Bryan Collins

Posted on Dec 3 • Originally published at mrgrid.io

Samsung TV Flickering Black Screen? 9 Proven Fixes That Work in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

#samsung #tv #troubleshooting #tech

Samsung TV Flickering Black Screen? 9 Proven Fixes That Work in 2025 (Step-by-Step)

Expert troubleshooting guide for QLED, Crystal UHD, Frame, and Smart TV models — no technician required

There's nothing more frustrating than settling in for movie night only to have your Samsung TV start flickering to a black screen. One moment you're watching your favorite show, the next you're staring at a dark display that flashes on and off like it has a mind of its own. Maybe it happens every few seconds. Maybe it's random. Either way, it's driving you crazy and you're wondering if your expensive TV is already broken.

If you're dealing with a Samsung TV flickering black screen right now, I want you to take a deep breath — because you're not alone, and in the vast majority of cases, this problem is completely fixable without calling a technician or spending money on a new television.

I've spent over a decade troubleshooting consumer electronics, and Samsung TV screen flickering is hands-down one of the most common issues I encounter. It affects QLED models, Crystal UHD televisions, The Frame series, and basically every Smart TV Samsung has released in the past several years. The good news? About 80% of these cases are caused by software glitches, incorrect settings, or simple connection problems that you can resolve yourself in just a few minutes.

The remaining 20% involve actual hardware issues — things like failing backlight LEDs or power supply problems — but even then, understanding what's happening puts you in a better position to get warranty service or make an informed repair decision.

In this comprehensive guide, I'm going to walk you through exactly what's causing your Samsung TV to flicker to a black screen, explain the technical reasons behind each potential cause, and give you nine proven fixes that actually work. We'll start with the easiest solutions (which honestly resolve most cases) and work our way up to more advanced troubleshooting for stubborn problems.

By the time you finish this guide, you'll either have a working TV or know exactly what's wrong and what your options are. Let's get into it.

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What's In This Guide

Why Is My Samsung TV Flickering Black? (Understanding the Root Causes)
Fix #1: Power Cycle Your Samsung TV (The 30-Second Reset That Actually Works)
Fix #2: Check and Reseat All HDMI Connections
Fix #3: Disable Eco Solution and Energy Saving Settings
Fix #4: Update Your Samsung TV Firmware
Fix #5: Reset Picture Settings to Default
Fix #6: Run Samsung's Built-in Picture Test
Fix #7: Disable Contrast Enhancer and Motion Settings
Fix #8: Factory Reset Your Samsung TV
Fix #9: Check for Hardware Issues (Backlight, T-Con Board, Power Supply)
Model-Specific Troubleshooting Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Contact Samsung Support

Why Is My Samsung TV Flickering Black? (Understanding the Root Causes)

Before we dive into the fixes, it genuinely helps to understand what's actually happening inside your television when the screen flickers. This isn't just technical trivia — knowing the potential causes helps you identify the right solution faster and avoid wasting time on fixes that won't work for your specific situation.

A flickering black screen can stem from several distinct root causes, and they fall into three main categories:

Software and Settings Issues (Most Common — About 60% of Cases)

The majority of Samsung TV flickering problems come down to software. Your TV is essentially a specialized computer running Samsung's Tizen operating system, and like any computer, it can develop glitches, run into bugs, or have settings that conflict with each other.

Eco Solution settings causing brightness fluctuations — Samsung's energy-saving features are designed to automatically adjust screen brightness based on ambient room lighting and the content you're watching. In theory, this saves energy. In practice, if your room has changing light conditions (like sunlight moving through the day, or lights being turned on and off), the TV constantly readjusts, which can manifest as visible flickering. The Motion Lighting feature is particularly notorious for this.
Outdated firmware containing known bugs — Samsung regularly releases software updates that patch bugs, including display-related issues. If your TV hasn't been updated recently, you might be running a firmware version with a known flickering bug that Samsung has already fixed. I've seen cases where a simple update immediately resolved flickering that had been happening for months.
Corrupted cache or temporary files — Over time, your TV accumulates cached data from apps, system processes, and normal operation. This data can become corrupted, especially after power outages or if the TV wasn't shut down properly. Corrupted cache can interfere with display processing and cause erratic behavior including flickering.
Picture processing settings conflicting with content — Features like Auto Motion Plus, Contrast Enhancer, LED Clear Motion, and Film Mode are designed to improve picture quality, but they work by rapidly processing and adjusting the image. When these features conflict with certain content types (particularly content that's already been processed, like some streaming video), the result can be flickering, judder, or other visual artifacts.
App-specific glitches — Sometimes the flickering only happens when using specific apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider's app. This usually indicates a problem with that particular app rather than the TV itself, and clearing the app's cache or reinstalling it often resolves the issue.

