How to fix lines on iPhone screen after replacement

If you notice lines on your iPhone screen after replacement, you could be dealing with a damaged IC connector, debris build-up, static charge, and software issues.

So, before you conclude that the new screen is defective, try out the following fixes:

1. Restart your iPhone

If it’s a small glitch causing vertical lines on an iPhone screen, you can solve it by simply restarting your device. Follow the guide below to soft restart different iPhone models.

iPhone 8 and older models

Press and hold the power button until the slide to power OFF toggle appears.
Slide it to the right to turn OFF the iPhone.
Wait a few seconds then press the power button to turn ON your iPhone.
Release the power button when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

iPhone X and later models

Press and hold either of the volume buttons and the side button simultaneously.
Release them when the slide to power OFF toggle appears on the screen.
Slide it to the right.
Wait a few seconds then press the side button until you see the Apple logo.

You could also force restart the iPhone using the procedure below:

iPhone 8 and later models

Quickly press and release the Volume Up button on the left side of your iPhone.
Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. It’s below the Volume Up button.
Pres and hold the side button on the right side of your iPhone until the apple logo appears.
If it doesn’t restart, charge it for an hour then repeat the process above.

iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

Press and hold both the sleep/wake button and the Volume Down button.
Release them simultaneously when the Apple logo appears.

iPhone 6, 6s Plus, or the SE first generation

Press and hold the home button and the sleep/wake button simultaneously.
Release them when you see the Apple logo on your screen.

2. Hard reset your iPhone

If restarting the device doesn’t get rid of the black horizontal lines on the iPhone screen, try and factory reset your iPhone. Now, for this fix, you must back up your data first.

Next, follow the guide below to factory reset your iPhone.

How to hard reset from the iPhone

Open “Settings” then go to “General”.
Scroll down and select “Reset”.
Click on “Erase all Content and Settings”.
Wait for the process to complete.
When the “slide to set up” screen appears, check if the vertical lines have disappeared.

How to hard reset your iPhone using iTunes/Finder

Use your charging cable to connect the iPhone to a PC or Mac.
Open iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac).
Locate your iPhone and click on it. For Finder, you’ll see the iPhone’s name on the left panel below “Locations”. For iTunes, you’ll see the iPhone icon on the top-left corner.
Put your iPhone in recovery mode:
iPhone 6 and previous versions or those with home buttons: Press and hold the right-side button and the home button simultaneously until you see the “recovery mode” screen.
iPhone 7 and & plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the right-side button simultaneously until the phone goes into recovery mode.
iPhone 8 or later versions: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button then press and hold the right-side button until your iPhone is in recovery mode.
iPhone models with face ID: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the Volume Down button, then press and hold the right-side button until your iPhone enters recovery mode.
A prompt will appear on your screen with the options to “Cancel”, “Restore”, or “Update”. If you choose “Update”, the device will try to fix your problem without losing any data. However, to factory reset, you must select “Restore”.

3. Contact Apple Care center near you

Do you still see the lines on the phone screen? Well. You’re certainly dealing with a hardware problem. The best thing to do in this case is to contact Apple Care technicians and give them the device to fix. But, if you want to try some DIY options, check out the fixes below.

NOTE: Most DIY options will void your warranty.

4. Fix bad connectors

Check the connection between the logic board and flex cables. Replace damaged connectors and the flex ribbon (if it’s bent over 90 degrees). Clear away dust or debris using a brush and isopropyl alcohol.

When you reconnect the flex cables to the motherboard, make sure the connectors align properly and the ribbon doesn’t bend.

5. Reduce the static charge

Static electricity is another cause for the lines on your iPhone. It occurs when you repair the screen and forget to ground your body. So, your body’s static electricity ends up affecting the iPhone’s circuitry.

To solve the problem, you’ll need to reduce the static charge by wearing a body static remover or touching the ground while doing the repairs. It could take a day or two for the lines to disappear completely.

6. Replace the IC Connector

Lastly, the lines on your iPhone screen after a replacement could be the result of a damaged IC chip. Inspect the upper left and right corners of your display for any signs of damage.

Make sure you get the replacement parts from a reputable dealer.

FAQ

Can you fix an iPhone screen if it has lines?

Yes, you can. Simply, try the software fixes mentioned above and let the certified Apple technicians handle the hardware malfunctions.

How much does it cost to fix lines on iPhone screen?

The cost depends on the cause of the problem and the solution that helps you to fix it. If it’s a software issue that you can troubleshoot on your own, then your cost would be zero.

Also, if you’re dealing with a hardware complication and you have a valid warranty, the technicians at Apple care can do the repairs at no cost.

For those without valid warranties, the average cost stands at $220. It could be as low as $29 or as high as $330 at Apple as well as third-party technicians.

Conclusion

With all these solutions, you now know how to fix green lines on an iPhone screen. Be sure to let us know the fix that worked for you and share this article with friends who might be stuck with the same problem.

Melvin

Melvin is a senior writer at iMentality. A DIYer at heart, Melvin loves to craft things in the tech space. He has amassed over a decade of experience in tech writing with special focus on apps and tech guides.