If the screen on your Samsung® phone flickers or flashes on and off, it can be frustrating and hard to ignore. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can try to fix the issue.
At Asurion, we help millions of people troubleshoot problems with their tech. If you're wondering, "Why is the bottom of my Samsung phone screen flickering?" or "How do I get the flashing to stop?" we're here to help.
Why is your Samsung phone screen flickering?
Before you can fix your screen, it helps to understand why it's flickering. Here are a few of the more common causes.
- Software glitches. A buggy app or an outdated operating system can cause display issues.
- Display settings. Screen brightness or refresh rate settings may cause flickering.
- Hardware problems. A loose connection inside your phone or a damaged display can lead to flickering.
- Battery or power issues. If your phone's power supply is unstable, the screen may flash on and off.
Signs to watch for, like the bottom of the screen flickering
- Flickering only at the bottom or top of the screen.
- Random screen flashes during certain app use.
- Brightness pulsing or fluctuating for no reason.
How to stop your Samsung screen from flickering
Try these steps, in order, to get your screen working normally again.
Restart your phone
This simple step can clear temporary glitches. Hold the Power button, then tap Restart.
Check for software updates
A software update can fix bugs causing screen flickering.
- Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Adjust display settings
Tweaking your display settings can help stop the flickering.
- Lower screen brightness: Go to Settings > Display > Brightness.
- Change refresh rate: Some Samsung phones let you switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. Try setting it to 60Hz.
Don’t waste time scrolling
Life is short. Ask our experts and get answers now.
Turn off hardware overlays
This setting helps your phone manage graphics, but it can sometimes cause flickering.
- Go to Settings > About phone > tap Build number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Then go to Settings > Developer options > turn on Disable HW overlays.
Boot in Safe Mode
Safe Mode runs your phone without third-party apps. If the screen doesn’t flicker in Safe Mode, a downloaded app may be the issue.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode.
- To exit, restart your phone.
Clear cache
Clearing the cache removes temporary files that may be causing problems.
- Turn off your phone.
- Press and hold Volume Up + Power + Home/Bixby until the Samsung logo appears.
- Use volume buttons to highlight Wipe cache partition, then press Power.
- Select Yes, then restart.
Check out our guide on clearing cache on Android.
Perform a factory reset
This erases everything on your phone, so back up your data first. This should be treated as a last resort.
Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.
When to visit a repair expert
If none of these steps work and your screen is still flashing on and off, it may be a hardware problem. At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, our experts can diagnose and repair screen issues, often in as little as an hour. Schedule a repair today and get your phone working as it should.
FAQ
What causes screen flickering on Samsung phones?
It’s usually caused by software issues, display settings, or hardware problems.
Why is the bottom of my Samsung phone screen flickering?
It could be due to a loose display connection, a buggy app, or a settings issue.
How do I fix my Samsung screen flashing on and off?
Try restarting your phone, checking for updates, or adjusting your display settings.
Is screen flickering a hardware or software issue?
It can be either. Start with software fixes – if they don’t work, get your hardware checked.
Can screen flickering damage my phone?
Not usually, but it can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
