You’re seeing lines on your iPhone’s screen and you’re not sure why. This problem usually occurs when your iPhone’s LCD cable gets disconnected from its logic board, but it could also be a software problem. In this article, I’ll explain why there are lines on your iPhone screen and show you how to fix the problem for good!
Restart Your iPhone
First, let’s try and rule out a minor software glitch. Restarting your iPhone will let all of its programs shut down normally, which could fix a problem causing lines to appear on your iPhone’s display.
If you have an iPhone 8 or older model, press and hold the power button until slide to power off appears on the screen. On an iPhone X or newer model, simultaneously press and hold either volume button and the side button until slide to power off appears.
Swipe the white and red power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button (iPhone 8 and earlier) or the side button (iPhone X and newer) until the Apple logo appears on the center of the display.
In some cases, the lines on your iPhone screen will be so obstructive that you can’t see anything on the screen. If  the lines on your iPhone screen are completely obstructing your view, you can restart it by doing a hard reset. A hard reset abruptly turns your iPhone off and back on.
The way to hard reset an iPhone depends on which iPhone you have:
- iPhone 6s and earlier models: Simultaneously press and hold down the Home button and the power button until you see the Apple logo flash onto the screen.
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously until the Apple logos appears on the center of the screen.
- iPhone 8 and newer models: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears on the display, release the side button.
It can takes 25–30 seconds before the Apple logo appears, so be patient and don’t give up!
Backup Your iPhone
We recommend backing up your iPhone as soon as possible if there are still lines on the screen. This may be your last chance to back up if your iPhone is seriously damaged or suffering from liquid damage.
Backing up your iPhone saves a copy of all the information on it. This includes your photos, contacts, videos, and more!
You can use iTunes or iCloud to back up your iPhone. You’ll need a Lightning cable and a computer with iTunes to back up your iPhone to iTunes. If you want to backup your iPhone to iCloud, you don’t need a cable or a computer, but you will need enough iCloud storage space to save the backup.
Put Your iPhone In DFU Mode
The Device Firmware Update (DFU) restore is the deepest type of iPhone restore and it’s the last step we can take to rule out a software problem. This type of restore erases and reloads all the code on your iPhone, restoring it to its factory defaults.
We strongly recommend saving a backup of the information on your iPhone before putting it in DFU mode. Check out our step-by-step guide when you’re ready to put your iPhone in DFU mode!
Screen Repair Options
Most of the time, lines on your iPhone screen is the result of a hardware problem. It can occur when you drop your iPhone on a hard surface, or if your iPhone gets exposed to liquids. Vertical lines on the display of your iPhone is typically an indicator that the LCD cable is no longer connected to the logic board.
Set up an appointment at your local Apple Store to meet with a technician, especially if your iPhone is covered by an AppleCare+ Protection Plan. We also recommend Puls, an on-demand repair company that can send a certified technician directly your home or office. They can be there to help you fix the vertical lines problem on your iPhone within sixty minutes!
No More Lines!
I hope this article helped you fix your iPhone or find a repair option that will help you get its screen replaced as soon as possible. Now that you know why there are lines on your iPhone screen, make sure to share this article on social media with family and friends! Leave any other questions you have for us in the comments section below.
hi i have an i phone and it has green and red and black lines on it and half of the screen is black, the back is shattered and the back camera doesnt work how can i fix that?
I have a Iphone XS Pro Max after taking a photo of a bar code a thin black line down the center of my screen has appeared.
Any thoughts on how to remove. Reboot and download of OS Software do not seem to help
Hi, I have been using Iphone 13 and all of sudden I could see horizontal lines . Injave tried restart option and it didn’t work. I have not dropped my phone too. What can be the issue?? Please someone help me out
my iphone 8 plus had been dropped before then a while later i look at my phone and there are rainbow lines. Reseting doesnt work. Now i cant tap my screen at all, Please help me.
I’d reach out to Apple Support about getting your iPhone repaired
This helped a million, literally. Thank you! It helped.
so i have an iphone 11, which is a newer phone compared to most having this problem. I do drop my phone frequently but I have a good screen protector and case so it never seems to be a big issue besides for small scratches/cracks on the side. But, out of the blue today there is this weird thick gray stripe along my phone with a bunch of weird rainbow lines surrounding it. It seems to be getting worse and Im really scared because I don’t want to lose my photos. And I’m going to colorado for a week so… Read more »
I dropped my phone, the front screen or the glass screen protector (not sure) cracked…little pieces of glass. Also, the Apple logo on back of the phone now has many little lines thru it. It is still in the otter box…I’m not good at removing that. Also, the side button that turns the sound down does not work. What to do?
