Although it's a relatively rare problem, some MacBook® users report their Retina® and non-Retina displays flickering. It has been an issue when people try to use the Terminal app, and it may not matter if the graphics are enabled or disabled. If you’re currently experiencing this problem, try the following steps to correct it and continue using your Apple® device with ease.

How to Troubleshoot MacBook Screen Flickering

1. Restart It

When possible, always restart the Apple device before attempting other troubleshooting measures. Go to the Apple menu and click on “Restart” or “Shut Down.” If you picked the latter, let the machine sit for a few minutes before turning it back on.

2. Update the OS

If turning it off and back on didn’t work, your macOS® may be out of date. To check, open the App Store® and check for an update. If an update is available, you aren’t running the latest version, which could contain updates for solving this problem. Before downloading it, back up your data to an external hard drive or iCloud®. If this didn’t solve the flickering, continue with the following steps.

3. Reset the PRAM (or NVRAM)

Sometimes, flickering screens can occur if something impairing the Apple device’s performance is trapped in the caches or the system logs are out of date. To clear these systems, fully shut down the Mac. When you turn it back on, immediately press the Option, Command, P, and R keys and hold them for around 20 seconds. The computer will then restart with the PRAM (or NVRAM) reset, which should resolve the problem.

4. Adjust Energy Saver Preferences

The “Automatic graphics switching” option under the Energy Saver settings allows the Mac screen to alternate between two graphics chips. Unfortunately, this can cause occasional issues, like a flickering or flashing screen. Turn this off by opening System Preferences and going to Energy Saver to uncheck the box beside this setting.

If none of these common fixes resolved the flickering, turn to the computer repair experts at Experimax King of Prussia for a solution. These professionals provide same-day appointments and repairs for a variety of Apple devices to customers in the Greater Philadelphia area. You can find them in the KoP mall in the same shopping center as Panera Bread®, across from the Cheesecake Factory®. Call them at (610) 265-3174 to book an appointment and visit their website to learn more about their repair services and available products for sale.