CrackMacMacBook screen glitching? How to find the cause and fix it
A glitching MacBook screen is often software: restart, update macOS, and check whether it only happens in one app. If the glitch doesn't show up in a screenshot, changes as you move the lid, or started after a knock or a spill, the display or its cable is failing. Two quick tests tell you which.
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.
Two tests
- The screenshot test. When the glitch shows, press Command-Shift-3 and look at the screenshot on another device. A clean screenshot means the problem is in the display hardware. A glitched one means software or graphics.
- The monitor test. Connect an external monitor. Glitches on the built-in screen only point to the panel or cable. Glitches on both point to macOS or the graphics.
Common glitches and what they mean
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Flashing blocks or tearing in one app | That app's hardware acceleration. Turn it off in the app's settings. |
| Glitches since a macOS update | A bug. Install the next update, and try safe mode in the meantime. |
| A short glitch while waking, then fine | Usually software. Updates often fix it. |
| The picture breaks up as you move the lid | The display cable at the hinge. Works only at certain angles. |
| Glitches with lines or in one area | Panel damage. Horizontal lines and vertical lines. |
| Glitches after a spill | Liquid damage. What to do right now. |
Software fixes, in order
- Restart. It clears a stuck graphics state.
- Update macOS in System Settings, General, Software Update.
- Turn off hardware acceleration in the browser or app where it happens, then restart the app.
- Try safe mode. If the glitches stop, a login item or background app is the cause. Remove recent ones in System Settings, General, Login Items.
- Try a new user account. If it's fine there, the problem is in your account's settings.
- Run Apple Diagnostics. On Apple silicon, hold the power button at startup and press Command-D at the startup options. On Intel, hold D at startup.
If the damage runs along one edge, CrackMac can keep windows, menus and the pointer off it. There's a free 30-minute trial.
If it's the hardware
A failing panel or cable needs a repair. Here are the prices by model. If the glitches stay in one strip along an edge, you can block that strip off and keep working. Here's how.
Quick answers
Why is my MacBook screen glitching?
Software causes include a macOS bug after an update, one app's graphics acceleration or a stuck graphics state that a restart clears. Hardware causes include a damaged panel or display cable, especially when the glitch changes with the lid angle or started after a knock.
Why does my MacBook screen glitch when I open it?
If it only happens for a second while waking, it's usually software and an update often fixes it. If the picture breaks up as the lid moves, or only at certain angles, the display cable at the hinge is the likely cause.
How do I fix a glitching MacBook screen?
Restart, update macOS, try safe mode and turn off hardware acceleration in the app where it happens. If a screenshot of the glitch looks normal, the display hardware is at fault and needs a repair.
Glitching in one strip only?
If the glitches stay in one band along an edge and the rest of the screen behaves, CrackMac paints that band black and keeps windows, the menu bar and the pointer on the steady part.
- 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.