How to quickly fix MacBook screen flickering issues

Not only is it annoying, Macbook screen flashing, it may also indicate problems with software or hardware. This guide lists the main causes of screen failures and recommends some (built-in and third-party) tools to help you solve the problem.

The key to preventing Mac screen flickering: Monitoring Mac's health

You can try the iStat Menus app, which can monitor CPU, temperature, fans, and other sensors related to screen failures. Available on the Setapp platform.

Why does my Mac screen flash?

Here are some possible reasons why Mac screens are flashing:

• Software outdated
• Incorrect display settings
• Graphics card switching issues
• Program conflict
• Graphics card or display screen is damaged
• overheat
• Incorrect system settings

Looks tricky? Don't worry, most problems can be solved by themselves.

How to fix flashing on Mac screen?

Here are some steps to fix flashing on Mac screen:

1. Run maintenance scripts

Maintenance scripts are automated tasks or small programs designed to help the system stay in good operation. Normal users usually don't run maintenance scripts because they don't know which scripts to run. However, this can be done easily in several ways.

Using third-party tools

When your MacBook screen fails, we first recommend CleanMyMac X, which runs maintenance scripts in just a few clicks:

1. Download and open CleanMyMac X.
2. Navigate to the Maintenance tab.
3. Select Maintenance Tasks. These tasks may include options such as "Release RAM", "Release clearable space", "Run maintenance scripts", "Rebuild startup services", "Reindex Spotlight", and "Repair disk permissions".
4. Click "Run" and wait for completion. After the maintenance task is completed, CleanMyMac X may provide a summary of the actions performed and any improvements.

Using the terminal (command line)

Another way to fix flashing on MacBook Pro screen is through terminal commands:

1. Open the terminal. You can find the terminal in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or search with Spotlight (press Command and Spacebar).
2. Enter the following command and press Enter: sudo periodic daily weekly monthly
3. Enter your administrator password (no characters will be displayed on the screen, which is normal).
4. Wait for the process to complete.

Note that if your Mac is awake, macOS will run maintenance scripts at night by default. However, when there is a potential problem (such as a failure or a flash), you can run maintenance.

2. Restart your Mac

The flashing of MacBook screen may be caused by an unexpected overload or system conflict. Try simply restarting:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select "Restart..." from the drop-down menu and confirm the operation.
3. Wait for the restart to complete.

Overload is a common problem. Unfortunately, you usually don't know that some processes are consuming your Mac resources until it starts to crash. To control the load, try two tools: App Tamer and iStat Menus. The benefit of them is that you will be sent a notification when they detect that your Mac is running at full capacity. You can then change the settings directly from the menu bar to free up your Mac resources.

App Tamer mainly monitors the CPU of the Mac. It displays running applications and allows you to close or slow down the speed of applications you don't need now. You can even set it to automatically exit an app you haven't used for an hour. Another useful feature is CPU usage control. If you have high demanding applications, you can allow them to use only a certain amount of memory, such as 10% or 25%. When this threshold is reached, you will be notified and the application will slow down.

iStat Menus monitoring more metrics: CPU, GPU, sensor, etc. It's perfect for users who are prone to overheating and lagging in Macs (or users who don't want this to happen). You can view your Mac's load, disk usage, temperature, hard disk temperature (when supported), fans, voltage, current, and power in real time. If a problem occurs, you will be notified and can take action.

3. Disable automatic graphics card switching

The way to disable automatic graphics card switching depends on whether you use a Macbook with Apple Silicon chip or an Intel-based Mac. Here is a general guide:

For Apple Silicon MacBooks:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Go to System Settings.
3. Click "Battery" in the sidebar.
4. Uncheck the box next to "Automatic graphics card switching".

For Intel-based MacBooks:

1. Click on the Apple menu at the top of the screen.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click "Energy Saver" (for macOS Catalina 10.15 and earlier, this setting is here), or click "Battery" (for later) depending on the operating system version.
4. Uncheck the "Automatic graphics card switching" box.

Please note that if you don't see "Automatic graphics card switching", your MacBook may have only one graphics card system and cannot be switched.

4. Turn off the original color display

The original color display is a unique feature of some Mac models released in 2018 and later and some iOS devices. It allows you to change the color temperature of your monitor according to ambient light conditions. Therefore, in order to monitor and continuously adjust the color temperature, the GPU will regularly participate in this process.

In some rare cases, if the original color display function has some incompatibility with other system components, the ongoing automatic adjustment process may lead to conflicts or failures.

Here is how to turn off the original color display:

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings.
2. Click "Display" in the sidebar menu.
3. Find the "Original Color Display" option.
4. Click the box next to "Original Color Display" to disable it.

Please note that the original color display function will not be available since the Mac model released in 2018.

5. Update to the latest macOS

Sometimes outdated software can be the cause of a failure (e.g., due to compatibility issues or errors). To upgrade to the latest macOS version, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Apple menu > System Settings.
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. If there is a new version available for download, please click macOS Update.

The update may take some time, but you can continue to use your Mac during the software download process.

