How to Fix a Flickering Phone Screen: A Calm Step by Step Guide for Android and iPhone

A flickering phone screen can look like rapid pulsing, quick flashes, lines that blink at the top or bottom, or brightness that keeps changing even when you are not touching anything. It matters because flicker can point to anything from a simple setting conflict to real hardware damage that can worsen if you keep charging or pressing on the screen. In this guide you will troubleshoot safely, starting with quick checks that protect your data and rule out common software issues. The steps work for both Android and iPhone, but the exact menu names can vary by model and software version.

Key takeaways

• If the phone got wet, stop charging and dry it properly before doing anything else Apple Support
• If flicker happens only in one app, focus on that app first: update it, clear its data or reinstall, and test again
• If flicker happens only when charging, treat the charging setup as the suspect: cable, adapter, and power outlet
• On Android, Safe Mode helps you tell app problems apart from system or hardware problems Google Help
• If flicker continues in Safe Mode or after a clean software update path, hardware damage becomes more likely and it is time for first party support or a reputable repair shop

What screen flickering means and why it happens

Screen flickering is any repeated flashing or pulsing you can see with your eyes. People describe it in a few common patterns:

• Screen flickering when charging, especially on a desk, in a car, or from a computer USB port
• Screen flickering only in one app, like a game, a camera app, or a social app
• A green flicker or green tint that appears at low brightness
• A band that blinks at the top or bottom of the display
• The screen turns on and off quickly, or looks like it is dimming and brightening in waves

Most causes fall into two big buckets.

Bucket 1: Software and settings

A flickering phone screen can come from the operating system, an app, or a setting that controls brightness and color. For example:

• Auto brightness on iPhone adjusts the screen using the ambient light sensor, and Apple shows how to toggle it in Accessibility settings Apple Support
• Night Shift changes the color temperature of the display on a schedule, and Apple documents where to control it Apple Support
• On some Android phones, Night Light is a built in blue light filter style feature, and Google documents how to schedule and adjust it on Pixel phones Google Help

When two features compete, like adaptive brightness plus a night mode filter plus an app that also changes display behavior, you can see flicker like pulsing or unstable brightness. That does not automatically mean the screen is broken. It just means you should test with a simpler setup.

Bucket 2: Power or hardware

Flicker can also be related to power delivery or physical damage.

• If the phone got wet, charging can be risky. Apple warns that charging while the connector is wet can cause corrosion and permanent damage Apple Support
• Drops, bends, and pressure can loosen internal connections or damage the display panel even if the glass is not badly cracked. You cannot reliably confirm that at home without proper diagnostics, so your goal is to recognize the pattern that points to hardware and stop doing things that make it worse.

A helpful mindset: you are not trying to guess the exact component that failed. You are trying to answer one practical question: is this likely a software problem I can fix today, or is this likely hardware that needs professional help.

Before you troubleshoot: quick safety and backup checklist

Do these first. They prevent small mistakes that can turn a flicker into data loss.

1. If the phone got wet, stop charging right now

If you suspect water damage, do not plug the phone in. Apple explains that charging a wet Lightning or USB C connector can cause corrosion and permanent damage Power the phone off if you can, dry the outside, and let it dry thoroughly before you continue.

2. Back up before you start changing lots of things

If your screen is readable, back up now. If it becomes unreadable later, you will be glad you did.

• iPhone: Apple explains how to back up to iCloud Apple Support
• Android: Google explains how to back up and also how to trigger a manual backup

3. If the screen is hard to use, use screen mirroring as a lifeline

If the flickering phone screen makes it tough to navigate, projecting phone screen content to a larger display can help you back up and finish urgent tasks.

• iPhone and iPad: Apple shows how to use AirPlay to mirror your screen to an Apple TV, AirPlay compatible TV, or Mac Apple Support
• Android casting varies by device, but Google provides guidance on casting and connecting to TVs through Google TV and Google Cast features

If screen mirroring works, use it to back up, update, and test settings with less frustration.

Step by step troubleshooting guide

Follow this in order. After each step, test for a few minutes in the situation that normally triggers the flicker.

