MacBook Backlight Not Working? Screen Repair Guide

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • Backlight failure means the screen is dark but the Mac is actually running
• • "Flexgate" affects 2016-2017 MacBook Pros—Apple extended repair for some models
• • Backlight circuits on the logic board can be repaired without replacing the whole screen
• • A torch test can confirm if it's backlight vs complete display failure
• • Independent repair typically saves 40-60% vs Apple screen replacement

Your MacBook's screen is dark, but you can hear it running—the startup chime, fan noise, maybe even keyboard sounds. Shine a torch at the screen at an angle, and you can faintly see your desktop. That's backlight failure.

The good news: backlight failure is often repairable without replacing the entire display assembly, saving you hundreds of pounds.

Is It Actually Backlight Failure?

The Torch Test

1. Get a bright torch (phone flashlight works)
2. In a dark room, shine it at the screen at an angle
3. Look closely for any faint image

If you see a faint image: Backlight failure confirmed. The LCD and graphics are working; only the backlight is dead.

If you see nothing: Could be LCD failure, graphics failure, or complete display assembly issue. See our black screen guide for other causes.

Other Signs of Backlight Issues

• Screen goes dark when opened past a certain angle (Flexgate)
• Backlight flickers or has uneven brightness
• External display works perfectly
• Screen went dark suddenly, not gradually

What Causes Backlight Failure

1. Flexgate (Display Cable Wear)

The 2016-2017 MacBook Pro has a design flaw where the display flex cable is too short. Repeated opening and closing wears it out, causing the backlight to fail. Symptoms:

• "Stage light" effect at bottom of screen
• Backlight works only at certain angles
• Progressive failure over weeks/months

2. Backlight Fuse/Circuit Failure

The logic board has a backlight circuit that can fail due to:

• Power surge
• Liquid damage
• Component failure
• Short circuit in the display

3. LED/Backlight Strip Failure

The actual LED backlight strips inside the display can fail, though this is less common than circuit issues.

Flexgate Explained

Apple acknowledged this issue and offered free repairs for affected 2016 MacBook Pro 13" models for 4 years from purchase. That program has ended, but the problem still exists.

Warning

Flexgate models: MacBook Pro 13" (2016) and MacBook Pro 13" (2017). The 15" models use a different cable design and are less affected.

Flexgate Repair Options

• Apple repair: Full display replacement, £449-569 (see Apple vs independent comparison)
• Cable repair: Replace/extend the flex cable, £149-249
• Screen replacement: Aftermarket display, £249-349

Repair Options

Option 1: Backlight Circuit Repair

If the issue is a blown fuse or failed component on the logic board, a component-level repair can fix it:

• Cost: £149 - £249
• Time: 1-3 days
• Retains original screen

Option 2: Flex Cable Repair (Flexgate)

For Flexgate issues, some technicians can repair or replace the damaged cable:

• Cost: £149 - £249
• Time: 2-4 days
• May require disassembling display

Option 3: Display Replacement

If the backlight hardware inside the display is damaged, replacement is needed:

• Apple: £449 - £649
• Independent (quality aftermarket): £299 - £449
• Time: 1-2 days

UK Repair Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my MacBook with a dead backlight?

Technically yes—connect an external monitor. But the built-in display is unusable, and this isn't practical for a laptop. If you need to access data urgently, see our data recovery guide.

Will the backlight issue come back after repair?

Circuit repairs address the root cause—they typically last. Flexgate repairs may last, but the underlying design flaw means it could recur after several more years of use.

How do I prevent Flexgate?

Don't open the lid past about 90 degrees (unnecessary strain on the cable). But honestly, it's a design issue—normal use causes it over time.

Is backlight repair worth it on an old MacBook?

If the Mac otherwise works well, £149-249 for a backlight repair is excellent value compared to replacement. Even on a 6-7 year old MacBook Pro, it can extend useful life by several years. See our repair vs replace guide for the full calculation.