You’re in the middle of typing up a document on your Mac when, all of a sudden, you notice the screen starting to flicker. The flickering only lasts for a few seconds and then goes away, so you think nothing of it at first. But after it happens one more time, you start wondering why is my MacBook screen flickering. And what can be done about it? This article will help you understand why your Mac screen keeps flickering, what might be causing it to do so, and how to troubleshoot a flickering Mac screen. Read on to discover more.
Why Is My Macbook Screen Flickering?
There could be a number of reasons why your MacBook screen is flickering. One possibility is that the issue is caused by an issue with the LCD display itself, in which case it would need to be replaced. Another possibility is that the issue is being caused by a problem with the backlight, in which case a technician might be able to fix it by replacing the backlight. However, another possible reason for the flickering screen could be an issue with the video card, in which case you might need to have the entire computer replaced. So there are a few potential causes for this problem, and it would likely require taking your MacBook into an Apple store to have it diagnosed and repaired.
What To Do If Your Macbook Screen Is Flickering
Check Your Mac’s Thermal Settings
If you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, one possible reason for the flickering screen is that your Mac has overheated. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep your computer away from heat sources, or in an area that is well-ventilated. If you are using your computer in a hot environment, try turning it off and letting it cool down before starting it back up again. Also, try and make sure that the vents on the bottom of your MacBook aren’t blocked by something like a blanket or pillow.
Check Your Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate
You can reduce the amount of strain on your Mac’s video card by decreasing the resolution and refresh rate of your screen. To do this, go to System Preferences > Displays > Display tab > Resolution slider and drag it down to a lower setting such as “Best for Display” or “Better Performance.” Training on your MacBook’s display by lowering the screen resolution and refresh rate. To do this, open up the System Preferences app, click on Displays, and then click on the Display tab. From here you can change the resolution to something lower like 1280 x 800. You can also change the refresh rate to 30Hz instead of 60Hz.
Check Your Screen’s Brightness
Sometimes flickering can be caused by your Mac’s brightness is set too high. To make sure that this isn’t what is causing it, make sure that your screen brightness is set to around 50%. If it is higher than this, adjust it down until you are at 50%. You should see a noticeable difference in how much your screen flickers when you do so.
Make Sure Your Mac Software is Updated
Another possible reason why your Mac screen keeps flickering could be that there are issues with some of the software installed on your uttering that appears on your screen by adjusting the resolution and refresh rate of your display. This feature can be found by going to System Preferences > Displays, and then clicking on the Display tab.
Update Your Software
If your MacBook screen is still flickering after trying these tips, it might be worth updating your software as a possible solution for this problem. To do this, go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update and download any updates that are available for macOS Sierra or later versions of the operating system. If there aren’t any updates available, try restarting your computer and then going through these steps again.
Why Does My Macbook Screen Keep Flickering?
It’s probably not a hardware issue
If your MacBook screen keeps flickering, it’s possible that you’re experiencing a problem with the graphics card. The graphics card is what helps to display the content on your Mac screen, so if it’s having issues, then you might see some flickering. However, it’s important to note that this is only one potential cause and should be seen as a possibility rather than an absolute. There are many other reasons why your Mac screen might start flickering.
It could be a setting issue
The next potential cause of a flickering MacBook screen is an issue with the settings on your computer. If you have enabled ‘reduce transparency’ in system preferences or you have enabled some form of power-saving mode, then this could potentially cause your Mac to start flickering.
It could be an external device connected to your computer
Another potential reason why your Mac screen keeps flashing is that there is an external device connected to it which may not be compatible with it. This can happen if you plug in the device connected to your computer that is causing the issue. For example, if you have a USB hub or a USB-based keyboard connected to your Mac, then this could potentially cause your screen to flicker.
It could be due to a faulty video card
As mentioned above, it’s possible that the reason behind your Mac screen flashing is due to a faulty video card. The video card is what helps to display the content on your Mac screen, so if it’s having issues, then you might see some flickering. However, it’s important to note that this is only one potential cause and should be seen as a possibility rather than an absolute.
