A phone screen flickering or flashing issue can be very uncomfortable to use. The display may blink, brightness may change automatically, or the screen may flicker especially at low brightness levels. This problem is common on Android phones and doesn’t always mean the display is damaged.
I personally faced this issue on an Android phone where the screen flickered badly at low brightness. Before assuming a screen replacement was needed, I tried a few software and settings fixes that solved the problem completely.
In this article, I’ll explain why phone screens flicker and share fixes that actually work.
How Screen Flickering Problems Usually Appear
You may notice:
- Screen flickering at low brightness
- Display flashing randomly
- Brightness changing on its own
- Flicker after software update
- Flicker while using certain apps
These symptoms help identify whether the issue is software or hardware-related.
Common Reasons Phone Screen Flickers
1. Adaptive Brightness Issues
Automatic brightness sometimes misbehaves.
2. Software Bugs After Updates
Display drivers may glitch after updates.
3. App Conflicts
Some apps interfere with display settings.
4. GPU or Display Driver Issues
Rendering issues can cause flickering.
5. Hardware Damage (Rare)
Physical damage affects the display panel.
Fixes That Actually Work
Method 1: Disable Adaptive / Auto Brightness
This was the fix that worked for me.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Display
- Turn off Adaptive brightness
- Set brightness manually
Screen flickering often stops instantly.
Method 2: Increase Brightness Slightly
Flickering happens more at very low brightness.
- Increase brightness by 10–20%
- Avoid using minimum brightness
This helps especially on AMOLED screens.
Method 3: Restart the Phone
Restarting clears temporary display glitches.
Always try this before advanced fixes.
Method 4: Check for Software Updates
Display bugs are fixed through updates.
- Go to Settings → Software update
- Install pending updates
- Restart phone
Method 5: Boot Phone into Safe Mode
Safe mode disables third-party apps.
What this tells you:
- If flickering stops in safe mode, an app is causing it
- Uninstall recently installed apps
This helps isolate the problem.
Method 6: Change Screen Refresh Rate (If Available)
High refresh rates may cause flicker.
Try this:
- Go to Display → Refresh rate
- Set to Standard instead of high
- Restart phone
Method 7: Reset Display Settings
Resets brightness and display behavior.
- Reset display-related settings
- Avoid factory reset unless necessary
When It’s a Hardware Issue
Screen repair may be needed if:
- Flickering occurs even in safe mode
- Screen was physically damaged
- Flickering shows lines or discoloration
- Issue persists after factory reset
In such cases, professional repair is required.
What You Should Avoid
- Using cracked screen protectors
- Ignoring flicker warnings
- Installing unknown display apps
- Keeping brightness extremely low
These worsen the problem.
FAQs
Is screen flickering harmful?
It can strain your eyes if ignored.
Does flickering mean screen damage?
Not always—software issues are common.
Can updates cause screen flicker?
Yes, temporarily in some cases.
Should I replace the screen immediately?
Only after software fixes fail.
Final Thoughts
If your phone screen is flickering or flashing, the issue is often caused by adaptive brightness, software bugs, or app conflicts—not immediate hardware failure.
From my experience, disabling adaptive brightness and slightly increasing brightness fixed the issue instantly. Always try software fixes first.
Vaishnav Singh is the founder and primary author of TechHary.com. Based in Mumbai, he brings hands-on professional experience to his writing, having worked extensively as a Windows expert within the IT industry. His practical background in solving complex technical issues fuels his passion for creating clear, helpful, and relevant content. At TechHary.com, Vaishnav dedicates himself to publishing in-depth articles, guides, and insights aimed at demystifying technology for enthusiasts and professionals alike. His mission is to build a trusted resource where readers can find reliable information to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.