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HomeSystem TutorialMACMacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

Is your MacBook screen flickering? A flickering screen on an expensive laptop is frustrating, but thankfully, many flickering issues are easily resolved. This guide covers troubleshooting steps for lines on your Mac screen, blinking, or other screen flickering problems.

Why is my MacBook screen flickering?

Several factors can cause a flickering MacBook screen. These range from software glitches and graphics card problems to overheating and hardware failures (faulty connections, water damage, etc.). A completely black screen might indicate a power supply issue. However, before assuming hardware failure, try these solutions.

How to fix a flickering MacBook screen

Instead of enduring a flickering screen, try these fixes:

  • Restart your Mac
  • Run Apple Diagnostics
  • Update macOS
  • Disable automatic graphics switching
  • Turn off True Tone
  • Disable Dark Mode
  • Clean up junk files and downloads
  • Clear your MacBook's cache
  • Disable hardware acceleration in browsers
  • Reboot in Safe Mode
  • Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
  • Reinstall macOS
  • Seek Apple Store support

1. Restart your Mac

The simplest fix is often a restart.

  1. Go to Apple menu > Restart.
  2. Optionally, check Reopen windows when logging back in.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

2. Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics checks for hardware problems. This helps determine if the issue is software or hardware related.

Apple Silicon (M1/M2):

  1. Press and hold the Power button.
  2. Release when startup options appear.
  3. Press and hold Command D.

Intel Processors:

  1. Turn on and immediately hold D.
  2. Release when a progress bar or language selection appears.

Apple Diagnostics will display results. Internet connectivity allows for immediate access to support options.

3. Update macOS

Install any available macOS updates, as they often include crucial bug fixes.

  1. Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
  2. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now.
  3. Restart your Mac after the update.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

4. Disable Automatic Graphics Switching

Automatic graphics switching can sometimes cause flickering. Disabling it might resolve the issue.

  1. Apple menu > System Preferences > Battery.
  2. Uncheck Automatic graphics switching.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

5. Turn off True Tone

True Tone adjusts display color based on ambient light. Disabling it can sometimes fix screen glitches.

  1. Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays.
  2. Uncheck True Tone.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

6. Disable Dark Mode

Switching to Light Mode (or vice-versa) might help. Use Control Center in the menu bar for quick toggling.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

7. Clean your Drive

Excessive junk files and downloads can impact performance and cause screen issues. Use a cleaning utility like MacKeeper or manually delete unnecessary files.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

8. Clear the Cache

Clear your browser and system caches. Use MacKeeper or manually delete temporary files.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

9. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Browsers

Disable hardware acceleration in Chrome and Firefox.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

10. Reboot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode prevents certain software from loading, helping diagnose software-related issues.

Apple Silicon: Shut down, press and hold the Power button, select your disk, hold Shift, choose Continue in Safe Mode.

Intel: Hold Shift during startup. Check for "Safe Boot" in the menu bar.

MacBook Screen Flickering: How to Fix Display Flashing & Glitching? [Solutions for Monitor Issues]

11. Reset SMC and NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) and NVRAM/PRAM can resolve power-related issues. Instructions vary depending on your MacBook model (Apple T2 chip or older). See the original article for detailed instructions.

12. Reinstall macOS

As a last resort, reinstall macOS through macOS Recovery. Instructions vary by MacBook model (Apple Silicon or Intel). See the original article for detailed instructions.

13. Apple Store Support

If all else fails, contact your local Apple Store for hardware diagnostics and repair.

Conclusion

Screen flickering on a MacBook can stem from various causes, but many are easily fixable. If the problem persists after trying these steps, it's time to seek professional help.

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