Screen flickering on a MacBook is frustrating and distracting. It can make basic tasks unbearable—and leave you wondering if it's a hardware issue.
To fix a flickering MacBook screen, try resetting system settings, updating macOS, disabling automatic graphics switching, or checking for hardware damage.
This guide walks you through each solution, from quick software fixes to more advanced checks, so you can find the root cause and get back to smooth display performance.
Is It a Software Glitch?
macOS bugs or app conflicts can cause temporary flickering. Luckily, these are usually the easiest problems to fix.
Start by updating your macOS and resetting display settings. Most flickering issues are solved this way.
Dive Deeper: Try These Software Fixes First
1. Update macOS
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
- Install any available updates
2. Reset PRAM/NVRAM
- Shut down your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R
- Hold for 20 seconds, then release
3. Reset SMC (Intel Macs only)
- Shut down the MacBook
- Press Shift + Control + Option on the left side and the Power button at the same time
- Hold for 10 seconds, then release
These resets clear system-level memory and fix display-related bugs.
Could It Be Graphics Switching?
Some MacBook Pros use two GPUs—one for low power and one for high performance. Switching between them can cause screen flickering.
Disable automatic graphics switching to keep the MacBook on one GPU, avoiding flicker during transitions.
Dive Deeper: Disable Graphics Switching
- Go to System Settings > Battery > Options
- Toggle off "Automatic graphics switching"
Note: This option appears only on dual-GPU MacBook Pros (mostly 15" and 16" models).
Disabling this feature may use more power but stabilizes the screen in many cases.
Is It Caused by External Displays?
Flickering sometimes occurs only when using external monitors—especially third-party or high-refresh-rate ones.
Test your MacBook screen alone, and update any connected monitor's firmware or drivers.
Dive Deeper: Troubleshooting External Display Flicker
- Unplug all external monitors
- Restart your MacBook and see if flickering continues
- If the issue is gone, try:
- Using a different cable (e.g., Thunderbolt instead of HDMI)
- Reducing the refresh rate on the external display
- Checking compatibility with your macOS version
You can also try Safe Mode (hold Shift while booting) to rule out third-party kernel extensions.
Are Certain Apps the Problem?
Some third-party apps (especially Chrome and video editing tools) can interfere with macOS rendering.
Close resource-heavy or recently installed apps to see if they trigger screen flicker.
Dive Deeper: App-Related Screen Flicker
Apps known to cause flickering include:
- Google Chrome
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- VLC Media Player
- Some third-party display management tools
Try the following:
- Disable hardware acceleration in the app's settings
- Uninstall or update the app
- Monitor Activity Monitor for spikes in GPU usage
If flickering stops when the app is closed, it’s time to switch or update it.
Could It Be Hardware Damage?
If flickering continues despite software fixes, the problem may be physical—like a damaged display, flex cable, or logic board.
Look for signs of physical damage or get help from Apple Support.
Dive Deeper: Spotting Hardware Failures
Signs of hardware issues:
- Flickering starts only when adjusting screen angle
- Vertical lines or screen tearing appears randomly
- Screen goes black intermittently
If your MacBook is under warranty or AppleCare:
- Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider
- Request a diagnostic test
Out-of-warranty? Use third-party Apple-certified repair centers and request a flex cable or display test first—these are common failure points.
Conclusion
A flickering MacBook screen usually has a simple fix—reset settings, update software, or disable graphics switching. If issues persist, hardware inspection may be required.
