How to Fix a Flickering Chromebook Screen: 7 Simple Tips

Quick fixes for a glitching Chromebook laptop screen

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

Does your Chromebook screen keep flickering? If your screen goes black and white repeatedly, there are a few quick fixes you can try. Here's why your Chromebook screen is flickering and how to troubleshoot display problems.

Why Is My Chromebook Display Glitching?

A flickering Chromebook screen can be caused by a damaged screen, buggy Chrome flags, and even outdated software. To fix it, make sure your Chromebook is up-to-date and reset your Chrome flags in the browser. You can also try to use an external monitor to confirm the issue is with your screen.

1

Restart your Chromebook.

Turn your Chromebook off and on again. If your Chromebook screen is flickering or has a black screen, a simple restart may fix common software bugs. Do the following:
- Press and hold the Power button until the screen turns off.
- Wait at least one minute.
- Press the Power button to turn it back on.

2

Reset Chrome Flags.

Reset all Google Chrome flags. Chrome flags allow you to activate developer or experimental features that aren't enabled by default. To reset them, do the following:
- Open Chrome.
- Type chrome://flags in the box.
- Press Enter.
- Click Reset all.
- Click Restart to restart your computer.

3

Use an external monitor.

Try using another monitor with your Chromebook. Connect a monitor to your Chromebook using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable. This will vary depending on your model.
- If the screen appears fine on the external monitor, your Chromebook's screen is likely damaged. In this case, you'll need to get it professionally repaired.

4

Update your Chromebook.

Make sure your Chromebook is up-to-date. By default, Chromebook automatically checks for updates and downloads them. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet to finish updating.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You should see an Update available notification. Click it, and then select Restart to Update to finish the update.

5

Change your display size.

Try a different display size on your Chromebook. If you changed this setting previously, the new size could be incompatible with your screen. To change it, do the following:
- Open the Settings.
- Click Device.
- Click Displays.
- Slide the Display size scale towards the left to decrease it.

6

Factory reset your Chromebook.

Perform a Powerwash. This is Chromebook's equivalent to a factory reset, and it will delete all your files and content on your Chromebook. Be sure to back up your device before proceeding.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Open Settings.
- Click Advanced.
- Click Reset settings.
- Under Powerwash, click Reset.
- Click Restart.
- Click Powerwash.

7

Contact a repair technician.

If your Chromebook screen is still flickering, the issue is most likely the screen itself. A repair technician can replace the screen for you. You can find a list of manufacturers and their numbers here.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Why does my Chromebook screen have black marks?

suwaidi online

Community Answer

Black marks on your Chromebook screen typically result from pressure damage, a cracked LCD, or internal pixel issues. These can occur due to accidental drops, something pressing against the screen, or overheating. If the marks spread, the display may require repair or replacement.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What does water damage look like on a Chromebook hp laptop?

suwaidi online

Community Answer

ChatGPT says: Water damage on an HP Chromebook often shows up as unexpected signs like screen flickering, random shutdowns, unresponsive keys, or touchpad issues. You may also notice corrosion around ports, unusual sounds, or the device heating more than usual. In some cases, it won’t power on at all.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0