Fix iPhone Screen Flickering After iOS Update
After updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version, you might notice the screen flickering, flashing, or dimming unexpectedly. While this issue can be frustrating, it’s usually fixable with a few simple steps. In this OnePlus guide, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot and fix iPhone screen flickering after an iOS update safely and effectively.
Why iPhone Screen Flickering Happens
Screen flickering after an update can be caused by several factors, including:
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Software glitches introduced in the new iOS version.
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Display driver issues affecting brightness and refresh rate.
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Auto-brightness conflicts or accessibility settings.
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App incompatibility with the updated iOS.
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Hardware issues (rare, but possible).
OnePlus Tip: Most flickering issues are software-related, not hardware — meaning you can fix them without replacing your screen.
Step 1: Restart Your iPhone
The simplest fix often works best. Restarting clears temporary system bugs.
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Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button until the power slider appears.
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Drag the slider to power off.
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Wait a few seconds, then press the Side button again to turn it on.
OnePlus Tip: A quick restart can reset display refresh settings and stop temporary flickers.
Step 2: Disable Auto-Brightness
Sometimes iOS brightness sensors adjust too aggressively, causing screen flashes.
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Go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
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Scroll down and toggle Auto-Brightness off.
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Manually adjust brightness from Control Center.
If flickering stops, it means the light sensor was misreading ambient light.
Step 3: Check for App Conflicts
Some apps may not yet be optimized for the latest iOS update.
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Observe if the flicker happens in specific apps only.
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If yes, update the app from the App Store.
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If the issue persists, uninstall the problematic app temporarily.
OnePlus Tip: Developers usually release quick updates after major iOS releases — check frequently for patches.
Step 4: Reset Display Settings
Display-related system glitches may cause flickering even after updates.
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Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
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Tap Reset → Reset All Settings.
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Confirm when prompted.
This resets brightness, wallpaper, and accessibility preferences — but doesn’t delete your data.
Step 5: Turn Off True Tone and Night Shift
These features adjust color temperature dynamically and can trigger flickering.
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Open Settings → Display & Brightness.
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Toggle off True Tone and Night Shift.
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Observe if the flicker disappears.
OnePlus Tip: Many users report smoother visuals when these features are off during the first few days after an update.
Step 6: Update to the Latest iOS Patch
Apple often releases quick bug-fix updates after a major version rollout.
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Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
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If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
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Restart your iPhone once installation completes.
OnePlus recommends always installing the latest patch, as it often includes display and performance fixes.
Step 7: Use Safe Mode to Diagnose
If the flicker persists, boot your iPhone into Safe Mode to test for app-related issues.
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Turn off your iPhone.
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Turn it back on while holding the Volume Up button until you see the home screen.
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Check if the flickering stops — if yes, an app is likely causing the issue.
Remove any recently installed or suspicious apps.
Step 8: Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder
If none of the above works, restore your iPhone to a clean iOS version.
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Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
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Open Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
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Select your device → Restore iPhone.
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Set up as new or restore from a backup.
OnePlus Tip: Always back up your data to iCloud or iTunes before restoring.
Step 9: Contact Apple Support (If Flicker Persists)
If the issue continues after all troubleshooting steps, it might be a hardware-related display problem.
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Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider.
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Check your warranty or AppleCare+ coverage.
Apple technicians can run diagnostics to confirm if the display or logic board needs repair.
Related OnePlus Guides
FAQ
1. Will a screen protector cause flickering?
Not directly, but poor-quality protectors may interfere with touch sensors.
2. Can dark mode cause flickering?
Rarely. Some OLED iPhones may show minor dimming transitions in dark mode.
3. Does restoring from backup fix flickering?
If caused by corrupted settings, yes — but avoid restoring outdated backups.
Final Thoughts
Screen flickering after an iOS update is usually a temporary issue related to software changes or display calibration. By following OnePlus’ simple steps — restarting your iPhone, adjusting brightness settings, updating iOS, or restoring your device — you can quickly eliminate screen flicker and restore smooth display performance. For U.S. and Canadian users, these methods ensure a safe, reliable fix without the need for professional repair.
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