Updated October 2026 by the Go Mobile repair team
Force restart the iPhone and install the latest iOS update first. Then turn off Auto-Brightness and check that the flicker is not caused by low brightness or an app. If the screen still flickers, shows green lines or flickers only when pressed or after a drop, the display or its connection is likely damaged and needs repair.
Rule out software first
- Force restart. See how to force restart any iPhone.
- Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update. Display bugs are sometimes fixed in updates.
- Check one app at a time. If the flicker only happens in one app, update or reinstall that app.
Display settings that can cause flicker
- Turn off Auto-Brightness in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and see if the flicker stops.
- Turn off True Tone and Night Shift in Settings > Display & Brightness to test.
- If brightness is set very low, raise it. Some OLED iPhones can show slight flicker at the lowest brightness.
Signs the display is damaged
- Flicker started after a drop or after the screen was pressed.
- Green, white or pink lines, or a patch of the screen that flickers.
- Flicker changes when you press on the screen or squeeze the phone.
- The screen was replaced before with a low-quality part.
These point to a damaged display or a loose display connector. A screen replacement usually fixes it.
A note on iPhone 11 Pro and OLED models
The iPhone X, XS, 11 Pro and every iPhone 12 and later model (except the iPhone SE) use OLED screens. OLED displays that are damaged often show green lines or flicker before they fail completely, so do not wait too long if it gets worse.
Get it checked
Bring your iPhone to Go Mobile at 5600 Albemarle Rd in East Charlotte for a free quote. We use Apple OEM or premium screens, and premium iPhone screens have a 1-year warranty.* An iPhone screen can take as little as 25 minutes.
*Aftermarket iPhone screens carry a 30-day warranty. Other repairs carry a 90-day warranty.
See iPhone repair in Charlotte.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone screen flickering?
It can be a software glitch, a display setting or a damaged screen. Restart, update iOS and test with Auto-Brightness off. If it continues, the display likely needs repair.
Can a software update fix screen flickering?
Sometimes. Display bugs have been fixed in iOS updates, so always install the latest version first.
Will a flickering screen stop working?
Not always, but flicker with green lines or flicker after a drop often gets worse over time. Get it checked before it fails completely.
How long does an iPhone screen repair take?
As little as 25 minutes, or up to a couple of hours when we are busy.
Screen still flickering?
Get a free quote at Go Mobile, 5600 Albemarle Rd, Suite 600, Charlotte. Walk in or book a drop-off time online.