Why is my Samsung phone or tablet screen flickering?

Updated : 25th August, 2026

If the screen on your device is flickering, there are a few steps you can follow to find out whether the issue is software or hardware related. Flickering is usually caused by a software issue which can be caused by glitches in apps or software bugs.

To best protect your device, make sure to update the software so that it is running the latest operating system and has the latest security updates installed.

Is the screen of your device smashed or cracked? If there is damage to your screen, this could be causing your screen to flicker.

You can visit a Samsung support centre to have your device inspected in person, or book a repair to have your screen fixed.

Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair

Need help with your product? Try our online troubleshooter to resolve the problem. If it hasn’t solved the issue you’re experiencing, you can book a repair online too.

Safe mode can be used to diagnose potential issues caused by some third-party applications. 

Safe mode runs the device using only the core applications; therefore, it can be used to determine if a third-party application is causing the problem.

1 Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key until the Power off screen appears
Home screen with Volume down key and Side key highlighted.
2 Tap and hold the Power off icon until the option for Safe mode appears
Power off screen with “Power off” highlighted.
3 Tap Safe mode
Power off screen with “Safe mode" highlighted.

If the flickering stops when your device is in Safe Mode, this could mean that the issue is being caused by a bug with one of the apps you have installed.

To find out which app is causing the problem:

1 Uninstall the most recent app you downloaded before the problem started.
2 Repeat until the flickering stops. You can always reinstall apps if it wasn't causing the issue.

If the flickering persists even in Safe Mode, it is likely a hardware issue rather than software related. If this is the case, please contact Samsung Support.

If your screen is still flickering, try adjusting your brightness settings, and disabling the Adaptive brightness feature.

1 Open Settings > Tap Display
“Settings” screen with “Display” highlighted.
2 Tap the toggle OFF to disable Adaptive brightness
“Display” screen with “Adaptive brightness” highlighted.
3 If you notice that the flickering occurs when the screen is at a low brightness, slide the Brightness bar to the right to increase the brightness
“Display” screen with Brightness bar highlighted.
How to fix screen flickering or flashing on your Samsung phone or tablet How to fix screen flickering or flashing on your Samsung phone or tablet

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