Surface Pro 4, Screen Flickering, Shaking

Anonymous
2017-01-19T07:47:47+00:00

Hi All,

Update: Flickergate is now having a forum to bring all affected users at a single platform to plan for resolvement of issue. Please join at

 https://forum.flickergate.com

UPDATE: Check FlickerGate.com for videos of the problem and to submit your own. 

I purchased SP4 device a few months ago and it was working fine for a month. Then I noticed that when the CPU is at its max, the screen flickers a bit. Investigating further revealed that it flickers even if it is setting idle. It does not flicker if at least one of the following thing is done:

  1. A video being played in browser 
  2. If I keep the touch screen busy by either taping it or keeping a finger on it
  3. If I use the touchpad
  4. If keyboard is used for typing

This resulted in making the device completely unusable while reading articles or ebooks. I am a developer, most of the time I have to read the code and to do that, I have to constantly keep a finger on the touch pad or the screen. I contacted surface support in October and November and was told that the developers are working on the patch. Looking at the updates the developers are pushing since then, I don't think anyone is even aware of the problem there. 

My previous support ticket numbers are:

 ***deleted personally identifiable information***

***deleted personally identifiable information***

Just wondering if anyone else had the same problem (and the fix) and if not, what's the procedure for the refund? I will rather go for a mac then sacrificing $2000+ for a dancing screen.  

Kind Regards,

Abbas

***Personal information deleted by the moderator. Please see the Microsoft Community Frequently Asked Questions for more information on how you can protect your privacy.***

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2018-05-11T17:59:00+00:00

Hey Everyone,

Creating the best products and experiences for our customers is our top priority.

We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update.

To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge. If you believe your device is experiencing this issue, please visit our Surface Pro 4 screen flicker article for more details.

Bryan [MSFT]

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-05-22T04:40:00+00:00

    Hi Bryan(MSFT)

    I bought my surface pro(2017)in September 2018 and have hardly used it. Recently till to further studies I started using everyday since April 20,2020. And I was shocked to see the flickering black thin lines and blurry display at bottom, starting two days ago and yesterday - all happend in the night. 

    And I dont only have this issue - the bluetooth fucntion sucks with this surface pro. My surface pro(2012) is working perfectly fine in the ways I mentioned above and also not very used.  If not for 2012 pro, I might not suspect anything wrong with my 2017 model. 

    I hope there should be a replacement.

    Hey Everyone,

    Creating the best products and experiences for our customers is our top priority.

    We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update.

    To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge. If you believe your device is experiencing this issue, please visit our Surface Pro 4 screen flicker article for more details.

    Bryan [MSFT]

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-05-18T11:36:27+00:00

    Thank you very much for your answer. I'll try to get service from microsoft, but I'm not very optimistic.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-05-16T01:40:41+00:00

    Owner of a SP4 bundle pack bought @ Costco perhaps over 2 yrs ago

    Microsoft argues that my warranty expired and SP4 over 3 years

    problem: screen presenting flickering problems that seems to get worse as time goes on and continued use of SP$. The flickering problem is progressive and presents in less than 20 minutes of use and prevents me from using the SP4.

    I love my computer but spending over $ 1,000 dollars and Microsoft company knows that it has firmware problem without any solution except exchanging actual SP.

    second problem: SP over 3 years; solution given by Microsoft representative Oscar B on may 14, 2020 : well since it is over 3 yrs e can only offer to exchange the SP4 with SP5 but need to pay $599.00 and it is refurbished with only 90 days warranty( only includes screen without bundle) ; on Microsoft site SP5 new one is worth $749.

    The following is the email sent to me from Microsoft with proposed deal which I found it ridiculous since they are unable to fix a firmware problem :

    This is Oscar B. from Microsoft Surface Support again.

    This is your new Microsoft case number – 1501084762

    Out of Warranty Exchange Program:

    You provide us with the defective Surface Pro 4, we provide you with the Surface Pro 5 with the same tech-specs and it come with 90 – days of warranty.

    For this, you have to pay US$599.00. this can be done over the phone.

    Have a nice day.   

    Oscar B.

    Microsoft Surface Support

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-05-13T22:17:08+00:00

    Thank you so much for your reasonable answer. I think that's what I'll have to do.

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