Written By: Ali Dirmilli
You’re in the middle of a video call, and suddenly your screen starts flashing or flickering — distracting, frustrating, and downright confusing. Whether it’s a casual chat or an important meeting, screen flickering can make communication difficult and reduce your phone’s performance.
At iMobile Denver, we’ve helped countless customers fix screen flickering problems caused by both software and hardware issues. This guide will walk you through what causes this issue, how to troubleshoot it at home, and when it’s time to visit a professional phone repair expert for help.
Section 1: Understanding Why Phone Screens Flicker During Video Calls
Screen flickering can appear as rapid brightness changes, flashes, or ghosting effects that occur especially during video calls. It’s often linked to how your device handles refresh rates, screen brightness, and camera synchronization.
1. Software vs. Hardware Causes
- Software-related issues: Sometimes flickering happens because of app bugs, outdated operating systems, or background processes that interfere with screen refresh rates.
- Hardware-related issues: In other cases, damaged displays, loose connectors, or malfunctioning GPUs can trigger flickering.
If your flicker appears only during video calls, the issue is likely connected to how your camera and display driver work together.
Section 2: Common Causes of Screen Flickering During Video Calls
1. Adaptive Brightness Glitch
Many modern phones adjust brightness automatically based on your surroundings. During video calls, changing light conditions can confuse the light sensor — causing constant dimming and brightening.
2. Outdated Apps or Firmware
Video calling apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, or FaceTime need access to your camera, GPU, and display driver. When they’re outdated, they may miscommunicate with your phone’s system, leading to flickering.
3. Overheating During Long Calls
If your phone heats up while on a video call, the GPU and display controller might throttle performance to reduce temperature — this can cause temporary flickers or color distortion.
4. Damaged Display Cable
A loose or damaged internal connector between your motherboard and display can cause physical screen flickering. This often worsens when tilting or moving your device.
5. GPU or Processor Stress
Video calls are intensive — your phone’s GPU manages real-time rendering of both video and interface animations. Older or lower-end processors may struggle, leading to frame drops and flicker.
Section 3: Quick Fixes You Can Try at Home
Before visiting a repair shop, there are several safe troubleshooting steps you can take.
Step 1: Restart Your Device
A simple restart can clear temporary bugs or system overloads that may trigger screen flickering.
Step 2: Disable Adaptive Brightness
Go to Settings > Display > Adaptive Brightness and turn it off. Then manually adjust brightness to a steady level during your video call.
Step 3: Update Video Calling Apps
Make sure apps like Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp, or FaceTime are up to date. Visit your device’s app store to install the latest version.
Step 4: Install System Updates
Outdated firmware can create conflicts between your display driver and camera software. Regularly update your phone by visiting Settings > System > Software Update.
Step 5: Try Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode disables third-party apps. If flickering stops, one of your downloaded apps is the culprit.
Step 6: Avoid Overheating
Avoid making long video calls under direct sunlight or while charging. Use your phone in a cooler environment and let it rest between calls.
Section 4: When Flickering Indicates Hardware Damage
Sometimes flickering isn’t just a glitch — it’s a sign of deeper hardware damage.
Display Connector Damage
Dropping your phone or applying pressure to the screen can loosen internal connections, especially around the LCD or OLED cable.
Backlight Failure
If flickering is accompanied by dark patches or uneven lighting, your screen’s backlight may be damaged.
Screen Replacement Needed
In many cases, replacing a damaged or faulty display solves the problem completely. Our technicians at iMobile Denver’s repair center specialize in diagnosing whether you need a new display or just a minor repair.
Section 5: How Professionals Diagnose Flickering Issues
When you bring your phone to iMobile Denver, our certified repair experts perform a detailed diagnostic check that includes:
- Screen and camera inspection – to rule out software interference.
- Display connector testing – to detect loose or damaged components.
- GPU and system scan – to ensure the graphics driver functions properly.
- Temperature and power test – to monitor performance under stress.
If the issue is minor, we may simply recalibrate your screen or perform a quick screen repair. For hardware damage, a full display replacement or connector fix may be recommended.
Section 6: Preventing Screen Flickering During Future Video Calls
Here are simple ways to keep your screen steady and smooth during calls:
- Keep your apps and OS regularly updated.
- Avoid using non-optimized screen filters or third-party brightness apps.
- Use original chargers to prevent voltage fluctuations.
- Schedule routine checkups at iMobile Denver for diagnostics.
- Never ignore early flicker signs, as they can worsen over time.
Section 7: Additional Repairs and Services
At iMobile Denver, our technicians handle more than just flickering screens. We also specialize in:
- MacBook & Laptop Repairs — including screen, keyboard, and battery replacements.
- Game Console Repairs — for Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation systems.
- Financing Options — explore Apply for Financing to manage repair costs easily.
Section 8: Conclusion — Get Expert Help Before It Gets Worse
If your screen still flickers after basic troubleshooting, it’s time for professional help. A trained technician can pinpoint whether it’s a simple calibration issue or a deeper display fault.
Visit iMobile Denver today or request an instant quote online for fast, reliable service.
Our experts are ready to restore your screen clarity, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted video calls once again.
FAQs
Q1: Why does my phone screen flicker only during video calls?
It’s usually caused by synchronization issues between your display and front camera, adaptive brightness glitches, or app-related bugs.
Q2: Is screen flickering a sign of hardware failure?
Sometimes yes. If it persists after updates and reboots, it could mean a loose display connector or damaged backlight.
Q3: Can I fix a flickering screen at home?
You can try disabling adaptive brightness, updating apps, or booting into Safe Mode. If it continues, professional repair is recommended.
Q4: Does overheating cause flickering?
Yes. When your device heats up, it reduces screen refresh rate to prevent damage, leading to temporary flicker.
Q5: Where can I get my screen replaced in Denver?
You can visit iMobile Denver’s Sheridan Blvd location or contact their team via Contact Us page for expert help.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a certified technician for accurate diagnosis and repair recommendations.