Your best bet is to reach out to Apple for a repair.
hi can someone help me i was trying to fix my eyelash so i went to go put my phone in my pocket and and fell on its head & and i have a screen protector on it and a case and there now lines in my screen and like ink scratches on the screen but i can still use it normally but idk what to do to get it repaired
I’d start by reaching out to Apple support. Click iPhone, then Repairs & Physical Damage.
Can anyone help me? My phone got wet while I was washing the dishes the other day, and now the screen is covered in rainbow lines! The touch screen still works and so does all of the buttons. It started out with just three brown lines and now has turned into all colors arcoss my whole screen. Is there anything I can do to fix this at home? I do not have enough money to take it in to get fixed.
Follow the steps in our article about what to do when your iPhone has water damage. If that doesn’t work, it sounds like you’ll have to get your iPhone repaired, unfortunately.
Ive been through this issue. Ive been to the apple store. They don’t want to fix your phone. They want you to upgrade. It’s just how business works. I even installed a new battery with a $20 kit on Amazon but it will only be useful if you don’t let your screen stay lit for more than a minute. So, get what you need off it and then buy another. Remember that phone companies won’t let your device work for more than a few years before an intentional problem occurs.
Hi! I dropped my phone on tiled ground without a phone case, and the screen didn’t break. Horizontal lines popped up on the screen, and a black shape that is normally centered at the top of my screen got pushed to the right. It still works, but I’m not sure if I should get someone to help fix it or not. Any ideas? Thanks!
I have a single, very faint, very thin gray line directly down the vertical center of my iPhone 6S screen. It’s only really visible if I’m looking at a dark gray screen and even then just barely. Should I be concerned?
Just today, I got exactly the same problem on my 6s. Just want to know if you were able to fix your? If yes, how?
I have the new iPhone SE and the screen’s cracked. I dropped it another time and there’s rainbow lines on my screen. I’ve tried resetting it and nothing worked, what do I do?
My screen is grey with some colors and lines. I don’t want Apple to fix it because it will probably cost too much. How do I fix it? It’s an iPhone 6s.
You might just have to buy a new phone. The 6S is extremely old and its probably better to just invest in a new phone.
My iPhone 11 was dropped and now I have white lines but the lines only show up when I use my phone for a while. They disappear when I stop using it. I’ve tried the resting phone thing multiple times and nothing works. Do I have to take it to get fixed or is there a way for me to fix it a home?
Hi Kaleecia! Unfortunately, hardware problems like this are best taken care of by a licensed Apple Technician. I’d suggest reaching out to Apple Support directly to inquire about your repair options. Here’s a link to their support website: https://support.apple.com/
Hope this helps!
my iphone is showing lines on the screen
Hi! There are suddenly two red lines on the right side of my iPhone 7 and the same side with the lines is also unresponsive. I cannot type the letter “P” and the send button without rotating my phone.
I was just using my iPhone 6 and the next moment it started showing lines on the screen. Will I need to change the screen?
Hi,I have an iPhone 11 and it is waterproof. For some reason my iPhone started showing white lines. The more the screen stays active, the more lines appear. I don’t know how to fix this solution. I think this happened because I dropped my phone on the pool. Can you please tell me a way to fix it?
Hi Ahmed! I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with this problem. It sounds like your iPhone retained water damage when it fell in the pool. Unfortunately, the iPhone 11 is technically water resistant, not fully waterproof. Here’s a link to our article all about what to do if your iPhone retains water damage: https://www.payetteforward.com/iphone-water-damage-ultimate-guide-how-to-fix-liquid-damage/
Best of luck!
My screen is black and has a line what should I do
Contact Apple, sounds like it may be a hardware issue.
Hello,I’ve just dropped my phone on cement this morning it’s shattered and has tons of lines on it. If I get a screen repair will that also fix the lines??
Hi Sophie! I’d suggest having your iPhone repaired by a certified Apple Technician. Whether the lines are being caused by an issue to do with the screen or another damaged hardware component, they should be able to diagnose and repair the problem safely!
Hi, so my iPhone X has lines in it because it has a soft case. We got a hard case for the iPhone, but when I tried to put the phone in the case it was too tight and it twisted my iPhone and now it has lines and when this happened the lines would go away and come back. Now there are more and they won’t go away. Help!
