How To Fix Netflix Screen Flickering Issue on Windows And macOS

Netflix has become a go-to platform for entertainment, offering a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. However, some users have reported experiencing a screen flickering or blinking issue while using Netflix on both Windows and macOS devices. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide practical solutions to help you resolve this problem for both browsers and applications.

Before diving into the solutions, let’s start with some general steps you should take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Restart your PC or laptop: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or software conflicts causing the screen flickering issue.
2. Restart your internet device: Check if the issue is due to a connection problem by restarting your modem, router, or any other internet device you are using.
3. Check Netflix server status: Occasionally, the issue may arise from Netflix’s end. Visit their server status webpage to ensure there are no ongoing server problems.

Solutions for the Issue on Windows Browser

If you are experiencing screen flickering while using Netflix on a Windows browser, try the following solutions:

1. Clear Browser Cache

Clearing your browser cache and cookies can help resolve display-related issues. To do this:

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Look for the option to clear browsing data or cache.
3. Select the appropriate settings and clear the cache.
4. Restart your browser and check if the screen flickering issue is resolved.

2. Disable Browser Extensions

Extensions added to your browser can sometimes interfere with Netflix’s smooth functioning, causing screen flickering. Follow these steps to disable extensions on popular browsers:

Microsoft Edge

1. Click on the three-dot icon on the top right of the Edge homepage.
2. Select “Extensions” from the menu.
3. Manage your extensions and toggle off all available extensions.

Google Chrome

1. Click on the three-dot icon on the top right of the Google homepage.
2. Go to “More Tools” and select “Extensions.”
3. Disable all the extensions.

After disabling the extensions, play a movie on Netflix to check if the flickering has stopped. If it has, enable each disabled extension one by one to identify the problematic one and find an alternative.

3. Update Your Graphics Driver

Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can sometimes cause display issues, including screen flickering on Netflix.

4. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Enabling hardware acceleration can shift the workload from the CPU to the GPU, which can interfere with Netflix’s media processing. To disable hardware acceleration:

1. Go to your browser settings and find the “System and Performance” option.
2. Toggle off the “Use hardware acceleration when available” setting.
3. Restart your browser and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Logout of Excess Screens

If you are logged in to Netflix on multiple devices, it can exceed the maximum allowed screens limit and lead to screen flickering issues. Follow Netflix’s official documentation or consult our TV guide to learn how to log out of Netflix on various devices. If necessary, consider creating a new Netflix account to avoid this problem.

6. Increasing Power Output

Insufficient power output to computer components can cause the processor to underperform and result in screen flickering. To increase power output:

1. Open the Control Panel on your system and select “Hardware and Sound.”
2. Go to “Power Options” and click on “Create a power plan.”
3. Select the “High Performance” option.

After making these changes, reload the Netflix page and check if the screen flickering issue persists.

7. Update Your Browser

If your browser is not up to date, it can cause compatibility issues with Netflix, leading to screen flickering. Check for updates by opening your browser’s homepage and clicking on the three-dot or three-bar symbol in the upper right corner. If an update is available, install it and restart your browser.

8. Shift to a Different Browser

If none of the above solutions work, consider switching to a different browser. Some browsers may have compatibility issues with specific websites that are later resolved. Mozilla Firefox and Brave Browser are great alternatives to try, and Google Chrome has resolved the issue for some users. Refer to our list of the best web browsers for recommendations.

✅Bonus Solution: Try using a different internet connection or reset your network settings. Network-related issues can contribute to screen flickering on Netflix. Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or use a wired connection if available. If the problem persists, reset your network settings by going to the network settings menu on your computer and selecting ‘Reset network settings.’ Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution for macOS

While macOS devices are generally less prone to bugs, you may encounter the Netflix screen flickering issue on a Mac. Here are some solutions you can try:

1. Change Pointer Settings

Changing the pointer settings has resolved the screen flickering issue for some macOS users. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings and go to Accessibility.
2. Click on Display and scroll down to Pointer.
3. Turn off “Shake mouse pointer to locate.”

This method has helped many users, although the reason behind its effectiveness remains unclear.

All the methods mentioned in the Windows browser section, excluding updating graphics drivers and changing power settings, can also be applied to macOS devices with the screen flickering issue.

Solution for Netflix Application

If you are experiencing screen flickering while using the Netflix application, try the following solutions:

1. Uninstall and Re-install Netflix App

The first step to take is to uninstall the Netflix application from your system. Then, visit the Microsoft Store or an online website to reinstall it. Check if the issue has been resolved after reinstalling from a different source.

2. Increasing Power Output

Follow the steps mentioned in Method 6 of the Windows browser solutions section.

3. Logout of Excess Screens

Refer to Method 5 in the Windows browser solutions section to learn how to log out of excess screens.

4. Switch back to Windows 10

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and encountered the screen flickering issue, consider switching back to the more stable Windows 10. However, keep in mind that Windows 10 is not entirely free from flickering issues, particularly with the start menu.

Conclusion

By applying the solutions mentioned above, you should be able to resolve the Netflix screen flickering issue on both Windows and macOS devices. If the problem persists, it is advisable to seek assistance from an authorized technician as it could potentially be a hardware-related issue.

Remember, Netflix is continuously improving its platform, and occasional issues may arise. Stay updated with the latest software updates, browser versions, and graphics drivers to ensure a seamless streaming experience.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.