Why does the screen twitch on a tablet, phone, or other device?

Why does the smartphone screen flicker?

Despite the rapid development of mobile technologies, they have not yet made it possible to create a device that can withstand strong shocks or software failures.

1. Mechanical damage: after falling, squeezing, carrying in a back pocket, getting water inside.
2. Android and iOs glitches, for example, when changing the display brightness level,
3. Viruses, rootkits,
4. Half-dead battery
5. Dying charger.

For each gadget, the cause of a display malfunction can be very different, so before drawing final conclusions, let’s consider each of them in more detail.

Line on the phone screen: what to do?

If the problem is caused by mechanical damage, then there are two ways: take the gadget to a service center or disassemble it yourself. In the latter case, you should look for a master class in video format that will show you how to open the case and get to the display. Next, you will need to carefully examine this part of the gadget to understand the extent of the damage.

If the problem is only that the cable does not fit tightly into the groove, then it is quite simple to correct it, and the stripes on the phone screen will disappear. But if it or the controller (chip) is damaged, there is nothing left but a complete replacement of components.

In the event of a software failure, the situation is usually corrected by a hard reset (resetting the settings, during which all personal data is deleted; it is recommended to save important files before performing it) or cleaning smartphones from viruses. Although the first method is more reliable, since many OS protection programs do not see the pest.

Reflashing the device also helps, but this step is best performed only by people with experience, otherwise the gadget will turn into a “brick” with a wave of the hand. Although this is also an option, then display malfunctions will be the least of your worries, but it’s not worth experimenting with.

Screen damage

Problem statistics:

60%

Total

Damage to the screen module is observed in 60% of all calls to the service center for this malfunction.

The first flickering and “jumping” of the picture on the phone can appear after a serious fall or contact of the device with water.

This may damage:

1. Screen.
2. Control chip (video controller).
3. Cables connecting elements into a single system.

If in the first case, any specialist in the field of mobile technologies can deal with the problem with a minimum number of tools, then the second and third require a meticulous approach and the availability of diagnostic equipment.

You will have to change the entire screen module.

The phone ripples and turns off. Flickering of your gadget's screen, causes and cure

Owners of mobile equipment, in order to save time and money, are simply obliged to carefully and carefully monitor it. Any signs of abnormal operation may be a harbinger of complete failure of the gadget. Below are common causes of problems with display devices, let's start with laptops.

The cause of the problem with your gadget could be any of the ones listed in this article, as well as something more exotic. Stop living in discomfort, call us and we will fix your equipment!

You can contact us by mail or call one of the numbers:

People often encounter such a problem as laptop screen flickering; this greatly harms a person’s vision and can also lead to more serious damage to the display.

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The reasons why a laptop screen may flicker are as follows:

• The most common reason is the appearance of microcracks in the transmitting cable
  . You can determine this yourself: if when you open or close the laptop, flickering appears and disappears on the screen. Unfortunately, it is not possible to solve this problem on your own; it is best not to hesitate to go to a service center, as this may result in a more serious problem - a broken screen, which will require a much more expensive repair.
• the problem may also be a damaged matrix
  . Modern laptops are light and compact, allowing you to take them with you almost everywhere, but unfortunately, because of this, they are subject to mechanical damage, even a small impact can damage the matrix, which can cause the screen to flicker.
• Problems in the northbridge can cause interference. This mainly happens due to overheating of the laptop, which is caused by a dirty cooling system.
• Incorrect software - the problem is that the video card has an inappropriate driver installed
  , which leads to unstable operation of the video card and interference on the screen.

At first glance, it is very difficult to immediately tell what the reasons for the display flickering

, for this you need to carry out diagnostics at a service center, where they will tell you exactly the cause of the malfunction.

Flickers when charging

Problem statistics:

20%

Total

In 20% of cases due to a “crooked” charger or cable.

A common occurrence if you use a non-original charger or a cheap cord.

This is especially true for inexpensive models from Chinese manufacturers when the backlight is set to a low level. If a defect is detected when connecting the wire, we recommend replacing the charger with a similar one.

If this does not help, it is better to exchange the device under warranty, if possible. This is not a critical malfunction; the phone will last a long time.

Conclusion

Finding the cause of your phone screen flickering is not an easy task. Often breakdowns occur due to severe mechanical damage and application malfunctions. Failure also occurs due to an unsuitable charger or a weak battery, which causes the display to ripple. The right way out in this situation would be to contact a specialist who, using special instruments, will conduct a complete diagnosis of the mobile device and diagnose the main cause of the blinking.

Of course, you can fix the problem yourself at home. However, you should not forget that without special skills, such a repair can lead to a complete breakdown of the phone. After its failure, not a single technician will undertake to repair the device.

Software failure

Problem statistics:

15%

Total

Software failure occurs in 15% of cases.

Most users do not even suspect that the display begins to flicker due to a conflict in the operation of several applications, the presence of a virus in the system, excessive system contamination, or hidden software glitches. The user is able to independently:

1. Disable automatic backlight brightness change,
2. Clean your smartphone
3. roll back the software to factory settings,

1. Install antivirus programs from the official Google Play store.

QR Code

Kaspersky Internet Security: Antivirus and Protection

Developer: Kaspersky Lab Switzerland

Price: Free

However, if these manipulations turn out to be useless, reflash the device.

