MacBook Pro M1 external screen flickering

[TrancyGoose]

Issue still persists with brand new Macbook Pro M2 running MacOS 13.2. I'm using Anker 8-1 adaptor to connect HDMI Dell p2317H monitor. I've tried basically every suggestion here as well as those here:

How to Fix Mac M1/M2 External Monitor Flicker?

Mac M1 and M2 users sometimes encounter image flicker when connecting their Mac device to an external monitor. We offer a handy guide for resolving this issue with a few simple steps.

www.benq.com

I Was hopeful that the upgrade to Ventura 13.2 would fix the issue, but it did not.

I called apple and the representative said that the Anker 8-1 adaptor could be the problem and Apple only recommends we use Apple products. As far as I'm aware there isn't even an apple USB-C/thunderbird 3 to HDMI adaptor so the recommendation was not very helpful.

Seems like the issue has been around for years and never addressed by apple? and no real solution?

Yes there is!

https://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/MUF82ZM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter and there is no need for a TB3 adapter, a simple USB-C hub will suffice. I am going day 4, strong, without a single flicker.

 

[freefall722]

I have this same issue on a couple of M1 Mac Mini's and a Mac Studio I manage here at work. I've noticed that adjusting the cable a little bit when the flickering is bad will affect the amount of flicker I have. It makes me think there is a shielding issue with the M1 Mac's casing. I have a small USB-C cable that I leave plugged into the Mac Studio and I often get a tiny shock off it as I plug in different devices to it.

The monitor cables and USB-C cables I'm using came directly off the Intel Macs these machines replaced and I never had any issues with them before.

I feel like others who have found cables that work for them must have found a cable with adequate shielding to overcome this issue.

 

[TrancyGoose]

Honestly.... day 4, same cable, same mac same screen, no flickers ... going strong.... i am becoming hopeful.

 

[Snollygoster]

Apart from the True Tone you can try turning off Transparency from Accessibility settings. That helped a lot with my flickering issues.

 

[zackarno]

@TrancyGoose - still going strong? if so, might be tempted to bite the bullet on one of the apple USB-C adaptors.

Thanks for the suggestion @Snollygoster, unfortunately that didn't make a noticeable difference in my current set up

 

[TrancyGoose]

@TrancyGoose - still going strong? if so, might be tempted to bite the bullet on one of the apple USB-C adaptors.

Thanks for the suggestion @Snollygoster, unfortunately that didn't make a noticeable difference in my current set up

Nope, 13.2.1 f***d it all up, flicker came back, on 13.2, i swear, no flicker. No harm in getting a hub though.... it is worth it. I am going to try and get a proper TB cable, see if that will help at all. Funny thing is, neither my work issued Chromebook nor any other Windows laptop in the family, has this problem, it's just my M1 Macbook Pro.

 

[grav0]

I've been dealing with this issue on my Dell external monitor ever since I got my 16" M1 Max over a year ago. I've tried every software suggestion mentioned in this thread and while things are a little better with variable refresh rate, True Tone, and Night Shift turned off, it's still very much an issue for me. Basically every time I have to work with a dark area (I'm a designer so this is common), the screen starts flickering like crazy and becomes unusable. I have to set up Adobe CC apps with light mode, and you can forget about dark mode at the OS level or on YouTube.

This was never an issue with my Intel notebook.

How is this not a more widely reported issue? It's affecting basically everyone on M1/M2 that's not using an Apple monitor, right? If there's anyone out there who is on this setup and doesn't have issues with dark areas, I'd love to hear from them!

 

[Moriske]

Here in possession of a Mac mini M2 with the same problem.

I have a Benq PD3205U and also have a flickering image every day. Only by disconnecting the monitor from the power does the flickering go away. The Monitor is connected to the Mac mini via USB-C.

I bought a USB-C monitor especially to connect it with one cable and to be able to use the KVM switch at the same time. Unfortunately, this is not a solution, a monitor should work as intended via USB-C, even if connecting via HDMI or display port does not offer a solution.

