Horizontal Lines on My Phone Screen – Causes, Fixes, and When to Worry
Imagine this: you’re scrolling through Instagram, watching a video, or replying to a message — and suddenly, you notice horizontal lines across your phone screen. Whether they’re faint white lines, flickering bands, or multicolored stripes, they’re hard to ignore and even harder to use the phone with.
As a tech and phone expert, I’ve seen this issue across various brands like Samsung, iPhone, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, OnePlus, Oppo, and more. Horizontal lines on your phone screen aren’t just annoying — they could be signs of a hardware fault, software glitch, or display damage.
In this article, I’ll break down:
- Common causes of horizontal lines
- Troubleshooting steps for Android and iOS
- When you need professional help
- Prevention tips and repair options
🔍 Why Do Horizontal Lines Appear on a Phone Screen?
There are several reasons why horizontal lines may show up on your smartphone display. They range from minor software bugs to major hardware issues:
1. Physical Screen Damage
If you’ve recently dropped your phone, the LCD or AMOLED screen underneath the glass could be damaged — even if there’s no visible crack. Broken connections or screen trauma often cause black, white, or colored horizontal lines.
2. Loose Display Connector
A phone’s display is connected to the motherboard via a small cable or connector. If this gets dislodged due to a drop or pressure, it may result in screen flickering or lines appearing intermittently.
3. Water Damage
Even minor exposure to moisture or water can short-circuit the screen or affect display ICs, leading to permanent or flickering lines.
4. Software Glitch or Firmware Bug
Sometimes, a recent update, incompatible app, or graphics driver bug may cause temporary screen issues. This is more common on custom ROMs or beta software versions.
5. Overheating
Overheating during charging or heavy gaming may temporarily distort the display. In rare cases, it may even cause burn-in or permanent damage.
6. Manufacturing Defect
Some devices suffer from early panel failure or poor soldering in the display unit, which might lead to flickering lines within months of use.
🛠️ How to Fix Horizontal Lines on Phone Screen
Let’s go through step-by-step solutions that you can try before rushing to a service center:
✅ Step 1: Restart Your Phone
It sounds simple, but many temporary glitches go away with a quick restart. Press and hold the power button > tap Restart.
✅ Step 2: Enter Safe Mode (Android Only)
Safe Mode allows you to run your phone with only system apps. This can help determine if a third-party app is causing the problem.
How to do it:
- Long-press the Power button
- Tap and hold on “Power Off”
- Select Safe Mode
If the lines disappear in Safe Mode, an app is likely causing the issue. Uninstall recent apps one by one.
✅ Step 3: Check for Software Updates
Go to Settings > System > Software Update. If a bug is affecting the screen rendering, manufacturers may release a patch in future updates.
✅ Step 4: Gently Press the Screen Edges
If you suspect a loose display connector, gently press around the edges of the screen, especially near the top. Sometimes, this can temporarily fix the connector alignment. But be careful — excessive pressure can worsen the damage.
✅ Step 5: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If software is the issue, a full reset may help.
Warning: Back up your data before proceeding.
- Android: Settings > System > Reset > Erase all data
- iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
✅ Step 6: Professional Repair
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to visit an authorized service center. Depending on the diagnosis, they may suggest:
- Display cable reconnection
- Screen replacement
- Display IC repair
- Motherboard repair (in rare cases)
📱 Brand-Specific Notes
| Brand | Common Causes & Fixes |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Display IC faults or screen pressure issues. Try screen replacement at Apple Care. |
| Samsung | OLED panel damage or moisture. Safe mode helps identify app issues. |
| Xiaomi/Redmi | Common in older models. Screen flex cable often the issue. |
| OnePlus | Known panel flicker in some units. Display replacement usually needed. |
| Realme/Vivo/Oppo | Check for water damage. Use warranty if under 1 year. |
💡 Pro Tips to Prevent Horizontal Line Issues
- Use a good screen protector and shockproof case
- Avoid using your phone while charging
- Don’t press the screen hard or keep it in tight pockets
- Protect your phone from water, even if it’s “water resistant”
- Avoid third-party apps from untrusted sources
🛠️ Cost of Repair (India Estimate)
| Issue Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Screen Replacement | ₹1,500 – ₹12,000 (model dependent) |
| Loose Connector Fix | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Display IC Repair | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
If your phone is under warranty, you may get free repairs. Always check with your brand’s official service center before visiting local repair shops.
🔚 Final Words
Horizontal lines on your phone screen can range from mildly annoying to a sign of serious damage. Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take at home. In my experience, a loose connector or minor software glitch is often the cause — and in most cases, it’s fixable without replacing the phone.
If you’ve tried everything and still see lines, it’s best to go for a professional diagnosis before the problem worsens.
