How to Fix Screen Flickering and Display Glitches on iPhone SE

Is your iPhone SE screen flickering, showing scan lines, or behaving oddly? If so, you might be dealing with a software-related issue. Before assuming the worst (like hardware failure), try these practical troubleshooting steps to fix screen problems caused by software bugs, app issues, or iOS glitches.

1. Restart Your iPhone

A quick reboot can clear up many minor software glitches.

To restart:

Press and hold the Power (Sleep/Wake) button until the slide to power off screen appears.
Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the Power button again until you see the Apple logo.

Repeat this 2–3 times if needed.

2. Force Restart If Your Screen Is Frozen

If your iPhone SE becomes unresponsive:

Force restart it:

Press and hold both the Home button and the Power button simultaneously.
Keep holding until you see the Apple logo.

This works well for frozen screens or sudden crashes.

3. Force Quit the Problem App

If the glitch appears while using a certain app:

Double-tap the Home button to open the app switcher.
Swipe up on the app causing trouble to force it to close.

Then, relaunch the app or try updating it from the App Store.

4. Factory Reset Your iPhone (If the Issue Started After an Update)

A factory reset wipes your iPhone clean and can fix bugs caused by updates.

Warning: This deletes all data. Back up first.

To factory reset:

Go to Settings > General > Reset.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode, then confirm the erase.

Afterward, set up your device like new or restore from a backup.

5. Use Recovery Mode to Restore Your iPhone

Use Recovery Mode if your iPhone is stuck or won’t respond normally.

To use Recovery Mode:

Connect your iPhone SE to a computer with iTunes open.
Press and hold both the Power and Home buttons.
Keep holding past the Apple logo until you see the Recovery Mode screen (cable and iTunes logo).
Choose Restore when prompted.

6. Try DFU Mode (Deep Restore)

DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode is your last resort for deep software issues.

To enter DFU mode:

Power off your iPhone SE.
Plug it into a computer with iTunes.
Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
Then press and hold the Home button while still holding the Power button for 10 seconds.
Release the Power button but keep holding the Home button for 5 more seconds.
The screen should stay black, and iTunes will detect your iPhone in recovery mode.

Follow the prompts in iTunes to restore the device.

7. Free Up Storage Space

Low storage can cause apps and the screen to act weird. Check your available space in:

Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Delete unused apps, large videos, or photos you’ve already backed up.

8. Use Third-Party iOS Repair Tools

There are apps like ReiBoot, iMyFone Fixppo, or Dr.Fone – Repair that can help fix screen glitches without wiping your data. Search for reputable tools and follow their on-screen instructions.

9. Contact Apple Support (If It’s a Hardware Issue)

If none of the above works, the issue might be hardware-related (like a failing display or logic board). Visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center. If your iPhone is under warranty, they may repair or replace it.