How to Troubleshoot & Fix Flickering in Your TV

PDF download Download Article
Repair flickering screens on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, LG, Vizio, Sony, Samsung & more
PDF download Download Article

Is the screen on your TV flickering when you turn it on? This issue can happen to various TV and smart TV models, including TCL, Samsung, and Sony. Find out how to diagnose the problem and troubleshoot the flickering screen on your TV.

What to Do When the TV Screen Flickers

The easiest troubleshooting step is power cycling your TV to get rid of any temporary glitches that can cause your TV's screen to flicker. Also check for loose or damaged cables, dust build-up, outdated firmware, overheating, or the wrong refresh rate.

Section 1 of 2:

Common Reasons for Flickering

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Diagnose your issue at home by investigating these issues.
    • Loose cable .
    • Dust and debris build-up .
    • Outdated firmware or software .
    • Overheating .
    • Incorrect refresh rate settings .
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

Top Fixes

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The most frequently suggested tech solution is suggested for a reason. Disconnect the power cable from the TV or the wall and leave it unplugged for 20 seconds. Finally, plug the TV back into power and see if the screen still flickers.
    • It might just be temporarily glitching and restarting the TV will help in this case.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether you're using an HDMI cable or a USB plug-in, you want to make sure that anything connected to your TV is plugged in all the way and that no cords are damaged.
    • Cables that aren't plugged in correctly or are damaged will lose data and your screen will flicker. [1]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a lint-free cloth, like a microfiber rag, and wipe down your TV's screen and wires. If dust is clogging up ports, use compressed air to get rid of it.
    • Dust can accumulate and cause electrical devices to malfunction, like causing your TV to flicker.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Outdated firmware will get bugs, like causing your screen to flicker. How you update depends on the model and make of your TV, but you can generally find the Update option in Settings. [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you use your TV for extended periods of time, it can overheat. Touch your TV to see if it's too hot; it might be placed in a spot that's not good for ventilation (like inside a cabinet), or the internal fan stopped working.
    • If the internal cooling fan doesn't work, you might have to take it to a professional to get it replaced, or this might be a sign to buy a new TV .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Flickering-in-TV-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Flickering-in-TV-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your TV's firmware is up-to-date, a too-high or too-low refresh rate can be the cause behind the flickering on your screen. Changing it depends on the make and model of your TV, but you will generally find the "Refresh Rate" options in Display Settings or Picture Options .
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix a TCL TV with a Black Display
      10 Ways to Fix if your Hisense TV is Not Turning On
      Reset a Vizio Soundbar: Soft or Factory Reset + Troubleshooting
      13 Ways to Stop TV Sound Vibration & Buzzing Speakers
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/tv-audio-video/how-to-troubleshoot-tv-screen-flickering/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjIqxtVwmDdLITcpXF4prIKeryCHA7ksOj2FMgPoQogpgVsDiD
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/tv-audio-video/how-to-troubleshoot-tv-screen-flickering/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjIqxtVwmDdLITcpXF4prIKeryCHA7ksOj2FMgPoQogpgVsDiD

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 231 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement