Nothing is more frustrating than settling down to watch your favorite show or movie, only to have your TV screen flickering uncontrollably.
I know this because I once faced this flickering TV screen and I had no choice but to turn it off because it was causing me eye strain and a headache. I also thought maybe letting my TV rest would fix it
When I opened my TV again though, the screen was still flickering. But before I started panicking, I did these simple troubleshooting steps on how to fix a flickering TV screen. With these, I didn’t have to replace my TV!
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Fix a Flickering TV Screen
To fix a flickering TV screen, check the power and connections, adjust the settings, and test different devices. If the issue persists, try resetting the TV or updating the firmware. If none of these solutions work, the problem may be with the hardware, and professional repair may be necessary.
Why Is My TV Flickering?
There are several possible reasons why your TV screen may be flickering. Some of the most common causes include:
- Poor-quality HDMI cable or connection
- Incorrect setting on the TV or connected device
- Outdated firmware on the TV or device
- Issues with the TV’s backlight or inverter
- Electromagnetic interference from other devices
These issues can lead to flickering, flashing, or other abnormal screen behavior on your TV. But don’t fret; we’ve included a list of troubleshooting methods to fix your glitchy TV screen in no time.
How to Fix a Flickering TV Screen
Here’s a list of possible fixes you can try to resolve your glitchy TV screen. Make sure to follow the fixes individually to identify and fix the issue. Let’s dig in.
1. Verify the Video Source Is Functioning Correctly
If you notice a glitchy TV screen, it could be due to a fault in your video source.
This occurs when the TV receives corrupted frames from a broadcast, whether you’re watching a recording or streaming online.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to fix the video source. However, if you are streaming, resetting the router or rebooting your TV may be helpful.
2. Restart Your TV
If you’re still experiencing flickering issues, you should reboot your TV.
Restarting your TV could help you stop the glitchy TV screen. Make sure to wait for a couple of minutes before turning your TV back on.
Remember, turning on and off your TV will only fix temporary problems. You may need to move on to other fixes to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
3. Disconnect Your TV From the Power Outlet
If powering on and off the TV doesn’t work, unplug your TV from its power source.
Performing a soft reset on your TV might help you resolve the flickering issue on your TV. The key here is to wait 5–10 minutes before plugging your TV back into the power outlet.
The key here is to wait because when I first turned my TV off and on, it didn’t get fixed. But it was back to business when I unplugged my TV and waited for 10 minutes!
4. Examine Your Cables for Any Damage or Loose Connections
To ensure that your TV functions properly, it’s essential to check for damaged cables. Look out for damaged cords, bent wires, or loose connections, particularly if you notice flickering occurring only during specific input usage.
For instance, if flickering happens while playing a video game, it’s worth checking all the cables associated with the console, particularly the HDMI cables that tend to break easily. Similarly, if the flickering only happens while watching cable TV, inspect the wires connected to the cable box.
Thankfully, replacing these kinds of wires is not expensive these days.
5. Inspect Your Wi-Fi Router for Interference
If you’re experiencing flickering on your smart TV, it’s worth considering the router as a possible cause.
You can try resetting the router or placing it closer to your TV, but you should avoid moving it too close. This is because routers give off signals that could interfere with older TVs.
If you own an older TV that doesn’t require access to the internet, it’s best to place the router at a safe distance from the TV screen.
6. Check for Overheating Problems
If you have an older TV, you might encounter problems like overheating, which can cause the screen to appear distorted and flickering. This issue can potentially lead to complete failure, particularly for LCD TVs.
Meanwhile, overheating on LED TVs can cause old LEDs to break down, leading to dead pixels.
While unaffected bulbs will still work, the rest malfunctioning can eventually spread across the screen, rendering the display unusable.
If you notice overheating occurring after a few hours of continuous usage, consider contacting a professional to service the TV’s cooling system.
Now, it’s worth exploring some simple reasons for overheating and learning how to fix them. Here are some useful tips to avoid overheating:
- Keep your TV away from other sources of heat to reduce the chances of overheating. For instance, if your TV is located near other devices and vents that emit heat, consider relocating it to a cooler spot.
- Remove any objects that may be blocking airflow, such as decorations or furniture, as they can obstruct the vents and hinder proper ventilation.
- Clean the vents to prevent dust and debris from building up and limiting airflow, which can then cause your device to overheat.
7. Assess the Lighting Conditions in Your Room
TV screens flicker constantly, but the flicker is usually too quick to be noticeable. However, in some extreme lighting conditions, the refresh rates become noticeable, making the TV seem like it’s flickering. One solution to this problem is to either darken or brighten your room.
