Whenever it comes to Apple. inc, products such as iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks rule the market until the next model arrives. When a user spends a hefty amount on a gadget, he believes for better. Macbooks have always been the first choice of editors or designers due to their fast rendering GPUs and other features. Apple provides a User-Rich experience on Macbooks with Retina display. Majorly there are three types of Macbooks, namely, Macbook basic, Macbook Air, and Macbook Professional (Pro).
Sometimes colorful lines can be seen over the Macbook display and horizontal lines over a particular screen color. Although this problem is seen among the whole Macbook segment but is majorly observed in Macbook Pro. The lines are quite visible in the both Retina display as well as Non-retina display. These lines make looking at the screen very difficult. It decays the overall productivity and efficiency of the User. This is called Macbook pro screen flickering. Let’s talk about this common Macbook pro screen flickering issue.
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Why Does the Macbook Pro Screen Flickering Issue Occur?
Although, there is no straight explanation on the internet as to why the Macbook pro-Screen Flickering issue occur but below mentioned are few reasons why this might happen? So without any further due, let get to the issue:
1. Software Updates
This happens with every gadget which runs on an OS. Simply keep a check on the latest software update, turn on the notifications and update the software as soon as possible. Sometimes it is a minor glitch that is removed in the next update. So keep the device updated. The bulkier the OS gets, the more chances increases for the MacBook pro screen flickering.
2. Operating System and Hardware Compatibility
There are several incidents reported when a software update when installed hinders the display. It revolves around the display resolution (Software) and GPU (Hardware) compatibility issues.
People reportedly observed Colorful lines and blocks while using heavy applications like Adobe premier pro or Adobe Photoshop CC as it occupies huge operational space from GPUs (graphic processing units).
3. Display Physical Damage
Some external issues may also affect the display condition which can cause the Mackbook pro screen to flicker. Water damage, accidentally dropping of Macbook from hands or a desk, etc may be the reason for such lines on the display. Continuous pressure on the front panel of the Macbook may also lead to such lines or patterns. One must always keep a check on the bag/desk where the Macbook rests when it is not being used.
4. Automatic Graphics switching
The automatic graphic switching helps to maximize battery life by automatically switching between the graphics to provide a user-rich experience depending upon usage. Since we are provided with two graphic processors, namely, Integrated graphics and GPU(external). Normal streaming uses Integrated graphics but rendering videos or using heavy software consumes GPU memory.
5. Overcharging/Improper voltage
Although, Apple is smart with the circuits and electronic components of all the devices but sometimes continuous overnight charging or using duplicate chargers for a longer duration may also lead to poor display or even such lines. Improper charges do not come with a proper electric rating and hence may even damage Macbooks battery life. Improper voltage and voltage fluctuations may also short circuit and hence result in such damage to the display.
Now as we have a brief idea about how this might have happened, let us discuss what tweaks or techniques to fix this display bug. We recommend you completely back up the whole data before implementing any of the instructions as it may lead to some data loss.
How to Fix Macbook Pro Screen Flickering Issue?
Here are some steps to fix Macbook pro-Screen Flickering (store a backup of the existing data):-
1. Restart the Macbook
Even if it sounds simple, rebooting/restarting the device solves a major problem. Restarting the system restarts the Operating system and hence resolves the compatibility issue between software and hardware. To restart the Macbook, simply:
1. Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar.
2. Select “Restart”
3. Confirm Restart
If the display is distorted, you can force restart the Macbook by Pressing down and hold the Command key (⌘) and control (Ctrl) keys along with the power button until the screen turns black and the system restarts. The power button may differ based on the Model. Some models have a Touch Id or Eject button in place of the Power button.
2. Reboot the Macbook Pro in Safe Mode
If Restarting the Macbook does not work, follow the simple steps to run the Macbook in Safe mode
1. Turn off the Macbook.
2. Turn on the Macbook while pressing the Shift key.
3. When asked to Log in, remove the Shift key.
This process activates only essential features of the Macbook and may stabilize the GPU performance. If lines do not appear, restart the Macbook normally.
3. Turn off Truetone and Energy saver mode
Truetone helps to avoid unnecessary stress on the eyes and provides a stabilized environment for work. It consumes memory of GPU and hence may result in such flashes or flickering. Energy saver mode saves Battery but may hinder Display settings and may result in seldom flickering of Display.
To turn off Truetone, simply:
1. Click on the Apple icon on the menu bar.
2. Select “System Preferences” and Choose “Display”.
3. Select the “Display” Tab from the bar
4. Uncheck/untick the box “True Tone” and exit the menu.
It will reset the system colors and may resolve the issue.
4. Resetting Macbook’s SMC
Resetting SMC (System management controller) resets many automated applications such as power management, battery, etc. Before following the procedure, make sure the Macbook is Turned off.
To reset SMC:
1. Press and hold Control+ Option +Shift for 7 seconds.
2. Keep pressing the above keys and also press and hold the power button for additional 7 seconds.
3. Release all keys. After few Seconds, Mac will turn on automatically.
5. Reset NVRAM and PRAM
At last, resetting NVRAM (Non-volatile RAM) and PRAM (Parameter RAM) helps to reset even the basic functions of the Macbook from the start and may reconfigure the system setting and hence resolve the Screen flickering bug.
To reset:
1. Make sure Macbook is Turned Off.
2. Press and hold Option + ⌘ + P + R for 20 seconds, until the Apple logo has disappeared for the second time.
Note: The same set of key combinations is used to reset NVRAM and PRAM.
Also Read: What is URL Blacklist Virus and How to Fix It?
Final Words
So above are the few ways through which users can solve the bug on their own. This problem of Macbook pro screen flickering is more common than one thinks. So if the problem still exists, contact Customer support or a nearby Dealer and get it checked as it may even damage your eyes over a long period of usage. We hope that the information and solutions provided here help the users in case such a problem arises. We are happily open to any further fixes or suggestions by the users.
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