A horizontal line appears when ever I use my front camera on Snap or and the Camera app. Now there are two lines. I want to find out what’s causing that.
Hi Prince Danyo! Here’s a link to an article we published all about what to do if your iPhone’s camera won’t work: https://www.payetteforward.com/iphone-camera-not-working-heres-fix/
I hope this helps!
My iPhone X screen was cracked a little on the side when I dropped it on concrete. There’s a green thick line on the side, some parts of it still work a little bit but i can’t unlock it.
Hi Tari, I’m sorry to hear that! Since this is a hardware issue, your safest bet would be to have your iPhone repaired by Apple. They’re really the best way to go when it comes to having hardware components repaired. I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help, best of luck getting this resolved!
I dropped my iPhone 7 just 2 days ago from hardly a half meter distance and I can see 4-5 horizontal lines on the top of the screen. These lines are expanding continuously from the network signal point to charging icon and the lines become thicker in just a couple of hours. I doubt the display might be damaged, please suggest what to do?
Hi Harshavardan! It sounds like you might be dealing with a damaged hardware component from the drop, unfortunately. If this is the case, I’d suggest reaching out to Apple to find out what your repair options are. Fixing a hardware problem from home or with a third-party can be very risky, so having your device diagnosed and repaired by a certified Apple tech is really the way to go. Best of luck!
Hi, my daughter dropped her iPhone 11 and for a while the screen was fine, but now it has rainbow coloured lines going down the screen and it’s seems unusable. Thanks
Hi Andrea, it sounds like your daughter’s phone retained some hardware damage from the impact. Your best bet is to reach out to Apple Support directly to inquire about repair options! Sorry we couldn’t be of more help, best of luck getting this taken care of!
Hi, I have an iPhone 7plus and after i gave it to my mum it had loads of white lines then just went off, do you think this is fixable? Thanks.
Hi Alyssa, if you’ve already tried the troubleshooting steps in the article, I’d recommend reaching out to Apple Support directly about repair options. If anyone can fix this issue, it’s them!
I have an iphone se second gen and i didnt even drop it or get water on it, i just turned it on one day and it had randome lines on it, but the lines start to get thicker and thicker the longer im on my phone and once I turn it off all the lines go away but then they comeback and start to get thicker again. I did drop my phone awhile ago but no lines were on it.
Hi Elizabeth,
That sounds like a hardware issue. I’d recommend heading to your local Apple Store to look into repair or replacement options. The iPhone SE 2 is a newer device, so Apple should have no problem identifying the issue and repairing it!
Hope this helps!
My phone screen was cracked and i dropped it today and it is black and has vertical rainbow lines on the left side and across the rest it has horizontal grey lines i don’t know what to do
Hi May! Unfortunately, it sounds like your iPhone has retained some pretty serious hardware damage from the impact. I’d recommend reaching out to Apple directly to find out about repair options. They’re far and away your best and safest option for hardware fixes. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help, thanks for reading and best of luck!
Hi. I dropped my phone in water and a pink line started to appear on my screen. Do I need to change the display? I don’t know what to do. Everything works properly but two black medium dots appeared at the base of my screen. What should I do now?
Hi Likitha, it sounds like your iPhone may have retained some water damage when you dropped it. Here’s a link to an article we published all about water damage iPhones: https://www.payetteforward.com/iphone-water-damage-ultimate-guide-how-to-fix-liquid-damage/
I hope this helps!
Haven’t dropped my phone as far as I can remember or dropped in water but every now and then but every day there is a line from the top to the bottom of my screen that gets bigger if you press near the charger port, help me out?
Hi Lauren, that does sound like it could be a hardware issue. I think your best bet for a straight answer would be to contact Apple Support directly for a diagnosis. With hardware issues, speaking to an Apple technician is the safest way to go. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help, best of luck!
Hi , so a few weeks ago I dropped my phone on the ground accidentally and I noticed a black kinda to grey faintly like on ether left side of my phone that appeared , I one a IPhone 6s Plus btw
Hi June! It sounds like one or more of the hardware components of your iPhone may have been damaged from the drop. Your safest bet is to reach out to Apple Support directly to have your iPhone diagnosed by a technician. I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help, best of luck!
