CrackMacMacBook screen flickering? Software fixes first, then the hardware signs
Start with software, because it's free and takes ten minutes. Turn off automatic brightness and True Tone, update macOS, and check whether the flicker happens in only one app. If the flicker changes when you move the lid, sits in one part of the screen, or started after a knock or spill, it's hardware, and no setting will fix it.
Not ready to pay for a repair? If the damage sits along an edge, you can block off the broken part and keep using the rest.
See it for yourself with the free screen flicker test, which also measures your refresh rate.
One test first
Connect an external monitor and press Command-Brightness Down to mirror. If both screens flicker, the cause is macOS, an app or the Mac's graphics. If only the built-in screen flickers, the display or its cable is the suspect.
Software fixes
- Turn off automatic brightness. System Settings, Displays, then switch off "Automatically adjust brightness". Rapid brightness changes in changing light look like flicker.
- Turn off True Tone in the same place, and Night Shift while you test.
- Set a fixed refresh rate. On MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch models, choose 60 Hertz instead of ProMotion in the Refresh Rate menu in Displays.
- Check one app. If the flicker only happens in Chrome or another browser, turn off its graphics acceleration setting and restart it.
- Update macOS in System Settings, General, Software Update. Display flicker bugs do get fixed in point releases.
- Try safe mode. If the flicker stops in safe mode, a login item or background app is causing it.
- On an Intel Mac, reset NVRAM by holding Option, Command, P and R for 20 seconds at startup.
Signs it's the hardware
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Flicker changes or stops as you move the lid | Display cable. A known fault on 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros. |
| Flicker in one band or corner only | Panel damage near that edge |
| Started after a knock or drop | Panel or connector damage |
| Started after a spill | Liquid damage. Get it checked soon, it spreads. |
| Horizontal or vertical lines with the flicker | See lines on the screen |
If the damage runs along one edge, CrackMac can keep windows, menus and the pointer off it. There's a free 30-minute trial.
By model
Causes differ by model. MacBook Pro screen flickering covers ProMotion and the 2016 to 2017 cable fault, and MacBook Air screen flickering covers the Air.
Repair costs
A cable repair is usually much cheaper than a full display. Prices for both are in screen replacement cost.
Quick answers
Why is my MacBook screen flickering?
Software causes include automatic brightness, True Tone, a macOS bug or one app's graphics acceleration. Hardware causes include a worn display cable, especially on 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros, and panel damage after a knock or spill.
How can I tell if MacBook screen flicker is hardware?
Mirror to an external monitor. If only the built-in screen flickers, and the flicker changes with the lid angle or sits in one area, it's hardware. If both screens flicker, it's software or the Mac's graphics.
Flicker confined to one strip?
If one edge of the screen flickers and the rest is steady, CrackMac can paint that strip solid black so it stops catching your eye, and keep windows and the pointer off it.
- Works on macOS 13 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.
- Free for 30 minutes of use, then a one-time price. No subscription.
- A refund within 7 days, no questions asked.