6. Reset NVRAM and PRAM

Nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) and parameter RAM are the memory of MacBooks that are responsible for storing certain settings in a convenient location that the system can quickly access. They appear in the latest MacBooks, while PRAM appears in the oldest MacBooks. To restart NVRAM and PRAM:

1. Turn off the MacBook for about 20 seconds and press the power button.
2. Hold it now Option Command PR key until it restarts the second time.
3. After the computer completes the second restart, release the key to restart normally.

Resetting this computer memory is very important because it contains certain system settings. These include computer monitors, audio settings, volume settings, and more. Therefore, some settings may go wrong, causing the screen to blink.

7. Reset Mac's SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) will help you fix errors in hardware failures as it resets power management, hardware communications, temperature settings, and peripheral connections. Each external function, such as battery charging and power supply, is managed with the support of the system. When these external features start to fail, your Macbook will fail.

Depending on your MacBook model, these reset processes may vary. For Macbooks without removable batteries, use the following methods:

1. Turn off the Mac.
2. Connect the power adapter to your Mac.
3. Press and hold Shift Control Option and power button for 10 seconds.
4. Press the power button to restart the device.

While resetting your MacBook's SMC is safe and easy, you may still want to back up your device first.

8. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode

You can restart your MacBook in Safe Mode. However, restarting depends on your model. If you have an Intel-based Mac model, follow these steps:

1. Press the Shift key while pressing the power button to restart the device until the Apple logo appears.
2. Select a volume.
3. Hold down the Shift key and press Continue in Safe Mode.

Your Mac will restart immediately.

For Intel-based Macs:

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Hold down the Shift key immediately until you see the login window.
3. Log in to your Mac.

You may be asked to log in again.

9. Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics can be used to identify hardware issues and potential issues with Mac components (such as processors, memory, storage, etc.).

1. Turn off the Mac computer.
2. If any external devices are connected to a Mac (such as printers, USB drives, external monitors, and other peripherals), remove them all.
3. Turn on the computer and hold down the D key. The Apple Diagnostics display will appear on your monitor.
4. Select your favorite language from the options displayed on the Apple Diagnostics screen.
5. To move, use the arrow keys on the keyboard and click Return or Enter to select.

This process usually takes several minutes. After the test is complete, the Apple Diagnostic will display reference codes that explain why your Mac or iMac screen is blinking.

10. Contact Apple Support for help

Solving flickering issues on MacBooks can take a long time, especially when it is difficult to identify the root cause. If your MacBook is still blinking after trying all fixes, you should contact the Apple Service Center for support. Support Center can be contacted via phone number, chat on the website, or by direct message on the Apple Support app. Importantly, the service center’s phone number may vary by place of residence. To get the correct phone number, users should check the Apple Service Center website.

How to prevent problems with your Mac

To prevent the MacBook screen from flashing and ensure it runs smoothly, use applications like iStat Menus to monitor your Mac's system performance. This can help you identify potential problems early so that they don’t become serious. Use tools such as App Tamer to manage resource-intensive applications. By controlling applications that use too much CPU or memory, you can prevent your Mac from overworking and reduce the risk of failure. Adjust settings in iStat Menus and App Tamer to match your specific usage patterns. This personalization can help optimize performance to suit the way you use your Mac.

Make sure your operating system and all applications are up to date. Developers frequently publish updates to fix known bugs and improve performance. Also, clean up the hard drive, delete unused applications, and run the disk utility check to keep the Mac running well.

By following these steps and using recommended tools, you can help extend the life of your Mac and get a more efficient computing experience. Remember, the key is to effectively monitor and manage Mac resources.

Effective ways to solve faults and flicker on Mac

In most cases, you can use some built-in and third-party tools to fix flashing of your MacBook screen. However, to track the health of your Mac and prevent problems, use CleanMyMac X, App Tamer, and iStat Menus. You can find these apps on Setapp, a platform that provides macOS and iOS applications available under a single subscription. Setapp provides users with a 7-day free trial of all apps, with no ads and hidden fees.

FAQ

How much does it cost to repair lines on your Macbook?

The cost of repairing lines on a Macbook can vary from one factor to another, such as the model of the Macbook, the degree of damage, and so on. You may have to spend $400 to $800 for repairs. However, if you own an AppleCare Macbook, you may spend a little less than the estimated price above.

Why does my Macbook blink when watching Netflix?

This may be due to graphics card issues, which can happen to save battery power. Flashing may also occur if there is an error in your macOS or Netflix. Other software failures and compatibility issues with Netflix on the device are also other factors that need to be considered. You can try restarting the device to resolve the issue. If these methods don't work, you can report the situation to the Apple Support Center for further repairs.

How to fix the problem of the screen flashing when the Macbook is displayed in full screen?

There may be several reasons why the Macbook is flashing when it is full-screen. However, if you choose to repair the device, the first step you can consider is to turn it off and turn it on. Another way to fix the flashing problem of Macbook screen is to update the software to the latest version. This will also remove the errors and keep your application updated to make the most of it.

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