Is the screen of the advertising display that’s currently playing ads suddenly flickering nonstop? Isn’t that frustrating? Not only does it hurt the promotional effect, but it may also indicate an equipment issue.
Don’t worry—screen flickering is a common problem, and most causes can be fixed by yourself. Below, we’ll explain these causes and solutions in plain language.
First, check these “external issues” (easiest—try these first)
Often, the problem lies outside the device and isn’t related to its quality. You can handle these on your own.
1. Power supply “not getting enough power”
What’s happening: Loose plugs, aging cables, or using the wrong power adapter can cause unstable voltage, leading to screen flickering.
What to do:
Push the power plug firmly into the socket.
Try a different wall outlet to rule out socket issues.
Check the voltage and current ratings on the power adapter (the large charger-like part) to ensure they match the advertising display’s requirements.
2. Signal cable “poor connection”
What’s happening: The cable connecting the screen and the host (whether it’s the internal ribbon cable or an external HDMI cable) may be loose or damaged, causing poor signal transmission and resulting in flickering or static.
What to do:
External cable: Unplug the HDMI cable from both the playback box and the screen, then reconnect it firmly. If possible, try a different cable.
Internal cable: If you’re comfortable, power off the device, open the back cover, and check if the wide ribbon cable connected to the screen is loose. If not, skip this step and try other solutions first.
Next, consider “software and settings” (a restart often helps)
If the cables and power supply are fine, the issue might be with the “brain” (system) or “commands” (settings).
1. System or software “glitching”
What’s happening: The Android system or playback app on the advertising display may occasionally malfunction, causing abnormal video output.
What to do:
Step 1: Restart the device. Power it off, wait one minute, and turn it back on. This often resolves most “temporary” glitches.
If the issue persists, try a factory reset (note: this will erase installed apps and settings).
Check if there’s a system update available—sometimes new versions fix flickering bugs.
2. Screen “refresh rate mismatch”
What’s happening: The screen has its own refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz), and if the playback box outputs at a different rate (e.g., 50Hz), it can cause flickering or shaking.
What to do: Go to the advertising display’s settings menu, find the “Display” or “Resolution” option, and adjust the refresh rate to match the screen’s highest supported rate (usually 60Hz).
Finally, consider “hardware failure” (time to contact support)
If none of the above steps work and the screen is still flickering, a hardware component may be faulty.
1. Backlight strip or its “driver” is faulty
What’s happening: The screen’s backlight is powered by LED strips. If the strips age or the inverter driving them fails, the backlight may flicker, especially noticeable on white screens.
What to do: This is difficult to fix yourself. Contact a technician for inspection and replacement.
2. Mainboard issues
What’s happening: The mainboard is the “brain” of the advertising display, processing signals for the screen. If components like capacitors or chips are damaged, the output signal becomes unstable, causing flickering.
What to do: This requires professional diagnosis and repair. Avoid DIY repairs to prevent making the problem worse.
3. Physical screen damage
What’s happening: The screen may have been bumped, exposed to moisture, or simply aged, damaging the liquid crystal or internal circuits and causing flickering.
What to do: Carefully check the screen for cracks, marks, or persistent bright/dark spots or lines. If the screen itself is damaged, it usually needs to be replaced entirely.
"This article is part of the 'Advertising Machine FAQ' series. If you are experiencing other issues, such as unresponsive touch screens, black screens, etc., feel free to visit our [Advertising Machine Common Problems and Solutions (FAQ) Center | Ultimate Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide] for quick answers."