The thing about the screen flickering issue is that it could be just a minor problem or a very serious one depending on how it occurs. This could happen to high-end devices like the Google Pixel 3 or any smartphone for that matter. If the flickering started after the phone was dropped on a hard surface, then you can expect that it’s a hardware issue. Something might have gone loose inside. If the flickering started without apparent reason or cause, then it could be just a minor issue with the firmware or apps.
In this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Pixel 3 that has a screen flickering issue. We will rule out every possibility until we can determine what the problem really is and what needs to be done to fix it. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently having similar concern, continue reading as this article may be able to help you one way or another.
Before we continue though, if you found this post while trying to find a solution to a different problem, then visit our Pixel 3 Help Guides for we have already addressed some of the most common issues with this device. There could already be articles existing on our site that may help you fix the problem.
Going back to our troubleshooting, here’s what you need to do if the screen of your Pixel 3 is flickering…
- Force restart your Pixel 3 first.
- Run your device in safe mode.
- Factory reset Pixel 3.
- Bring the device to the shop or store to be checked.
There’s always a possibility that it’s just a temporary and minor glitch in the system. To address that, you have to force restart your device first as it might save you from all the hassles of going through the troubleshooting procedures here. Here’s how to force restart your Pixel 3:
- Press and hold down the Power button on the top right side of the phone
- Hold the Power button down for 7-10 seconds, or until the phone vibrates and restarts
- If the phone shuts down instead, let go, then press power again for 1-2 seconds to restart the phone
Next is you need to find out if the problem is caused by some apps or not. Heavy apps and games may cause the screen to flicker from time to time so if the issue occurs only while you’re using some applications, then you must consider this procedure. In doing this, you’re actually disabling all third-party apps. If the flickering doesn’t occur while in this mode, then it’s confirmed that the problem is caused by a third-party app. You may then proceed with the clearing of the cache and data of the apps or uninstall them one by one until the problem is fixed. Here’s how you run your phone in safe mode;
- With the device powered on, press and hold the Power button (located on the right-edge) until the Power off prompt appears then release.
- Touch and hold Power off until the “Reboot to safe mode” prompt appears then release.
- Tap OK to confirm.
- The restart process may take up to 45 seconds to complete.
- Upon restart, ‘Safe mode’ appears in the lower-left of the unlock/home screen.
However, if the flickering continues even if your phone is in safe mode, then you have no other choice but to backup your important files and data especially ones that are stored in your phone’s internal storage. You will have to reset the phone to rule out the possibility that it’s just a minor firmware issue. Follow these steps to reset your Pixel 3 after you backup your files and data:
- Turn off your Google Pixel 3 XL.
- Press and hold the Power+Volume Down buttons until bootloader mode (image of an Android with Start above it) appears, then release.
- Select Recovery mode. You can use the Volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the Power button to select. The device will flash the Google start screen momentarily and then restarts in Recovery mode.
- If presented with an image of a broken Android with “No Command” printed on the screen, press and hold the Power button. Press the Volume Up button once. Then release the Power button.
- From the Android Recovery screen, select Wipe data/factory reset.
- Select Yes. Wait for several minutes for the factory data reset process to complete.
- Select Reboot system now. Allow several minutes for the factory data reset and reboot processes to complete.
- Set the phone up again.
Lastly, if the flickering continues even after the reset, then you have to bring it back to the store or shop so that a technician can check if it’s a hardware problem and if there’s something to be replaced. You may use your warranty if possible.
I hope that we’ve been able to help you fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!
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