Televisions have long been the standard source of entertainment since they first emerged in the last century.
As much as TVs have come of age, they are not immune to common problems such as flickering screens, signal issues, and sound problems.
Whether new or aged, your TV might flicker unexpectedly and persistently, leaving you panicking and wondering what is happening to your precious entertainment unit.
Fortunately, a flickering TV screen is not a cause of alarm so long as you know the root of the problem.
This guide highlights quick ways to fix a flickering TV screen so you can get back to watching your favorite shows within no time.
Keep it here to learn more!
TOP FIXES
Restart (soft reset) your TV
Factory reset your TV
Check for loose connections
Replace faulty cables
Try replacing your input source (set top box, Blu-ray player)
If you’re using an OTA antenna, try adjusting it and improving your reception
Quick Ways to Fix a Flickering TV Screen
Fixing a flickering TV screen is more of a Do-It-Yourself project as long as it doesn’t involve technical issues.
You can perform most of the hacks yourself without hiring an electrician or TV professional.
Save your money and follow these tips to fix your flickering TV screen.
Turn Your TV OFF and ON
Your TV screen might be flickering as it adjusts to the refresh rate or resolution of the visual content.
Restarting the TV can help solve this issue within seconds as it refreshes the system board.
You don’t have to be an electrician to reboot your television, as it is a straightforward procedure. Simply:
- Press the power button on the TV or remote to turn the TV OFF
- Wait for at least 30 seconds
- Press the power button again to turn your TV ON
- Check if this resolves the issue
How to Restart Your TV (Sony TV)
Reset Your TV
Another quick way to fix a flickering TV screen is to reset it.
You can perform a soft or a factory reset, depending on the gravity of the problem.
While a soft reset fixes minor bugs and glitches, a factory reset erases everything and restores your TV to default settings.
Here are the steps to perform a soft reset:
- Unplug the power cord from the TV
- Press the power button on your TV to drain the remaining power
- Wait for at least 30 seconds or more
- Plug the power cord back in
- Turn on your TV to check if it is still flickering
How to Soft Reset Your TV
If a soft reset does not solve the issue, you can try to perform a factory reset and check whether it does the trick.
Here’s how to factory reset a Samsung TV:
- Press the Home button on the remote
- Navigate to Menu
- Go to Settings
- Select All Settings
- Go to General and Privacy
- Scroll down and select Reset
- Enter the default pin [0000]
- Select Reset again and press OK to confirm
- Reboot your TV
How to Reset Your TV to Factory Default Settings (Samsung TV)
Inspect Your Connections
If all these drastic measures do not solve the issue, consider checking connected cables for loose connections.
A flickering TV screen is often a result of loose or incorrect connections between the input device and the TV.
Ensure that all connections are firmly secure in the correct ports to stop your TV screen from flickering.
Also, check the ports for clogs and swap your cables accordingly to restore your display.
Replace Faulty Cables
The latest TVs and media players use HDMI cables as the standard video and audio connections.
As much as these cables deliver quality sounds and pictures, they are still prone to defects and malfunctions.
Faulty cables and defective ports can cause your TV screen to flicker unexpectedly and persistently, leaving you frustrated.
Start by testing your cables with different devices to separate the defective ones from the functional ones.
You can disconnect everything and plug them in one by one to find faulty cables.
If you find faulty cables, replace them immediately to stop your TV screen from flickering randomly.
Signs of a Damaged HDMI Cable
Check the Input Source
Sometimes your TV screen might flicker because of a defective set-top box, soundbar, or DVD player.
All the cables may be firmly secure in the appropriate ports, but your TV still flickers because the input source is defective.
If you have another TV, you can test your input source to ascertain that it is the cause of the problem.
If your input source is unrepairable, you may have no other option but to replace it with a functioning one.
Adjust Your Antenna
Unbelievably, a flickering TV screen may result from weak broadcast signals.
If you use an over-the-air antenna to watch local channels, your TV might flicker because of poor reception.
Adjusting your antenna to face the direction of the broadcast towers can help resolve the issue.
You can also consider installing a signal amplifier or booster to enhance the broadcast reception.
Easy Ways to Improve Your TV’s Reception when Using an OTA Antenna
Consult a Technician
If you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work, do not open the TV casing but instead consider calling a technician.
Like any other electrical device, opening the TV yourself for diagnosis can be dangerous due to the risk of electric shock.
A professional can inspect your TV to determine whether the issue is caused by hardware failures.
If most of the components are damaged and irreplaceable, start saving for a new television to avoid further disappointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is my TV screen flickering?
Answer: Your TV screen could be flickering because of loose connections, faulty cables, defective video sources, hardware failure, or backlighting issues. Your TV might also flicker because of unstable power, weak broadcast signals, and incomplete firmware updates. Establishing the exact cause of the problem can help you fix your TV. Ensure all connections are firmly in the appropriate ports and replace faulty cables.
Question: Can a flickering TV be fixed?
Answer: A flickering TV is not a cause of concern as you can easily fix it as long as you know the root of the problem. Inspect all connections to ensure they are firmly secure in the correct ports. Check the cables for faults and visible damage before replacing them with functional ones. Ensure the video source is active and all power cords are securely in place. You can also adjust your antenna to improve the reception.
Question: How do I stop my HDMI TV from flickering?
Answer: If your HDMI TV is flickering, consider replacing the cable. A faulty HDMI cable can cause your TV to flicker or display a No Signal message. If your TV has multiple ports, consider swapping to a different port. Consider using a shorter HDMI cable since long connections are prone to signal interference. You can also lower the output resolution and check if this resolves the issue.
Question: How can you tell if your TV is going out?
Answer: One of the first signs of a dying TV is a flickering screen. The display will fade out randomly before turning dark. As your TV goes out, you will also notice dead pixels, distorted images, and discoloration. Some parts of the screen might not have light due to backlighting issues, and you might hear funny sounds from the rear of the TV.
Question: How long should a TV last?
Answer: A television normally lasts between 4 and 10 years, depending on how you use and maintain it. If you want to extend your TV’s life, ensure you turn it off every time you are not using it. Avoid covering the ventilation area to allow your TV to breathe. Always use a power surge protector to protect it from power spikes.
