Now let’s look at the reasons why the screen on your Android phone flashes (flickers) while working or playing. The way to solve a problem directly depends on its cause.
This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.
Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.
Reasons why the phone screen flickers
Despite the significant development of mobile technology, certain problems still arise in its operation, for example, the screen flickers or jumps. Let's look at the main causes of the problem:
- Screen damage.
- Problems with the functioning of the battery.
- Software malfunction.
- Breakage of cables or other elements.
- Problem with video controller.
Below in the article we will look in detail at each reason and ways to remove flicker.
Codes for testing
If you are unable to determine the cause of the problem yourself, you can use a special code for testing. More precisely, several codes. They are entered through the dialer, after which the call button is pressed. Then information about the diagnostics performed appears on the screen.
In our case, you need to remember the following codes:
- *#*#4636#*#* – view basic smartphone data, including processor and battery status;
- *#*#1234#*#* – software serviceability check;
- *#*#0#*#* – screen state test;
- *#*#2663#*#* – touchscreen test.
Since the problem most often lies in a screen malfunction, you need to use codes to test the matrix and touchscreen. Despite the fact that the touch is only responsible for processing touches, its malfunction can also affect the display's blinking. So don’t be lazy and try all the codes until you can identify the cause of the problem.
Screen damage
If the screen flickers after your phone comes into contact with water or is seriously dropped, it may be damaged. If you have this problem, contact a qualified technician at a service center. It is difficult to replace the screen yourself, because... you need to have special equipment.
There are situations when the problem appeared after replacing the screen. In this case, you also need to contact a service center to diagnose the device and correct faults.
Read: Streaks or spots appear on your Android phone screen
Smartphone screen flickering - diagnostics
The smartphone is our daily companion. Who counts how many times a person looks at a display? Agree that it becomes very annoying when the display fluctuates, flickers or shows unwanted color effects. Fortunately, in most cases this error is out of your control. Let us characterize the most common defects:
- The image shakes/flickers;
- Green stripes below or around;
- Vertical thin stripes (green or purple);
- After the screen loads, the display is red or blue.
Recommendations from Apple and Samsung specialists often differ and do not provide universal advice. However, the first thing you need to do is update the software. You can read about how to do this on our website. In some cases, updating or flashing completely eliminates the problem.
Note: Smartphone repairs must be carried out by specialists in compliance with all rules and regulations! Data is backed up in advance!
Battery problems
Quite often, users reject all reasons other than mechanical damage to the gadget. In reality, flickering or streaking may occur due to a weak battery. The problem is related to loss of power, especially when using the battery for several years.
This option can be easily verified. All you need to do is connect the gadget to the charger and look at the screen while charging. If all problems with the image have disappeared, then the reason is related to the battery power.
The way out is to use another battery. Insert a new battery into the gadget and check if the screen flickers. It is advisable to purchase a battery in specialized stores and check its originality.
Often, Chinese counterfeits break within a month after purchase. In some situations, counterfeiting can lead to more serious damage to the gadget.
Read How to check the number of charge cycles of an Android battery
Flashing when charging
In some cases, the phone screen will flicker if you are using a non-genuine external charger when charging it. This is especially often observed on inexpensive models from manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom when the low backlight mode is set.
If an artifact is detected when charging is connected, you need to change the device to a similar voltage. You can charge a mobile device through a non-original power supply, but it must be of high quality and match the characteristics of the original charger as closely as possible.
When searching for and purchasing an analogue of the original charger, it is recommended to find a device with mirror specifications. As a rule, they are indicated either on the power supplies themselves or on stickers on top of them.
If after replacing the charger the defect still remains, it is advisable to simply exchange the purchased gadget for a similar one. This problem is not critical, and a phone with such an artifact will last a long time.
Software failure
First, users are advised to check what brightness level is set on the device. If you use automatic brightness mode, the gadget will constantly adjust it.
The screen will dim every 2 to 4 seconds. If your brightness constantly decreases or increases, then set the required parameter in the settings.
Increase
If the screen functions normally in quiet mode, but when you start pressing on it the device lights up in different colors, check some options. It is likely that functions have been activated that show:
- Screen update.
- Window update.
- Hardware updates.
Solution to the problem:
- Click “Settings” on your phone.
- At the bottom we find the “Developer Options” tab.
- Select "Drawing".
- Click "Hardware accelerated rendering".
- In the window that opens, disable all the above functions.
Increase
Enlarge
Also, the phone may flicker due to hidden software glitches, clogged OS and virus activity. The user is recommended to clean the phone, roll back the settings to factory settings and install anti-virus software from Google Play.
