So I was watching The Avengers on my Samsung TV…
When my screen started flickering.
I thought it was part of the special effects…
But I realized quickly that it was just a malfunction.
So I went ahead and fixed it in an instant.
Want to know how I did it?
Continue reading to find out:
- 5 of the most common causes why Samsung TVs flicker.
- 11 effective ways to stop your Samsung TV from flickering.
- 3 Samsung TV features that cause flickering and how to turn them off.
- And a lot more…
Why is my Samsung TV flickering?
Your Samsung TV is flickering due to faulty backlights. In addition, a defective power source can also cause the screen to flicker. Other possible causes include damaged HDMI or coax cables. Malfunctioning external devices. And glitches in features such as Energy Saving and Ambient Light Detection.
Samsung TV flickering: 11 ways to stop it
#1: Power cycle your Samsung TV
A flickering TV screen can definitely be worrisome. It could mean there are some serious issues with the TV’s hardware.
But it could also mean that the TV’s OS is simply glitching.
The truth is that many factors can cause your Samsung TV to flicker. Including:
- Defective backlights.
- Software malfunction.
- Damaged main board.
- Faulty external device.
- Power source problems.
Some of these are serious. And would require repair by a technician. While others are easily fixable through basic troubleshooting.
That’s why it’s best to perform the simplest resolutions first. Then go from there.
And the easiest one to do is power cycling. Otherwise known as a restart or a soft reset.
In some cases, restarting the TV was enough to fix a flickering screen. So you should try to do it, first and foremost.
Here are the steps to perform a proper power cycle on your Samsung TV:
- Disconnect your Samsung TV from the outlet.
- Press the TV’s built-in power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plug the TV back into its power source.
And when your TV turns back on, check if the screen’s still flickering.
Try to switch channels. Or change the input source. And see if the issue’s happening everywhere.
And if it is, fret not. There are still plenty of other fixes available.
#2: Check for issues with the power source
A fluctuating power will also cause your TV to flicker.
And it’s usually due to a defective wall outlet. Or a damaged power strip.
In some instances, a faulty power cord can also cause the flickering screen issue.
So what’s the best way to verify if it’s really a power source problem?
Well, try to unplug your TV from the outlet. And connect another device to it.
Such as a laptop or a cellphone. Then check if that device is charging properly.
If not, then there’s really a problem with the outlet. So try to plug your TV into another one instead. An outlet that you’ve verified is actually working.
In addition, you should also inspect the TV’s power cord. Ensure that it’s securely attached to the TV. And see to it that cord itself doesn’t have any damage.
Should you need to replace it, here are a few that works well with Samsung TVs:
#3: Ensure that your TV’s connections are secure
So I just talked about ensuring the power cord’s connection is secure.
But that also applies to all of your TV’s other connections.
For instance, if you’re using a streaming device, you’ve likely plugged it via an HDMI cable.
Or, if you have a set-top box, you’ve certainly connected it using a coax cable.
Now, the HDMI and coax cables are responsible for transmitting video and sound.
And if they’re not secure, you’ll definitely experience picture issues.
So see to it that you firmly attach them to the TV’s ports.
You may also try to detach the cables. Then reconnect them properly.
You should do it while the TV’s on. So you can see if adjusting the cables fixes the flickering screen.
#4: Check the connectors for damage
Another possible culprit for a flickering screen is a faulty connector.
One or more of your HDMI or coax cables are likely damaged.
So you may inspect the cables to verify.
For example, HDMI cables have multiple pins in the actual plug. So check if some of those pins are bent or broken.
On the other hand, a coax cable only has one pin. But it’s also prone to breakage. So you should also take a look at it.
Now, if there are no damages…
Check for dirt build-up. It can also prevent the cables from working properly.
You may try to gently blow into the HDMI or coax plug to remove dirt. Or use a toothpick to scrape out any debris.
And if cleaning didn’t fix them, look for replacements.
I’d recommend using an 8K HDMI cable for Samsung TVs for better picture quality.
As for coax cables, G-PLUG is an excellent brand.
#5: Check your TV channels’ signal information
Did you know that a poor channel signal can also cause the screen to flicker?
Yes, it also happens at times.
And it isn’t a problem with your TV. It’s an issue with the channel’s broadcaster.
So how can you check a particular channel’s signal?
By using the Signal Information feature of your Samsung TV.
Here’s how to view a channel’s signal strength via Signal Information:
- Press your Samsung TV remote’s Home button.
- Select Settings.
- Select Support.
- Click the Device Care option.
- Select Self Diagnosis.