It is better not to do something like this with your own hands, without prior practice, otherwise the gadget will be completely disabled. The right way out of this situation is to contact a service center.

How not to feel the influence of PWM

As noted above, some people suffer more from flicker, some less. It is impossible to influence this, but it is quite possible to reduce the influence of PWM. For this:

1. Buy smartphones that support DC Dimming technology.
2. If you feel severe discomfort from flickering, use phones with IPS screens.
3. Set the screen brightness to maximum. To do this, you need good lighting in the room, otherwise your eyes will hurt.
4. Activate dark mode not only in the system, but also in all applications that support this option.
5. Before purchasing a new phone with an AMOLED screen, pay attention to the level of flicker. Information on the most popular models can be found in the table above.

We found out what PWM is in a smartphone and whether it affects a person. There is no significant harm from flickering, but unpleasant symptoms may appear. Write in the comments if you knew what PWM is and if you experience discomfort from AMOLED matrices.

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.

Battery problems

Problem statistics:

5%

Total

In 5% of cases, a half-dead battery is to blame.

As a rule, everyone begins to think that the malfunction was caused by damage to the device’s system, completely rejecting the simplest options. Flickering of the display can be caused by a weak battery that has reached a resource of 300-400 charge-discharge cycles - usually 3-4 years of operation.

This happens due to loss of power when the battery is used for several years without replacement.

Testing this option in practice is quite simple. Connect the charger to the phone and look at the display; if you manage to get rid of flickering, it means that the problem is a lack of power.

We recommend taking another battery and performing a similar test. If this is really it, you should go to a specialized store and change the battery. In this case, special attention should be paid to originality; a Chinese fake can fail a month after purchase. In some cases, it can even cause harm.

However, one interesting catch may be the non-removable battery on your phone model. In this case, it is better not to take risks and entrust the solution to the problem to specialists.

What is flicker

The appearance of the device screen blinking should alert the owner. Using such a device is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous to health. Screen flickering leads to rapid eye fatigue: the capillaries in the eyeball burst and the retina deteriorates. There can be several reasons for the display to flicker or ripple. The malfunction can be of either software or hardware type. “Jumping” video content and other visually unpleasant deviations in the image often occur due to mechanical damage to the mobile device.

Quite often, such a nuisance occurs due to moisture getting inside the device. Most cases of unstable display operation depend on this factor. This problem can only be resolved by replacing the touch panel or the entire display.

However, if you discover such a malfunction, do not despair. Often the display starts to flicker due to a software glitch. Fixing such a defect is much easier than a hardware malfunction.

Constant blinking may cause damage or microcracks on the integrated circuit, which are caused by the device falling. If the device falls, there is a possibility of damaging the microcircuit that is responsible for controlling the screen. It is difficult to do this on your own, since you will have to change the entire board. Without the appropriate knowledge, this will not be possible. Therefore, it is better to take the device to a service center.

Additionally, flashing and ripples may appear after downloading malware. Therefore, you should make sure that the device does not “catch” a virus by downloading a high-quality antivirus program. Sometimes the owner can independently provoke blinking. In this case, the problem arises due to illiterate intervention in the internals of the mobile device.

Secret codes for testing

There are several more ways to find a possible problem; to do this, refer to the service codes, which are suitable for all smartphones running Android. The codes can help in setting up the system and identifying the reasons when the smartphone screen begins to tremble (twitch) or shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow.

*#*#4636#*#* - allows you to view basic information about the phone, battery, user statistics.

*#*#7780#*#* - resets settings, removes only existing applications.

*2767*3855# - a complete reset of settings occurs, with reinstallation of the existing firmware.

*#*#0*#*#* - quick test of any LCD display.

*#*#2663#*#* - makes it possible to test the touch screen for response and the number of simultaneous presses.

*#*#1234#*#* - provides comprehensive data regarding the device firmware, which is necessary when reinstalling or updating the software.

*#06# - the most common code, used to obtain IMEI information.

How does the defect manifest itself?

This section is also important, as it will make it clear which part of the device (hardware or software) the fault relates to. Everything is quite simple here:

• If stripes appear on the phone screen only when you launch a specific application or make any changes to the settings and files of the device, then the problem is a failure of the operating system.
• When lines appear on the display after mechanical intervention, damage, or when touching the touchscreen, we can safely talk about problems in the hardware itself.

After determining the type of malfunction, you should move on to methods for solving it.

Question answer

How to replace the screen module with your own hands

1. Buy a module in a specialized store, specifically for your model.
2. Stock up on tools:
   a screwdriver for the branded slot of the smartphone,
3. suction cup (for “prying up” the glass),
4. plastic card (to separate the case and screen),
5. sealing rubber bands (for waterproof devices),
6. straight arms.
7. Fold down the monitor
8. disconnect the cable,
9. carefully remove the rubber bands or sealing mastic from the body,
10. install a new module and check its functionality,
11. 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

1. Check with antivirus (read here.),
2. Reset to factory settings (read here.),
3. 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.