11 Ways to Fix Vertical Lines on Your iPhone Screen

Fix Vertical Lines on iPhone Screen
January 23, 2025

Vertical lines on your iPhone screen can be the most annoying display problem you’ll ever face. These random screen issues affect all iPhone models and disrupt your daily phone usage and activities. Knowing the root cause of these lines is important because they can be caused by software glitches or hardware failure. The difference between the two causes will determine if you can fix it yourself or need to get it professionally repaired.

What Are Vertical Lines on an iPhone Screen? 

Vertical lines are straight lines that run up and down on your iPhone’s display, making it difficult to use your phone. These lines often appear in bright colors like pink, green, blue, or black and are a clear sign something’s wrong with your device. The problem is usually caused by damaged hardware, loose internal connections, or software issues that mess with your display. While software issues might be fixed with a restart or an update, lines caused by physical damage or loose parts need professional repair to get your screen working properly again.

Causes of Vertical Lines on an iPhone Screen 

Here are the most common causes of vertical lines on an iPhone screen.

  • Hardware Issues: An iPhone’s screen has many sensitive parts that control how images display on your phone. Age causes these parts to wear down, leading to display problems like vertical lines. Your iPhone’s graphics chip handles everything you see on the screen, and when it fails, lines often appear. If you’ve dropped your iPhone, you may have caused internal damage to the hardware that could be causing the lines.
  • Software Glitches & Bugs: Newly installed iOS updates can create conflicts with display processing. Certain apps can overwork your iPhone’s display system, causing temporary lines to appear. Older iPhones running newer iOS versions often experience display glitches. Most software-related screen issues improve with system restart or reset.
  • Physical Damage: Hard impacts often break the connection between your screen and your iPhone’s internal parts. When water gets inside your iPhone, it damages both the screen connections and internal components. Screen damage from drops might not show lines immediately, but they can develop over time. Cracks in your screen’s layers, even tiny ones, often lead to vertical lines appearing.
  • Electro-Static Discharge: Static electricity can damage the circuits controlling your iPhone’s display. The screen contains sensitive parts that break down when exposed to electrical charges. Static damage usually happens in an instant when you touch your phone after building up a charge.
  • Loose Screen Connectors: Screen connectors weaken over time from normal phone use and movement. Bad connections scramble the display signal, causing lines or flickering. The problem often gets worse when you press on certain parts of your screen. Fixing connector issues requires opening your iPhone to reconnect or replace parts.
  • Display Driver Malfunction: Display drivers control how images appear on the screen. When these drivers fail, they create constant line patterns across your screen. The lines typically appear the same way across all apps and screens. Driver problems affect both colors and image clarity on your display. These issues usually mean that your iPhone needs replacement parts to function properly.
  • Overheating Issues: Your iPhone’s screen contains heat-sensitive parts that can fail when they get too hot. Playing games or using apps that use a lot of energy makes your iPhone heat up quickly. If your iPhone overheats, components may expand and swell, pressing on the screen and creating display problems. Direct sunlight exposure can overheat your screen and cause damage. Regular overheating may lead to permanent screen damage and vertical lines.
  • iOS Version Incompatibility: Old iOS versions might not work properly with your iPhone’s display. Missing several iOS updates can cause conflicts with screen performance. Your phone needs current software to properly manage its display functions. Outdated iOS versions struggle to handle newer screen features properly. Installing the latest iOS update often fixes display problems.
  • Manufacturing Defects: While rare, manufacturing defects can cause vertical lines to appear on iPhone screens. These defects usually show up within the first few months of use. Apple’s warranty covers display defects that appear early in your phone’s life. Factory defects differ from damage because they happen without drops or accidents.

How to Fix an iPhone With Lines on the Screen? 

If you’re seeing lines on your iPhone screen, here are some things you can try to fix it.

1. Restart Your iPhone

Simply restarting your iPhone can often fix screen line issues caused by temporary system glitches. For iPhone X and newer models, press and hold either volume button at the same time as the button on the side. When you see the power-off option, swipe to turn off your device. Wait at least 30 seconds, then press the side button until you see the Apple logo to turn it back on. For older iPhones, just use the side button to access the power slider.

