How to Fix White Lines on iPhone Screen? 8 Super Easy Solutions

If white lines are appearing on your iPhone screen, you might be dealing with system bugs. Updating to the latest iOS version should get rid of them.

The problem could also be due to your iPhone screen being damaged. Apple might fix it for free, depending on your warranty. Although I currently own an iPhone 14, I dealt with white lines on my former iPhone 11. I figured that it was due to a bug. I not only discussed how I fixed this but other solutions that will help.

How Do You Fix White Lines On iPhone Screen?

There are many ways to get rid of white lines on iPhone screen, and they include:

Solution 1: Force Restart iPhone (Hard Reset)

The problem might be due to a software glitch. If it’s minor, turning your phone off and back on will clear it. If that doesn’t work, you can take things up a notch and do a force reboot. It’s a more comprehensive alternative that might do the trick. To force-reboot the iPhone 8 and later models, as well as the SE 2 and 3:
  • Press and quickly release the Volume Up and Volume Down button
  • Long-hold the Power button for a few seconds until you see the startup screen
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
  • Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together, then let go when the Apple logo pops up
iPhone 6, 6S and SE (1st gen):
  • Press the Power and Home buttons, then release them when the Apple logo appears

Solution 2: Upgrade to the Newest iOS Versions

Your OS might be bugging out and causing the iPhone white lines. You need to update iOS to fix it. Here’s what you do:
  • Go to Settings > General >Software Update
  • Tap Install Now
  • Wait for the new firmware to install

Solution 3: Uninstall Malicious Apps

Malicious third-party apps may be causing your screen to act up. Uninstall your most recently-installed apps one by one, then check whether the iPhone lines are still there. To uninstall an app:
  • Long-hold the app icon from the home screen
  • Hold it down
  • Tap Remove App > Delete

Solution 4: Reset iPhone Settings

The issue can be due to faulty iPhone settings. If you remember what you changed, undo them. Otherwise, reset your settings. Just keep in mind that all custom configurations, like saved WiFi passwords, will be lost. To fix the white vertical lines:
  • Open the Settings app
  • Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
  • Enter your passcode
Your device will reboot afterward, and the iPhone screen white lines issue should be gone.

Solution 5: Factory Reset iPhone

You may be dealing with a stubborn software problem that only factory resetting can clear. Just remember that when you reset, your entire OS will be wiped. Back up your files unless you want to deal with data loss. To factory reset after you backup:
  • Open the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  • Tap on Erase All Content & Settings
  • Enter your Apple ID password when asked

Solution 6: Enter Recovery Mode

If the above didn’t work, it might be time to perform a recovery restoration. It’s a more thorough fix. To fix the vertical white lines:
  • Launch iTunes
  • Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows computer via lightning or USB cable
  • Do the following on iPhones with Face ID, as well as the 8 and SE 2 and 3: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button and Volume Down button. Long-hold the Power button for a few seconds until you see the recovery mode screen.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Keep holding the Volume Down and Power buttons, then release them both when the recovery display appears.
  • iPhone 6S, SE (2nd gen), and earlier models: Press the Home and Power buttons at the same time, then let go when you see the recovery screen displayed.
  • On iTunes on your computer, click on the Restore button

Solution 7: Enter DFU Restore Mode

Before I move on to my last solution, I would suggest entering DFU mode. It’s reserved for the most complex software errors. Your data would be wiped, so backup your files. Remember not to disconnect mid-way. To enter device firmware update mode:
  • Launch iTunes on your computer.
  • Connect your phone to your Mac or Windows computer via a lightning/USB cable.
  • Do the following on iPhone 8 and later, as well as the SE 2 and 3: Long-hold the Side button, then press and hold the Volume Down button for around 10 seconds. Release the Side button but continue to hold the Volume button for a few more seconds. Your screen should stay black.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Power for a couple of seconds, then simultaneously press and hold the Home button for around 10 seconds. Your screen should stay black.
  • iPhone 6S, SE 1, and older models: Press and hold the Sleep button for a couple of seconds, then start holding down the Home button. Let go of the Sleep button but continue to hold the Home button. Your screen should stay black.
  • Click Restore iPhone.

Solution 8: Get A Screen Repair (Contact Apple Service Center)

Lastly, you might have dropped your iPhone. If you have an LCD screen, you may have ended up with a loose LCD cable connection when you dropped it. Instead of dropping and breaking your phone, you may have gotten water inside of it too. Just head to your local Apple service center to get your iPhone’s screen fixed.

FAQ

Answered below are some popular questions.

Why Does My iPhone Have Lines on the Screen?

There are many reasons iPhone screens face this issue:
  • You may have a minor software glitch on your hands. If this is what’s causing the iPhone screen problem, a restart might help. If this does not work, you can go ahead and force- reboot.
  • Your screen might be acting up because your iPhone software is outdated. To take care of this, update the iOS system to the latest version.
  • There could be a hardware issue. You might have dropped your iPhone screen on a hard surface and are dealing with loose flex cables, or have gotten water into your iPhone battery/logic board. Head to your nearest Apple store for these hardware fixes.
  • Your iPhone device screen might be malfunctioning because of a stubborn software glitch, instead of a minor one. A force restart probably won’t work, so you will have to take things up a notch and either reset your iPhone, perform a recovery restoration, or enter DFU mode.
  • The screen issue might be due to faulty iPhone settings. You may have meddled with them and forgotten. Undo them or reset your settings.
Final Thoughts The white line issue is something that many iPhone users face. Thankfully, fixing it is easy. You can either force reboot, download the latest OS version, reset your settings, or get Apple to fix any screen damage.