Why Does My Phone Screen Flicker In Low Light And How To Stop It

If you've noticed your phone screen flickering when you're in dim lighting or using it at night, you're not alone. This subtle but irritating issue affects millions of smartphone users across brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and others. While occasional flickering might seem harmless, persistent screen flicker can strain your eyes, disrupt sleep, and even signal deeper hardware or software problems. Understanding the root causes—and knowing how to address them—is essential for both comfort and device longevity.

The phenomenon typically occurs during low-light usage because that's when specific display technologies and adaptive settings are most active. Whether it’s an OLED screen adjusting brightness or a software glitch misfiring in dark mode, the flicker often goes unnoticed in bright environments but becomes glaringly obvious in the dark. The good news? Most cases are fixable without replacing your phone.

Understanding Screen Flicker: PWM vs. DC Dimming

To grasp why flickering happens in low light, it helps to understand how modern smartphone screens manage brightness. Unlike older LCDs that used consistent backlighting, many current phones—especially those with OLED or AMOLED displays—use a technique called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to dim the screen.

PWM works by rapidly turning pixels on and off. At full brightness, they stay on continuously. But as brightness drops—particularly below 50%—the screen cycles between on and off states thousands of times per second. Your brain perceives this as a steady dim light, but under certain conditions, especially in darkness, some people notice the pulsing as flicker.

In contrast, DC Dimming reduces brightness by lowering voltage, avoiding rapid pulsing altogether. Phones that support DC Dimming (like select Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme models) tend to have more eye-friendly displays in low light. However, not all manufacturers implement it due to potential color accuracy trade-offs at low brightness.

“PWM-induced flicker is particularly noticeable in dark environments because pupil dilation increases sensitivity to rapid light changes.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Vision Health Researcher at the Institute for Digital Ergonomics

Tip: If you’re sensitive to screen flicker, consider enabling DC Dimming if your device supports it, or keep brightness slightly higher in dark rooms.

Common Causes of Low-Light Screen Flicker

Flickering isn’t always caused by PWM. Several factors—both software and hardware—can contribute. Identifying the source is key to choosing the right solution.

• Adaptive Brightness Glitches: Automatic brightness sensors sometimes overcorrect in low light, causing erratic adjustments that appear as flicker.
• Dark Mode or Blue Light Filter Bugs: Features like Night Mode, Blue Light Reduction, or Dark Theme may conflict with display drivers, leading to unstable rendering.
• Outdated or Buggy Software: OS updates can introduce display-related bugs, especially after major version changes.
• Third-Party Apps: Some apps override system display settings, forcing unusual refresh rates or color profiles that cause flickering.
• Hardware Defects: Physical damage, aging OLED panels, or faulty digitizers can result in visible screen instability, particularly in low brightness.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Late-Night Reading Problem

Sarah, a 32-year-old teacher, began experiencing eye strain while reading on her phone before bed. She noticed a faint but persistent flicker whenever she lowered the brightness. After ruling out glare and updating her phone, she discovered that her “Blue Light Filter” was set to activate automatically at sunset—but the filter had a known bug causing PWM instability. Disabling the feature eliminated the flicker immediately. A simple setting change restored comfortable nighttime use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Diagnose and Fix Screen Flicker

Follow this structured troubleshooting process to identify and resolve the issue efficiently.

1. Test in Different Lighting Conditions: Observe if flickering occurs only in low light or also in bright environments. This helps isolate PWM-related issues.
2. Disable Adaptive Brightness: Go to Settings > Display > Brightness and turn off auto-brightness. Manually set brightness to 50–70% to see if flicker stops.
3. Turn Off Blue Light Filters/Night Mode: Temporarily disable any screen filters (e.g., Night Shift, Eye Comfort Shield) to test their impact.
4. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your phone in Safe Mode (Android: hold power button > long-press “Power off” > tap “Safe Mode”). This disables third-party apps. If flickering stops, an app is likely the culprit.
5. Check for System Updates: Install the latest OS patch. Manufacturers frequently release fixes for display bugs.
6. Reset Display Settings: On some devices, resetting display calibration can resolve conflicts. Look for “Reset settings” under Display or Accessibility.
7. Inspect for Physical Damage: Examine the screen for cracks, discoloration, or pressure marks. Even minor internal damage can affect display stability.
8. Visit Authorized Service Center: If all else fails, the issue may be hardware-related. Seek professional diagnosis, especially if under warranty.