If the above steps do not solve the problem, then reflash the gadget. If you do not have experience working with phone firmware, contact a service center.
Video controller
Problem statistics:
5%
Total
5% of cases are due to a faulty graphics system.
The so-called graphics subsystem, consisting of memory, processor and “piping,” is responsible for outputting images. When one of the elements on the electronic board burns out, problems begin - the appearance of ripples, “artifacts”, interference, blinking, flickering, stripes and other unpleasant symptoms on the smartphone screen. In this case, it is not recommended to act on your own; there is a possibility of damaging the video controller even more.
How to check a smartphone for PWM
There is a special pencil test for this. The user picks up an object and places it in front of the gadget screen. Next you need to make a pendulum movement and at the same time reduce the display backlight. If the trace from the object is blurred, then the PWM level is normal. But if the shadow starts to separate, this means that the flickering is very strong and needs to be corrected.
There is another verification option. This is where filming is used. To do this, you need to point the camera of another device at the phone display. While taking pictures, you need to reduce the brightness of the screen on your smartphone. If ripples begin to appear in the photo, it means the impulse level is critical.
Question answer
How to replace the screen module with your own hands
- Buy a module in a specialized store, specifically for your model.
- Stock up on tools:
- a screwdriver for the branded slot of the smartphone,
- suction cup (for “prying up” the glass),
- plastic card (to separate the case and screen),
- sealing rubber bands (for waterproof devices),
- straight arms.
- Fold down the monitor
- disconnect the cable,
- carefully remove the rubber bands or sealing mastic from the body,
- install a new module and check its functionality,
- If everything works, reassemble in reverse order.
How to charge correctly so that there is no flickering
Read more here.
How to troubleshoot software problems
- Check with antivirus (read here.),
- Reset to factory settings (read here.),
- Reflash your smartphone.
How to change the battery yourself
Approximately the same as the matrix: open the case, unclip the power cable, disconnect the battery from the adhesive surface, and install a new one.
How to fix a video controller
If you are not familiar with a soldering station, then no way. We recommend finding a responsible technician for repairs. But you may be refused to replace the chip, since it will not be economically feasible. It might be easier to buy a new phone.
Hardware problems
If you have tried to eliminate software errors, but the Xiaomi screen is still blinking, then it is recommended to pay attention to the technical condition of the device.
Common reasons:
- If the device has been dropped from a height, especially onto a hard surface, dropped into water, or been heavily soiled, the sensor may be damaged. The consequence of this is unstable operation of the backlight with blinking and flickering. The problem can be resolved by replacing the matrix.
- Manufacturing defects. If you are sure that mechanical impact on the smartphone is excluded, and no violations in the operation of the OS have been identified, then you may be dealing with a manufacturing defect. Despite the high quality of Xiaomi products, unpleasant situations can still arise. The best option would be to contact the service center with a complete package of documents to replace a defective element or replace the device with a new model;
- Lack of contact between the matrix and its cable. Typically, this situation occurs due to the phone falling, which causes the cable to become disconnected. You can restore the functionality of the matrix by disassembling the gadget and connecting the broken cable;
- The battery has exhausted its service life. If the battery is not able to provide the required voltage to ensure the functioning of the screen, then this can be guessed by the small ripples on the smartphone. It will be very noticeable if the picture is placed on a white background. The solution to the problem is to replace the battery with a new one.
The process of troubleshooting technical and hardware problems does not cause much trouble. In some cases, the issue can be resolved at home, and in case of complex malfunctions, with the involvement of service center specialists.
The other day something strange happened to my gadget. Samsung Galaxy S3 screen flickers and turns off
. By and large, I was a little tense, even though the phone is not exactly new (about 2 years old), but I didn’t want to lose it. At first I thought it was a glitch. But after the 3rd day I realized something was wrong.First of all, I decided to immediately transfer all the necessary information and contacts to the cloud. The second program helped with the Super Backup: SMS & Contacts program. Then, having installed the application Z - Device Test, I checked the characteristics of the smartphone.
Causes
Most often, flickering appears due to mechanical damage. Failure of the display module, video controller, and cables connecting the screen and the gadget board is a consequence of negative physical impact. These factors include:
- moisture getting inside the smartphone;
- a fall;
- pressure.
One of the causes of the problem is battery wear. If flickering is observed during charging, this indicates a faulty charger. In addition to hardware problems, software failures are possible. Sometimes a similar phenomenon is observed when the light sensor is unstable.