- Select Signal Information.
From there, you can see the signal strength of every channel on your TV. Just look for SNR. Or Signal-to-Noise Ratio.
If the SNR’s below 20, the channel’s signal is weak.
After checking the signal info of every channel, go to those with the highest SNR.
And see if the flickering stops.
You might also like: (9 Fixes) Samsung TV No Signal
#6: Turn off the Ambient Light Detection feature
Ambient Light Detection is a feature that automatically adjusts the TV’s brightness.
If this feature’s on, your TV will try to detect the lighting of its location.
If the room has ample light, your TV will lower its brightness level.
And if it’s dark, the TV increases its brightness.
It’s actually an excellent feature. However, it can also cause various screen problems when it’s malfunctioning.
That’s why if your TV’s flickering, you’re better off disabling this feature.
Just follow these steps to turn off the Ambient Light Detection feature:
- Click your remote’s Home button.
- Navigate to Settings and select it.
- Select General.
- Select Eco Solution.
- Select Ambient Light Detection and toggle it off.
Note: You won’t find Ambient Light Detection on 2016 or older Samsung TVs. So look for Eco Sensor instead. And switch it off. You’ll also find it under Eco Solution.
#7: Lower your TV’s backlight level
A faulty backlight is one of the most common causes of a flickering screen.
Samsung TVs actually have multiple LED backlights behind the LCD screen.
And when one or more of these lights start malfunctioning…
You’ll get a flickering screen.
Now, you can always opt to replace the damaged backlights.
But a quicker solution would be simply minimizing your TV’s backlight level.
Don’t worry. You’d still be able to use the TV. Even with a darker screen.
This is how to lower your Samsung TV’s backlight level:
- Press your remote’s Home button.
- Click Settings.
- Navigate to General and click it.
- Select Eco Solution.
- Highlight Minimum Backlight.
- Drag the slider to anything below 10.
#8: Disable the Energy Saving Mode
Another Samsung TV feature that can cause a flickering screen is the Energy Saving Mode.
Similar to Ambient Light Detection, this mode also adjusts the brightness of your TV.
But it also glitches from time to time. Causing various picture problems. Including a blinking screen.
So you should switch it off as well.
Here’s how to disable Energy Saving Mode:
- Click the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings.
- Click General.
- Select Eco Solution.
- Highlight Energy Saving Mode and toggle it off.
Note: Energy Saving Mode is called Power Saving Mode on some Samsung TV models.
#9: Reset your TV’s picture settings
We all differ in preferences when it comes to TV picture settings.
So it’s normal for TV owners to calibrate these to their liking.
However, making too many changes in the settings can cause problems.
And that includes a flickering screen.
The best solution for this?
Simply reset your TV’s picture settings.
Here are the steps to reset a Samsung TV’s picture settings:
- Press the remote’s Home button and select Settings.
- Select Picture.
- Select Expert Settings.
- Scroll all the way down to Reset Picture and click it.
Your TV’s picture settings should then revert to factory default.
Would you also like a visual guide on how to do it?
If so, you may refer to this video:
#10: Disconnect all external devices
Devices such as gaming consoles or streaming sticks can also cause screen issues.
Just like your TV, those devices are also prone to occasional glitches.
That’s why another fix that you should try is to disconnect all external devices.
And then do a power cycle on your TV.
If the flickering stops, then the issue’s likely with one of those devices.
And to figure out which one, you may perform a trial and error.
Basically, plug one external device at a time. And then pay attention to how it’s affecting your TV screen.
And once you’ve figured out which device is causing the problem…
You may focus on troubleshooting that instead.
#11: Factory reset your Samsung TV
If the other fixes didn’t resolve the flickering screen…
Don’t contact a technician just yet. There’s one more fix you can try.
And that’s factory resetting your Samsung TV.
Warning: Factory resetting will delete all your downloaded apps. It’ll also erase all your info. So you’ll have to sign back in with your Samsung account.
This is how to factory reset your Samsung TV:
- Close all running apps.
- Click Home on your remote and go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
- Enter your PIN if you’ve set one or 0000.
- Select Reset again and click Yes to confirm.
Bonus: Get in touch with Samsung for repair options
Is your Samsung TV screen still flickering after trying out all the fixes?
If it is, you’ll need a technician to look into it.
You may contact Samsung for repair options.
Their hotline number is 1-800-726-7864. They’re available from 8 AM to 12 AM EST. 7 days a week.
Their chat support, on the other hand, is open 24/7.
So you can chat with a Samsung Care Pro anytime on this web page.