Hello there, fellow tech enthusiasts! I hope you’re having a fantastic day. Now, let’s dive straight into today’s topic. If you’re dealing with a flickering screen on your MacBook, I can imagine how frustrating it can be. Trust me, I’ve been there. But don’t worry, I’ve come up with 12 solutions that worked for me, and hopefully, they’ll work for you too!
Check for macOS Updates:
It’s always wise to start simple, so let’s kick things off by checking for any software updates. macOS updates often include fixes for bugs that could be causing the flicker. To do this, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. If an update is available, click on ‘Update Now. Apple Support can provide you with more details about this process.
Reset the SMC (System Management Controller):
Resetting the SMC can solve a myriad of issues, including a flickering display. To do this, you’ll first need to shut down your MacBook. Once it’s off, press Shift+Control+Option on the left side of the keyboard and the Power button simultaneously. Hold them for about 10 seconds and then release. Restart your MacBook and check if the problem persists.
Reset the NVRAM or PRAM:
Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM might help fix the flickering issue. Reboot your MacBook, then immediately press and hold Option+Command+P+R. Release them after about 20 seconds and your MacBook should restart. You can get a step-by-step guide from Apple Support.
Enter Safe Mode:
Booting your MacBook in Safe Mode can help identify any software conflicts that may be causing the flickering screen. Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window. Now check if the flickering still occurs.
Check for App Updates
Up-to-date apps are not only about getting the latest features; they also include necessary patches and bug fixes that may resolve issues causing your MacBook screen to flicker.
- Click on the App Store icon in your Dock.
- On the App Store window, select ‘Updates’ from the left-hand sidebar.
- If updates are available, there’ll be an ‘Update All’ button at the top right. Click on it to update all apps at once. Alternatively, you can update apps individually by clicking on the ‘Update’ button next to each app.
Close Resource-Intensive Apps
Some apps require a lot of processing power and memory. If several such apps are running simultaneously, it can overload your system, causing your screen to flicker.
- Press Command+Space to open Spotlight, type ‘Activity Monitor’, and hit Enter.
- In the Activity Monitor, look for any apps that are consuming a high percentage of CPU or Memory.
- Select the resource-heavy app and click the ‘X’ button at the top left of the Activity Monitor window to quit the app.
Adjust the Display Resolution
Sometimes, an unsupported or incorrect display resolution can cause the MacBook screen to flicker.
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays.
- Under the ‘Display’ tab, select ‘Scaled.
- Try different resolution settings to see if any of them resolves the flickering issue.
Test in Another User Account
Creating a new user account can help identify whether the flickering issue is specific to your user account or if it’s a system-wide issue.
- Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on the ‘+’ button to add a new user.
- After creating a new user, log out from your current account (Apple menu > Log Out) and log in to the new account to see if the flickering issue persists.
Try External Display
Connecting your MacBook to an external display can help you determine if the flickering is due to a hardware problem.
- Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using the appropriate cable or adapter.
- If the flickering doesn’t occur on the external display, it’s likely a problem with your MacBook’s display or its hardware.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the above steps work, it might be time to reach out to the experts at Apple. You can visit Apple Support’s contact page and choose a suitable way to get in touch—via call, chat, or email.
Visit an Apple Store
If you live near an Apple Store or an authorized Apple service provider, consider making a visit. They have access to diagnostic tools that can identify hardware issues which you may not be able to troubleshoot at home. You can book an appointment through the Apple Store app or on the Apple’s website.
Backup and Reinstall macOS
If all else fails, you might want to consider reinstalling macOS. But before that, make sure to back up all your data.
- Back up your data using Time Machine or your preferred backup method.
- Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold Command+R until the Apple logo appears.
- In the macOS Utilities window, select ‘Reinstall macOS’ and follow the on-screen instructions
Remember, don’t panic. Troubleshooting is a process of elimination. By following these steps systematically, you’re bound to find a solution.