It could be due to overheating
Another potential reason why your Mac screen keeps flashing is due to overheating of the computer itself. If you have been using intensive programs for an extended period of time or you have been running several programs at once, then the device is connected to your computer. If you’re using an external monitor, a USB hub, or a USB mouse, then it could be that there is an issue with one of these devices. This can cause your MacBook screen to flicker while you are using your computer.
Ways To Fix A Flickering Macbook Screen
Check the Brightness Setting
Sometimes, a flickering screen is caused by a brightness setting that’s too low. The first step in fixing the problem is to check the brightness level setting in System Preferences > Displays > Brightness. Make sure it’s set to a comfortable level that doesn’t strain your eyes.
Check for Dust on Your Mac
Dust can settle into your MacBook over time, especially if you keep it near an open window or have pets that shed hair. Dust particles can get lodged behind your screen and cause it to flicker when they reflect light from the screen back at you. So another possible reason why is my MacBook screen flickering could be dust particles getting caught behind your display. To fix this issue, use compressed air to clean out any dust particles from around the edges of the screen and inside of the display housing itself.
Check for a Loose Cable
Sometimes, a loose cable can cause your MacBook screen to flicker. If you think this is the case, it’s time to open up your Mac and check for any loose cables or connectors. If you find any, you can reattach them with a little bit of tape or super glue. Another thing to keep in mind if your Mac screen is flickering is that if one of the cables connecting the display to other parts of the computer has become loose, then you’re going to need to get it fixed by an Apple Genius or by taking it into an Apple store for repairs.
Check Your Display Settings in OS X System Preferences > Displays
One of the most common reasons why is my MacBook screen flickering on its own is because there’s something wrong with your settings in System Preferences > Displays > Display tab > Arrangement tab in MacOS e display to the logic board is loose, it’s possible that the monitor itself is bad. This could be caused by a faulty inverter or another internal component.
Check for Problems with Your Hard Drive or RAM
If none of the above solutions work for you, there’s a chance that your hard drive or RAM is malfunctioning and causing the flickering issue. This can be easily checked by opening up your Mac and checking for any problems with these components. If there are problems with either one of these components, it’s likely that they will need to be replaced altogether in order to fix this issue.
How To Stop A Mac Screen From Flickering
Restart your Mac
If your screen is flickering and you’re not sure why one of the most effective things you can do is restart your Mac. Restarting the computer will allow it to clear out any temporary files that might be causing problems. If you see a flickering screen immediately after restarting, then it’s likely that a temporary file was causing the problem. And restarting your Mac should have cleared up the problem.
Update to the latest version of macOS
If you’re running an older version of macOS, then update your operating system to the latest version as soon as possible. There are often small glitches that get fixed with each new OS update that could be preventing your screen from working correctly. Updating to macOS Sierra will also ensure that all of your applications are up-to-date and compatible with current operating systems (which can help fix flickering issues).
Update all of your applications
If you haven’t updated all of your Mac applications to their latest versions, now is a good time to do so. Updating all of your apps to their latest versions will ensure that they are compatible with current operating systems (which can help fix flickering issues). To update all of your Mac apps, click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select “App Store.” Once you’re in the App Store, click on the “Updates” tab at the top and then click on “Update All.”
Update firmware
If you haven’t updated your firmware recently, it might be time to do so. Firmware is software that helps control hardware components within a computer system. Updating firmware can sometimes help fix minor glitches that could be caused by outdated software. To update your Mac firmware, go to Apple > About This Mac > Software Update > Download Now (or Software Update if you have your apps ensures that they’re compatible with macOS Sierra and will run at their optimal performance levels.
Reinstall macOS Sierra
If updating to macOS Sierra doesn’t fix your flickering screen, then you may need to reinstall it. Before you do so, back up all of your files to an external drive or cloud storage service so you have a copy of them if something goes wrong while reinstalling macOS Sierra. To reinstall macOS Sierra, click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “App Store.”
Conclusion
Your Mac is a powerful machine that you likely use on a daily basis. It’s important to know what to do when there’s an issue with your screen. If your screen is flickering, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Make sure that your screen brightness is set to a level that’s not too high, clean your screen of any dust or debris, and make sure that you’ve unplugged any external devices that you may not be using. If the flickering persists, it might be a sign of a bigger hardware issue. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get your Mac to an Apple Store as soon as possible.
