Lines appearing on the monitor screen

Symptoms

• One or more thin lines across the screen
• Lines are a fixed color like green, pink, or white
• Lines flicker, move, or disappear when the cable is touched
• Lines appear on all inputs and even in the monitor's own menu

Likely causes

• CommonLoose or damaged video cableA cable issue often causes lines that shift or flicker with movement, and typically affects all connected sources.
• PossibleDamaged LCD panel or ribbon cable inside the monitorA constant line present even in the monitor's own on-screen menu points to internal hardware damage.
• PossibleGraphics card faultA failing GPU can sometimes produce lines that persist across different monitors.
• PossiblePhysical impact or pressure damage to the screenA drop, bump, or pressure point can crack an internal layer and create lines.

What to do

1. Wiggle and reseat the video cable at both ends while watching if the lines change or move.
2. Try a different cable and a different port on the computer.
3. Open the monitor's own built-in menu (which doesn't need the computer signal) and see if the lines are present there too.
4. Test the monitor with a different computer or device to see if the lines follow the monitor.
5. Test your computer with a different monitor to see if the lines follow the computer instead.
6. If lines appear even in the monitor's own menu on every input, this points to internal panel damage rather than a cable or PC issue.

Tools and parts

• None

When to call a pro

Lines visible in the monitor's own menu screen mean internal panel or connector damage that a repair shop needs to assess; replacement is often more cost-effective than repair on budget monitors.

Safety