatic refresh | After more than four cumulative viewing hours, when the TV is turned off | LG does not state a duration for this cycle in the cited guidance. LG USA Support and LG Philippines Support |
| Long refresh | After 2,000 cumulative viewing hours, when the TV is turned off | About one hour. LG USA Support and LG Philippines Support |
| Manual calibration | Started by the user or scheduled for the next time the TV is turned off | More than one hour. LG USA Support |
| General cleaning estimate | LG Ukraine’s FAQ gives a range that depends on model and cleaning type | About 10–90 minutes. LG Ukraine Support |
These are manufacturer-published operating estimates, not independent timing tests. LG’s cited pages do not provide a model-by-model duration chart, so there is no reliable single exact runtime for every OLED TV.
Why Pixel Cleaning may take longer on one TV than another
The estimate depends on the operation underway, the TV model, and the menu or software generation. LG USA says Pixel Cleaning on TVs released from 2024 onward takes about an hour; its manual calibration guidance says more than an hour. LG Ukraine’s broader 10–90-minute estimate covers different models and cleaning types. Those figures refer to different scopes, rather than promising one universal runtime.
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When the automatic refresh runs
Routine cycle after viewing
LG says a routine Pixel Refresher runs when the TV is turned off after more than four cumulative viewing hours. Viewing time can accumulate across sessions: LG Philippines gives the example of two hours on one day and three the next. The TV needs to remain connected to power for the cycle to run.
Long cycle after 2,000 hours
LG says the longer refresh is triggered after 2,000 cumulative viewing hours and runs after the TV is turned off. LG notes that vertical lines may appear during this maintenance; it says this is not a malfunction.
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How to start Pixel Cleaning manually
Use manual cleaning when you notice a screen issue or the TV prompts you, rather than repeatedly starting it as routine maintenance. Leave automatic cleaning enabled for normal use. The exact setting name and route vary by model year and webOS version:
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- webOS 6.0 (2021 models): Settings → All Settings → Support → OLED Care → OLED Panel Care → Pixel Cleaning.
- 2020 models: Look for Pixel Refresher under OLED Screen Care.
- 2019 and earlier: The setting may be in older Picture or OLED Panel Settings menus.
LG USA says manual calibration can start immediately or be scheduled for the next time the TV is turned off. If these paths do not match your set, check its model-specific manual. LG’s Pixel Cleaning instructions describe the model-year menu differences.
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Keep the TV powered and off during the cycle
Do not unplug the TV while cleaning is in progress, and do not turn it back on before it finishes. LG says manual calibration stops if the TV is turned on. A connected device using HDMI-CEC may switch the TV back on, so check connected equipment if the process keeps stopping. A loss of power or turning the TV on again can also cause the cleaning notification to return.
If the picture problem remains
Pixel Cleaning is not a guaranteed fix for every line, color change, or image defect. If the problem remains, use the TV’s picture or screen self-diagnosis and check whether the issue also appears with another signal source or HDMI device. If it persists after repeated cleaning, contact LG support rather than repeatedly running the cycle. LG’s support guidance recommends diagnosis and checking external sources.
Reduce the risk of image retention
LG identifies prolonged static logos, paused game screens, fixed menus, and high brightness as potential contributors to image retention. Its guidance points to features such as Screen Shift and Logo Luminance Adjustment to help reduce risk. These precautions do not replace the TV’s automatic maintenance.
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