The green line on an iPhone screen can be frustrating for many users. This line often appears due to minor damage or a software glitch. Fortunately, there are straightforward solutions to this issue, allowing you to fix your iPhone screen at home.
Many iPhone 14 users have reported seeing green lines, especially during startup or when the screen is locked. One easy fix is to restart the iPhone, which can clear temporary memory and refresh the system. Software updates can also resolve the issue since they often include fixes for such bugs.
For more stubborn green lines, professional repair might be necessary. In some cases, minor damage to the display can cause persistent lines. Understanding the cause and exploring these solutions can save time and frustration.
Green Line on iPhone Screen
A sudden green line running vertically across your iPhone’s display can be frustrating — especially if your phone is out of warranty. This issue has been reported on several models, including the iPhone X, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series.
Below, we’ll explain what causes it, how to troubleshoot it at home, and when to seek professional repair or replacement.
⚙️ What Is the Green Line Issue?
The green line usually appears as a bright vertical stripe (often on one side of the screen) that doesn’t go away — even after restarting the phone.
It’s not a software “glitch” on the surface; rather, it’s often linked to display hardware failure.
🧠 Common Causes of the Green Line
1. 💥 Hardware or OLED Panel Damage
- The most common cause is damage to the OLED display.
- A single column of pixels may fail due to voltage irregularities or physical damage to the display connector.
- Reported frequently in iPhones with Super Retina or Super Retina XDR displays.
2. ⚡ Software or iOS Glitch
- Occasionally, a temporary bug in iOS or display drivers can cause color anomalies.
- This is more likely if the line appeared after an update or system crash.
3. 🔋 Overheating or Power Surge
- Extended gaming, heavy charging, or exposure to heat can cause OLED burn-in or voltage fluctuation.
- This can trigger a stuck green or white line.
4. 💧 Moisture or Impact Damage
- Even minor drops or moisture exposure can loosen internal display connectors, causing display artifacts.
🔍 Step-by-Step Solutions
🪄 Step 1: Restart or Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, the green line is a temporary glitch.
To force restart:
- iPhone 8 or later: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side Button until you see the Apple logo.
- iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Power together until restart.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power until restart.
✅ If the line disappears — it was likely a minor software issue.
🧩 Step 2: Check for iOS Updates
Apple often releases patches for display-related bugs.
Go to:Settings → General → Software Update
Install the latest version of iOS, then reboot your phone.
💡 If the issue appeared after an update, wait for the next patch — Apple often fixes display driver bugs quickly.
⚙️ Step 3: Reset Display Settings
Sometimes, incorrect color calibration or accessibility settings can worsen the effect.
Try this: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
This resets system settings (not your data) and can clear display errors.
🔌 Step 4: Try Safe Mode (for Jailbroken Devices)
If your iPhone is jailbroken, boot into Safe Mode to rule out third-party tweaks causing display interference.
If the green line vanishes in Safe Mode, uninstall recent tweaks or themes.
💾 Step 5: Back Up and Restore iOS
If the problem persists, perform a full system restore:
- Back up your data via iCloud or Finder/iTunes.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Choose Restore iPhone.
- After setup, check if the green line remains.
If it’s still there — the problem is almost certainly hardware-related.
🧰 Step 6: Check for Physical or Water Damage
Inspect your phone for:
- Cracked or bent frame
- Water damage indicators (in SIM tray area)
- Signs of overheating
If your phone was dropped or exposed to water, the display connector or OLED panel may need replacement.
🧑🔧 Step 7: Contact Apple Support or Authorized Repair
If the issue persists after software fixes:
- Book a Genius Bar appointment or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
- Apple technicians can run a Display Module Diagnostic to confirm if the OLED is faulty.
- If confirmed, the entire display assembly must be replaced.
💰 Typical repair costs (as of 2025):
| Model | Out-of-Warranty Screen Repair |
|---|---|
| iPhone 13 / 14 | $279–$329 |
| iPhone 15 | $329–$379 |
| iPhone X / 11 | $249–$279 |
If the issue is due to a manufacturing defect, Apple may replace it for free — even out of warranty, as seen in past cases for the iPhone X.
🧩 Step 8: Temporary Workarounds
If you can’t repair it immediately:
- Use Dark Mode: Reduces the brightness of the green line.
- Lower Brightness:
Settings → Display & Brightness - Avoid Heat: Don’t game or charge heavily.
- Use Screen Mirroring: You can still view your display on a TV or monitor via AirPlay.
🧠 Preventing Future Display Issues
- Use a quality case and screen protector to protect from drops.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Don’t use cheap charging cables or adapters — unstable voltage can harm display circuits.
- Update iOS regularly to prevent software-related display bugs.
- Avoid pressing or twisting the screen — OLED panels are sensitive to pressure.
🏁 Summary: What to Do if You See a Green Line
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restart or update iOS | Fixes temporary glitches |
| 2 | Reset settings or restore | Rules out software issues |
| 3 | Inspect for damage | Identifies hardware failure |
| 4 | Visit Apple Support | Confirms and replaces display |
✅ Final Verdict
If the green line persists after resets and updates, it’s almost certainly a hardware issue — typically a defective OLED display or loose connector.
While software fixes can help temporarily, the only permanent solution is a screen replacement by Apple or an authorized repair center.
Key Takeaways
- Restarting the iPhone can clear temporary issues causing green lines.
- Updating iOS can resolve software-related display problems.
- Persistent lines might need professional repair.
Understanding and Diagnosing the Green Line Issue
Green lines on an iPhone screen can arise from various causes and can indicate both software and hardware issues. Identifying the root of the problem is key to applying the correct fix.
Common Causes of Green Lines on iPhone Screens
Green lines on an iPhone screen can result from corrupted software updates, conflicts between apps, and malware infections. These issues often manifest after updating iOS or installing new apps.
Another major cause is hardware problems. Physical damage to the phone can lead to screen issues, especially if the device has been dropped or exposed to moisture. Manufacturing defects, particularly in older models like the iPhone X, may cause green lines due to poor connections between the LCD and digitizer.
The OLED display in newer models can also develop issues. Long-term use or exposure to high temperatures can sometimes create green lines. Check the Liquid Contact Indicator to rule out moisture damage. Hardware problems generally need professional repair.
Troubleshooting Steps to Identify the Problem
Start by restarting the iPhone to see if a simple reboot clears the green lines. Turn off the iPhone, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. If the issue persists, perform a force restart by pressing and quickly releasing the Volume Up button, pressing and quickly releasing the Volume Down button, then pressing and holding the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
Next, check for software updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it as updates often fix known bugs that cause screen issues.
If software fixes do not work, inspect the screen for physical damage. Remove any screen protectors or cases to get a clear view. Look for cracks or signs of moisture. If you suspect a hardware problem, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
In more severe cases, entering Recovery Mode or using iTunes to restore the device may be necessary. This helps in detecting software glitches that simple updates did not fix. Ensure you backup your data before performing a restore, as this will erase everything on the device.