Connection Problems (About 25% of Cases)

The second most common category involves the physical connections between your TV and external devices. This is often overlooked because people assume if a cable is plugged in, it must be working properly. That's not always the case.

Loose or damaged HDMI cables — HDMI cables carry a tremendous amount of data, especially for 4K and HDR content. Even minor damage to the cable — a slight bend in a connector pin, a kink in the wire, internal wire breakage that's invisible from outside — can cause intermittent signal loss. When the signal drops momentarily, your TV displays a black screen until it recovers. This happens so fast that it looks like flickering.
Faulty or worn HDMI ports — The HDMI ports on your TV can wear out over time, especially if you frequently plug and unplug devices. The internal contacts can become loose or corroded, causing inconsistent connections. I've seen TVs where three ports worked perfectly and one port caused constant flickering.
Cable quality issues — Not all HDMI cables are created equal. Cheap, no-name cables often can't reliably handle the bandwidth required for 4K HDR signals (18 Gbps for 4K60 HDR, up to 48 Gbps for 4K120). When the cable can't keep up, you get signal dropouts that appear as flickering or momentary black screens.
External device problems — Sometimes the issue isn't the TV or the cable — it's the device on the other end. A malfunctioning cable box, streaming stick, gaming console, or Blu-ray player can send corrupted signals that cause display issues. If flickering only happens with one particular input, the connected device is likely the culprit.
HDMI handshake failures — HDMI uses a copy protection system called HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). Sometimes the "handshake" between devices fails, causing the screen to go black until a new handshake is established. This is more common with certain device combinations and can be exacerbated by using HDMI switches or AV receivers.

Hardware Failures (About 15% of Cases)

Hardware problems are the least common cause of flickering, but they're also the most serious because they typically require professional repair or replacement. The good news is that hardware failures usually have distinctive symptoms that help identify them.

Failing backlight LEDs — Modern Samsung TVs use LED backlighting to illuminate the LCD panel. Individual LEDs can fail, dim, or become unstable over time. When backlight LEDs are failing, you might see flickering across the entire screen, flickering in specific zones (especially on TVs with local dimming), or areas of the screen that are noticeably darker than others.
T-Con (Timing Control) board issues — The T-Con board is responsible for processing video signals and controlling the timing of pixel updates on the display panel. When this board starts failing, it often causes flickering, horizontal or vertical lines, color distortion, or sections of the screen that don't display properly. T-Con failures sometimes start intermittently and get progressively worse.
Power supply problems — The power supply board converts AC power from your outlet into the various DC voltages your TV needs to operate. Failing capacitors on the power supply can cause insufficient or unstable power delivery, which affects the backlight and other components. Symptoms include flickering that gets worse as the TV warms up, clicking or buzzing sounds, and the TV struggling to turn on.
Main board malfunction — The main board is essentially your TV's brain, processing all inputs and controlling all functions. Main board failures can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including flickering, but usually come with other issues like audio problems, unresponsive inputs, or the TV behaving erratically.
Panel damage — In rare cases, the LCD panel itself can develop problems. This is more common if the TV has been subjected to physical stress, extreme temperatures, or manufacturing defects. Panel issues often manifest as permanent dark spots, lines, or flickering in specific areas that don't change regardless of input or settings.

Diagnostic Tip: Pay close attention to when and how the flickering occurs. Does it happen on all inputs or just one? Does it start immediately or only after the TV has been on for a while? Is it across the whole screen or just part of it? Does changing the channel or app affect it? These details are incredibly valuable for pinpointing the cause. Write them down before you start troubleshooting — you might need this information if you end up contacting Samsung support.

