It can be concerning when your Mac starts flashing unexpected images or words on the screen. However, there are usually straightforward explanations for these occurrences and steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Common Causes
There are a few common causes of words or images flashing on a Mac screen:
- Software glitch – A bug or glitch in an app, software update, or the operating system itself may cause graphical glitches.
- Hardware issue – Problems with the display, graphics card, cable connections or logic board can lead to graphical artifacts and flashing images.
- Malware – Potentially unwanted apps or malware may cause pop-ups and flashing ads or images to appear.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here are some steps to troubleshoot the issue if you see flashing words or images on your Mac’s screen:
- Restart your Mac – A simple restart can clear out minor glitches and get things working normally again.
- Check for software updates – Install the latest macOS and app updates, which may include fixes for graphical bugs.
- Scan for malware – Use malware removal software like Malwarebytes to scan for adware, spyware or other threats that could cause unwanted images.
- Try safe mode – Restart in safe mode to load a barebones version of macOS and see if the problem persists.
- Check connections – Ensure cables like HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort are securely connected if using an external display.
- Reset NVRAM – Reset the Mac’s NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) which can resolve firmware and settings issues.
- Test with a new user account – Create a new user account and see if the flashing persists there to isolate the cause.
- Back up and reinstall macOS – A clean install of the Mac operating system can wipe out software bugs.
- Repair or replace hardware – If the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem requiring repair by an Apple technician.
Common Words That Flash
Some common words or phrases that users report seeing flash on their Mac screens include:
- “Error” or “Warning” – Indicates an internal error or warning message trying to appear.
- “Loading” or “Please wait” – Displayed when a stalled app or process is hanging.
- “Apple” or “Mac” – Part of the boot up screen stuck on display.
- “Update” or “Install” – A software update or install process got interrupted.
- Random words – Garbled or corrupted text from a software glitch.
The actual word or phrase depends on what process or app is malfunctioning. A flashing word stuck on screen typically means a software or hardware component is not working correctly.
When to Seek Repair Service
If you have tried the troubleshooting steps without success, the flashing image may indicate a larger hardware problem requiring professional repair. Seek out an Apple technician or service provider if you experience:
- Flashing words or images during the Mac boot up sequence
- Distorted or scrambled images and text across multiple apps and accounts
- Visible display defects like dead, stuck or bright pixels clustering together
- Issues persisting in safe mode, recovery mode and even a new user account
These types of problems point to a component failure like the logic board, GPU, display connectors or screen. An Apple Genius Bar, authorized service provider or skilled microsoldering specialist may be needed to properly diagnose and replace the affected hardware.
Conclusion
Words or images randomly flashing on your Mac screen can certainly be an annoyance. But in most cases it ends up being a minor software glitch or connection issue that can be resolved with basic troubleshooting. Test in safe mode, create a new user account, reset NVRAM and check for app updates to isolate the cause.
However, if the flashing persists across operating systems and accounts, seems to coincide with system crashes, or is accompanied by visible display defects, professional repair may be needed for a hardware failure. Contact Apple support or take your Mac to the Genius Bar if basic steps don’t resolve a persistent flashing screen.
| Cause | Troubleshooting Step |
|---|---|
| Software glitch | Restart Mac, check for updates, scan for malware |
| Hardware issue | Check connections, reset NVRAM, hardware repair |
| Malware | Run malware removal software |
Related Questions
Why does my Mac screen flash different colors?
Flashing or flickering colors on a Mac screen usually indicate a hardware issue with the display, cables or graphics card, requiring service. Troubleshoot by connecting to an external monitor, restarting in safe mode and resetting NVRAM.
How do I stop words popping up on my Mac screen?
Random words popping up are often caused by adware or other potentially unwanted apps. Run a scan with Malwarebytes to detect and remove any adware. Also update your apps and macOS to the latest versions to fix any bugs.
What causes text to flash on and off on a Mac?
Text, words or phrases that flash on and off are typically caused by a software glitch or corrupted files. Updating apps and macOS along with restarting your computer can often resolve the issue.
Why are there flashing gray bars on my Mac display?
Flashing gray bars usually occur when there is a connection issue with an external monitor or projector you have connected to your Mac. Check that the display cable is securely connected at both ends and test with a different cable if available.
How do I fix my Mac if the screen is flashing after closing the lid?
A flashing or glitchy display after closing and opening the lid indicates a problem syncing between hardware components. Try resetting NVRAM and SMC to restore these settings. If issue persists, contact Apple Support to have Mac serviced.
What causes a MacBook screen to flash blue or green?
Specific colored flashes like blue, green or pink are often caused by a graphics card failure. This will require service to replace the faulty dedicated or integrated graphics card in your MacBook or iMac.
Why is my MacBook flashing a folder with a question mark?
The flashing question mark folder when booting up means your Mac cannot find a valid system software to start up from. This is usually fixed by reinstalling macOS from recovery mode or taking the Mac to Apple for diagnosis and repair.
How do I get rid of flashing lines on my Mac display?
Flashing or flickering lines typically indicate an LCD display panel failure. Connect an external display to confirm the issue. If so, the MacBook or iMac display will need to be repaired or replaced to resolve the problem.
What should I do if my Mac screen is flashing randomly?
For a Mac screen that is flashing or blinking randomly, first restart your computer and check for software updates. If the issue persists in safe mode, try resetting NVRAM/PRAM and SMC. If flashing continues, make a Genius Bar appointment for hardware diagnosis.
Preventing Future Occurrences
To help prevent words, images or flashing screens happening in the future:
- Keep your Mac and apps updated with the latest software versions
- Use a modern, upgraded Mac with sufficient RAM and graphics capability
- Don’t click on unknown links or install unverified apps that could contain malware
- Use an ad-blocker and anti-malware software to block unwanted content
- Restart your computer regularly and free up disk space to prevent performance issues
Following best practices for Mac security and maintenance will reduce the chances of experiencing glitches or graphics artifacts. But occasional software bugs may still arise, so be sure to backup your data in case a flashing screen indicates a larger problem needing repair.