Mac display flickering when plugged into usb c docking station.

Why does my M1 MacBook Airs display flicker when plugged into a usb c docking station?

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 1:05 PM

Similar questions

M1 Mini and flickering screen I have a M1 Mac Mini. I have my main screen attached to the HDMI port. (No problems) My second screen connected to the USB-C port, flickers out every 2minutes for about a second and then returns. I have changed cable and connectors. Monitor is a HDMI connection. Using the Apple AV adapter to covert USB-C to HDMI. Any ideas. It is very annoying.
2159 5
External Display flickering on M1 MacBook Pro Hi, I have: M1 MacBook Pro (1tb, 16gb) Dell S2721QS external display (capable of 4K at 60hz) I first connected this display using HDMI, however my Apple adapter only supported HDMI 1.4b, so it only supported 4K at 30hz. I then switched to a USB-C to DisplayPort cable, and the screen worked great. However, not, if my Mac locks, and I wake it up again, the screen sometimes starts flickering. On for 2 seconds, off for 1 second, roughly that pattern. I have to unplug the display from power most of the time, and reconnect. But then if the Mac goes to sleep again, I risk seeing the same flickering. One thing to note, I hav tried the two different USB-C ports, no change in issue. I can also see that in ColorSync Utility, the Dell display has a HDMI HD and HDMI SD profile, but not a DisplayPort one? Do I need to reset SMC (is that even possible on Apple Silicon) or what do I do to get the Mac to forget all external displays it remembers, and instead treat this display as a fresh new external display?
16868 12
LG Ultrafine 4K Display Selective Flickering I have a 2018 13" MacBook Pro with TouchBar. I recently purchased a refurbished LG UltraFine 4K Display (made specifically for the MacBook Pro). When I plug in the USB C (Thunderbolt 3) cable into one of the ports on the right side of my computer, the LG display will flicker (lose video output) about once every 1-5 minutes. When I plug the cable into one of the ports on the left side of my computer, there is no flickering whatsoever. The cable is completely tight in the ports on both the left and right sides. The right side USB C ports also work flawlessly when transferring data, charging my laptop, etc; Has anyone else had a similar experience? Is this something I should get checked out?
4256 3

1 reply

1ssmith

Community Specialist

Apr 23, 2021 1:31 PM in response to maiko35

Hi maiko35,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. We want to be sure we're on the same page so we can help. Are you using and external display with your MacBook Air? If so, make sure your Mac and display are connected to one another with good quality cables and adapters, as described here: If your Mac display doesn’t look right. If the screen on your MacBook Air is flickering when connected to the docking station, confirm you're follow the manufacturers guidance on how to use the station with your Mac. Should you need additional support, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

All the best.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Mac display flickering when plugged into usb c docking station.

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up