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Fix a TV that has lines on screen

We'll rule out source and cable, power-cycle, then help you decide when the panel or board is the cause or when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • HDMI cable (to test or replace)
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Rule out source and cable, then isolate panel or board.

  • Switch between HDMI inputs and built-in apps. Confirm whether lines appear on all sources.
  • Good: You know if it is source-specific. Proceed to Check source and cable.
  • Bad: Unclear—test with multiple sources.

Check source and cable

Goal: Rule out the source device and HDMI cable as the cause.

  • Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends. Try a different cable. Try a different HDMI port.
  • Confirm the source device is on and outputting. Try a different source if available.
  • Good: Cable reseated or replaced. Lines disappear. Done.
  • Bad: Lines persist—proceed to Power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset handshake between TV and source.

  • Unplug the TV and the source device from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug both back in. Turn on the source first, then the TV.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes the issue. Lines disappear. Done.
  • Bad: Lines persist on all inputs—call a technician. The panel or board may have failed.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • Lines appear on all inputs after cable and power-cycle.
  • The panel or board may have failed.
  • Reseating internal cables or replacing the panel requires a professional.

Verification

  • The TV displays without lines.
  • Cable and source ruled out.
  • Power-cycle attempted.
  • Technician contacted if lines persist on all inputs.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm source Test multiple sources—if only one has lines, cable or source is at fault.
  2. Cable and port Reseat cable; try different cable and port.
  3. Power-cycle Unplug TV and source for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  4. Call a pro Lines on all inputs—panel or board may have failed.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether lines appear on all sources
  • TV model
  • Steps already tried

Do the lines appear on all sources?

If only one source has lines, the cable or source may be at fault.

Switch between HDMI inputs and built-in apps. All sources: panel or board—call technician. One source only: cable or source—reseat cable, try different cable.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reseat cable and try different cable and port

Loose or faulty cable is a common cause.

Reseat HDMI at both ends. Try a different cable. Try a different HDMI port. Power-cycle: unplug TV and source for 30 seconds, plug back in. Fixed: done. Same: call technician—panel or board may have failed.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Call a technician

Lines on all inputs mean panel or board may have failed. Reseating internal cables or replacing the panel requires a professional.

Done

Done

Lines fixed. Cable or power-cycle resolved the issue.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a TV have lines on the screen?
Loose or faulty HDMI cable, bad input port, source device issue, or panel/board failure. Test with multiple sources first. Lines on all inputs often mean panel or board.
Can I fix TV lines myself?
Yes. Reseat the cable, try a different cable and port, power-cycle the TV and source. If lines appear only on one source, the cable or source is likely at fault. Lines on all inputs may need a technician.
When should I call a technician for TV lines?
If lines appear on all inputs after cable and power-cycle, the panel or board may have failed. Reseating internal cables or replacing the panel requires a professional.

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