Home » How to » How to Fix a Flickering TV Screen (Quick and Easy!)
Yesterday, while I was watching a movie on my TV, the screen started flickering. Uh, what’s happening? I crossed my fingers that the TV would correct itself, but it didn’t.
It’s frustrating to deal with a flickering TV screen, especially when you’re watching your favorite show.
The good news is that minor mechanical problems you can handle yourself are why most TV screens are flickering. The bad news is that it can also be the sign of a bigger problem that requires expert help or can’t be fixed.
Before you panic, let’s uncover all the reasons why your TV screen is flickering and how to fix it (step-by-step)!
Sometimes all it takes to fix a flickering, blinking TV is to turn it off and back on. The problem could be with loose connections to the TV. Cables might not be properly secured or they might be broken.
Are all the cables and wires finger-tight? Is your TV still flickering? It’s time to start the troubleshooting procedure step by step in order to identify the issue and find a solution.
Before we do anything crazy, power off your TV and let it rest for a few minutes, then turn it back on.
Hopefully, the solution is as easy as that. If it didn’t work, keep reading. We still have a lot more tricks up our sleeves.
Unplug the power cord from the outlet to allow your TV to do a full reset. While it’s unplugged, hold down the power button to ensure any electricity left in the device is used up.
Now would be a good time to inspect the power outlet. Make sure no dust or debris could be interfering with the connection. Use a can of compressed air to clean it out if you need to.
After you have waited for at least one minute, plug the TV back into the outlet. Power it on as normal, and you should no longer have a flickering TV!
One of the most common reasons for a flickering TV screen is loose or damaged cables. Take the time to thoroughly check the quality of each cord connected to the TV.
The ends of a cable are likely places for exposed or frayed wires to occur. If you notice any damage, then it could be the reason for your problem.
Replacing the damaged cords is inexpensive and simple to do. Just be careful unplugging the device when there are exposed wires.
Now that you have checked the quality of the cables, verify that they are all securely plugged in.
A cord that is even a tiny bit loose can cause a TV to flicker. You can also try wiggling the ends of the cable to see if it has an effect on the flickering.
If you are using a Smart TV, you’ll want to check your Wi-Fi connection. Sometimes a poor Wi-Fi connection can cause a TV not to function properly.
Check your phone or tablet to ensure your Wi-Fi is working. If you notice that you have a weaker connection than usual, restart your Wi-Fi router.
Keep in mind that Wi-Fi signals can interfere with TVs. Try moving the router as far away from the TV as possible to avoid this issue.
The lighting in your room and the refresh rate of the TV might be causing the illusion of flickering.
The refresh rate determines how many frames a screen can refresh every second. A higher refresh rate usually results in a smoother picture.
However, sometimes, if the lighting is just right, the refresh rate can be seen, making the screen appear to be flickering.
First, turn on a few lights in the room. If the flickering no longer occurs, then you are dealing with a lighting issue and need to change the refresh rate. Luckily this is easy to fix! To change the refresh rate of your TV, follow these instructions:
Keep in mind these might be different depending on your TV brand.
Smart TVs are great, but they require a bit more attention. Software that becomes outdated can lead to pesky connection problems and hindered refresh rates.
Go into the TV settings and find Support or Software. Then select Update Software. Your TV should inform you if that are any updates that need to be installed.
Depending on the software, the installation process could take several minutes. So, kick back and feel accomplished that you figured out why your TV is flickering!
Is your TV flickering while you are watching a specific video or live event? Well, then, the video source is causing your problem.
To verify this is the case, pull up the program on another device to see if the flickering occurs.
A video source issue can be a pain in the neck because there isn’t anything you can do about a bad broadcast. However, at least you can rest easy knowing that your TV is not the problem – phew!
Most TVs that are newer will have an Energy Efficiency or Green Mode. When it is turned on, your TV will operate using the least amount of electricity possible. Less electricity can prevent your TV from functioning properly, resulting in a flickering TV.
Head to settings and select Power Saving – some TVs may have a different option, such as Energy Saving.
Then turn off any modes labeled Power Saving Mode, Energy Efficiency Mode, or Green Mode. Once the change has been made, power your TV off and on. Did that do the trick? If not, we still have a few more things to check!
TVs, like all electrical devices, have the ability to overheat. If your device is old or not made by a reputable manufacturer, overheating is more likely to happen.
When a TV overheats, the device will begin to malfunction. This can result in a flickering screen or a device that repeatedly shuts off.
If the issue is not fixed, individual bulbs and internal parts will be permanently damaged. Unfortunately, if you can’t uncover why your TV is overheating, you might have to look for a new one.
Before you throw your TV in the trash. Let’s go over a few simple reasons your device is overheating and how to fix them.
Ways to avoid overheating:
Internal issues are a common cause of a flickering TV. If you are not comfortable disassembling your device, it is best to contact a professional. However, if you feel capable enough, follow these steps:
If you suspect that your flickering TV is caused by an internal hardware problem, hiring a professional to fix it might be more trouble than it’s worth. TV mechanics can be expensive, so call and get a quote before deciding to hire one.
A flickering TV can be annoying, but often there is a quick and easy way to solve the problem.
If you are dealing with a new device, make sure to contact the manufacturer to see if you are eligible for a replacement or refund.
Let’s review all the potential ways to fix your flickering TV:
Like any electrical device, a TV that is kept clean, frequently updated, and treated with care is going to have a much longer life span.
If you have to replace your device, make sure to choose one made by a top-name brand to avoid technical issues in the future. Good luck!
For years technology has been a big part of Gardy's life. He's an Android guy with a secret love for Apple products. You'll often find him drawing with a pencil.
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