Fix #1: Power Cycle Your Samsung TV (The 30-Second Reset That Actually Works)

This is the single most effective fix for Samsung TV flickering issues, and I'm putting it first because it genuinely resolves the problem in a surprising number of cases. A proper power cycle clears your TV's temporary memory, resets internal components, and eliminates most software glitches that cause flickering.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "I already tried turning it off and on." But there's a specific way to do this that makes a real difference, and most people skip the crucial step that actually makes it work.

Here's the exact process — follow each step carefully:

Unplug your TV directly from the wall outlet. Don't use the remote to turn it off, and don't just switch off a power strip. Physically remove the power cable from the wall socket. This ensures complete power disconnection.
Locate the power button on the TV itself (not the remote). On most Samsung TVs, this is on the bottom edge of the frame, usually center or right side. On some models, it's on the back panel.
Press and hold the power button for a full 30 seconds. This is the step most people skip, and it's the most important one. While the TV is unplugged, holding the power button drains any residual electrical charge stored in the TV's capacitors. This effectively performs a "hard reset" of the internal electronics and clears volatile memory that a simple restart doesn't touch.
Wait 2-3 minutes with the TV completely unplugged. I know this feels like a long time, but patience matters here. This waiting period allows all internal components to fully discharge and any heat to dissipate. Some issues are related to components that behave differently when warm versus cold.
Plug the TV back into the wall and turn it on normally.

This power cycle process resolves flickering issues in roughly 60% of the cases I've encountered. The key really is that 30-second button hold — it does something that simply unplugging the TV doesn't accomplish on its own.

Success Indicator: If the flickering was caused by a software glitch, corrupted cache, or temporary system error, your TV should now display normally. Don't assume the problem is fixed after just a minute or two — test for at least 15-20 minutes across different content and apps before moving on. Some intermittent issues take time to reappear if they're not fully resolved.

If the flickering returns after this power cycle, don't worry — we're just getting started. Move on to the next fix.

Fix #2: Check and Reseat All HDMI Connections

Loose, damaged, or low-quality HDMI cables are responsible for a shocking number of "my TV is broken" complaints. I can't count how many times I've seen people ready to throw out a perfectly good television when the actual problem was a $10 cable with a bent pin.

HDMI connections are more sensitive than most people realize. Modern 4K HDR content requires cables to transmit up to 18 Gbps of data (or 48 Gbps for 4K at 120Hz). Even tiny imperfections in the cable or connection can cause intermittent signal loss that appears as flickering or momentary blackouts.

Here's how to systematically troubleshoot your HDMI connections:

Turn off both your TV and any connected devices (cable box, streaming stick, game console, Blu-ray player, soundbar, etc.). Don't just put them in standby — fully power them down.
Unplug each HDMI cable from both ends — the TV side AND the device side. Every single one.
Carefully inspect each cable connector. Look for:
- Bent, broken, or missing pins inside the connector
- Corrosion, discoloration, or debris on the metal contacts
- Damage to the connector housing (cracks, warping)
- The cable pulling away from the connector
Examine the cable itself for kinks, cuts, excessive bending (especially near the ends where stress is highest), or any visible damage to the outer jacket.
Check the HDMI ports on your TV. Look inside each port for bent pins, debris, or obvious damage. Use a flashlight if needed.
Firmly reconnect each cable. Push the connector in straight (not at an angle) until you feel it seat completely. There should be minimal wiggle when properly connected.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV. Most Samsung TVs have 3-4 HDMI ports. If one port has developed a fault, switching to another will immediately tell you.
Test with a different HDMI cable if possible. Borrow one from another device or use a spare. This is the only way to definitively rule out a cable problem.

Run Samsung's Built-in HDMI Cable Test:

Samsung includes a diagnostic tool that tests your HDMI cable's integrity. Here's how to access it:

Make sure your TV's source is set to the HDMI port you want to test (the one with the potentially problematic cable)
Navigate to Settings → Support → Device Care → Self Diagnosis
Select Signal Information
Choose HDMI Cable Test
Follow the on-screen instructions

Note: This test is designed for cables up to 6 feet long. Results may be less accurate for longer cables.