It's actually sad that after all this time Apple hasn't changed anything by means of an update (for this bug). Too bad, because a monitor other than that of Apple itself (which is much too expensive) apparently does not solve the problem.

 

[Moulzdid]

How is this not a more widely reported issue? It's affecting basically everyone on M1/M2 that's not using an Apple monitor, right? If there's anyone out there who is on this setup and doesn't have issues with dark areas, I'd love to hear from them!

When I called Apple a few months ago, they were apparently not aware of this problem.
I suggest everyone reading this thread wave their hand to Apple to get them do something.

In a first time it can be done easily by following these links and click on "Me too" button (no need to log in) :

External Display flickering on M1 MacBook… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

MacBook Pro 16'' with M1 pro flickering w… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

MacBookpro M1 max and external monitor fl… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

MacBook Pro 14" external monitor flickeri… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

M1 MBP Screen Flickering, External Monito… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

M1 flickering and ghosting on external mo… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

... the list of threads like this goes on and on...


Finally, a little more work to do but very important to get their attention, fill in this feedback form and describe the problem :

Feedback - MacBook Pro - Apple

You can even put the link to this thread in your comment !
At some point, those threads and feedbacks may put the issue in their priorities 🤞

 

[zipuni]

Just wanted to chime in as I am also experiencing flickering between my brand new MacBook Pro 16 M2 Max and my brand new LG 40WP95C. I have tried everything this forum suggests (turning off TrueTone, Night Shift, setting custom color etc) but the flicker keeps coming and going. I am honestly so disappointed by this.

 

[danielsuzuki]

So I've been having the pin striping problem on my work Dell S3221QS. I tried out different preset modes and found RTS mode helped a great deal. From what I read, it's a mode for Real Time Strategy games, but for me it looks pretty color accurate.

 

[axl00000]

I was experimenting the flickering problem.

The issue was 100% reproducible with this steps:

1. Connect my 4K Display DELL S2722QC using a generic USB C cable to my Macbook AIR M1 2020 (MacOS Monterey 12.4).
2. Resolution Scaled to 1920 x 1080 (True Tone disabled on main display)
3. Launch Techmitch Snagit (Version 2021.5.0) or Microsoft Teams. (<- Those apps triggers the flickering from mild to a very very annoying and aggresive level)
3. After immediately launch those apps (Every single time) the screen always began to flicker from moderate to very high.

Reading some comments I began to try with different Color Profiles. None of the works until I select "Adobe RGB (1998)". So when I select that profile it fixes 100% of the time the flickering problem when I launch those apps (Even when those apps are already opened and flickering aggressively). Also you can test the fix when you have focus the windows of the problematic apps. The flickers disappears immediately.

It's easy to reproduce and validate that the problem it's gone with that specific profile. I tried with different Refresh Rates and works every time.

So hope that this helps.

 

[nicolasparada]

Happens on my Dell U3223QE too with a Macbook Pro M1. Happens randomly and none of the workarounds here worked.
Eventually the flicker goes away and I can tell that when using Zoom the flicker happens 100% of the times and is very strong.

I wonder if by using an apple monitor, flicker doesn't happen 🤔

 

[TrancyGoose]

Ventura 13.2.1 happened once after update, happens no more ....literally, hasn't come back in weeks. Stopped actually on 13.2 but had one after update to 13.2.1 but nothing since. BenQ 27 4K.

 

[CharlieLi]

I have the same issue with LG 27UN880-B.AEU and Macbook Pro M1 Pro.

 

[zackarno]

I was experimenting the flickering problem.

