Most iPhone flicker is caused by brightness settings, Low Power Mode, a bad screen protector or a software glitch. Restart, update and adjust display settings. If flicker appears with lines or after a drop, it is hardware.
A flickering screen is annoying and can cause eye strain. Fortunately the cause is often something you can change in settings.
Common causes
- Auto-Brightness adjusting quickly in changing light.
- Low Power Mode lowering refresh rate and brightness.
- True Tone adapting aggressively to the room lighting.
- A thick or poorly fitted screen protector pressing on the display.
- An app or iOS bug after an update.
- A failing display or loose display cable.
Fix it step by step
- Force restart the iPhone.
- Turn off Auto-Brightness under Settings › Accessibility › Display & Text Size, then set brightness manually.
- Turn off True Tone and Low Power Mode and see if the flicker stops.
- On ProMotion models, try Settings › Accessibility › Motion › Limit Frame Rate.
- Remove the screen protector and case, then test again.
- Install the latest iOS update, or restore the phone with a computer.
Signs of a hardware fault
Flicker that comes with coloured lines, flashing only when the phone is pressed, or starting after a drop or water exposure points to the display or connector. The flicker will also show during the Apple logo at start-up, which rules out iOS.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my iPhone flicker at low brightness?
OLED screens dim using rapid pulses of light, which some people can see or feel. Raising brightness slightly can help.
Can a case cause flicker?
A tight case or protector that presses on the screen edge can, so remove them for testing.