Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting and Solving Chromebook Screen Glitches

If you’ve noticed some strange visual glitches or artifacts appearing on your Chromebook screen, you might be wondering, “Why is my Chromebook screen glitching?”

Undoubtedly, you’re not alone. Chromebook screens can sometimes malfunction, but there are usually simple fixes you can try before assuming the worst.

Furthermore, in this blog post, we will explore some of the possible causes and solutions for this problem.

To begin, it’s a software or hardware issue, a display driver conflict, or an overheating issue, we’ll help you fix it. 

• Restart your Chromebook:

• Check for updates

• Adjust display settings

• Reset Chrome flags

• Disable hardware acceleration

• Powerwash your Chromebook

• Connect to an external monitor

• Get professional help

We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to prevent this problem from happening again.

How to fix Chromebook Screen glitching ?

Chromebook screen glitching is a common problem that can affect your productivity and enjoyment of using your device.

Similarly, it can be caused by several factors, such as software errors, software updates conflicts with display drivers, or hardware problems.

Furthermore, in this section, we will show you how to fix Chromebook screen glitches with some easy methods.  

Restart your Chromebook

Restarting your Chromebook can sometimes fix Chromebook screen glitching issue by removing any temporary files or processes that may be interfering with the screen.

Furthermore, follow below mentioned steps to restart your Chromebook:

• First, click on the clock in the lower right corner of your screen.

• Then, select the power icon from the pop-up menu.

• As a result, your Chromebook will now turn off.

• Next, once it has turned off, press and hold the physical power button for a couple of seconds until it turns back on.

Check for updates

Checking for updates can fix screen glitching on Chromebook by installing the latest software patches and bug fixes that can improve display performance and stability.

Ensuring that your Chromebook has the latest software versions can also help prevent software glitches that may cause screen issues.

Follow below mentioned steps to update your Chromebook and fix screen glitching issue:

• First, click on the clock in the lower right corner of your screen.

• Then, click the settings icon and select About Chrome OS from the left menu.

• Next, to check for updates, click the Check for updates button.

• Subsequently, if an update is available, it will start downloading automatically.

• Then, wait for the update to finish and then restart your Chromebook

Adjust display settings

Sometimes screen glitches can be caused by issues with your Chromebook display settings.

Consequently, adjusting the resolution or scaling can help reduce the strain on your graphics card or driver.

Therefore, here are some simple steps to check your display settings and fix your Chromebook screen glitching issue with necessary changes:

• First, click on the clock in the lower right corner of your screen.

• Next, click the settings icon and select Device from the left menu.

• Subsequently, click Screens.

• Then, resize your screen to be smaller using the slider.

• Alternatively, you can also change the Orientation or Resolution of your screen if necessary.

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Reset Chrome flags

Sometimes experimental features in Chrome can cause unexpected screen crashes.

Consequently, resetting Chrome flags restores the browser’s default settings and may fix problems like screen glitching in Chromebook.

Therefore, follow below mentioned steps to factory reset the flags and restore your Chromebook’s display settings:

• First, launch the Chrome browser.

• Next, type chrome://flags in the address bar and press Enter.

• Then, click the Reset All button in the top right corner.

• After resetting, when prompted to restart your Chromebook, click the Restart button.

Disable hardware acceleration

Disabling hardware acceleration can fix screen glitching on Chromebook by disabling the use of the graphics card or processor to render web pages and applications.

Consequently, this can prevent display problems that may arise due to incompatible or outdated drivers or hardware.

Follow below mentioned steps to turn off hardware acceleration on your Chromebook:

• First, launch the Chrome browser.

• Next, click the Menu icon (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner.

• Then, select Settings from the drop-down menu.

• Subsequently, on the left side of the screen, click System.

• After that, use the switch next to Use hardware acceleration when available to turn it off.

• Ultimately, click Relaunch to restart your Chrome browser.

Powerwash your Chromebook

Chromebook screen glitching is a common problem that can be fixed by power washing your Chromebook, which is one way to reset it to its factory settings and resolve some software issues that can cause the screen to malfunction.

This can help restore your prime display, fix graphic element issues, and correct color display problems.

However, power washing will also erase all your local files and settings, so you should make a backup before continuing.

Additionally, ensure that your power adapter is functioning properly and that your power outlet is supplying consistent power to avoid interruptions during the process.

Follow below mentioned steps to powerwash wash your Chromebook:

• To begin, sign out of your Chromebook by clicking the clock in the bottom right corner of your screen and selecting the power icon.

• Next, press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the same time on the login screen.

• As a result, a dialog box will appear asking you to confirm that you want to pressure wash your Chromebook.

• Then, click the Powerwash button to continue.

• In last, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pressure washing process.

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​Connect to an external monitor

Connecting your Chromebook to an external monitor can help you determine if the screen glitching issue is due to a software or hardware issue.

Firstly, if the external monitor is not flashing, there is likely a hardware issue with your Chromebook’s display.

Alternatively, if the external monitor is also flickering, there is likely a software issue with your Chromebook’s graphics driver or settings.

Follow below mentioned steps to connect your Chromebook to an external monitor:

• Initially, if your Chromebook has an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to the monitor. However, if your Chromebook doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can use a USB-C adapter with an HDMI port.

• Then, connect one end of the HDMI cable to your Chromebook and the other end to the monitor.

