Ethan Brooks
How To Fix Flickering Screen Issue on LG TV
If the screen on the LG TV starts flickering unexpectedly, yeah, it’s super annoying. Happens more often than you’d think, especially on some older models or after firmware updates. So, here’s a rundown of practical steps that actually helped solve this, or at least narrowed down the cause.
Step 1: Power Reset Your LG TV
This sounds kinda simple, but doing a power reset can clear out glitches that build up in the internal software or hardware. Basically, it refreshes everything. Why? Because sometimes the internal processes get hung or misfire, and a reset clear fixes it.
Trigger? Flickering that suddenly appears out of nowhere or after a software update.
What to expect? The flickering should stop if it’s a transient bug.
On some setups, this step actually takes a few tries — not sure why it works, but on one TV it fixed it just after the first reset, on another, had to do it twice. Make sure to unplug from the wall, not just turn it off, and hold the power button for about 15-30 seconds. Some models have a physical power button, others don’t — check your manual or just look behind or underneath the TV.
- Unplug the TV from power, wait at least 5 minutes.
- Hold down the power button (even if it’s behind or near the ports) for 15-30 seconds.
- Plug it back in, turn on, and see if flickering persists.
Step 2: Check and Secure HDMI Cable Connections
This one’s kinda obvious but often ignored: loose or faulty HDMI cables can really mess with the signal, causing flickering or ghosting. When you’re troubleshooting, make sure that your HDMI cables are snug, and that the ports are clean.
Why it helps? Because if the connection isn’t solid, the TV struggles to process the video signal, leading to flicker or flashing.
When to try? If flickering is only happening when watching HDMI inputs or switching sources.
What to expect? If it’s a cable or port issue, reseating or swapping the HDMI cable usually stops the flicker fairly quickly.
Extra tip: try different HDMI ports. Sometimes, one port’s just wonky due to internal issues. Also, a good shortcut is to lightly press on the HDMI port while plugging in or testing — sometimes that helps make a better connection.
- Inspect all HDMI cables and connections. Make sure they’re firmly plugged in.
- Try swapping out the HDMI cable with a known good one. Cheap or damaged cables might be the culprit.
- Switch to a different HDMI port on the TV just to rule out port failure.
Step 3: Disable Energy Saving Mode
Energy-saving settings can cause flickering, especially if the TV is trying to dim or brighten on its own to save power. Sometimes, these features get triggered because of miscommunication or bugs.
Why turn it off? Because turning off energy saving stabilizes the brightness and refresh rate, so flickering often goes away.
When? If flickering gets worse in eco modes or when the ambient light sensor kicks in.
What to expect? Flickering should be minimized or stop altogether.
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary — but luckily, TVs have similar quirks. To turn this off:
- Goto Settings.
- Select All Settings.
- Navigate to Support or Picture depending on your model.
- Find Energy Saving and toggle it off.
Step 4: Run the Picture Test or Screen Self-Diagnosis
This is super handy. LG built-in diagnostic tools can really shed light on whether the problem’s hardware or software.
Why bother? Because if there’s a hardware glitch in the panel or T-CON board, the test will usually highlight it.
When? If flickering persists even after reset or connection tweaks, or it gets worse over time.
What to expect? Ideally, the test shows no issues. If it does, that’s a clue you’ll probably need professional repair or replacement of parts.
- Go to Settings → All Settings.
- Optionally, head to Support or Picture.
- Look for Picture Test or Self Diagnosis.
- Follow prompts — sometimes it displays a test pattern or asks to check if flickering is visible.
Step 5: Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a factory reset resets everything back to defaults. It’s kinda like a clean slate, so all personalized settings, apps, etc., will vanish.
Why? Because sometimes the software just gets muddled, or a previous tweak causes flickering.
When? Only after trying all the above steps, and still no fix.
What to expect? The flickering could disappear, though you’ll need to reconfigure your picture settings or apps. It’s a pain but can fix stubborn bugs.
- Head into Settings → All Settings.
- Go to General, then select Reset to Initial Settings.
- Confirm and let it do its magic, which could take several minutes.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Sometimes, flickering is caused by outdated firmware, so check for updates. LG often rolls out fixes for bugs that cause screen issues. Also, keep an eye on other nearby electronics — interference from speakers, routers, or even fluctuating power supplies can cause flickers.
Fingers crossed this helps, but if it doesn’t, LG support might be the next stop. Thanks to the weird quirks of modern TVs, sometimes a hardware fix is inevitable. Just remember, sometimes the software or connection issues are more common, and they’re easier to troubleshoot.
Conclusion
Flickering on your LG TV can be annoying, but most times it’s fixable with some straightforward steps. Regularly cleaning connections, managing settings, and keeping firmware updated make a big difference. For stubborn issues, those diagnostic tests or even factory resets can do the trick. And if not, well, support is not far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG TV flickering?
Plot twist: it might be loose cables, wrong energy settings, outdated firmware, or internal hardware glitches. Usually, it’s one of these.
Will a factory reset delete my apps?
Yep, resetting wipes out all your apps and custom settings. It’s an extreme measure, but sometimes necessary for stubborn flickering issues.
How can I prevent flickering in the future?
Keep software updated, check your cables regularly, and try to keep other electronics away from your setup. Also, avoid setting the TV to energy-saving modes unless needed.
Summary
- Power reset helps clear out bugs that might cause flickering
- Secure and replace HDMI cables if needed
- Turn off energy-saving features for more stable display
- Run built-in diagnostic tests if flickering persists
- Use a factory reset as a last-ditch effort
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Flickering’s a pain, but most common fixes are pretty straightforward once you figure out where the problem actually lives. Good luck!