Screen flickering or going black during games on your console
This is a cable or display settings problem, not your console breaking. Check that all cables connecting your console to the TV are pushed in firmly. A loose cable is the single most common cause. If that doesn't work, your display resolution can be set too high for your TV to handle.
When screens flicker or go black during games, it's because a cable connection is loose, the HDMI cable is worn out, or your console's display settings are set to a resolution your TV can't handle. The most common fix is checking cable connections, then trying a lower resolution if that doesn't work. If the console works fine on a different TV, you know it's a TV or cable issue.
- ✓Check that the HDMI cable is pushed firmly into both the console and the TV until it clicks
- ✓Look at the HDMI cable itself for any visible damage, kinks, or worn spots
- ✓Try a different HDMI cable if you have one available
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the console is broken when a loose cable is the real problem
- Not checking if the TV supports the resolution the console is trying to output. Changing to a lower resolution fixes flickering immediately
- Trying multiple fixes at once instead of testing one change at a time, so you don't know which one actually worked
Signs you need professional help
- You've checked and re-seated all cable connections and the flickering continues. Flickering happens on multiple TVs, which means the console itself has a hardware issue. Lowering the resolution doesn't help.
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