How to Fix Galaxy S23 Ultra Screen Flickering

Noticing some irritating screen flickering on your S23 Ultra? This visual defect can be caused by problematic apps, display settings, overheating, software flaws, or hardware defects. Don’t worry – with focused troubleshooting, you can likely pinpoint the culprit and get the flickering under control.

Screen flickering on your Galaxy can be distracting but is usually fixable. By taking the time to isolate the specific trigger through systematic testing and resets, you can resolve the root cause and prevent further display disruption. With a bit of diligent troubleshooting, you’ll have your S23 Ultra’s screen stable and flicker-free again.

Common Causes

Some common causes behind Galaxy S23 Ultra screen flickering include:

  • Incompatible apps with animations disrupting refresh cycles. Apps not coded properly for the S23 Ultra’s display can cause conflicts.
  • Mismatched screen refresh rate settings overwhelming the display. Excessive rates strain the screen circuitry.
  • Overheating components causing temporary refresh instability. Heat buildup interferes with proper operation.
  • Outdated firmware needing a software update. Older firmware versions harbor display bugs.
  • Failing OLED panel or digitizer cable hardware. Physical defects disrupt the image.
  • Excessive battery drain contributing to display issues. Improper power can destabilize the screen.
  • Usage of low-quality, unsupported chargers. Incompatible chargers risk defects.

Troubleshooting Procedures

Here are effective solutions to try when dealing with S23 Ultra screen flickering:

Disable Animations

To prevent screen flickering, it is recommended to turn off any unnecessary animations and transitions that may cause interference with display refresh rates. Animations tend to put extra pressure on the GPU, which can lead to timing conflicts with screen refresh. Eliminating such conflicts can help resolve any flickering problems.

To disable animations:

  1. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures.
  2. Toggle off all animation options such as Popup Animations, Screen Zooming Animations, etc. Disable anything unnecessary.
  3. Alternatively, use developer options to force animation scaling to 0x. Stop all extra animations.
  4. Check if disabling animations stops the flickering. If so, leave them disabled permanently.

Lower Screen Refresh Rate

By setting the refresh rate to Standard 60Hz on the S23 Ultra, you are ensuring that the display panel is not overloaded and that the screen circuitry is not strained. Refresh rates higher than 60Hz can cause instability in the image and may not match the capabilities of the device. It is important to stick to the recommended refresh rate in order to maintain a stable and reliable display.

To lower the refresh rate:

  1. Go to Settings > Display > Screen Refresh Rate.
  2. Select Standard (60Hz). Avoid any higher rates.
  3. Monitor if a lower refresh rate helps resolve flickering. Maintain this rate permanently if effective.

Update Software and Drivers

Make sure to install any system updates to address any display driver issues that may be causing flickering. Updating your system will provide firmware fixes that can help optimize your screen and resolve any defects. It’s important to stay updated to ensure your system is working at its best.

To update:

  1. Go to Settings > Software Update.
  2. Download and install available updates, including minor patches.
  3. Check if screen flickering improves after updating. Maintain the latest firmware.

Check for Overheating Issues

Check for any hot spots that could cause temporary display instability or flickering. Continuous usage can cause heat buildup, which may interfere with the screen’s functionality. Make sure to eliminate any temperature-related issues.

To check the device temperature:

  1. Open a hardware monitoring app during heavy usage to check for overheating.
  2. Look for hot spots, especially near the display/processor.
  3. Power down and let the device cool if approaching dangerous high temperatures.
  4. Consider phone cooling accessories to prevent overheating.

Restart in Safe Mode

When you boot into Safe Mode, your device will only run the essential system processes and built-in apps. This means that any third-party apps that may be causing issues won’t be running. If the flickering problem disappears while in Safe Mode, it’s a strong indication that one or more of your installed apps is the root cause of the problem. 

To resolve the issue, you’ll need to identify the problematic app and either update it or uninstall it.

To restart in Safe Mode:

  1. Hold down the Power button and the volume down key to see the power options.
  2. Long press on the Power off option until it turns to Safe Mode.
  3. Tap Safe mode and confirm your action.
  4. Check if screen flickering is reduced in this basic mode.
  5. Determine which apps to uninstall if flickering lessens in Safe Mode.

With dedicated troubleshooting, you can likely resolve irritating Galaxy S23 Ultra screen flickering. Be sure to avoid operating the phone in high temperatures and get repairs done for any persistent hardware-based display issues.