The launch of the highly anticipated Google Pixel 6 series has been met with excitement from users. However, some users have reported encountering a screen flickering issue when switching from 60Hz to 90Hz refresh rate on their Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices. This issue has caused frustration among users, as it affects the visual experience on these premium smartphones. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this screen flickering issue and provide you with actionable solutions to fix it.
According to reports from affected users, the screen flickering bug occurs when the system switches between the standard 60Hz and 90Hz refresh rate, particularly when transitioning from 60Hz to 90Hz. This issue seems to be more persistent in dark mode or on dark grey backgrounds on the Pixel 6 series. The flickering occurs every time the refresh rate switches, causing an unpleasant visual experience for users.
This issue has been raised on the official Google issue tracker, indicating that it is a known problem that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, the January patch update did not include a fix for this issue, leaving users to wait for future updates. However, there is a workaround that has been discovered by affected users, which we will discuss in the next section.
Workaround for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro Screen Flickering Issue
While waiting for an official fix from Google, there is a workaround that can help mitigate the screen flickering issue on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro device. This workaround involves enabling the “Force peak refresh rate” option in the “Dev options” of the system settings.
To enable this option, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro device.
Scroll down and tap on “System”.
Tap on “About phone”.
Scroll down and tap on “Build number” seven times to enable Developer options.
Go back to the previous screen and tap on “Developer options”.
Scroll down and find the “Force peak refresh rate” option.
Toggle the switch to enable this option.
By enabling the “Force peak refresh rate” option, you can maintain a constant 90Hz refresh rate on your device without experiencing the screen flickering issue. However, it’s important to note that this may result in higher battery drain due to the constant 90Hz rate. If you are more concerned about battery life, you can disable the higher refresh rate option and stick to the default 60Hz refresh rate.
To disable the higher refresh rate option, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro device.
Scroll down and tap on “Display”.
Tap on “Smooth display”.
Toggle the switch to disable the “Higher refresh rate” option.
By disabling the higher refresh rate option, your device will always use the default 60Hz refresh rate. While this may affect the smoothness of screen scrolling and response timing compared to 90Hz, it can help conserve battery life.
Latest Updates and Future Fixes
Google has started rolling out the February 2022 patch update for the Pixel 6 series devices. However, it is unclear if this update includes a fix for the screen flickering issue. We will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
In the meantime, if you are still experiencing the screen flickering issue on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro device, we recommend trying the workaround mentioned above. This workaround has been found to be effective by many users, providing a temporary solution until an official fix is released.
Conclusion
The screen flickering issue when switching from 60Hz to 90Hz on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices has been a cause of frustration for many users. While Google works on a permanent fix, there are steps you can take to mitigate this issue. Enabling the “Force peak refresh rate” option or disabling the higher refresh rate option can help alleviate the screen flickering problem. Remember to weigh the trade-off between a smoother visual experience and potential battery drain when choosing the appropriate option for your needs.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information and actionable solutions to fix the screen flickering issue on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro device. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
