AOC Monitor Flickering (4 Step Fix)

AOC has a deep lineup of computer monitors, many of which can have some frustrating issues. One of the more common problems users report seeing is their monitor flickering on and off.

AOC monitor flickering is commonly due to a slow screen refresh rate. To fix this, go to the display settings and select a higher refresh rate until the flickering stops. A loose or damaged display cable may also be the issue. Ensure the display cable is securely connected and undamaged.

Additional causes include incompatible PC apps, graphic driver issues or power strip overload. Updating your PC applications, reinstalling the graphics driver and unplugging additional devices from the power strip usually solves the problem.

Read on for further step-by-step instructions and supportive images to fix your monitor today!

Increase Screen Refresh Rate

Something I never fully appreciated is that a flickering monitor occurs when the human eye witnesses the screen refreshing.

The refresh rate on a monitor is calculated by the number of times it redraws itself each second. This means that a normally functioning screen is simply refreshing at a fast enough rate so that you do not notice it!

For this reason, one of the simplest fixes you can try is increasing the screen refresh rate.

To increase your screen refresh rate:

  1. First, in Settings select Display and then Advanced settings.
  2. Next, select Display adapter properties for Display 1 and under the Monitor tab select the Screen refresh rate drop down menu.
  3. Try selecting a higher refresh rate and see if the flickering stops.

You can perform some trial-and-error testing here. If the first refresh rate you try doesn’t stop the problem, test a few others.

Additionally, many AOC monitors have a recommended screen refresh rate Hertz (Hz) setting. You can check to see if your specific monitor has a recommended refresh rate using the AOC user manual look up.

Enter your model number (usually located on the back of the screen) in the search field to investigate.  

Check Display Cable

Regardless of whether you are using DisplayPort (DP), HDMI, DVI or VGA – many times the display cable is to blame!

HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and DVI display cables

The first thing to do is carefully inspect the display cable for any visible damage.

Take a close look at the heads on either end of the cable. Truly inspect the inner pin connectors:

  • DisplayPort: 20-pin connector
  • HDMI (standard): 19-pin connector
  • DVI (single-link): 18-pin connector
  • VGA: 15-pin connector

Bent, damaged or missing connector pins can cause all sorts of issues. Make sure your connector pins are in good working order.

Next, confirm that the display cable connection on BOTH ends is secure.

Even the smallest break in connection can be responsible for a whole host of problems, including audio issuesno signal errors, and more. Push both display cable ends in firmly!

Loose display cable connection

So, you’ve increased your screen refresh rate and thoroughly checked the display cable without any luck.

At this stage you should try using a different type of display cable than the one you are using. If your screen stops flickering your display cable is the issue – swap it for a new one!

Unplug Additional Devices From Power Strip

As it turns out, electromagnetic fields may also be the cause. Sounds pretty cool huh?

While this problem may seem complex, the fix is straight forward and predictable.

Are any other devices using the same power strip as your monitor? Perhaps a fan, heater, or a light? Maybe all 3?

Unplug additional devices from power strip

Unplug them!

Update Computer Applications And Reinstall Graphics Driver

If none of the above fixes have worked, your PC applications or graphics driver may be out of date.

We will use a fun trick to determine if your computer apps or graphics driver are the issue.

Press the Control (Ctrl), Shift and Escape (Esc) key simultaneously to open the Task Manager.

Task Manager Test
  1. If the Task Manger DOES NOT flicker, an incompatible app is most likely the cause.
  2. If the Task Manger DOES flicker, the graphics driver is most likely the cause.

How To Update Your Computer Applications (Windows 10)

Many application publishers will provide periodic updates to their apps. Often times these updates include new features or provide fixes to various app issues.

You can use your Microsoft Store on Windows to automatically install app updates.

  1. First select Start, and click on the Microsoft Store.
  2. Once you are in the Microsoft Store, select the account menu and then select Settings.
  3. Under App updates, set Update apps automatically to OnHere you can see my default settings are set to update apps automatically already. This may also be the case from some of you. For others, you will need to use the toggle button to turn this setting on.

Depending on your version of Windows, these steps may slightly vary. Check out the official Windows support page to learn how to update your apps across Windows versions.

How to Update And Reinstall Your Graphics Driver (Windows 10 / 11)

Sometimes the graphics driver is specifically to blame. To test this, first try to update the graphics driver directly.

Head over to the search box and this time enter Device Manager. Right-click on the name of your graphic device, and select Update driver.

Update graphics device

If this does not fix the problem try uninstalling the graphics driver by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall.

Then simply Restart your computer – Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the graphics driver during startup.

Final Word

If you come back to your home office to find your AOC monitor flickering, don’t worry. This is a common issue with four proven fixes:

  1. Increase your screen refresh rate
  2. Check your display cable for damage and ensure a secure connection
  3. Unplug additional devices from the power strip
  4. Update your computer applications and reinstall the graphics driver

If you’ve tried all of these fixes, and you’re still having issues you can also contact AOC Customer Service Call Center at 888-838-6388.

It is also worth noting that AOC Monitors have a generous three-year warranty.

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