A drop can cause frustrating green lines on your iPhone screen. This issue is common with models like the iPhone 6, 7, and X. While it may look alarming, it doesn’t always mean the end for your phone.
Start by updating to the latest iOS or simply restarting the device to see if it resolves the problem. Sometimes, the issue is software-related and can be fixed with a simple update or reset. If that doesn’t work, pressing the screen down lightly might help if a loose connection is the problem.
If none of these quick fixes work, more technical solutions like entering DFU mode or contacting a repair service might be needed. By diagnosing correctly, you can save time and possibly avoid a costly repair.
How to Fix Green Lines on an iPhone Screen After Drop
Seeing green lines on your iPhone screen after dropping it can be alarming — but it doesn’t always mean your phone is beyond repair. In most cases, the issue is related to screen or display connector damage, and there are several ways to diagnose and fix it.
⚙️ Step 1: Understand What the Green Lines Mean
Green (or sometimes white/purple) lines on an iPhone screen usually indicate one of the following:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Display Connector Damage | The impact may have loosened or damaged the display cable connecting the screen to the logic board. |
| OLED/Display Failure | The OLED panel itself may have cracked internally — especially common on iPhones with OLED displays (X, 11 Pro, 12, 13, 14, etc.). |
| Software Glitch | Rare, but sometimes a temporary iOS glitch or crash can cause display artifacts. |
| Logic Board Damage | In severe drops, internal components on the logic board can be damaged, causing persistent display issues. |
(Source: iPhone Life, SimplyMac)
🔋 Step 2: Try Simple Software Fixes First
Before assuming hardware failure, try these safe troubleshooting steps:
✅ 1. Force Restart Your iPhone
A restart can clear temporary glitches:
- iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Power (Side) until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Power until the Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Power together until the logo shows.
✅ 2. Update iOS
Sometimes display driver bugs are fixed in updates.
Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest version.
✅ 3. Reset All Settings
If the issue persists, try resetting settings (this won’t delete data):
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings
If the green line remains after these steps, it’s almost certainly hardware-related.
(Source: iDownloadBlog)
🔧 Step 3: Check for Physical Damage
Inspect your iPhone carefully:
- Look for cracks, bends, or pressure points on the screen.
- Check if the green line changes or flickers when you press lightly on the screen edges — this can indicate a loose connector rather than a full screen failure.
- If the line appears only on certain brightness levels, it might be a partial OLED issue.
If your screen is cracked or the line doesn’t change, it’s likely a display replacement issue.
🧰 Step 4: Try a Hard Reset and Safe Mode (Optional)
If you suspect an app or temporary glitch:
- Perform a hard reset (see Step 2).
- Boot into Recovery Mode and reinstall iOS via Finder or iTunes.
If the problem persists even after reinstalling iOS, it’s definitely hardware-related.
🧩 Step 5: Hardware Fixes (When Software Doesn’t Work)
If the problem started immediately after a drop, it’s almost always physical. Here’s what you can do:
🪛 1. Check the Display Connector (Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable opening your iPhone (or have a technician):
- Disconnect the battery.
- Reseat the display flex cables connecting the screen to the logic board.
- Reassemble and test.
⚠️ Warning: This voids your warranty and should only be done by professionals or experienced DIYers.
💡 2. Replace the Display
If the OLED panel is damaged, the only permanent fix is screen replacement.
- For iPhones with OLED screens (X and newer), use genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts.
- Avoid cheap replacements — they may cause color tinting or ghost touch.
You can have this done:
- At an Apple Store (most reliable, preserves True Tone and Face ID).
- At an authorized repair center (e.g., Simply Mac, uBreakiFix).
- By a trusted third-party repair tech (cheaper, but ensure quality parts).
(Source: FoneTool, Tenorshare)
🧾 Step 6: Contact Apple Support
If your iPhone is still under AppleCare+, screen replacement costs are significantly reduced.
- AppleCare+ screen repair: ~$29 (USD)
- Out-of-warranty screen replacement: $279–$379 depending on model
Book an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar or start a mail-in repair via Apple Support.
🧠 Bonus Tips
- Avoid pressing or bending the screen — this can worsen the damage.
- Back up your data immediately in case the display fails completely.
- Use a sturdy case and screen protector to prevent future drops.
🧩 Summary: Quick Fix Checklist
| Step | Action | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restart and update iOS | Rules out software glitch |
| 2 | Inspect for cracks or flickering | Identifies physical damage |
| 3 | Reseat display connector | Fixes loose connection |
| 4 | Replace screen | Fixes damaged OLED |
| 5 | Contact Apple Support | For warranty or professional repair |
✅ Final Takeaway
Green lines on an iPhone screen after a drop are almost always hardware-related, typically due to OLED or connector damage.
While software resets are worth trying, a screen replacement is the most reliable solution.
If you’re unsure, visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center for a diagnostic — they can confirm whether it’s a display or logic board issue before you spend money on repairs.
Sources:
- iPhone Life – Lines on iPhone Screen After Drop
- iDownloadBlog – How to Fix Green/White Line Issue
- wikiHow – Green Lines on iPhone Screen: Causes & Fixes
- Tenorshare – Fix Lines on iPhone Screen After Drop
- FoneTool – How to Fix Green Lines on iPhone Screen After Drop
- SimplyMac – How to Fix Green Lines on iPhone Screen
Key Takeaways
- Update iOS or restart your device first.
- Press the screen down lightly to check for loose connections.
- Use DFU mode for more serious issues.
Diagnosing the Issue
Checking for green lines on your iPhone screen involves looking for both hardware and software problems. This helps you decide if you need a repair or just a software fix.
Physical Inspection
Start by examining your iPhone for any visible damage. Check the screen for cracks or breaks. If your iPhone has been dropped, the display might have moved out of place.
Inspect the edges for gaps. A poorly seated screen can cause visual issues. Dust or debris trapped under the screen can also lead to glitches.
Next, look at the liquid contact indicator. This small indicator turns red or pink if it has touched liquid. If it’s activated, the problem could be water damage, not impact from a drop. Lastly, push down gently on the screen to see if pressing helps the green lines disappear or change. This can indicate a loose connection inside.
Software Troubleshooting
Begin by making sure your iPhone’s software is updated. An outdated iOS can cause display issues. Go to Settings, then General, and tap Software Update to install any available updates.
Restart your iPhone. Sometimes, a simple restart can solve software glitches. If the green lines persist, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data. This can fix any software-related issues.
Check for app conflicts. An app might be causing the problem, so try uninstalling recently downloaded apps. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the next step is a deeper diagnosis or a trip to a repair technician.
