MacBook Screen Flickering? Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • Software causes (graphics switching, display settings) are fixable free
• • Flexgate (2016-2018 models) starts with flickering at screen bottom
• • GPU issues often show coloured lines or artifacts alongside flicker
• • External monitor test quickly isolates display vs system problems
• • Early repair prevents progression to complete screen failure

Screen flickering is one of the most frustrating MacBook issues—it's distracting, makes work difficult, and often signals a problem that will get worse. Let's diagnose what's causing yours.

Software-Related Flickering

Graphics Switching (Intel Macs with dual GPUs)

MacBook Pros with both Intel and AMD graphics can flicker when switching between them. To test:

1. Go to System Settings → Battery → Options
2. Disable "Automatic graphics switching"
3. Restart and see if flickering stops

Display Settings

• Try a different refresh rate (if available)
• Adjust True Tone settings
• Check Night Shift isn't causing issues

macOS Issues

• Reset SMC and PRAM
• Boot in Safe Mode to test without extensions
• Check for macOS updates
• Create new user account and test

Hardware Causes

The Flexgate Problem

"Flexgate" affects MacBook Pros from 2016-2018. The display flex cable is too short for repeated lid opening/closing, and it wears out over time.

Flexgate Symptoms (Progressive)

1. Stage 1: "Stage lighting" effect—bright spots along screen bottom
2. Stage 2: Flickering, especially when opening/closing lid
3. Stage 3: Bottom portion of screen goes dark (may appear similar to black screen issues)
4. Stage 4: Complete display failure

Warning

Don't ignore early Flexgate signs. Repairing at Stage 1-2 (cable replacement only, ~£149-249) is much cheaper than Stage 4 (may need full display, £399+).

Graphics Card Issues

Signs of GPU Problems

• Flickering with coloured lines or geometric patterns
• Visual artifacts (random pixels, blocks)
• Screen freezes during graphics-intensive tasks
• System crashes (kernel panics) during video or games
• Issues appear on external monitor too

Models with Known GPU Issues

• MacBook Pro 15" 2011 (AMD Radeon)
• MacBook Pro 15" 2012-2013 (NVIDIA)
• MacBook Pro 15" 2015-2016 (AMD)

How to Diagnose the Cause

External Monitor Test

• External works fine: Problem is display or its cable
• External also flickers: Problem is GPU or logic board

Lid Angle Test

• Open and close lid slowly while watching screen
• If flicker changes at certain angles → likely cable issue

Safe Mode Test

• Restart holding Shift
• If flicker stops → may be software/driver issue
• If flicker continues → hardware

Repair Costs UK

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the flickering get worse if I ignore it?

Usually yes, especially for Flexgate. What starts as occasional flickering often progresses to permanent display failure. Early repair is almost always cheaper.

Can flickering damage other components?

The flickering itself won't, but the underlying cause might. GPU issues that cause flickering can progress to complete failure, potentially affecting other system functions.

Is Flexgate covered under warranty?

Apple offered a repair programme for affected 2016 13" MacBook Pros, but most programmes have now ended. Worth checking with Apple, but independent repair is usually needed now. See our Apple vs independent repair comparison for more guidance.

Is it worth repairing screen flickering?

Usually yes—especially for Flexgate repairs which cost £149-249 vs buying a new Mac. See our repair vs replace decision guide for help deciding.