We propose a kinetic model to account for the nonuniform adsorption and desorption processes in fringe field switching (FFS) and in-plane-switching liquid crystal displays. An equation is proposed to describe the generation mechanism of residual DC voltage and good agreements with experiment are obtained. Based on this model, the mechanisms underlying the formation and relaxation processes of residual DC voltage as well as their dependences on offset DC voltage and temperature are investigated. Moreover, the residual DC voltages of FFS cells employing positive and negative dielectric anisotropy LCs are compared and the physics responsible for the observed difference is explained. V C 2014 AIP Publishing LLC. [http://dx.