Pro Tip on HDMI Cable Quality: Not all HDMI cables are created equal, despite what some people claim. For 4K TVs, you need at least a Premium High Speed HDMI cable (certified for 18 Gbps). For 8K or 4K at 120Hz (gaming), you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (certified for 48 Gbps). Look for the official certification labels — they're not just marketing. Cheap, uncertified cables from dollar stores or sketchy sellers frequently cause problems.

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The "Thumb Push" Trick: Several users have reported that gently pushing the HDMI port on the TV with their thumb can fix flickering issues. This works when the internal contacts in the port have become slightly loose. Push gently and straight in — don't force anything. If this helps, it indicates the port itself may be wearing out and could need repair eventually.

Fix #3: Disable Eco Solution and Energy Saving Settings

Samsung's Eco Solution features are designed to reduce energy consumption by automatically adjusting screen brightness based on ambient light conditions and the content being displayed. While the intention is good, these automatic adjustments can cause visible flickering, especially in rooms with changing lighting or when watching content with frequent scene changes between light and dark.

The Motion Lighting feature is particularly problematic. It's designed to reduce power consumption by lowering brightness during scenes with lots of motion, but the constant brightness changes can be perceived as flickering, especially by people who are sensitive to such variations.

For 2021 and newer Samsung TVs (including 2022-2025 models):

Press the Home button on your remote
Navigate to Settings (the gear icon)
Select All Settings
Go to General & Privacy
Select Power and Energy Saving
Turn OFF each of the following options:
- Brightness Optimization — This adjusts brightness based on ambient light
- Brightness Reduction — This dims the screen to save power
- Motion Lighting — This reduces brightness during motion scenes
- Screen Saver — While less likely to cause flickering, disable this too for thorough testing

For 2020 and older Samsung TVs:

Press Menu or Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings → General → Eco Solution
Disable these settings:
- Ambient Light Detection — Uses a light sensor to auto-adjust brightness
- Energy Saving Mode — Reduces power consumption at the expense of brightness
- Motion Lighting — Same function as on newer models

For Samsung Smart TV models with Intelligent Mode:

Some premium Samsung models include an "Intelligent Mode" that uses AI to automatically adjust picture and sound settings. While impressive in theory, this can also cause flickering-like behavior as the TV constantly re-optimizes the picture.

Go to Settings → General → Intelligent Mode Settings
Turn Intelligent Mode to OFF

After disabling these energy-saving features, watch your TV for 15-20 minutes across different content types. If the flickering was caused by aggressive auto-brightness adjustments, it should stop completely.

Note: Disabling these features will slightly increase your TV's power consumption and may result in a brighter picture. You can always re-enable individual features later once you've confirmed which one (if any) was causing the problem.

Still seeing flickering after trying these fixes?

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Fix #4: Update Your Samsung TV Firmware

Samsung regularly releases firmware updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and address display-related issues. If your TV hasn't been updated in a while, you might be running software that has known flickering bugs which Samsung has already patched.

I've personally seen cases where a firmware update immediately resolved flickering that had been happening for months. It's one of the easier fixes to try, and there's essentially no downside to keeping your TV's software current.

To update via your TV's internet connection:

Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings → Support
Select Software Update
Choose Update Now
If an update is available, the TV will download and install it
The process typically takes 5-15 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed
Do NOT turn off your TV or unplug it during the update process

If your TV won't connect to the internet or updates aren't working:

On a computer, visit Samsung's support website
Enter your TV's model number (found on a sticker on the back of the TV or in Settings → Support → About This TV)
Navigate to the Downloads section and find the latest firmware
Download the firmware file to a USB flash drive (the drive must be formatted as FAT32 or exFAT)
Extract the downloaded file if it's in a ZIP archive — the firmware file should be at the root level of the USB drive, not inside a folder
Insert the USB drive into your TV's USB port
Go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now
The TV will detect and install the update from the USB drive

Critical Warning: Never unplug your TV, turn it off, or interrupt the power during a firmware update. Doing so can corrupt the TV's software and potentially "brick" the device, making it completely non-functional. Be patient — even if the update seems stuck, give it plenty of time to complete. Most updates finish within 15 minutes, but larger updates can take longer.

Fix #5: Reset Picture Settings to Default

If someone (or you) has adjusted the picture settings, certain combinations can cause flickering or unstable display behavior. This is especially common if multiple picture processing features are enabled simultaneously, or if settings have been changed to extreme values.