About a month ago i dropped my iphone 6 on some marble and it make a massive crack. Pieces of the glass would come off randomly and pieces of the front part of the phone too. I left it in my room today and came 15 minutes later and it had lines, a black dot in the corner, and screen issues. It was also not responding to my touches. please help
Hi Tim! I’m sorry to hear about that inconvenience, a cracked screen is never fun. Your safest bet would be to go directly to Apple to have your iPhone checked out by a certified technician. With damage this severe, it’s the best option if you want to have your device repaired. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help, best of luck!
I was getting out of my car and dropped my iphone SE(2016) in a rain puddle, it was dark and I took 5~10 seconds to find the phone. After that I removed the sim card and let it dry. Now the phone works with one condition, the screen brightness has to be the lowest, if I turn it up the lines start to show up on the screen that gets purple(picture attached) and the touschscreen stop working but when I low down the brightness level it works again. LCI is still white. Proximity sensor stopped working even after hard reset… Read more »
Hi Julio, it sounds like your iPhone may have retained some water damage. Unfortunately, water damage is one of the most insidious and unpredictable issues an iPhone can experience. Here’s a link to our article all about water damaged iPhones: https://www.payetteforward.com/iphone-water-damage-ultimate-guide-how-to-fix-liquid-damage/
got a green streak on my ipone x
my phone fell from a desk and hit the left, the whole left side is now black, then white and some colored lines follow. What should I do?
It’s possible that your iPhone may have retained some hardware damage from the fall. If this is the case, the safest thing to do is go straight to Apple Support to find out what your repair options might be. We recommend against going to anyone except Apple for hardware fixes like this, as having your iPhone repaired by a third-party service can void your warranty.
yesterday I noticed one of my pixels was dead, now the whole screen is covered with lines. I didn’t drop it or anything I just work up to this in the morning, what should I do?
If you’ve already tried all of our tips in the article, I think your safest bet would be to reach out to Apple Support directly. It sounds like you’re most likely facing a hardware issue. If you try to have your iPhone repaired by anyone besides Apple, it could void your warranty completely. Visit Apple’s Support Website or make an appointment with your local Genius Bar to learn what your repair options might be!
i dropped my phone and it faced from the front camera to the floor now it has these
lines almost like someone left their phone in the water and they turn it back on what should I do? Is there anyway for me to fix this myself ,and should I go to an apple store or a local screen repair store?
It’s probably best if you go to get that replaced after a drop like that. Good luck! ?
hi
my iphone has two vertical lines on the right side and the touch on that side isnt working.
i did the samething for my iPod 8 and then I tried swiping and I cannot touch anything it will do nothing when ever i tap but only the volume button and the power and the home buttons do work
same
Hlw
today there is blue line appearing in my iPhone X it’s just because my daughter let her foot on it…is there anything solution
Hi. I haven’t dropped my iPhone X nor accidentally submerge it on water but suddenly a bit discoloration of the left side of the screen occurs. Is dis a software problem or should I replace the LCD?
my phone is like that rn too!
hi i took my iphone 11 in the pool and 30 min later these lines appeared. i was wondering if i would be able to get it fixed at a iphone repair place, or would they not be able to do such a thing. i also had problems with my camera where it wouldnt take videos.
any tips
thanks Julian
same my screen is black with lines and mt camera is foggy
Hi Julian!
Apple usually does not offer repair services for water damaged iPhones. However, if you’d still like to get it examined by a technicians, I would strongly recommend against going to a third party repair service. Getting repairs done by a repair company that’s not certified by Apple can void your warranty completely.
Your safest bet would be to consult an Apple Technician directly either at the Apple Store or on Apple’s Support website. They will be able to give you the most definitive advice about where to go from here.
My iPhone 6s has suddenly got streaky ghost lines down the screen, it looks like they come from the clock and battery indicators at the top but as I scroll the screen, the ghosting gets worse until I can hardly see anything. I have not dropped, abused or got my phone wet in any way. It has just suddenly started doing this. It has never done it before.
Hello. I just dropped my iphone X on the floor and a big white line appears on the right side of the screen i just want to know is it screen problem which need to be replaced or LCD disconnected from motherboard? Please help
Either way, you’re going to need to get it serviced. You should reach out to Apple to see if they’ll be able to do anything for you. I hope this helps!
hi i have an iphone 4s and i restored it it went white flickered and shut off i was gentle but now it doesnt show anything so anyone with same problem
The iPhone 4s was first released in 2011, making it 10 years old! It’s definitely time for an upgrade!