Alternatively, you can adjust your TV’s brightness settings to eliminate flickering. While it may take some experimentation to find the optimal settings, the changes will be noticeable immediately.
8. Look for Signs of Screen Burn-In
While screen burn-in is less common in LCD and LED TVs compared to CRTs, there are still similar issues that can occur.
For instance, if an LCD TV displays a static image for an extended period, it can cause a “burn-in,” where the image persists even after changing what’s on display.
Similarly, LEDs can also experience this issue, leading to screen flickering due to inconsistent display output.
To reduce the occurrence of this problem, it’s recommended to lower the TV’s brightness, as this is often the cause of the issue. By reducing the brightness, you can minimize image persistence and increase the longevity of your TV.
9. Try Moving to Another Spot
If you own a plasma TV and notice flickering, it could be due to your viewing angle or distance from the screen. Consider adjusting your TV setup or changing your seating position to find the optimal viewing angle. By doing this, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the flickering on your plasma TV.
10. Download the Latest Firmware Update on Your TV
If you own a smart TV, it’s necessary to update it periodically. Neglecting to do so could result in subpar refresh rates and various connectivity problems. You can typically find the updates in the settings, software, and support sections of your smart TV menu.
Choose the “Update Now” option and wait for it to download and install on your TV. This should resolve most screen flickering issues experienced by smart TV users.
11. Disable Energy-Saving Settings
If you are experiencing screen flickering on your TV, it’s possible that the energy-saving mode could be the culprit. To verify if this is the case, you can try disabling the energy-saving mode and using the TV normally.
If the flickering reduces after disabling the setting, it could mean the TV was not drawing enough electricity to function correctly.
12. Troubleshoot Possible Internal Hardware Issues
If you’ve disabled power saving mode and are still experiencing consistent flickering, it’s possible that an electrical unit inside your TV, such as the ribbons, is wearing out.
Fixing internal problems on your own may not be possible unless you’re an expert, so it’s advisable to contact a professional to repair your TV or even consider purchasing a new one. If your TV is relatively new, it may still be under warranty. It’s worth a shot.
13. Seek Professional Assistance if Necessary
If none of the previous solutions have resolved the flickering problem on your TV, it’s advisable to seek the help of an authorized expert to take a closer look.
This is particularly important for newer TVs with more complex components.
In many cases, these components are soldered to the mainboard, which requires expertise and specialized tools to replace the damaged parts with new ones. Therefore, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure that the issue is fixed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, HDMI cables can cause flickering on your TV if the cable is of poor quality or not properly connected. It can also be caused by incorrect display settings or issues with the HDMI ports. Tweaking the settings or trying a different port can often resolve the issue.
You may notice issues such as no signal, a distorted or grainy picture, or a flickering screen. A bad cable can also cause audio problems, such as static or no sound at all. Try using a different HDMI cable to determine if the issue is with the cable or the device itself.
Flickering on an LG Smart TV can be caused by poor HDMI connection, outdated firmware, or incorrect display settings. Check the HDMI cable, update the firmware, and adjust the display settings. If issues persist, contact LG support.
The cost of fixing a flickering TV varies depending on the cause of the problem. It can range from a simple fix, such as adjusting the settings or replacing a faulty cable, to more complex repairs that may require professional help. Contacting a technician for an assessment is recommended to determine the cost of fixing a flickering TV.
LED screens can flicker for various reasons, including low refresh rates, incompatible dimming techniques, and electromagnetic interference. Flickering is more noticeable in low-light conditions, and can cause eye strain, headaches, and other health issues. Proper setup, maintenance, and usage can help reduce flickering.
The Bottom Line
A flickering TV screen can be frustrating and disruptive to your viewing experience, but it’s a common issue that can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps.
By identifying the cause of the flickering and following the appropriate fixes, such as:
- Verifying the Video Source Is Functioning Correctly
- Restarting Your TV
- Disconnecting Your TV From the Power Outlet
- Examining Your Cables for Any Damage or Loose Connections
- Inspecting Your Wi-Fi Router for Interference
- Checking for Overheating Problems
- Assessing the Lighting Conditions in Your Room
- Looking for Signs of Screen Burn-In
- Troubleshooting Possible Internal Hardware Issues
- Trying Moving to Another Spot
- Downloading the Latest Firmware Update for Your TV
- Disabling Energy-Saving Settings
With these fixes, you can often resolve the issue and enjoy a clear and stable picture again. If the problem persists or you’re unsure how to fix it, seeking professional assistance would be the most viable option.
Hopefully, this guide on how to fix a flickering TV screen helped you. Were you able to resolve the flickering issues on your TV? If so, please share your experience in the comments below!