Resetting picture settings to factory defaults eliminates this possibility and gives you a clean baseline to work from.

How to reset picture settings:

Press Home on your remote
Go to Settings → Picture
Select Expert Settings (you may need to scroll down)
Scroll all the way to the bottom
Select Reset Picture
Confirm the reset when prompted

This resets all picture-related settings including brightness, contrast, sharpness, color, tint, and all advanced picture processing options (like Auto Motion Plus, Contrast Enhancer, etc.) to their factory default values.

Your TV's picture will likely look different after the reset — possibly brighter or with different color characteristics. This is normal. Once you've confirmed the flickering is resolved, you can gradually re-adjust settings to your preference, being careful to note if any particular adjustment brings the flickering back.

Fix #6: Run Samsung's Built-in Picture Test

Samsung TVs include a diagnostic Picture Test that displays a test image directly from the TV's internal memory. This is a crucial diagnostic step because it helps you determine whether the flickering is caused by the TV itself or by external sources like cables, streaming devices, or broadcast signals.

How to run the Picture Test:

Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings → Support
Select Device Care (on 2022 and newer models) or Self Diagnosis (on older models)
Choose Self Diagnosis → Picture Test
Select OK to display the test image
Watch the test image carefully for at least 30-60 seconds
Look for any flickering, lines, discoloration, or other abnormalities

Interpreting the Picture Test results:

Test image looks completely normal (no flickering): This strongly suggests the TV itself is fine. The problem is likely with an external device, HDMI cable, or the content source. Focus your troubleshooting on cables and connected devices.
Flickering appears during the Picture Test: This indicates an internal TV issue. Since the test image comes from the TV's memory (bypassing all external connections), the problem must be inside the TV. This could be a software issue (try factory reset) or a hardware problem (backlight, T-Con board, power supply).
Other anomalies appear (lines, color issues, dark spots): These indicate specific hardware problems. Horizontal lines often point to T-Con board issues. Vertical lines can indicate panel problems. Dark spots suggest backlight LED failures.

The Picture Test is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available to you. If the test shows problems, you have important evidence to present to Samsung support if you pursue warranty service.

Fix #7: Disable Contrast Enhancer and Motion Settings

Samsung TVs include several advanced picture processing features designed to enhance image quality. While these features can improve the picture in many situations, they work by rapidly analyzing and adjusting the image in real-time. This constant adjustment can sometimes manifest as flickering, especially with certain content types or when multiple processing features are enabled simultaneously.

Navigate to Settings → Picture → Expert Settings and consider disabling:

Contrast Enhancer: This feature analyzes each frame and adjusts contrast dynamically. While it can make images more vibrant, the constant adjustments can cause flickering, especially in scenes with mixed bright and dark elements. Try setting it to Off.
Auto Motion Plus / Picture Clarity: This is Samsung's motion interpolation feature, which creates artificial frames to make motion appear smoother. It's notorious for causing the "soap opera effect" and can also cause flickering, judder, and artifacts. Try setting it to Off or at minimum to Custom with Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction set to 0.
LED Clear Motion: This feature pulses the backlight to reduce motion blur. While effective for its intended purpose, the rapid backlight pulsing can be perceived as flickering, especially by people sensitive to such effects. Set it to Off.
Film Mode: This applies specific processing to content that was originally shot on film. If incorrectly applied to non-film content, it can cause visual anomalies. Set it to Off.
Digital Clean View / Noise Reduction: These features attempt to reduce visual noise in the picture. They're more relevant for low-quality sources and can sometimes introduce artifacts. Try setting them to Off or Auto.

For QLED models specifically, also check:

Local Dimming: QLED TVs have local dimming zones that adjust backlight brightness in different areas of the screen to improve contrast. Aggressive local dimming (especially on "High" or "Standard" settings) can cause visible brightness fluctuations in certain content. Try setting it to Low or Off to see if it resolves the flickering.
Ambient Mode+ / Art Mode settings: For Frame TVs and models with ambient modes, these features have their own brightness and motion settings that can interact with normal viewing.

After disabling these features, watch various content for at least 15-20 minutes. If the flickering stops, you can try re-enabling features one at a time to identify which specific setting was causing the problem.

