Screen flickering is one of the most frustrating issues a smartphone user can encounter. Whether you’re watching a video, browsing social media, or just texting a friend, a flickering screen can make your experience feel glitchy and annoying. Fortunately, this common problem can often be resolved with the right tools and a little know-how. One of the best ways to identify the root cause of the issue is by using phone diagnostic software. In this article, we’ll break down what causes screen flickering, how to use diagnostic tools effectively, and what steps you can take to fix the problem.
Understanding Screen Flickering
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what screen flickering actually is. Screen flickering happens when your phone’s display rapidly changes brightness or flashes intermittently. This can appear as horizontal or vertical lines, random brightness changes, or quick flashes that make the screen hard to look at.
Flickering can be caused by several issues, including:
- Software glitches
- Hardware malfunctions
- Display driver problems
- Power supply inconsistencies
- Incompatible apps or settings
Identifying the exact cause can be tricky, but that’s where phone diagnostic software becomes incredibly useful.
What is Phone Diagnostic Software?
Phone diagnostic software is a tool—either built into the phone or available as a third-party app—that tests your phone’s hardware and software to find issues. It can analyze various components including the screen, battery, CPU, memory, sensors, and more. These tools are especially helpful when you’re dealing with mysterious problems like screen flickering, as they can point you to the specific component that’s failing.
Popular examples include:
- Samsung Members (for Samsung devices)
- Apple Diagnostics (for iPhones via Mac or web)
- Phone Doctor Plus (third-party app)
- TestM Hardware (multi-platform diagnostic tool)
These apps offer a suite of tests that can help you answer the question: “What’s up with my screen?”
Troubleshooting Flickering Issues with Phone Diagnostic Software
Let’s walk through how to use phone diagnostic software to troubleshoot screen flickering.
Step 1: Download a Reliable Diagnostic Tool
If your phone doesn’t already include a built-in diagnostics app, you can download a reputable one from the app store. Make sure to choose a tool that supports full-screen testing, pixel tests, and hardware stress checks.
Recommended tools:
- TestM – Great for both iOS and Android
- Phone Doctor Plus – User-friendly and covers over 30 hardware tests
- AccuBattery – For checking battery and power delivery that might cause flickers
Step 2: Run Display Tests
Once the software is installed, open it and select the display test. This test typically checks for:
- Dead pixels
- Color uniformity
- Brightness levels
- Touch responsiveness
If your screen flickers during these tests, it’s likely a hardware issue. If the flickering stops during the test, it might be an app or software-related issue instead.
Step 3: Check Power Supply and Battery Health
Many flickering screens are actually the result of a faulty battery or irregular power delivery to the screen. Use your phone diagnostic software to check:
- Battery health
- Charging rate
- Power fluctuations
If the battery health is poor, it might not be delivering consistent voltage to the screen, causing it to flicker under strain.
Step 4: Analyze CPU and RAM Usage
Overheating or overuse of resources can also result in screen issues. Use the diagnostic tool to monitor:
- CPU temperature
- RAM usage
- Background apps
If the CPU is running hot or the RAM is overloaded, try closing background apps or rebooting your phone. Prolonged high temperature can damage the display’s performance over time.
Step 5: Check for App Conflicts
Some apps can interfere with display settings or overload system resources. Use your diagnostic app to detect which apps are using the most system resources and try disabling or uninstalling them temporarily.
If the screen flickering stops, you’ve likely found the culprit.
Other Solutions to Fix Screen Flickering
In addition to using phone diagnostic software, here are a few manual solutions you can try:
1. Update Your Phone Software
Outdated firmware or bugs in the operating system can cause display issues. Go to Settings > System > Software Update and ensure your phone is up to date.
2. Boot in Safe Mode
Booting your phone in Safe Mode disables third-party apps. If the screen works fine in Safe Mode, the issue is likely with an app you’ve installed.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Android: Press and hold the power button > Tap and hold “Power off” > Tap “OK” when Safe Mode option appears.
- iPhone: You need to remove third-party apps manually or reset settings, as there is no Safe Mode equivalent.
3. Adjust Display Settings
Go to Settings > Display and try changing:
- Refresh rate
- Brightness levels
- Adaptive brightness settings
- Screen resolution (if applicable)
Sometimes turning off features like “Auto Brightness” or lowering the refresh rate can reduce flickering.
4. Factory Reset (As a Last Resort)
If nothing works, backing up your data and performing a factory reset can eliminate deep-rooted software issues. Use your diagnostic software first to confirm that it’s not a hardware problem before taking this step.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the diagnostics indicate a hardware problem, or if your screen continues to flicker even after software fixes, it’s time to consult a professional technician or your phone’s service center. Especially if your phone is still under warranty, avoid DIY repairs that may void the coverage.
Technicians can run deeper hardware diagnostics and, if needed, replace the screen, battery, or display driver components.
Preventing Future Screen Flickering Issues
To minimize the chance of screen issues recurring:
- Avoid overheating your phone
- Use high-quality charging accessories
- Regularly update your apps and OS
- Limit intensive background app usage
- Don’t expose the phone to drops, moisture, or extreme temperature
Also, consider running periodic checks with phone diagnostic software to keep your device in top shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s up with my screen?”, you’re not alone. Screen flickering is a common yet manageable issue when approached systematically. By using phone diagnostic software, you can quickly zero in on the root of the problem—whether it’s a software glitch, battery issue, or a hardware failure. These tools empower you to troubleshoot more effectively and possibly save money on unnecessary repairs.
Don’t wait for small problems to become big ones. With the right software and a little tech savvy, you can keep your smartphone running smoothly and flicker-free.
