Chromebook Screen Flickering and Glitching? Here’s how to fix it!

If your Chromebook screen has recently started flickering, glitching, or displaying strange visual artifacts, you’re not alone. This alarming issue can interfere with your ability to work, learn, or relax—and while it might seem like a major hardware malfunction, it often isn’t. Fortunately, many common causes of screen flickering and glitches on Chromebooks can be addressed through a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

TLDR: Chromebook screen flickering or glitching? Try restarting the Chromebook, checking for system updates, adjusting display settings, or performing a powerwash as a last resort. Most flickers are software-related and not due to a hardware issue. Read below for step-by-step guidance to fix your screen issue.

Common Symptoms of Screen Flickering and Glitching

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand the typical signs that indicate your Chromebook is experiencing screen-related issues. Symptoms include:

• Random or persistent screen flickers
• Horizontal or vertical lines appearing intermittently
• Sections of the screen going black or distorting
• Display flickering during specific actions (e.g., opening an app or browser)

If you’re seeing one or more of these symptoms, proceed with the instructions below to identify and potentially resolve the underlying cause.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Chromebook Screen Flickering

1. Perform a Reboot

This might seem obvious, but a simple restart can solve many temporary issues including screen flickers. To reboot your Chromebook:

1. Click the time in the bottom-right corner.
2. Select the power icon to shut down your Chromebook.
3. Wait 10-15 seconds before turning it back on.

After rebooting, observe if the issue has been resolved. If not, proceed with the next steps.

2. Check and Install System Updates

Outdated Chrome OS versions can contain bugs that create display issues. To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll to and click on About Chrome OS.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates and restart your device.

Chrome OS updates often include patches for graphics drivers and display-related bugs.

3. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is intended to speed up your Chromebook’s performance by offloading tasks to the GPU. However, on some devices, this can lead to display glitches.

To disable hardware acceleration in Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/
2. Scroll down and click Advanced.
3. Under System, toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
4. Relaunch Chrome when prompted.

Once restarted, observe your screen to see if the issue has improved.

4. Perform a Hard Reset (EC Reset)

A hard reset, or Embedded Controller (EC) reset, can fix problems with the system board or hardware components. This is different from a factory reset.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your Chromebook completely.
2. Press and hold Refresh + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Let go, and the system will restart.

This reset can clear potential errors and recalibrate the hardware, including the screen.

5. Try a Different User Profile or Guest Mode

If your issue is profile-specific, it could be caused by a corrupted user profile or extension.

1. Sign out of your account.
2. From the login screen, enter Browse as Guest.
3. Browse or use your Chromebook as usual and check if the screen flicker continues.

If the flicker stops in Guest mode, the issue is likely tied to your user profile or browser extensions.

6. Uninstall Recent Apps or Extensions

Certain third-party apps or Chrome extensions—especially ones that interact with the screen or browser system—can introduce instability.

To check and remove recent additions:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions.
2. Disable or remove any recently installed extensions.
3. Restart Chrome and observe the display.

Similarly, uninstall any Play Store apps that may have been installed shortly before the issue began.

7. Boot in Recovery Mode (Advanced)

If all else fails, booting the Chromebook into recovery mode can determine if the OS needs reinstallation.

Warning: This step will erase local data if you proceed with a recovery.

1. Turn off your Chromebook.
2. Hold Esc + Refresh, then press Power.
3. When you see the recovery screen, either reinsert a recovery USB or exit if you’re just testing the recovery boot.

This can indicate if deeper system corruption is present and rule out hardware issues.

8. Perform a Powerwash (Factory Reset)

If you’ve exhausted all software fixes, a factory reset might be necessary. This restores your Chromebook to its original state but will delete all local files.

To Powerwash:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced.
2. Click on Reset settings.
3. Select Powerwash > Restart.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Be sure to back up your important files to Google Drive or an external drive first.

When to Consider a Hardware Problem

If none of the solutions resolve the issue, your Chromebook’s hardware may be at fault. Consider the following possibilities:

• Damaged display cable – Internal wiring that connects your screen to the motherboard might be loose or damaged.
• Graphics processing failure – In rare cases, the GPU may be malfunctioning.
• Physical screen damage – Even small drops or impacts can cause screen connectors to become disrupted.

If your device is under warranty, contact the manufacturer’s support team or take it to a certified repair center for further diagnosis.

Preventing Screen Flickers in the Future

Even if you’ve fixed the issue, here are some steps you can take to avoid similar problems:

• Always use the latest Chrome OS by performing periodic update checks.
• Be cautious with third-party extensions and apps—review permissions and reviews before installation.
• Avoid physical damage by handling your device carefully and using a padded case.
• Don’t cover ventilation areas; overheating can lead to hardware malfunction, including screen problems.

Conclusion

Chromebook screen flickering and glitching can be incredibly frustrating, but in most cases, the solution lies in a few well-placed settings or updates. By methodically going through the troubleshooting steps—starting with simple reboots and ending with a full Powerwash—you’re likely to identify and solve the cause of the issue. Remember, if the problem persists even after a reset, professional diagnostic service is your best option to ensure no deeper hardware issue is at play.

With the right approach and regular maintenance, your Chromebook should be a reliable, flicker-free companion for years to come.