Buzz
A guide to fixing the notorious stage light effect
Footlights may add a touch of glamor to a theater production, but they're certainly not appreciated when they appear at the bottom of your MacBook's screen. If you've encountered an unusual stage light effect on your MacBook Pro, you're not alone—this is a common hardware issue for specific models (often called “Flexgate”). In this article, we'll discuss what causes this glitch and explore your repair options.
Understanding the Cause of the “Stage Light” Effect on Your MacBook Screen
Certain MacBook Pro models, particularly those released between 2016 and 2018, suffer from a design flaw that leads to the failure of the internal backlight and display cables after a few years of regular use. Unfortunately, the only effective solution is to replace the entire display assembly.
Procedure
The “stage light” effect is a result of a hardware flaw.
This issue is commonly seen in 2016-2018 MacBook Pro models. If you own a 13" or 15" MacBook Pro from 2016-2018, there's a chance your device is affected by the “Flexgate” problem. You might experience an intermittent stage light effect at the bottom of your screen, along with other problems like flickering or unusual colors. Unfortunately, in many cases, your display may eventually fail completely.
Some newer M1 models may also experience this issue. More recently, some users have reported facing a similar problem with M1 MacBook Pro models from 2019-2020, particularly with the 13" versions. It can take 2-3 years of use for the issue to become noticeable.
The issue arises due to damage to the internal display cables. The root cause of the problem lies in the ultra-thin, flexible ribbon cables Apple used to connect the Touch Bar to the display in these specific MacBook Pro models. Over time, frequent opening and closing of the laptop stresses these cables, leading them to break. Typically, the backlight cable deteriorates first, resulting in the stage light effect.
- Apple claimed to have resolved this flaw by making the cable longer in models released after 2016-2018, but recent reports suggest it continues to affect some later models.
- Since the problem can take a few years to surface, it's still unclear how common it is in newer MacBooks.
You will likely need to replace your screen.
The integrated cables require you to replace the entire display. Unfortunately, fixing the stage light issue isn't as simple as replacing just the display cable. Due to the design of these MacBooks, the only solution is to replace the whole display assembly, which can be quite costly.
Apple’s special repair program has concluded. For a period, Apple provided free repairs for specific MacBook Pro models affected by the “Flexgate” issue. This offer was available only for the 2016 13" model. Regrettably, this program has ended, and it’s unlikely you can have your display repaired for free.
- If your MacBook is still within the coverage of AppleCare, AppleCare+, or a valid warranty, you may still qualify for a free or low-cost repair.
Consult a third-party technician if your warranty has expired. If your MacBook is out of warranty or not covered by AppleCare, consider visiting an independent repair expert. Ideally, choose a certified technician from Apple’s Independent Repair Provider program.
Consider these temporary workarounds. If you're unable or unwilling to replace your display (or purchase a new laptop), there are a few options to try. While these fixes may only be short-term, they might extend the life of your MacBook screen.
- Clean the hinge of your MacBook. Many users report that the issue went away after they gently wiped the hinge between the keyboard and screen with an alcohol wipe or a soft brush moistened with rubbing alcohol.
- Limit how far you open your laptop. In some cases, the stage light effect won't appear if you avoid opening your screen beyond a certain angle (e.g., 90°). The more you open it, the more strain you put on the damaged cables.
- Connect an external monitor to your MacBook. Though not a perfect solution—especially if you want to keep your Mac portable—this can work as a temporary fix. You can easily hook up an affordable monitor to your laptop if the built-in display is no longer usable.