• Subsequently, turn on your Chromebook and monitor. Your Chromebook should automatically detect the external display and mirror its screen. Otherwise, you can press Ctrl + Screen to switch between screens.

• Next, check if the screen failure issue persists on the external monitor. Otherwise, you can use the monitor as a temporary solution until you get your Chromebook repaired.

• Finally, if yes, you can try other solutions such as updating your Chrome OS, resetting Chrome flags, or pressure washing your Chromebook.

​Close demanding apps or extensions

Closing demanding apps and extensions can fix screen glitching issues on Chromebook by freeing up some memory and CPU resources.

Firstly, this can improve the performance and stability of your Chromebook and prevent display issues caused by overloaded or conflicting software.

This can also help resolve screen issues on both the built-in screen and any connected external device, regardless of display sizes.

Additionally, managing your software can prevent screen display orientation problems, incorrect screen color temperature, and ensure that your screen displays images correctly, avoiding potential physical damage due to overheating or excessive load.

Follow below mentioned steps to close demanding apps and extensions:

• To begin, to close an app, click the app icon on the shelf (the bottom row of your screen) and select Exit or press Alt + F4. Alternatively, you can use the task manager to see which apps are using the most memory or CPU and end them. Then, to open the task manager, press Search + Esc or click the clock and select More tools > Task manager. From there, select the app you want to close and click End Process.

• Next, to disable an extension, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the Chrome browser and select More tools > Extensions. Next, find the extension you want to disable and turn on the switch next to it. Finally, you can also remove an extension by clicking the Remove button.

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Check for extensions causing conflicts

Some extensions may cause conflicts with your Chromebook graphics driver or settings, which may cause screen crashes or glitching.

Furthermore, follow below mentioned steps to check for extension conflicts:

• Initially, disable all extensions and see if the problem persists. Otherwise, one of your extensions is likely to blame. Then, you can enable them one by one and check which one is causing the problem. To disable an extension, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the Chrome browser and select More tools > Extensions. Next, find the extension you want to disable and turn on the switch next to it. You can also remove an extension by clicking the Remove button.

• Alternatively, run your Chromebook in guest mode or create a new user profile and see if the issue persists. Otherwise, your current user profile may have some corrupted settings or data that interferes with viewing. As a result, you can try clearing your browsing data or resetting Chrome settings to fix the issue. To clear your browsing data, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the Chrome browser and select More tools > Clear browsing data. Finally, to reset Chrome settings, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the Chrome browser and select Settings > Advanced > Reset Settings.

Update graphics drivers

Updating your graphics drivers can fix screen glitching issues on Chromebook by ensuring your device has the latest software to communicate with the display hardware.

This can help resolve software bugs that may be causing the issue and provide you with the latest software tips for optimal performance.”

Furthermore, graphics drivers are responsible for rendering images and videos on the screen, so having outdated or corrupted drivers can cause display problems.

Follow below mentioned steps to update your graphics drivers on Chromebook:

• To begin, navigate to “Device Manager” in your Chromebook’s system settings.

• Then, expand the “Display adapters” category by clicking on it.

• Next, right click on your graphics card and select “Update Driver Software”.

• Subsequently, choose “Automatically search for updated driver software.”

• As a result, your Chromebook will then search for and install the latest graphics driver for your device.

• Finally, you may need to restart your Chromebook to apply the changes.

Perform a hardware reset

Performing a hardware reset can fix screen glitching on Chromebook by resetting your Chromebook’s hardware, such as its keyboard and trackpad.

Furthermore, this may resolve some minor issues that may be affecting your screen.

However, a hardware reset will not erase any of your files or settings, unlike a powerwash.

Follow below mentioned steps to perform a hard reset on Chromebook:

• To begin, turn off your Chromebook by holding down the power button.

• Next, press and hold the refresh button (the circular arrow on the top row of your keyboard) and then tap the power button.

• Subsequently, once your Chromebook starts up, release the refresh button.

Get professional help

Getting professional help can fix screen glitching on Chromebook by diagnosing and repairing any hardware or software issues that may be causing the problem.

Furthermore, if none of the other solutions work for you, you may need to contact the retailer where you purchased your Chromebook or the manufacturer for advice.

Follow below mentioned steps to get professional help for your Chromebook:

• Initially, check the warranty status of your Chromebook and see if it covers the screen failure issue. You can find warranty information on your Chromebook’s box, receipt, or online account.

• Next, contact Chromebook Support and explain your problem. Subsequently, you may need to provide some details, such as your Chromebook’s model number, serial number, purchase date, and any troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.

• Then, follow their instructions on how to send your Chromebook for repair or replacement. You may need to pack your Chromebook securely and include a copy of your receipt or warranty card. You may also be required to pay shipping or service fees, depending on the terms of the warranty.

• Finally, wait for your Chromebook to be repaired or replaced and returned to you. This may take a few days or weeks, depending on the availability of parts and technicians.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, this ultimate guide has helped you troubleshoot and resolve your Chromebook screen glitching issue.

Importantly, as you can see, there are many possible causes and solutions for this problem, but most of them are easy to try and can fix the problem quickly. Temporary glitches in the internal display can often be resolved through these methods.

Alternatively, if none of the methods we suggest worked for you, you may have a more serious hardware problem that requires professional help.

In that case, you should contact your Chromebook manufacturer or a local repair shop for assistance.

Furthermore, remember to keep your Chromebook up to date, avoid overheating, and use recommended display settings to prevent this issue from happening again.

Reference:

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)