TV Keeps Flickering? 8 Most-Common Reasons (Solved)

Flickering TV screens are a common issue that can leave many viewers frustrated.

We’ve gathered the most-common reasons TV starts to flicker, so you can get back to a good viewing experience.

I’ve had these issues on various screens, and I’d love to guide you through the solutions.

Let’s dive in.

Common Causes of TV Flickering

Loose Connections

Sometimes, flickering may be caused by a loose connection between the TV and external devices. To fix this issue, ensure that all connections are tight and secure. If the problem persists, try reconnecting the devices.

Faulty Cables

A damaged or faulty cable can also be a reason for your TV screen to flicker. It is important to check your cables and replace them if necessary to resolve this issue.

Wrong Refresh Rate

The wrong refresh rate might cause your TV screen to flicker. In this case, you can try adjusting the refresh rate of your TV in the settings menu.

Ensure it matches the recommended rate for your specific television model.

Cable Issues (loose cables)

Similar to loose connections, loose or damaged cables can also contribute to TV flickering. Make sure all cables are securely connected and replace them if they show signs of damage or wear.

Power Supply Issues

Issues with the power supply can result in flickering. In these cases, it might be necessary to troubleshoot your power supply in order to determine if it is the cause of the flickering or if there are other underlying problems.

Backlight Issues

Backlight issues in TVs can cause flickering, especially for LCD televisions.

If you suspect this is the problem, you might need to get it checked by a professional to determine the best course of action for repairs or replacement.

Incorrect Settings

Lastly, incorrect settings on your TV can cause flickering. Make sure to check and adjust any settings that might be contributing to this issue.

Consult your TV’s user manual or seek assistance from customer support if needed.

Grounding issues

This can in some cases also cause flickering. Check our article on grounding power strip cables. Do that for your power strips, if used for your TV and electrinoics.

Types of TV Flickering

Screen Tearing

Screen tearing occurs when the display shows information from multiple video frames at once. This results in a noticeable mismatch between the frames, especially in fast-moving scenes.

The primary cause of screen tearing is a mismatch between the refresh rate of the TV and the frame rate of the content being displayed. Modern TVs often come with a feature called V-Sync that helps prevent screen tearing by syncing the refresh rate and frame rate.

Judder Effect

Judder refers to the jerky movement that can occur when the TV’s refresh rate doesn’t match the frame rate of the content. Most movies and TV shows are filmed at 24 frames per second (FPS), while most TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz (60 FPS).

Judder occurs when TVs try to display 24 FPS content on their 60Hz panels, causing duplicate frames to be displayed and creating a stuttering effect.

Many TVs now have features such as 24p playback or motion interpolation to help minimize judder.

Stuttering

Stuttering on a TV can be caused by a variety of factors, including internet connection issues, software problems, and hardware issues like a failing power supply or damaged cables.

Stuttering can also be caused by the same factors that lead to screen tearing and judder, such as a mismatch between the content’s frame rate and the TV’s refresh rate.

To combat stuttering, it’s essential to ensure all devices connected to the TV are functioning correctly and that all cables are firmly connected and in good condition.

Troubleshooting Tips

Check for Software Updates

Sometimes, the cause of a flickering TV screen can be outdated software.

Many modern TVs have software updates that can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and installed via a USB drive or over a Wi-Fi connection. Ensure your TV has the latest updates to rule out any software-related issues contributing to the flickering problem.

Factory Reset

If the issue persists, consider performing a factory reset on your TV.

This will revert all settings back to their defaults and could potentially fix the flickering issue. Keep in mind that performing a factory reset will erase any custom settings and preferences, so make sure to take note of any important settings before proceeding.

1. Access your TV’s settings menu.
2. Navigate to the system or advanced settings section.
3. Look for the factory reset option and select it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

If this doesn’t work, check our guide to resetting most-popular TV brands.

Test External Devices

A flickering TV screen can also be caused by external devices connected to your TV. Examples include cable boxes, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.

To determine whether the issue is related to an external device:

1. Power off and unplug all devices connected to the TV.
2. Turn the TV back on and check for flickering.
3. If the flickering has stopped, plug each device back in one at a time to isolate the problematic device.

Additionally, check all cables and connections for signs of damage or loose connections, as these can also contribute to a flickering TV screen.

Preventing Future Flickering Issues

Properly Manage Cables

Ensuring cables are properly connected and well-managed helps to avoid flickering issues. One common cause of flickering is a loose or broken cable. It is essential to check all connections (power, video, speakers) and make sure they are securely fastened.

Additionally, occasionally monitoring and testing cable connections can help detect and address any potential problems.

Avoid Overloading Power Strips

Power strips can be easily overloaded when multiple devices are connected. Overloading can not only cause flickering but also damage electronic devices.

Make sure to always use a surge protector with your power strips.

To prevent this issue, it is important to ensure the power strip is not maxed out and that it is rated to handle the wattage of all connected devices.

Utilizing surge protectors can also help protect your TV and other devices by preventing voltage spikes and reducing the risk of flickering.

Maintaining adequate distance between the TV screen and any strong sources of electromagnetic interference can also help to keep the TV screen flicker-free.