The issue was 100% reproducible with this steps:

1. Connect my 4K Display DELL S2722QC using a generic USB C cable to my Macbook AIR M1 2020 (MacOS Monterey 12.4).
2. Resolution Scaled to 1920 x 1080 (True Tone disabled on main display)
3. Launch Techmitch Snagit (Version 2021.5.0) or Microsoft Teams. (<- Those apps triggers the flickering from mild to a very very annoying and aggresive level)
3. After immediately launch those apps (Every single time) the screen always began to flicker from moderate to very high.

Reading some comments I began to try with different Color Profiles. None of the works until I select "Adobe RGB (1998)". So when I select that profile it fixes 100% of the time the flickering problem when I launch those apps (Even when those apps are already opened and flickering aggressively). Also you can test the fix when you have focus the windows of the problematic apps. The flickers disappears immediately.

It's easy to reproduce and validate that the problem it's gone with that specific profile. I tried with different Refresh Rates and works every time.

So hope that this helps.

adjusting color profiles doesn't work for me. I've tried all of them including Adobe RGB (1988)

 

[zackarno]

Nope, 13.2.1 f***d it all up, flicker came back, on 13.2, i swear, no flicker. No harm in getting a hub though.... it is worth it. I am going to try and get a proper TB cable, see if that will help at all. Funny thing is, neither my work issued Chromebook nor any other Windows laptop in the family, has this problem, it's just my M1 Macbook Pro.

yeah i use the exact same set up with a Lenovo computer and I have no issue -- just the macbook as well. It's great that that the flicker just went away by itself after initially coming back?

 

[analog guy]

Here in possession of a Mac mini M2 with the same problem.

I have a Benq PD3205U and also have a flickering image every day. Only by disconnecting the monitor from the power does the flickering go away. The Monitor is connected to the Mac mini via USB-C.

I bought a USB-C monitor especially to connect it with one cable and to be able to use the KVM switch at the same time. Unfortunately, this is not a solution, a monitor should work as intended via USB-C, even if connecting via HDMI or display port does not offer a solution.

It's actually sad that after all this time Apple hasn't changed anything by means of an update (for this bug). Too bad, because a monitor other than that of Apple itself (which is much too expensive) apparently does not solve the problem.

FYI—I have an Apple Pro XDR Display... this problem exists with an Apple-branded external monitor, too. (I did not experience it with an M1 Max MBP but DO experience it with multiple M2 Max MBPs.)

I can replicate it with certain software and have identified that with brightness set to <=14 out of 16 units (via F1/F2) the flickering does not occur on my setup.

 

[zackarno]

FYI—I have an Apple Pro XDR Display... this problem exists with an Apple-branded external monitor, too. (I did not experience it with an M1 Max MBP but DO experience it with multiple M2 Max MBPs.)

I can replicate it with certain software and have identified that with brightness set to <=14 out of 16 units (via F1/F2) the flickering does not occur on my setup.

which software can you use to replicate? Also what do you mean by brightness set to <=14/16 units (via F1/F2)? do you mean F1/F2 keys? Im on M2 which does not have those keys, but either way I thought the brightness controls on the main keyboard only control laptop screen brightness not external monitor?

 

[analog guy]

which software can you use to replicate? Also what do you mean by brightness set to <=14/16 units (via F1/F2)? do you mean F1/F2 keys? Im on M2 which does not have those keys, but either way I thought the brightness controls on the main keyboard only control laptop screen brightness not external monitor?

Don't have the energy to retype, but you can read about it in this post:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/new-m2-max-lightroom-insane-flickering.2379225/post-31951434

F1/F2 on my MBP controls external screen brightness.

 

[dmnk]

I signed up because I encoutered this issue on a BenQ PD3205U.
Sometimes vertical lines and flicker. Triggered under certain conditions for example if a browser (firefox in my case) is fairly dark and covers more than 50% of the screen.
In my obervation the issue will then persist and slowly return to normal after ~20 plus minutes.

What helped for me was was unpluggin the screen and under system settings removing ALL color profiles labeled "BenQ PD3205U", then plug it back in again.
Issue hasn't occured in two days.

