You open your MacBook Pro and the screen works, but as soon as you open the lid beyond a certain angle, the picture goes black. Or you see brighter bands at the bottom of the screen, like stage lights. This problem is known as Flexgate. It mainly affects the MacBook Pro from 2016 and 2017. This article explains what Flexgate is, how to recognise it and what can be done.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook screens in Amsterdam, including Flexgate.
What is Flexgate?
Your MacBook's screen is connected to the logic board with thin, flat cables (flex cables). Those cables run through the hinge. On the 13 and 15 inch MacBook Pro from 2016, and on some 2017 models too, those cables were just too short. Every time you open and close the MacBook, they are stretched and bent. After a few years they wear out, and then the screen's backlight fails.
How to recognise Flexgate
- Stage-light effect: at the bottom of the screen you see brighter bands, especially on a dark background.
- Black when opened further: the screen works at a small angle, but goes black when you open it beyond about 40 to 60 degrees.
- Eventually completely black: at a later stage the screen stays dark at every angle, while the MacBook otherwise works.
Could it be something else?
Lines in the picture, marks or a cracked screen have other causes. If the screen works at no angle and not after a restart either, it may also be the panel or graphics chip. See lines on your MacBook screen and screen cracked without a drop. Connecting an external display is a good test: if that works, the built-in screen or cable is to blame.
Which models?
- MacBook Pro 13 inch, 2016 (with and without Touch Bar).
- MacBook Pro 15 inch, 2016.
- Some of the 2017 MacBook Pro models.
From 2018 Apple made the cable longer, so the problem is much rarer on newer models. Apple had a repair programme for the 2016 13 inch, but it has since ended. See checking Apple repair programmes.
What can you do yourself?
Nothing lasting, really. You can use the MacBook temporarily with the lid less far open, or with an external display. But the cable keeps wearing, so it usually gets worse. Do not force the lid. In any case make a backup now, while you can still use the screen; that makes a repair or a switch to another Mac much easier later.
How is Flexgate repaired?
The usual solution is replacing the whole screen, because the cables are attached to the screen. Depending on the damage, a repair of the cable is sometimes possible. We look per MacBook at the best and most affordable solution.
Is it still worth repairing?
A MacBook Pro from 2016 or 2017 no longer gets new macOS versions. Whether a screen repair makes sense depends on the rest of the MacBook and what you use it for. See repairing an old MacBook or not.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We test whether it really is Flexgate, then tell you what the repair costs and whether it is worth it for your MacBook. More on our page about MacBook screen repair.
Frequently asked questions
Can Flexgate go away by itself?
No. The cable is worn and only gets worse.
Does the Touch Bar still work with Flexgate?
Usually yes; it is not attached to the screen. See Touch Bar not working if it has problems too.
Do I lose my data with a screen repair?
No, your storage stays in the MacBook. Do make a backup to be safe.