Fix #8: Factory Reset Your Samsung TV

If none of the previous fixes have resolved your flickering issue, a factory reset is the nuclear option for software problems. This restores your TV completely to its original out-of-box state, eliminating any software corruption, problematic settings, or cached data that might be causing the problem.

Before You Reset — Important Information:

A factory reset erases everything: your WiFi settings, Samsung account login, installed apps, customized picture and sound settings, channel lists, and all preferences.
You'll need to set up your TV again from scratch, just like when it was new.
Have your WiFi password ready before you reset.
Note down any custom picture settings you want to recreate later.
Factory reset does NOT fix hardware problems — if the Picture Test shows flickering, a reset is unlikely to help.

To perform a factory reset (standard method):

Press Home on your remote
Navigate to Settings → General (or General & Privacy on newer models)
Scroll down and select Reset
Enter your PIN when prompted (the default PIN is 0000 unless you changed it)
Select Reset to confirm
Your TV will turn off, reset itself, and restart with the initial setup wizard

Factory reset when the screen is completely black or the menu won't display:

If your TV's screen is too unstable to navigate the menus, you can perform a hardware reset:

Unplug the TV from the power outlet
Locate the physical buttons on your TV — you'll need the Volume Down button and the Power button
Press and hold both buttons simultaneously
While holding both buttons, have someone plug the TV back in
Continue holding until you see the Samsung logo or a reset/recovery screen appear (this can take 15-30 seconds)
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset

Note: The exact button combination can vary slightly between models. If Volume Down + Power doesn't work, try Volume Up + Power, or check your TV's manual for the specific recovery mode procedure.

Fix #9: Check for Hardware Issues (Backlight, T-Con Board, Power Supply)

If you've worked through all the software and connection fixes above and the flickering persists — especially if it appears during the Picture Test — you're likely dealing with a hardware problem that requires physical repair or parts replacement.

Signs that strongly indicate hardware failure:

Flickering occurs on ALL inputs including the internal Picture Test — this rules out external sources
Screen goes completely black but audio continues playing normally — suggests backlight or power supply issues
Visible dark spots, bands, or uneven lighting on the screen — indicates LED backlight failures
Flickering gets progressively worse over time — hardware issues typically degrade
Flickering changes with temperature (worse when warm, better when cold, or vice versa) — suggests component-level failures, often capacitors
Clicking, buzzing, or popping sounds coinciding with the flicker — often indicates power supply or backlight driver issues
Horizontal or vertical lines on the screen — usually T-Con board or panel problems
Flickering only in certain areas of the screen — suggests localized backlight zone failures (especially on TVs with local dimming)

The most common hardware culprits:

1. LED Backlight Failure

The LED backlight illuminates the LCD panel. When LEDs start failing, they can flicker, dim, or die completely. Symptoms include overall screen flickering, dark spots or bands, or the entire screen being very dim or black while audio works. On TVs with local dimming, you might notice specific zones flickering independently.

Backlight LED strips can be replaced, and kits are available online, but this requires disassembling the TV and is not recommended for beginners. It's a delicate repair that risks damaging the panel.

2. T-Con (Timing Control) Board Issues

The T-Con board processes video signals and controls the timing of pixel updates on the display panel. A failing T-Con often causes horizontal lines, vertical lines, flickering, color distortion, or half the screen not displaying. T-Con boards are relatively inexpensive (often $30-80) and easier to replace than backlights, but still require opening the TV.

3. Power Supply Board Problems

The power supply board converts AC power to the various DC voltages the TV needs. Failing capacitors on the power supply can cause insufficient or unstable power delivery, which affects the backlight and can cause flickering. Symptoms include difficulty turning on, flickering that worsens as the TV warms up, clicking sounds, or the TV randomly shutting off. Power supply boards can sometimes be repaired (replacing individual capacitors) or the entire board can be replaced.

4. Main Board Malfunction

The main board is the TV's central computer. Main board failures can cause almost any symptom, including flickering, but usually come with other issues too — audio problems, inputs not working, erratic behavior, or the TV not responding to commands. Main board replacement is possible but tends to be expensive relative to the TV's value.