Step 1: Do a real restart, not sleep mode

What to do
• iPhone: follow Apple’s restart steps for your model Apple Support
• Pixel phones: Google shows restart steps for Pixel models Google Help
• Other Android brands: the restart method is similar, using the power menu, but the button combination can vary

Why it helps
A restart clears temporary glitches and reloads the display driver and running apps. It also helps you confirm whether the flicker is tied to a long running session or heat buildup.

What the result means
• Flicker is gone: it may have been a temporary software glitch
• Flicker returns quickly: keep going to the next step

What to do next
If flicker returns, go straight to updates. Many display issues are fixed in software updates.

Step 2: Update the operating system

What to do
• iPhone: Apple shows how to update iOS in Settings, including Software Update Apple Support
• Android: Google shows how to check and install updates in Settings under System and Software update Google Help

Why it helps
Updates can fix bugs and compatibility issues between the OS and your display hardware or graphics pipeline. This is especially important if flicker started after a recent update or if you have delayed updates for a long time.

What the result means
• Flicker improves after the update: the cause was likely software
• No change: continue, because apps and settings can still be involved

What to do next
Update your apps next.

Step 3: Update all apps

What to do
• iPhone: Apple shows how to manually update apps in the App Store Apple Support
• Android: Google shows how to update apps in Google Play under Manage apps and device Google Help

Why it helps
A single outdated app can misbehave and make the display look unstable, especially if it uses camera overlays, video playback, or heavy graphics.

What the result means
• Flicker only happens in one app after updates: keep reading Step 4
• Flicker happens everywhere: move to Step 5 and Step 6

Step 4: Check whether screen flickering only happens in one app

What to do
Test three situations:

1 Open the problem app and reproduce the flicker
2 Switch to the home screen and a different app
3 Try the same task in a different app. Example: if the camera flickers in one social app, try the built in camera app

Why it helps
If screen flickering only in one app, the issue is very often that app or its interaction with a display feature. You can usually fix it without touching system level settings.

What the result means
• Flicker only in that app: treat it as an app issue
• Flicker also outside that app: treat it as system, power, or hardware

What to do next if it is only one app
• Check for app updates again Apple Support
• Force close the app and reopen it
• Reinstall the app if needed
• If the app has video or graphics settings, reduce effects and test

If it still flickers only in that app after reinstall, you may have found a genuine app compatibility bug. At that point, report it to the app developer and use a temporary workaround section later in this guide.

Step 5: If flicker happens while charging, run charging tests

This is the common “screen flickering when charging” situation.

What to do
Run these tests one at a time, changing only one thing each time:

1 Inspect the charging cable for bends, loose connectors, fraying, or a plug that does not seat firmly
2 Try a different charging cable
3 Try a different adapter
4 Try a different power outlet
5 Avoid unstable power sources for testing, like a loose power strip or a worn car charger

Why it helps
If your phone is experiencing unstable charging, it can behave unpredictably. Even if the exact mechanism differs by model, this test quickly answers whether the charging setup is involved.

What the result means
• Flicker disappears with a different cable or outlet: your original charging cable, adapter, or power outlet is likely the trigger
• Flicker stays no matter what: charging may not be the main cause, or the phone may have internal issues

What to do next
If flicker is tied to charging, keep using the stable setup you found while you continue the next steps. If the phone got wet at any point, remember Apple’s guidance: do not charge when liquid is detected Apple Support.

Step 6: Test display settings that often cause flicker like behavior

Change one setting, test, then either keep it or revert.

6A: Turn off auto brightness or adaptive brightness

What to do
• iPhone: Apple shows Auto Brightness in Accessibility, Display and Text Size Apple Support
• Android: the path varies by brand. On many phones it is in Display settings, often called adaptive brightness

Why it helps
Auto brightness and adaptive brightness rely on sensors and software. If brightness is rapidly adjusting, it can look like flicker.

What the result means
• Flicker stops when auto brightness is off: the brightness system may be reacting poorly to your environment or a sensor reading
• Flicker continues: move to the next setting

What to do next
If turning it off helps, leave it off for a day, then optionally turn it back on later to confirm.

6B: Turn off Night Shift, Night Light, and any blue light filter apps

What to do
• iPhone: Apple shows where to manage Night Shift in Display and Brightness Apple Support
• Pixel phones: Google shows Night Light under Display and touch Google Help
• If you use a third party blue light filter app, turn it off or uninstall temporarily

Why it helps
Color temperature filters can interact with brightness behavior. If your flicker happens mostly at night, this is a high value test.

