Samsung Phone Lines on Screen

Before undertaking any of the more time-consuming solutions below, here are a few fundamentals to get you started.

• Restart your phone. This might clear up any minor hiccups. A force restart can be used instead, especially if your phone is experiencing other symptoms.
• Verify that the lines disappear if your screen is off. Screen protectors can trap debris or may introduce visual differences.

Solution: Update your phone and all apps.

It is rare for a smartphone to develop issues producing an image because of a software issue, but it is certainly possible. Bugs in apps or the operating system could cause this sort of problem.

• Is the issue present in other applications? If not, close the affected app and try to reproduce the issue. If it reoccurs, update that app (or uninstall it if it is up to date).
• Update your phone's OS if it occurs in multiple applications or on the home screen.

As a last resort, reset your phone. It is a drastic measure to resolve this issue, but it can rule software out altogether. Back up your data before resetting to be sure you don't lose any irreplaceable documents.

Solution: Reseat all display cables.

The connection between the board and the display may not be solid, especially after a hefty drop or after repair. Missing signals can lead to missing data on the display.

• Break out the toolset, open up your phone, and reseat any display-related connectors. Be sure they are seated properly. The display connector contains a large number of pins, and its size and flexibility make it susceptible to poor connections.
• Use compressed air or isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove dust or other debris within the connector.

Solution: Replace the display

Although most display failures seem apparent, this is not always the case without visible damage. Display failures can occur due to manufacturing faults or imperceptible damage.

• Look closely at your display for signs of break. Changing your viewing angle may help catch small hairline cracks.
  • Lines tend to originate from the site of the damage. Pay close attention to these areas.
• Green or purple lines on the display are common on damaged OLED displays. This indicates an electrical issue within the screen.
  • Green sub-pixels in Samsung OLED displays are generally aligned columns. Red and blue pixels alternate in the adjacent pixel columns. Minor damage can break specific columns, resulting in green or purple lines.
  • This issue can sometimes be repaired with a laser machine, but due to the cost and accessibility, a replacement screen is a better bet.
  • The .gif below features an iPhone display with this sub-pixel arrangement. Samsung manufactures iPhone display panels and, therefore, uses the same technology.

• If you recently replaced the display, be extra mindful of this. Inspect any of the components on the back of the display. Damage to these chips can also impact image quality.
• If any of the above types of damage are discovered or software fixes have not improved the situation, replace the display.

Solution: Replace the affected cable (or display assembly).

Display information is transmitted through several electrical lines, both from the screen to the system board and on the display itself. Damage to specific lines can lead to missing data about parts of the display, which can manifest as colored or blank lines.

• Check internal cables for signs of tears or other damage. Corners or folds are especially susceptible.
  • Use the iFixit Display Replacement Guide for your Samsung phone to determine which cables are related to screen function.
• If you have recently replaced the display, check your work. Tears can happen without the phone being opened but are more likely when the screen has been removed.
• If any damage is found, replace your display.

The motherboard is the hub for most of a smartphone's functionality. Any small components on the board may have failed or become damaged. It is a safe assumption of cause if nothing else on this page has worked.

• Check for obvious signs of a board issue - burned or cracked components, liquid residue, corrosion, or bend. If there are signs of liquid the iPhone Liquid Damage Guide might help.
• Replacing the motherboard is often the most practical solution for a DIYer with board-level failures.
• If you’re feeling especially curious, the tiny bits and chips on the board can be repaired with microsoldering. It is an art unto itself but a worthy endeavor for adventurous people. Interested? Check out this intro! Jessa’s YouTube channel is fantastic and has loads of real-time repairs. If you can't do this repair yourself, you may be able to find a local shop that can help!

• Display Under a Microscope: Diamond Pixel