Has your MacBook screen been flickering lately? It can be quite frustrating when the screen suddenly flickers, static, and sometimes streaks appear. Moreover, this situation is much more common than you think. So, what causes MacBook screen flickering and how can it be solved? In this article, we will touch on the most important information and solutions regarding the screen flickering problem!
What Causes MacBook Screen Flickering?
Mac screen flickering can often be seen on Pro and Air devices. MacBook Pro users in particular report more complaints about screen flickering. In some cases, screen flickering can make the screen unusable, while in other cases it can make it difficult to use.
MacBook screen flickering is usually caused by:
· Your Mac has been dropped or damaged,
· The presence of malware,
· Fluctuations in power supply,
· Incorrect or incorrect configuration of screen settings,
· Deterioration of HDMI or USB-C cable when using external display,
· Update errors,
· Hardware failure.
MacBook Air screen flickering or flickering that can be experienced on Pro models are caused by software or hardware issues. Liquid damage in particular can also cause MacBook screen flickering. If your MacBook has been in contact with liquid before, this problem may occur later, even if it does not happen at first.
How to Fix MacBook Screen Flickering?
There are different options you can try for screen flickering on Mac devices. We have listed all the options for MacBook screen flickering solution from the easiest to the most difficult stage for you!
Turn Mac Off and On!
Looking for the easiest and most effective solution? The best solution for screen flickering is to turn your Mac off and then on again. This solution is often overlooked and not thought to be that easy to fix. Restarting your Mac will usually fix the screen flickering permanently.
Reset NVRAM
If restarting your Mac doesn’t fix the problem, we can look into a deeper solution. NVRAM can be defined as random access memory. It stores a lot of data, such as the clock, your language or region preference, or your screen resolution.
To reset NVRAM, follow these steps:
· Shut down the Mac,
· While your device is restarting, hold down the Option + Command + P + R keys (for about 15 – 20 seconds),
· Congratulations, NVRAM has been reset.
Your MacBook screen flickering issue is likely resolved. However, if the current issue persists, you can continue to explore other options.
Test Screen Resolution
Resolution is also among the causes of MacBook screen flickering. Therefore, it is important to test the flickering issue by changing the resolution. For example, some Mac devices experience flickering at low resolutions, while others experience flickering at high resolutions.
· System Settings > Displays > Resolution
You will need to test the resolution to see at what point the flickering disappears.
Start in Safe Mode
If you think your MacBook screen is flickering due to a software error, here is the easiest and most reliable way to test it. If the screen flickering disappears when you start it in safe mode, then you are experiencing this situation due to a software-related problem.
To start a Mac in safe mode:
· Turn off your MacBook,
· Hold down the Shift key while opening it again,
· Your device will boot into safe mode.
If the flickering disappears when you start in safe mode, install the latest MacOS update. If the screen flickering problem started after the update, we recommend that you revert to the previous version.
Another method you can try is to check third-party applications. When your Mac starts in safe mode, it disables third-party applications. However, in normal mode, if the flickering continues, you may need to check third-party applications one by one.
· Check which apps open automatically at startup by going to System Settings > General > Login Items .
· Disable any suspicious applications and restart your MacBook.
Final Step: Scanning with Apple Diagnostics
If your MacBook screen is flickering and you've tried all the software solutions above and the problem still persists, you can check for a hardware-related issue by running Apple Diagnostics.
Apple Diagnostics is a test that detects hardware failures on your Mac. It scans the battery, video card, fan, RAM, and other hardware components. If there is a problem, it will indicate an error code. You can get help from Apple Support with the relevant error code.
In short, if the screen flickering is caused by a hardware issue, Apple Diagnostics will tell you.
Before running the test:
· Disconnect all external devices (USB, external disks, keyboards, etc.).
· Place your MacBook on a flat, hard surface.
· If your computer is plugged in, you can leave it connected.
For Apple Silicon (Macs with M1, M2, M3 chips):
· Shut down your MacBook.
· Hold down the Power Button while turning it back on.
· Release the Power Button when the startup options window opens.
· Press Command ( ⌘ ) + D.
For Macs with Intel Processors:
Shut down your MacBook.
Immediately hold down the D key while turning it back on.
Release the D key when the language options screen or progress bar appears.
Apple Diagnostics Test Results and Codes
Once the test is complete, you will see an error code or a repair suggestion on your screen. If you receive an error code, this indicates a hardware problem.
· Command + R → Runs the test again.
· Pressing R or clicking Restart → will start your Mac normally.
· Pressing the S key or clicking Shut Down → shuts down the Mac.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your MacBook Screen
