Published July 19, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
Perform a manual full screen refresh (often a tap or button press) to clear ghosting. If persistent, adjust refresh mode or update firmware.
Ghosting on e-ink tablets appears as faint leftover images from previous pages or screens. It is not a defect but a quirk of the technology. E-ink screens use tiny microcapsules that hold black and white particles. When the screen updates, not all particles move to their final state instantly, leaving a faint trace of the old content. This can be distracting when reading or note-taking. Fortunately, ghosting is usually easy to fix without replacing the device.
Why Ghosting Happens
E-ink displays update by moving charged particles within microcapsules. In partial refresh mode (used for fast page turns), only the pixels that change are updated. This saves power and reduces flicker but can leave residual particles from the previous state. Over many page turns, these residuals accumulate into visible ghosting. Factors like temperature, screen age, and the specific e-ink panel (Carta, Pearl, etc.) can affect how much ghosting occurs. Some devices use aggressive ghosting reduction algorithms that trade off a bit of speed for clarity. For example, the reMarkable 2 uses a proprietary algorithm that performs a full refresh every few page turns to keep ghosting minimal, while older Kindle models may require more manual intervention. Additionally, the type of content matters: text with high contrast or images with sharp edges tend to leave more noticeable ghosting than lighter content.
How to Fix Ghosting (Step by Step)
- Perform a manual full refresh. Most e-ink tablets have a dedicated refresh button or gesture (e.g., tapping the top of the screen on Kindle, or a swipe gesture on Kobo). This forces all particles to reset, clearing ghosting instantly. Do this whenever you notice afterimages. On some devices like the Kobo Libra 2, you can set a gesture to refresh the screen, such as a two-finger swipe.
- Adjust the refresh settings. Many tablets offer multiple refresh modes: “fast” (more ghosting, smoother page turns) and “best” (full refresh each page, less ghosting). Switch to a mode that refreshes more often, even if it causes a brief flash. Check the settings menu for “Page Refresh” or “Screen Mode.” On the Kindle Paperwhite, you can set the page refresh to occur every chapter or every few pages. On the reMarkable 2, you can choose between “Speed” and “Quality” modes; quality mode performs a full refresh on every page turn, eliminating ghosting at the cost of a slight flash.
- Update the firmware. Manufacturers often release updates that improve ghosting management. Go to Settings > Device Info > Software Update and install any available updates. Newer firmware may include better algorithms. For instance, a 2023 update for the Kobo Sage improved ghosting reduction by adjusting the voltage timing for particle movement.
- Reduce contrast or font weight. Extremely high contrast or bold fonts can increase ghosting. Lower the contrast slightly or use a standard font weight to reduce residual images. On most e-readers, you can adjust contrast in the reading settings. A setting of 10-12 on a scale of 1-20 often balances readability and ghosting.
- Use a screensaver or sleep mode. When not in use, let the tablet go to sleep. The sleep screen often triggers a full refresh, clearing any built-up ghosting. On the Kindle, the sleep screen displays a book cover or ad, which forces a full refresh. Similarly, on the Kobo, the sleep screen shows a screensaver image that refreshes the display.
- Reboot the device. A full restart can clear any temporary software glitches that might be exacerbating ghosting. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the device restarts. This is especially helpful if ghosting appears suddenly after a long reading session.
Advanced Tips for Persistent Ghosting
If the basic steps do not resolve ghosting, try these advanced techniques. First, check if the ghosting is specific to certain apps or file formats. For example, PDFs with complex graphics may cause more ghosting than simple EPUBs. Try converting the file to a different format or using a different reading app. Second, adjust the refresh interval in developer options if available. Some Android-based e-ink tablets like the Boox Note Air allow you to set the refresh mode per app: choose “Regal” mode for minimal ghosting or “A2” mode for faster but ghost-prone updates. Third, clean the screen gently with a microfiber cloth; static electricity can sometimes attract dust particles that mimic ghosting. Finally, if ghosting persists only in a specific area, it might be due to a physical defect like a stuck particle. In that case, contact the manufacturer for support.
When to Consider Replacement
If ghosting persists despite all fixes, and the screen shows permanent burn-in (a constant faint image even after refresh), the e-ink panel may be aging or damaged. This is rare but can happen after years of use. In that case, check the warranty or consider a new device. For most users, ghosting is a minor inconvenience that is easily managed with a quick refresh. Our editorial team compared user feedback across popular models like the Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Clara, and reMarkable 2, and found that ghosting is reported on all of them but rarely a deal-breaker. Models with newer Carta 1200 panels, such as the Kindle Scribe, show significantly less ghosting than older Carta 1000 panels. When shopping for a new e-ink tablet, look for models that offer customizable refresh settings and have positive reviews regarding ghosting management.
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See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
