Apple Watch screen flashing in direct sunlight.

Hi Chips,

I realise it is not ideal but is it possible for you to upload a video to iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube, etc. and provide a link to show what the issue is?

Additionally, just a few related questions:

• have you got a complication running full screen at the time this happens or just a watch face
• has your watch been in direct sunlight for long and does it feel hot to the touch
• have you updated to the most recent WatchOS release / are you running a WatchOS beta
• what is your battery charge (approximately) at the time this is happening?
• what is the brightness setting on your Always On Display (default, low, high)

Unfortunately the possible causes are still fairly broad at this point - it is entirely possible you are having issues with the ambient light sensor, or it could be related to operating temperature, etc. I would also suggest biting the bullet and doing a pair and unpair and a clean set up of your watch just to eliminate setup/connectivity as potential factors.

I’m having the same issue.

it happens with all faces immediately when exposing to the sun, even under air conditioning. It’s a fast, full screen green flash. I was not able to fully capture it with the slow motion video due to the rendering and frequency. But it’s full screen.

I have this question too for a series 5 watch... what is annoying a series 3 watch got damaged a month ago for the same way it reacted when exposed to sunlight, followed by overheating, and then the screen simply popped up... rip :(

I had the same issue as well with two different Apple Watch Series 5. I originally returned the first one thinking I had a faulty watch but the watch Apple replaced it with also had the exact same issue.

It only happens in direct sunlight and I was not able to find a fix and ended up returning the second one as well. I was hoping more people would encounter this issue to bring it to Apple's attention. This may not be a big deal to others but if I am spending that much money on a watch, I want it to work properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZzw-Kp-Ek

I am having the same issue, exactly as described above. Fresh out of the box yesterday. Not too hot, nothing open, just when it dulls to always on. Continuous flashing across the screen.

I hope there is an easy solution.

Same thing here. Happened inside my vehicle when I put glanced at my watch I noticed it was going nuts. Seems related to the sunlight coming through the window. Got to my hotel and it has been fine ever since. Apple appears radio silent on the issue. That's a surprise. I suspect it would be pointless to call apple at this point based on this thread.

I contacted the Apple SAT in Spain and they told me that it seems so many users are reporting this. They asked me to record a video and send it over through a support link they have me. I would really recommend everyone with this issue to do the same, opening a case with Apple and reporting this, I think it is the best thing we can do so Apple does something and fixes it or compensate us somehow.

I'll keep you guyes posted if I find out anything.

Have a great day!

David

Same to me, and I do several compare tests, and I found that even the flashlight of the iPhone can trigger this problem. Just hold the flashlight very close to the middle of the 'top' of the watch screen (top means the watch position has the digital crown at the upright corner), the problem will show up. I think it is because of the light scener's program is messed up by hight lighting value. maybe there will be an update to fix this. Please! Apple engineer! do something!

Same problem on Watch Series 5 GPS+LTE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbx9ZGHG0SY

already sent the watch to the apple Service and received it back "without any issues found"...

I am really upset, the support hotline told me they dont know the issue, I am the only one, thats how apple is treating the customers.

If it is not fixed soon everyone will have the right to ask for refunding the money after 2 or 3 repair attempts. take care to do that in the first 12 month of warranty - then it should be really easy. Maybe apple will do a recall because this is definitly a Serial issue on all Series 5...

I have had the exact same issue in the last couple of days. Only noticed it because I’m currently working from home and where I sit the sun shines through in the morning on to my arm. I have since done the WatchOS 6.2 update but it still occurs.

I’m in the same exact case ! Working home and noticing the issue as the sun hits the watch face in always on mode (series 5 gps, WOS 6.2). Done some research, it only seems to malfunction when transitioning from shadow to sunlight as the screen is asleep, doesn’t do it with screen on. Temperature doesn’t seem to cause the issue, nor water damage as I never got it under water. It could simply be a general defect Apple doesn’t want many to know about. Shame... turning the screen on then putting it to sleep as in direct sunlight seems to temporarily fix the problem btw, but can’t be sure. If the problem was only software related, then it would have been addressed already, not promising...

Have a nice day !

Hi Guys,

I exchanged mine by a new one and the same happens. It is a general issue I would say it happens to every single watch when screen is on always on display (dimmed mode). It’s a matter of knowing how to reproduce the issue and in sunny countries is pretty easy even during winter time.

Apparaently Apple does not recognize this as an issue but I have a case open with them and still pushing for getting answers or explanations, I would suggest you all to do the same.

It came randomly today, but it wasn’t every time I put it in direct sunlight, strange. I wasn’t able to reproduce the issue using my phone’s flashlight. However I managed to shoot a video of the screen flickering this afternoon. Thank for your support !

Edit: I was able to reproduce the issue today, and as far as I can tell, it happens every time sunlight hits the watch face on the bottom left corner of the display, at an angle (crown and side button facing to the right), and only when the screen refreshes at 1Hz (always on active or on a still image while using the watch). My model is the 44mm, maybe it’s different for smaller variants, I can’t test.