How to Fix a Flickering Chromebook Screen: 7 Simple Tips

Quick fixes for a glitching Chromebook laptop screen

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: May 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Does your Chromebook screen keep flickering? If your screen goes black and white repeatedly, there are a few quick fixes you can try. Here's why your Chromebook screen is flickering and how to troubleshoot display problems.

Why Is My Chromebook Display Glitching?

A flickering Chromebook screen can be caused by a damaged screen, buggy Chrome flags, and even outdated software. To fix it, make sure your Chromebook is up-to-date and reset your Chrome flags in the browser. You can also try to use an external monitor to confirm the issue is with your screen.

1

Restart your Chromebook.

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Turn your Chromebook off and on again. If your Chromebook screen is flickering or has a black screen, a simple restart may fix common software bugs. Do the following:
- Press and hold the Power button until the screen turns off.
- Wait at least one minute.
- Press the Power button to turn it back on.

2

Reset Chrome Flags.

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Reset all Google Chrome flags. Chrome flags allow you to activate developer or experimental features that aren't enabled by default. To reset them, do the following:
- Open Chrome.
- Type chrome://flags in the box.
- Press Enter.
- Click Reset all.
- Click Restart to restart your computer.

3

Use an external monitor.

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Try using another monitor with your Chromebook. Connect a monitor to your Chromebook using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable. This will vary depending on your model.
- If the screen appears fine on the external monitor, your Chromebook's screen is likely damaged. In this case, you'll need to get it professionally repaired.

4

Update your Chromebook.

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Make sure your Chromebook is up-to-date. By default, Chromebook automatically checks for updates and downloads them. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet to finish updating.^{[1]
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- You should see an Update available notification. Click it, and then select Restart to Update to finish the update.

5

Change your display size.

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Try a different display size on your Chromebook. If you changed this setting previously, the new size could be incompatible with your screen. To change it, do the following:
- Open the Settings.
- Click Device.
- Click Displays.
- Slide the Display size scale towards the left to decrease it.

6

Factory reset your Chromebook.

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Perform a Powerwash. This is Chromebook's equivalent to a factory reset, and it will delete all your files and content on your Chromebook. Be sure to back up your device before proceeding.^{[2]
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- Open Settings.
- Click Advanced.
- Click Reset settings.
- Under Powerwash, click Reset.
- Click Restart.
- Click Powerwash.

7

Contact a repair technician.

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If your Chromebook screen is still flickering, the issue is most likely the screen itself. A repair technician can replace the screen for you. You can find a list of manufacturers and their numbers here.^{[3]
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