Warranty Check: Before spending money on repairs, check if your Samsung TV is still under warranty. The standard Samsung TV warranty is 1 year, but some models and retailers offer extended coverage. Screen flickering caused by manufacturing defects or component failures (not physical damage) should be covered. Check your original purchase receipt for the date and contact Samsung with your model and serial number to verify coverage.

If your TV is out of warranty and you're not comfortable with electronics repair, get quotes from local TV repair shops before deciding to repair vs. replace. For older TVs or lower-end models, repair costs can sometimes approach or exceed the TV's current value, making replacement the more practical choice.

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Model-Specific Troubleshooting Tips

While the fixes above apply to all Samsung TVs, certain model lines have known issues or specific settings worth checking:

Samsung QLED TVs (Q60, Q70, Q80, Q90, QN series)

QLED models use quantum dot technology and full-array local dimming (FALD). The local dimming feature, while excellent for contrast, can cause visible flickering or "blooming" in certain content. Try setting Local Dimming to Low or Off. Also check the Intelligent Mode settings, which can cause unpredictable brightness adjustments.

Samsung The Frame TVs

The Frame has unique Art Mode and Ambient Mode features with their own settings. These modes have separate brightness and motion detection settings that can interfere with normal viewing. If flickering occurs, check Settings → General → Ambient Mode Settings and adjust or disable Motion Sensor and Brightness settings.

Samsung Crystal UHD TVs (TU, AU, BU, CU, DU series)

These budget-friendly models don't have local dimming but can still experience flickering from Eco Solution settings, outdated firmware, or the typical causes covered above. The Game Mode on these TVs can sometimes cause issues — try disabling it if you're not gaming.

Older Samsung Smart TVs (2018-2020)

Older models may have accumulated significant cache data. Try clearing the app cache for individual apps (Settings → Apps → select app → Clear Cache) or doing a full factory reset. These models are also more likely to have developed hardware issues like backlight problems.

When to Contact Samsung Support

It's time to seek professional help if:

You've tried all nine fixes above without success
The Picture Test clearly shows flickering (indicating internal hardware issues)
Your TV is still under warranty (Samsung typically covers 1-2 years)
You notice signs of hardware failure: clicking sounds, burning smell, visible damage, dark spots
The flickering has progressively worsened over time
Multiple symptoms exist (flickering + lines + color issues, etc.)

Samsung Support Contact Options:

Online Support: samsung.com/support
Phone Support: 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864)
Samsung Members App: Available on your Samsung phone or accessible directly on your Smart TV
Live Chat: Available on the Samsung support website

Before contacting support, gather this information:

Model Number: Found on a sticker on the back of the TV or in Settings → Support → About This TV
Serial Number: Same locations as model number
Purchase Date: For warranty verification
Detailed description of the problem: When did it start? How often does it happen? What inputs/apps are affected? Does it happen during Picture Test?
What you've already tried: This prevents support from walking you through steps you've already done

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung TV screen flickering black?

Samsung TV flickering black screen is most commonly caused by loose HDMI connections, aggressive Eco Solution settings that constantly adjust brightness, outdated firmware with known bugs, or external device issues. Less commonly, it can indicate hardware problems like failing backlight LEDs, T-Con board issues, or power supply problems. Start with a proper power cycle (unplugging for 2-3 minutes while pressing the power button for 30 seconds), then work through HDMI and settings checks before suspecting hardware.

How do I fix a flickering screen on my Samsung Smart TV?

Start by unplugging your TV for 2-3 minutes and holding the power button for 30 seconds to perform a complete power cycle. Then systematically check all HDMI connections, disable Eco Solution/Energy Saving settings (Settings → General → Power and Energy Saving), update firmware (Settings → Support → Software Update), and run a Picture Test (Settings → Support → Self Diagnosis → Picture Test). If the Picture Test flickers, the issue is internal and may require service.

Can a bad HDMI cable cause TV screen flickering?

Absolutely — damaged or low-quality HDMI cables are one of the most common and overlooked causes of screen flickering. Even cables that look perfectly fine externally can have internal damage causing intermittent signal loss. Modern 4K HDR content requires cables capable of handling 18 Gbps of data. Try swapping the cable with a certified Premium High Speed HDMI cable, test different HDMI ports on your TV, and use Samsung's built-in HDMI Cable Test (Settings → Support → Device Care → Self Diagnosis → Signal Information → HDMI Cable Test).

