Solving Echo Show 20 Screen Flicker After Firmware Upgrade

Understanding the Flicker Issue

When the Echo Show 20 finishes a firmware update, many users notice a rapid back‑and‑forth of the display. The screen appears to “flicker,” making it hard to view text, photos, or video. This symptom can be caused by software glitches, driver mismatches, network hiccups, or even hardware quirks that surface after a new version is installed.

Before diving into troubleshooting, it is useful to keep in mind that the Echo Show 20 runs on a customized version of the Android OS. Firmware updates bring new features, bug fixes, and sometimes changes to how the graphics stack interfaces with the device’s hardware. If the update is not applied cleanly, the display can behave oddly until the system stabilises or a further patch is released.

Common Causes of Post‑Update Flickering

1. Incomplete or Corrupted Firmware Install

A firmware update can fail mid‑download or mid‑install due to power loss, a weak Wi‑Fi signal, or a software bug. The device may end up with a partially written image that works for most functions but leaves the display driver in an unstable state.

2. Outdated Graphics Drivers or Unsupported Display Resolutions

The Echo Show 20’s display driver is tightly coupled with the firmware. If the driver bundle is incompatible with the device’s hardware or if the device was previously forced to a custom resolution, the new firmware may not honour those settings, leading to a flicker as the driver oscillates between attempts to render frames.

3. Network Interference or Latency

Many of the device’s rendering operations are driven by Alexa’s cloud services. High latency or packet loss on the local network can cause the Echo Show 20 to repeatedly request updated content, each time briefly tearing the screen. The effect resembles flickering.

4. Application‑Level Rendering Conflicts

Certain third‑party skills or Alexa routines may trigger custom UI layers. If those layers are built on older graphics APIs, the new firmware may have trouble synchronising them, producing a flickering effect when the layers are refreshed.

5. Hardware Stress or Aging Components

Although rare, repeated firmware upgrades can strain the device’s power management unit or display controller. After a firmware change, the power regulation may not match the new driver’s expectations, causing the screen to flicker until the hardware stabilises.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Guide

Below is a structured checklist that covers most of the scenarios listed above. Follow each section carefully. If one fix does not resolve the flicker, proceed to the next step. Document what you have tried so that you can skip steps you’ve already performed.

1. Verify Firmware Integrity

1. Open the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet.

2. Navigate to Devices → Echo Show 20 → Device Settings → About.

3. Confirm the firmware version displayed matches the version advertised on Amazon’s support page. If the version is incorrect or shows “unknown,” the update likely did not complete.

4. Force a re‑install of the firmware:

   • From the same About page, tap Check for Updates.
   • If an update appears, select Download and Install.
   • Keep the device connected to a stable Wi‑Fi network and avoid interrupting the process.

5. Once the update completes, reboot the device by turning it off for a minute and then turning it back on.

6. Observe the screen for any flicker.

If flickering persists after a clean reinstall, move to the next step.

2. Reset Display Settings to Default

The Echo Show 20 allows custom resolution or brightness overrides via the Settings app.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Scroll to Display or Screen settings.
4. If any custom resolution or refresh‑rate setting is present, reset it to the default value.
5. Exit Settings and let the device refresh its display.

Resetting to default often resolves driver mis‑configurations.

3. Clear Alexa App Cache on the Device

The Echo Show 20 stores cache data that can become stale after a firmware update.

1. In Settings, find Apps or Application Manager.
2. Locate Alexa or Alexa App.
3. Tap Storage → Clear Cache.
4. (Optional) If you suspect corrupted data, tap Clear Data, then reboot the device.

Clearing the cache removes any corrupted rendering instructions that might be causing flicker.

4. Test Network Stability

Since many display updates come from the cloud, a bad connection can trigger repeated rendering attempts.

1. Open the Alexa app → Settings → Wi‑Fi.
2. Check the signal strength indicator.
3. If the signal is weak (< 70 %), move the Echo Show 20 closer to the router or use a Wi‑Fi extender.
4. Disable any VPN or proxy that might interfere with the connection.
5. If possible, switch to a wired Ethernet adapter (via the Amazon Echo Show 20 Ethernet Adapter) and observe if flicker disappears.

5. Disable or Remove Problematic Skills

Some skills may load custom UI elements that clash with the new firmware.

1. In the Alexa app, go to Skills & Games.
2. Review the list of enabled skills, especially those that display graphics (e.g., games, photo frames).
3. Disable each one individually, reboot the Echo Show 20, and check for flicker.
4. If flicker stops after disabling a particular skill, keep it disabled until a skill update is released.

6. Use the Device’s Safe Mode

Echo Show 20 includes a hidden safe mode that runs the device with minimal background processes.

1. Press and hold the Volume Down button on the device’s side for about 20 seconds.
2. Release when the screen flashes Safe Mode.
3. Observe if flicker persists.
4. If the flicker stops in safe mode, a third‑party skill or app is likely the cause. Reenable skills one by one until the flicker reappears.

7. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the previous steps work, a factory reset will wipe the device to its original state, ensuring no residual settings or corrupted data remain.

1. Open Settings → Device Options → Reset.
2. Confirm the reset.
3. After the reset, setup the Echo Show 20 as a new device.
4. Apply the latest firmware update immediately after setup.
5. Observe whether flicker is present.

A factory reset also clears any hardware‑level power‑management inconsistencies that may have developed over time.

When to Contact Amazon Support

If the flickering continues after all the troubleshooting steps, or if you notice other symptoms such as freezing, audio dropouts, or the device not connecting to Wi‑Fi, it is time to reach out for professional help.

1. Open the Alexa app → Help & Feedback → Contact Us.
2. Choose Device Issues → Echo Show.
3. Provide a concise description of the flicker, the firmware version, and the steps you have already taken.
4. Attach screenshots if possible.
5. Submit the request.

Amazon’s support team can provide firmware rollback options, hardware diagnostics, or a replacement if the device is still under warranty.

Preventing Flicker in Future Updates

Once you have resolved the flicker, it is wise to adopt a few habits that minimise the risk of similar issues in future firmware upgrades.

• Keep the Wi‑Fi signal strong: Position the Echo Show 20 near the router or use a Wi‑Fi extender.
• Do not power‑cycle the device mid‑update: Let the update finish fully before turning the device off.
• Avoid third‑party firmware hacks: Stick to Amazon’s official firmware.
• Monitor skill updates: When a skill update is released, read the changelog to see if any UI changes might affect display rendering.
• Schedule updates for low‑traffic times: Perform firmware checks when you are not actively using the device.

Summary

Screen flicker after a firmware upgrade on the Echo Show 20 can stem from a range of issues, from incomplete firmware installs to network problems and skill conflicts. By systematically verifying firmware integrity, resetting display settings, clearing cache, testing network stability, disabling problematic skills, and, if necessary, performing a factory reset, most users can eliminate the flicker. When all else fails, Amazon support remains a reliable resource.

By following the steps outlined above, you’ll not only restore a crisp display but also gain deeper insight into how the Echo Show 20 interacts with its software and network environment. Happy troubleshooting!