Do’s and Don’ts: Managing Screen Flicker

Action	Do	Don't
Brightness Adjustment	Use manual brightness control in low light	Rely solely on auto-brightness at night
Night Usage	Enable DC Dimming if available	Use maximum brightness in dark rooms
Software	Keep OS and apps updated	Ignore system update notifications
Troubleshooting	Test in Safe Mode to rule out apps	Assume it’s a hardware issue immediately
Eye Comfort	Take regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule)	Stare at flickering screen for extended periods

Advanced Fixes and Manufacturer-Specific Solutions

Some brands offer built-in tools or hidden features to combat flicker. Knowing your device’s capabilities can make a big difference.

• Samsung Galaxy Devices: Use the “Eye Comfort Shield” feature wisely. While it reduces blue light, some users report flicker at low brightness. Try disabling it or switching to “Adaptive Touch” mode for smoother performance.
• iPhone (iOS): Enable “True Tone” to balance color temperature dynamically. Also, check “Reduce White Point” in Accessibility settings to lower intensity without relying on PWM-heavy dimming.
• OnePlus & Xiaomi: These brands often include “DC Dimming” toggles in Developer Options or Display settings. Activate it for a flicker-free experience in the dark.
• Google Pixel: Recent Pixels use LAON (Low Amplitude Oscillation Noise) mitigation to reduce PWM effects. Ensure your device is updated to Android 13 or later for best results.

Tip: On Xiaomi phones, go to Settings > Display > Color Scheme & Eye Protection > enable “DC Dimming” for smoother low-light viewing.

When Hardware Is the Culprit

If software fixes don’t resolve the flicker, the problem may lie in the hardware. Common signs include:

• Flickering persists across all apps and modes
• Visible lines or waves moving across the screen
• Flicker worsens when charging or under load
• Issue started after physical impact or water exposure

OLED degradation, failing display drivers, or loose internal connectors can all cause these symptoms. In such cases, repair or replacement is necessary. Avoid third-party repair shops that use non-OEM parts, as mismatched components can exacerbate flickering.

FAQ: Common Questions About Phone Screen Flicker

Is screen flicker harmful to my eyes?

Prolonged exposure to screen flicker—especially high-frequency PWM—can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. While not permanently damaging, it’s wise to minimize exposure, particularly before bedtime.

Can I prevent flickering without lowering screen quality?

Yes. Using DC Dimming (if supported), keeping brightness moderately high in dark environments, and disabling aggressive blue light filters can reduce flicker without sacrificing visual clarity. Some phones even offer “smooth dimming” modes that blend PWM and DC techniques.

Why does my screen flicker only when charging?

This could indicate electrical interference from a faulty charger or cable. Try using the original charger and disconnecting peripherals. If flickering stops, the issue is likely power-related rather than display-based.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Viewing Experience

Screen flicker in low light is more than just an annoyance—it’s a signal that your phone’s display system may need adjustment. Whether driven by PWM behavior, software bugs, or hardware wear, the solutions range from simple setting tweaks to professional repairs. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and applying targeted fixes, you can restore smooth, comfortable viewing—especially during late-night scrolling or bedtime reading.

Start with the basics: disable auto-brightness, test in safe mode, and update your system. If those don’t help, explore manufacturer-specific features like DC Dimming or consult a technician. Your eyes—and your phone—will thank you.

💬 Have you fixed screen flicker on your phone? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your insight could help others troubleshoot too!