2. Update the iOS

Running outdated iOS software can trigger screen display problems. Go to Settings > General > Software Updateto check for available updates. If an update exists, connect to WiFi and plug in your iPhone. Tap “Download and Install,” enter your passcode, and let your iPhone complete the update. New iOS versions often include fixes for screen display issues.

3. Reset All Settings

Resetting your iPhone settings can fix screen problems caused by incorrect configurations. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Select Reset All Settings — this keeps your personal data but returns all settings to their default setting. After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and adjust your preferences, but your photos, information, and apps stay the same.

4. Check For Hardware Damage

Look closely at your iPhone’s screen and body for signs of damage. Run your finger along the edges to feel for cracks or separations. Check the screen’s touch response by gently tapping different areas. Look for water damage signs like dark spots under the screen. Physical damage requires repair; attempting software fixes won’t help if your phone has hardware issues.

5. Factory Reset 

A complete reset removes all software problems by wiping your iPhone clean. First, back up your data through iCloud or a computer. Then, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Confirm with your passcode. After the reset finishes, set up your iPhone to check if the vertical lines are gone.

6. Clean Your iPhone’s Screen 

Screen lines could be caused by trapped dirt or moisture. Power off your iPhone and remove any screen protector carefully. Clean the entire screen surface thoroughly using a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Check for any remaining debris and reapply a new screen protector if needed. This simple cleaning can eliminate display issues.

7. Cycle Charge the Battery

Power problems can create display issues. Plug in your iPhone until it reaches 100% charge. Unplug it and use your phone normally until it shuts down from a low battery. Plug it back in and charge to 100% again. This complete power cycle may help address display issues.

8. Put Your iPhone in DFU Mode to Restore

For more serious software issues, DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode might help. This advanced restore method reloads your iPhone’s firmware completely. Connect your iPhone to iTunes while in DFU mode, then follow the prompts to restore your device. This process will erase all data, so ensure you have a backup first.

9. Contact Apple Support 

If software solutions aren’t working, you may need professional help. Apple Support can diagnose whether your iPhone’s screen issues are covered under warranty or AppleCare+. They can provide either free repairs or cost estimates depending on your coverage status.

10. Replace the Screen 

A screen replacement might be necessary if internal damage is causing the vertical lines. This requires professional expertise and should only be done by qualified technicians who can properly diagnose and repair the issue using appropriate replacement parts.

11. Visit a Professional Repair Service 

At Cell Phone Hospital in Tulsa, we can fix iPhone screen issues with expert care. Our certified technicians diagnose and repair display problems using quality parts. We provide warranty options and offer quick turnaround times. Visit our Tulsa location for reliable iPhone repairs at fair prices, supported by 15 years of trusted service experience.

How to Prevent Vertical Lines on Your iPhone Screen?

Vertical lines can suddenly appear on your iPhone screen, but these preventive steps will help protect your device:

  • Use a Protective Case: Always keep your phone in a protective case with raised edges and shock absorption. This guards the screen against impact and helps prevent vertical lines. The case must fully cover all sides of your iPhone, especially the corners where damage commonly occurs.
  • Avoid Dropping Your Phone: Drops and impacts directly cause screen damage that leads to vertical lines. Keep your phone in a secure pocket or section of your bag when you are not using it. Hold your phone firmly with a proper grip, especially when walking or using stairs.
  • Keep Away from Water: Don’t let your iPhone get wet, as water often damages screens and causes vertical lines. Never use your phone near water sources like sinks, bathtubs, or in the rain. If your phone still somehow gets wet, dry it immediately with a clean cloth and wait before using it again.
  • Update Software Regularly: Software updates fix display problems that can show up as vertical lines. Check Settings > General > Software Update for new updates. Install them promptly while your phone is charging to maintain proper screen function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When vertical lines appear on your iPhone screen, they usually signal a hardware problem with your display. These lines commonly appear after physical damage, water exposure, or a loose display connection. Try restarting your phone; if the lines persist, bring it to the Cell Phone Hospital for expert repair.

Most screen problems require professional repair since they’re usually hardware-related. While simple software glitches might be fixed with a restart or iOS update, persistent lines typically need screen replacement or internal repairs.