What the result means
• Flicker stops: the filter or schedule was involved
• Flicker continues: go to Step 7

Step 7: Android only: use Developer options carefully

This step is advanced. It can help in some cases, but it is not guaranteed.

What to do
1 Enable Developer options on Android, then open Developer options
2 Find Disable HW overlays and toggle it on temporarily
Android’s official developer documentation describes Disable HW overlays and notes that it disables the hardware overlay Android Developers
3 Test for flicker for a few minutes
4 If it does not help, revert it back to the original state

Why it helps
Android explains that disabling hardware overlays changes how the system handles certain screen rendering paths Android Developers. In plain language, you are switching how some graphics layers are composed, which can bypass a glitch in some scenarios.

What the result means
• Flicker improves: keep it on only as a short term diagnostic and consider professional help if you had to use this to stabilize the phone
• Flicker does not improve: turn it back off and move to Safe Mode

What to do next
Proceed to Safe Mode testing.

Step 8: Android only: test in Safe Mode

What to do
• Google explains how Safe Mode helps find problem apps and how to interpret the result Google Help
• Samsung explains that Safe Mode prevents third party apps from running so you can identify misbehaving apps
Your exact button steps can vary by brand, so follow your manufacturer instructions if needed.

Why it helps
Safe Mode isolates third party apps. If flicker stops in Safe Mode, an installed app or overlay is a strong suspect.

What the result means
• Flicker stops in Safe Mode: an app is likely the cause. Remove recent apps, screen filter apps, launchers, or any app with display overlays, then reboot normally and retest Google Help
• Flicker continues in Safe Mode: the cause is less likely to be a third party app, so hardware or deeper system issues become more likely

What to do next
If flicker continues in Safe Mode, skip ahead to Step 9 and plan a repair path.

Step 9: Decide whether hardware damage is likely

At this point you have ruled out many common software causes. Hardware becomes more likely if any of these are true:

• Flicker started after a drop, bend, or pressure event
• Flicker started after water damage or exposure to moisture, especially if you charged the phone soon after
• Flicker occurs everywhere, including lock screen and Settings
• Flicker continues after updates and persists in Android Safe Mode Google Help

What to do
1 Stop changing settings and stop stress testing
2 Back up if you have not already Apple Support
3 Contact first party support or a reputable repair shop
If you see liquid detection warnings on iPhone, follow Apple’s guidance and avoid charging until the connector is dry Apple Support

What cannot be confirmed at home
You cannot reliably confirm internal display connector damage, panel defects, or board level faults without proper tools. If someone claims an app can “repair” physical damage, treat that claim skeptically.

Alternative workarounds when you need the phone right now

Sometimes you need access for work, school, or a backup, even if the flickering phone screen is not fixed yet.

Workaround 1: Use screen mirroring or projecting phone screen to a bigger display

• iPhone: Apple shows Screen Mirroring through AirPlay in Control Center Apple Support
• Android: casting and connection methods vary, but Google provides guidance on casting and connecting to TVs Google Help

Practical tips
• Keep the phone plugged into stable power only if it is safe and dry Apple Support
• Lower brightness slightly if it reduces flicker
• Use the larger display to back up, update apps, and export important files

Workaround 2: Use backup flows that require minimal screen time

• iPhone iCloud backup steps are documented by Apple Apple Support
• Android backup steps are documented by Google Google Help

If the display is failing fast, prioritize photos, contacts, and two factor authentication apps first.

Workaround 3: Reduce triggers until you can repair it

• Avoid low quality chargers and loose outlets
• Avoid heat buildup by removing heavy cases temporarily
• Avoid pressing on the screen or twisting the phone

These do not fix the root cause, but they can keep the phone usable long enough to move your data.