Why does my Samsung TV flicker when watching Netflix or streaming apps?

Flickering only during streaming often indicates app-specific glitches, bandwidth/internet speed issues, or picture settings conflicting with streamed content. First, clear the app's cache (Settings → Apps → select Netflix → Clear Cache) and restart the app. Check your internet speed — you need at least 15 Mbps for 4K streaming, and inconsistent bandwidth can cause visual issues. Also disable Motion Lighting and Auto Motion Plus, which can conflict with streaming content that's already been processed.

Is Samsung TV flickering covered under warranty?

If your Samsung TV is within the warranty period (typically 1-2 years from purchase, though some retailers offer extended coverage) and the flickering is caused by a hardware defect like backlight failure, T-Con board issues, or manufacturing defects, it should be covered. Physical damage (cracked screen, liquid damage) and issues caused by power surges are typically NOT covered. Contact Samsung Support with your model number, serial number, and purchase date to verify your warranty status.

What does it mean when my Samsung TV flashes black and blue?

A Samsung TV flashing between black and blue screens typically indicates a backlight or power supply issue. The blue screen often represents the TV's background color when no signal is being displayed properly. This can also occur when the TV loses signal from a connected device due to HDMI handshake failures or cable problems. Test different input sources, perform a power cycle, and run the Picture Test. If the problem occurs on all inputs including the Picture Test, the TV likely has an internal hardware issue requiring service.

How do I reset my Samsung TV when the screen is black?

When the screen is too unstable to navigate menus, you can perform a hardware reset: Unplug the TV, then press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons on the TV (not remote) simultaneously. While holding both buttons, have someone plug the TV back in. Continue holding until the Samsung logo or reset screen appears (15-30 seconds). Follow the on-screen prompts. If this doesn't work, some models use Volume Up + Power instead.

Why does my Samsung QLED TV flicker with local dimming enabled?

QLED TVs use local dimming zones to enhance contrast by adjusting backlight brightness in different areas of the screen. When set to "High" or "Standard," aggressive local dimming can cause visible brightness fluctuations, especially in content with small bright objects on dark backgrounds (like subtitles or stars). This is sometimes called "blooming" or pumping. Try setting Local Dimming to Low in Picture → Expert Settings. This reduces the effect while still providing some contrast benefit.

How much does it cost to repair a Samsung TV with a flickering screen?

Repair costs vary significantly based on the cause. If it's a T-Con board, expect $100-200 including parts and labor. Power supply board repairs typically run $100-250. Backlight repairs are more involved, often $150-400+ depending on the TV size and how many LEDs need replacement. Main board replacement can be $200-400+. For older or budget TVs, repair costs can approach or exceed the TV's current value, making replacement more practical. Always get a diagnostic and quote before committing to repair.

Final Thoughts

A Samsung TV flickering black screen is genuinely frustrating, but it's rarely a death sentence for your television. In the majority of cases, the problem stems from fixable software glitches, incorrect settings, or simple connection issues — all of which you can resolve yourself without spending money or waiting for a technician.

To summarize the most effective fixes:

Power cycle with the 30-second button hold — resolves about 60% of cases on its own
Check and reseat all HDMI cables — connection issues are more common than most people realize
Disable Eco Solution / Energy Saving settings — automatic brightness adjustments cause many flickering complaints
Update firmware — your fix may already be available
Run the Picture Test — this tells you definitively if the TV itself is the problem

If you've methodically worked through all nine fixes in this guide without success, and especially if the Picture Test shows flickering, you're likely dealing with a hardware issue. Check your warranty status before paying out of pocket — Samsung is generally responsive to legitimate warranty claims for defects like backlight failures or board problems.

And remember: even if your TV does need repair, you're now armed with detailed diagnostic information that will help any technician (or Samsung support representative) understand exactly what's happening, which typically leads to faster and more accurate service.

Did one of these fixes work for you? I'd genuinely love to hear which solution resolved your flickering problem — it helps me understand which issues are most common and improve guides like this one. And if you're still stuck, don't hesitate to reach out for personalized help.

Still need help? Connect with a certified technician for personalized support →

Last updated: December 2025 | Applies to Samsung QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame, Neo QLED, and Smart TV models (2018-2025)

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