Home » Blog » MacBook Screen Flickering? Top Causes and How to Fix It Fast

MacBook Screen Flickering? Top Causes and How to Fix It Fast

Has your MacBook’s screen been flickering or displaying strange lines? You’re not alone! Screen flickering is a common issue that many MacBook users face, but the good news is, it’s usually fixable. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a sign of something more serious, understanding the root causes of screen flickering and how to fix it can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary repair costs.

In this guide, we will walk you through the top causes of MacBook screen flickering and provide actionable steps on how to fix it quickly. Let’s dive into it!

What Causes MacBook Screen Flickering?

Before you can fix the issue, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes. There are several potential reasons why your MacBook screen may be flickering, ranging from software issues to hardware problems.

1. Software Glitches and Outdated macOS

Sometimes, your MacBook’s screen flickering could be the result of a software issue. This might be related to a buggy application, an outdated macOS version, or corrupted system files. Software-related screen flickering is usually easy to resolve by updating your system or troubleshooting specific apps.

2. Graphics Card Problems

Your MacBook’s GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for displaying everything on your screen. If there’s an issue with your GPU, it can lead to screen flickering. This is more common in older MacBook models that have been through heavy usage. If the GPU is failing, professional repairs might be necessary.

3. Display Hardware Malfunctions

Physical damage or malfunctioning display components, like a faulty screen cable or loose connections, can cause flickering. This can happen if the MacBook has suffered from a drop or has been exposed to moisture. A screen replacement or hardware repair may be needed to fix this issue.

4. External Displays and Connectivity Issues

If you’re using an external monitor with your MacBook, connectivity issues between the two devices can cause flickering. This can happen due to faulty cables, improper display settings, or driver issues. In such cases, adjusting settings or replacing the faulty cable can fix the problem.

5. Power Supply or Battery Problems

Sometimes, your MacBook’s power supply or battery issues can cause the screen to flicker, especially when the battery is running low or the charger is not supplying consistent power. This can be more pronounced during intensive tasks, such as gaming or video editing.

How to Fix MacBook Screen Flickering?

Now that you know the common causes, let’s explore practical solutions to fix the flickering issue. Follow these steps to restore your MacBook’s screen to normal.

1. Update macOS and Apps

One of the simplest and quickest fixes for screen flickering is to ensure your macOS and apps are up to date. Software updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve minor glitches.

How to update macOS:

Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen.
Select System Preferences > Software Update.
If an update is available, click Update Now.

Also, make sure all your apps are up to date by visiting the Mac App Store and clicking on Updates.

2. Reset NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory)

If the flickering persists after updating your software, try resetting your MacBook’s NVRAM. This reset can help resolve display-related issues, including screen flickering.

To reset NVRAM:

Shut down your MacBook.
Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys for about 20 seconds.
Release the keys and allow your MacBook to boot normally.

This will reset your display settings and may fix the flickering issue.

3. Check Display Settings

Sometimes, incorrect display settings can cause screen flickering. You can adjust the refresh rate and resolution settings to see if that helps.

To adjust display settings:

Go to System Preferences > Displays.
Click the Display tab.
Try changing the Refresh Rate and Resolution to see if the flickering stops.

4. Test with External Display

If the screen flickering only occurs on your MacBook’s built-in display, but not on an external monitor, the issue is likely related to your MacBook’s internal screen or its connections.

Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using the appropriate cable (HDMI, Thunderbolt, etc.).
If the external display works fine without flickering, it indicates a problem with your MacBook’s screen or GPU.

5. Reboot in Safe Mode

Booting your MacBook in Safe Mode can help eliminate software-related causes of screen flickering. Safe Mode disables unnecessary processes and forces your MacBook to load only essential system files.

To reboot in Safe Mode:

Shut down your MacBook.
Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the Apple logo.
Once the MacBook boots in Safe Mode, check if the flickering issue persists.
To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your MacBook without holding any keys.

6. Inspect Hardware for Physical Damage

If the flickering continues, it could be a hardware issue. Check the physical condition of your MacBook, including the screen, cables, and connectors.

Look for loose screen connections: If your MacBook has been dropped, the internal screen connection may be loose or damaged, causing flickering.
Check for signs of physical damage: Look for cracks, dents, or water damage on the screen or surrounding components.

If you suspect hardware damage, it’s best to seek professional repair services.

When to Seek Professional Help?

If none of the above steps resolves the issue, and you’ve ruled out software causes and simple fixes, it’s time to get professional help. A malfunctioning GPU, damaged screen components, or serious internal hardware issues require expertise to diagnose and repair.

If you’re based in Australia, Same Day Mac Repairs offers Apple-authorized repair services for MacBooks, ensuring that your device gets the high-quality care it deserves.

Conclusion:

MacBook screen flickering can be a frustrating issue, but with the right approach, it’s often a fixable problem. Start with the simple solutions like updating macOS or resetting the NVRAM, and gradually move on to more advanced troubleshooting steps if needed. If the problem persists, it’s crucial to get professional help to avoid further damage.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the causes of screen flickering on your MacBook and provided you with useful solutions to fix it fast. Remember, whether the issue is software-related or hardware-related, there’s always a solution to bring your MacBook’s screen back to normal!