Key benefits of knowing how to fix a flickering phone screen

• Faster diagnosis, because you test one variable at a time
• Fewer unnecessary factory resets, because you can isolate app versus system versus hardware first
• Better data protection, because you back up early and use screen mirroring when needed Apple Support
• More confident repair decisions, because Safe Mode and charging tests provide clear clues Google Help

Mistakes to avoid

• Continuing to charge when the phone might be wet. Apple warns wet connectors can corrode and be permanently damaged Apple Support
• Changing ten settings at once. You will not know what helped
• Ignoring a drop or water damage history because the glass looks fine
• Installing unverified apps that promise to “fix” hardware flicker. There is no reliable evidence that an app can repair a damaged display panel
• Leaving Developer options tweaks on without understanding them. Use them as a test, then revert if they do not help Android Developers

Expert tips and real life examples

Scenario 1: Flicker only while charging at night

What you notice
It looks fine during the day, but screen flickering when charging happens at night on your bedside charger.

What to try first and why
1 Swap the charging cable and power outlet first, because it is the simplest controlled test
2 Turn off Night Shift or Night Light and retest, because those features are often scheduled at night Apple Support
3 Turn off auto brightness or adaptive brightness, because the ambient light changes more at night

Scenario 2: Flicker starts right after a system update

What you notice
The phone restarted after an update and now brightness looks unstable.

What to try first and why
1 Confirm you completed the update fully, then restart again
2 Update apps next, because apps can lag behind OS changes Apple Support
3 Test Night Shift or Night Light schedules, since some updates reset display preferences Apple Support

Scenario 3: Screen flickering only in one app, usually a game

What you notice
It flickers inside the game, but not on the home screen.

What to try first and why
1 Update that app and your graphics related apps, then retest Apple Support
2 Reinstall the app
3 Lower the app’s in app graphics settings if available
If it never happens outside that app, you likely found an app issue, not a broken screen.

Scenario 4: Flicker after a small drop with no visible crack

What you notice
The phone looks fine, but you see a faint blinking band at the top.

What to try first and why
1 Do the software steps anyway: restart, update OS, update apps Apple Support
2 Then do the Android Safe Mode test if applicable Google Help
If flicker persists across the system and in Safe Mode, stop troubleshooting and seek professional inspection.

Scenario 5: Flicker after water exposure

What you notice
The phone works but flickers and charging feels unreliable.

What to try first and why
1 Stop charging until you are sure the connector is dry. Apple warns charging a wet connector can cause corrosion and permanent damage Apple Support
2 Back up immediately once stable Apple Support
3 Expect that hardware service might be needed, because moisture damage can be unpredictable

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Can a virus cause screen flickering?

It is possible for malicious software to cause performance problems, but I cannot confirm a reliable rule that a virus commonly causes screen flickering. In most real world cases, flicker is more directly tied to a specific app, a system bug, a display setting conflict, unstable charging, or physical damage. A practical approach is to use Safe Mode on Android to test whether installed apps are involved Google Help

Q2: Why does my screen flicker only when charging?

If flicker appears only while charging, suspect the charging setup first: charging cable, adapter, and power outlet. Test with known good accessories and a different outlet, changing one thing at a time. If the phone was exposed to moisture, avoid charging until the connector is dry, because Apple warns wet connectors can corrode and be permanently damaged Apple Support.

Q3: Why does it flicker only in one app?

Screen flickering only in one app usually points to that app, its current version, or how it uses graphics and video. Update the app, reinstall it, and test again. If the rest of the phone is stable, it is unlikely to be a failing display panel.

Q4: When should I stop troubleshooting and get repair?

Stop troubleshooting and seek professional help when flicker persists after OS and app updates, happens across the system, and on Android continues even in Safe Mode. Also stop if the phone had a drop, bend, or water damage event and symptoms are getting worse.

Q5: Can screen mirroring help if the display is failing?

Yes. Screen mirroring can help you back up and use the phone temporarily. Apple documents Screen Mirroring through AirPlay Apple Support, and Google provides guidance for casting and connecting to TVs through Google Cast related tools.

Conclusion

A flickering phone screen is frustrating, but you can troubleshoot it safely by following a clear decision path. Start with the safest wins: a proper restart, OS updates, and app updates. Then isolate patterns: screen flickering when charging calls for charging cable and power outlet tests, while screen flickering only in one app points to that app. Next, simplify display features like auto brightness, Night Shift, Night Light, and any blue light filter tools. On Android, Safe Mode is your strongest separator between app issues and deeper problems. If flicker persists across the system or continues in Safe Mode, treat hardware damage as likely, back up your data, and choose a reputable repair path. When water damage is involved, remember the most important safety rule: do not charge a wet connector.