Edit: Issue returned together with a second color profil for the screen. I'm now using my Anker 555 to connect to the screen. Never had any issues with this device. If the flicker returns I'll return the monitor unfortunately.

 

[TrancyGoose]

yeah i use the exact same set up with a Lenovo computer and I have no issue -- just the macbook as well. It's great that that the flicker just went away by itself after initially coming back?

Funny, I have been now for weeks, no flicker... this is so weird.

 

[neko77]

Happens on my Dell U3223QE too with a Macbook Pro M1. Happens randomly and none of the workarounds here worked.
Eventually the flicker goes away and I can tell that when using Zoom the flicker happens 100% of the times and is very strong.

I wonder if by using an apple monitor, flicker doesn't happen 🤔

For me, it's related to using RGB or YCbCr.

My MacBook is connected via the supplied usb-c cable. If I select "High Data Speed", I get 2160P 30bit resolution and YCbCr. On the contrary, if I select "High Resolution", I get 3840x2160 30 bit and RGB.

With the second option (high resolution), there is not flickering. The thing is, I'm pretty sure that with previous mac os versions I was able to get 3840x2160 30 bit and RGB with "High Data Speed".

Since I like using the integrated USB ports and network in the monitor, selecting "High Resolution" limits speeds to USB 2.0.

Maybe I will end using a separate cable for video (usb-c to displayport), but for the time being, I use the "Hight Resolution".

 

[5e11even]

Signed up to the forum because this issue just happened to me last night. After searching the internet, I found this thread as well as others with this same issue. I just bought a 14" Macbook Pro M2 Max and after a few hours of use setting up it up, my LG 27UN850-W which I bought a week prior started flickering with vertical lines. At first I thought I bought a defective monitor but it was previously connected to a 2020 i7 iMac using a thunderbolt 3 cable with no issues.

I am using the same thunderbolt 3 cable to connect to the monitor and wasn't sure what triggered it to start flickering and getting the lines. I kinda freaked out last night because all components are new except for the thunderbolt 3 cable which I bought in 2019.

I also have my PC connected to the monitor via display port and I turned off the Macbook and started that up the PC. There was a slight flickering but it went away over a few minutes. I didn't turn on the Macbook after this until this morning where the problem went away. I am not sure what the trigger was but hopefully I can figure out what the trigger was to prevent it from happening again.

EDIT: I was able to replicate the flickering and the vertical lines. It was YouTube ambient mode videos that had dark backgrounds with flashing bright elements. The outside of the video play area emulates lights and colors behind a screen effect like what you would see if you install something like a Govee TV backlight. My browser (Firefox) didn't handle it too well and that was causing my monitor to freak out. I can't say 100% that was the cause from the first time it happened but once I turned off ambient mode, the flickering and vertical lines stopped. Hopefully this was the fix for my issue and it helps someone else.

Edit 2: Monitor problems came back again but this time, I had my Macbook in clamshell mode. I walked away from my desk for a bit an when I came back, this time, along with the flashing and vertical lines, the monitor had some image burn in. I had nothing playing just a browser window with just the YouTube home page. I tried power cycling the monitor and trying the same thing I did with my PC but that didn't work. I then searched for IPS monitor burn in fix and I went to a YouTube video that played some random white flashing (

). I played it at full screen for a good 20 minutes and the problem went away! No lines, flashing or burn in. This is staring to get annoying and not sure what to do as I can't randomly stop working to have that video play for 20 minutes to fix the screen. I am planning to get a Thunderbolt 4 dock and maybe that might help but not sure if that will prevent the external monitor issues in the long run.

Edit 3: This time, Adobe Illustrator triggered the flashing, lines, etc. I did the IPS video fix then confirmed again with Illustrator and yup, was able to replicate the problem. Seems to be an issue with GPU acceleration option.

 

[strate]

I can confirm, that forcing mac to output in RGB format fixes flickering issue