Chromebook Screen Flickering? 4 Fixes to Try First

Fixes to try (easiest first)

1. Update ChromeOS

   Select the clock (bottom right) > Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates. If an update downloads, select Restart to install it. [1]

2. Hard reset the hardware

   Turn off the Chromebook. Press and hold Refresh and tap Power. Release Refresh when it starts up. (Or hold Back + Refresh + Power for 10 seconds.) This can delete some files in your Downloads folder, so save anything important first. [2]

3. Check with an external monitor

   Connect a monitor or TV (Google's guide below shows how). If the external screen displays correctly, the problem is likely the Chromebook's own screen. [4]

4. Factory reset (last resort)

   ⚠ Risky: only try this if you are comfortable, and not on a device still under warranty.

   If nothing else works, Google suggests a factory reset (Powerwash). It erases all user data on the Chromebook, including the Downloads folder, so back up to Google Drive or an external drive first. Work and school Chromebooks can't be reset this way. [3]

Is it worth fixing?

If updates and resets don't stop it and an external monitor looks fine, it's a hardware fault in the screen or its cable. Check whether the Chromebook is under warranty. Many are inexpensive enough that a screen repair should be weighed against buying a new one.

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