Why is my MacBook Pro bottom screen flicker happening?

Have you considered whether the flickering might be due to external or environmental factors? For instance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby electronic devices can sometimes affect your laptop’s display. Try using your MacBook Pro in a different location to see if the flickering persists. Additionally, ensure that there are no magnetic objects close to your laptop. Unexpectedly, positioning changes or removing certain devices from your working space can sometimes remedy the screen flicker issue effectively.

In some cases, the flicker at the bottom of the screen may result from an issue with the VRAM (video RAM) on your MacBook Pro. This component handles graphics processing and, if it’s malfunctioning, can cause screen artifacts like flickering. You might want to try resetting your MacBook’s NVRAM and SMC. Here’s how:
1. Turn off your MacBook Pro.
2. Turn it back on and hold Option (⌥), Command (⌘), P, and R keys together for about 20 seconds. This resets the NVRAM.
3. For the SMC reset, shut down your MacBook Pro, hold Shift (⇧), Control (⌃), and Option (⌥) on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button for 10 seconds.
4. Release all keys and press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.
Performing these resets can sometimes correct issues related to screen flickering.

Based on my own experience, screen flickering issues can also be a consequence of overheating. When the internal components of your MacBook Pro get too hot, it can cause various display issues. Make sure that your laptop’s ventilation isn’t blocked and consider using a cooling pad. Additionally, using a utility app to monitor the system temperature can help you identify if overheating is causing the flicker. If the device consistently runs hot, it might be worth cleaning the internal fans or having a technician check for thermal paste degradation or other cooling inefficiencies.

The flickering on your MacBook Pro’s screen could be related to a hardware issue, specifically the display cable. Over time, the cable connecting your screen to the motherboard can wear out or become loose, leading to screen flicker. This usually requires professional repair. I had a similar problem and took my MacBook to an Apple Store. The technician suggested a display cable replacement, and it resolved the flickering issue. I recommend visiting a certified repair center where they can run diagnostics to determine if the display cable needs replacement.

The flicker you’re experiencing might be due to a software glitch. Sometimes, new macOS updates can cause conflicts with existing settings or applications. To check if this is the issue, you can try booting your MacBook Pro in Safe Mode. To do this:
1. Shut down your MacBook Pro.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
Booting in Safe Mode loads only essential system programs and might bypass the problematic software causing the flickering. If the screen doesn’t flicker in Safe Mode, it’s likely a software problem. You can then try uninstalling recently added applications or looking for software updates.

I’ve experienced the same problem, and in my case, it was due to graphics settings. Apple laptops have automatic graphics switching, which might be causing the flicker. To check and possibly resolve this, you can:
1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Select Battery (or Energy Saver if using older macOS versions).
3. In the Battery (or Power) pane, uncheck ‘Automatic graphics switching.’
This change can sometimes stabilize the display and reduce flicker, as the system no longer switches between graphics modes.