My iPhone Screen is Flickering: Why and How to Fix

Dealing with a flickering iPhone screen can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily tasks. Fortunately, you’re not alone in facing this issue, and there are several potential solutions you can try before seeking professional help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the possible reasons behind your iPhone screen flickering and provide step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the problem.

What Causes iPhone Screen Flickering?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your iPhone screen might be flickering. Several factors could contribute to this issue:

1. Low Storage Problem

Insufficient storage can lead to screen flickering as there is limited space left in the storage capacity of your iPhone for storing apps, files, and data.

When storage is low, your iPhone struggles to handle multiple tasks at once and the screen might start to flicker.

2. Possible Water Damage

Exposure to water or moisture can damage your iPhone’s internal components, including the display, causing flickering issues.

Read also: Tips to Save Wet Gadgets from Getting Damaged

3. Malware and Virus

Malicious software can trigger various problems, like slowdowns, crashes, and flickering screens. This often comes from untrusted sources, downloaded apps or files can compromise your device’s system files, resulting in performance glitches like screen flickering.

4. Software Issues

Glitches or bugs in the iOS software can trigger screen flickering. These issues may arise after an update or due to incompatible apps.

5. Hardware Related Issues

Problems with the display hardware, such as a loose connection or a faulty component, can result in flickering.

How to Fix a Flickering iPhone Screen?

Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions:

1. Check Your iPhone’s Storage Capacity

Your iPhone screen may flicker if its storage capacity is almost full. Check storage capacity and offload unused apps to free up some space.

• Go to: Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

• Identify and remove unnecessary files or apps that are no longer needed.

2. Get Rid of Moisture

Moisture and electronic items don’t match. If screen flickering happens after you dropped your phone in the water, you need to make sure your phone has been completely dried.

3. Install and Run Antivirus

Safeguard your iPhone by installing a reliable antivirus app. Run a comprehensive scan to identify and eliminate any malicious elements causing the screen flickering issue.

Moreover, stay cautious and avoid downloading content from unverified sources.

Regular software updates are also crucial to maintain a secure and flicker-free device.

4. Force Re-start

A simple force restart can help resolve temporary glitches causing the flickering.

To force re-start your iPhone, do the steps below in a smooth and quick sequence:

• Press and release the Volume Up button.

• Press and release the Volume Down button.

• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows up.

• Release the Side button and your iPhone should re-start.

5. Enable Reduce Transparency

As a temporary fix, this method addresses unresponsive touchscreens and random screen flickering.

• Go to: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency.

• Toggle on Reduce Transparency

6. Toggle Off Auto-Brightness

Disabling the Auto-Brightness feature on your iPhone has been effective for many users experiencing display flickering. Here’s how:

• Go to: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.

• Turn off the Auto-Brightness option.

7. Reduce Screen Brightness

Sometimes, reducing the screen brightness can mitigate flickering, especially in bright-light conditions.

• Go to: Settings > Display & Brightness.

• Adjust the slider to reduce the screen brightness.

8. Disable Reduce White Point

If you’ve enabled the “Reduce White Point” accessibility feature, try disabling it.

• Go to: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.

• Look for “Reduce White Point” and disable it.

9. Check if Screen Flickers Happen Only on Certain Apps

If flickering is limited to specific apps, those apps might be causing compatibility issues. Update or uninstall the problematic apps.

10. Check for iOS Updates

Outdated software can contribute to screen flickering. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.

• Go to: Settings > General > Software Update.

• Download/Update if there’s any new iOS updates available.

11. Reset Your iPhone’s Settings

Performing a soft reset can help resolve software-related problems without erasing your data.

• Go to: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

12. Factory Resetting Your iPhone

If the flickering persists, you might need to restore your iPhone to factory settings.

• Go to: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase all content and settings.

• Remember to back up your data first so that you can restore them after the reset.

13. Use Genuine Accessories

Poor-quality chargers or cables can cause power-related issues, leading to screen flickering. Stick to genuine Apple accessories.

14. Check Battery Health

A degraded battery can affect device performance. According to Apple, a normal iPhone battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions.

That’s simply saying to replace your iPhone battery if its maximum capacity went below 80%.

Here’s how to check your iPhone battery health:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

15. Fixes if Flickering Screen is Hardware Related

When all attempted fixes prove ineffective, the root issue might lie within the iPhone hardware.

If your device’s warranty has lapsed, consider these steps to troubleshoot:

• Maintain a Clean Screen: Ensure your iPhone’s screen is free from oil, dust and dirt buildup. These particles can hinder touch responsiveness and cause display anomalies.

• LCD Screen Replacement: A malfunctioning LCD screen could result in freezing, an unresponsive touch interface, or persistent flickering. Depending on your expertise, either replace it yourself or engage a professional for the task.

16. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance.

Read also: How to Get Rid of Ghost Touch on iPhone? [12 Effective Ways]

Wrap-up

Dealing with a flickering iPhone screen can be a real nuisance, but armed with these solutions, you’re well-equipped to tackle the issue head-on. Remember that the severity of the problem can vary, so be patient as you work through the steps. Whether it’s a software glitch or a hardware concern, there’s a good chance you’ll have your iPhone screen back to normal in no time.

FAQs

Q1: Can I fix a water-damaged iPhone screen flickering on my own?

A1: While some DIY fixes exist, water damage can be complex and worsen if not handled properly. It’s advisable to seek professional help.

Q2: Will a factory reset erase all my data?

A2: Yes, a factory reset erases all data on your iPhone. Be sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

Q3: How can I prevent future screen flickering issues?

A3: Regularly update your device’s software, use genuine accessories, and avoid exposing your iPhone to extreme moisture.