[2026] How to Fix White Lines on iPad Screen

Updated by Brian Davis on Oct 14, 2026 • Category: iOS Repair
9 mins read

White lines on an iPad screen can appear vertically or horizontally while watching videos, using apps, or performing other tasks. The issue may be caused by software glitches, display errors, physical damage, or other hardware problems. In this guide, we'll explain the common causes of white lines on iPad screen and show you 7 practical ways to fix them.

fix ipad screen has white lines

Why Does My iPad have White Lines on Screen?

iPad users face the issue of white lines or a fully white screen appearing on the iPad display. The annoying white lines can cause your iPad screen to freeze, stop all processing, and more. But don't worry, let's first understand why this problem occurs so that we can fix it better.

  • 01 Software glitches: Software issues or bugs in the iPad's operating system can sometimes cause graphical anomalies like white lines to appear on the display.
  • 02 Loose connection: If there is a loose connection between the display and the internal components of the iPad, it can result in white lines appearing on the screen.
  • 03 Display problems: The white lines may also be indicative of an issue with the iPad's display itself, such as a malfunctioning display panel or other internal display-related components.
  • 04 Water damage: If the iPad has been exposed to water or other liquids, it can lead to display abnormalities like white lines on screen.
  • 05 Hardware damage: The white lines could be caused by physical damage to the iPad's screen, such as from drops, impacts, or other physical trauma.

7 Methods to Fix White Lines on iPad Screen

If your iPad shows vertical or horizontal white lines, start with the simplest solutions first. If the problem continues, move on to system repair or hardware troubleshooting.

Fix 1. Force Restart Your iPad

A temporary software or display glitch may cause white lines to appear on the screen. Force restarting your iPad can refresh the system without deleting any data.

For an iPad without a Home button:

  • Step 1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Step 2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Step 3. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

force restart ipad without home button

For an iPad with a Home button:

  • Step 1. Press and hold the Home button and Top button at the same time.
  • Step 2. Keep holding them until the Apple logo appears.
  • Step 3. Release the buttons and wait for the iPad to restart.

force restart ipad with home button

After restarting, check whether the white lines disappear.

Fix 2. Update iPadOS

Software bugs or an outdated system may sometimes cause abnormal display behavior. Installing the latest compatible iPadOS version can help fix known system issues.

  • Step 1. Open Settings on your iPad.
  • Step 2. Go to General > Software Update.
  • Step 3. If an update is available, tap the Update Now button to update your iPadOS to the latest version.

update to ipados 27

Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi and make sure it has sufficient battery power during the update.

Fix 3. Check the Screen and Accessories

If the white lines appeared after the iPad was dropped, exposed to liquid, or placed under pressure, check for possible physical damage.

  • Step 1. Remove the case, screen protector, keyboard case, or other connected accessories.
  • Step 2. Inspect the screen for cracks, bending, impact marks, or signs of liquid damage.
  • Step 3. Restart the iPad and check whether the lines are still visible.

remove ipad case

Fix 4. Adjust the Screen Brightness

If the white lines become more noticeable at certain brightness levels, adjusting the display brightness can help you determine whether the issue is related to the screen.

  • Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  • Step 2. Tap Display & Brightness.
  • Step 3. Drag the Brightness slider left or right and observe whether the white lines change or disappear.

ipad adjust brightness

Step 4. If needed, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and temporarily turn off Auto-Brightness.

turn off auto brightness

If the lines remain visible at all brightness levels, the issue may be caused by software or hardware rather than the brightness setting itself.

Fix 5. Repair iPadOS with TunesKit iOS System Recovery

To fix the issues that are probably caused by the glitches after the iOS update, using a third-party tool is highly recommended. We present you with the best iOS fixing program, the TunesKit iOS System Recovery. This software will enable you to get your iPad out of white screen lines.

The process for using TunesKit iOS System Recovery is very easy. TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool works with all iOS devices and on both Windows and Mac devices. It solves many problems, including the iPad won't turn on, white, black, and blue screen on iPad and iPhone. The software provides lossless processing, so you don't have to worry about data loss.

Fix iPad White Lines Without Data Loss

TunesKit iOS System Recovery helps repair iPadOS-related display issues, including white screen lines caused by system glitches, without data loss.

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You can follow the steps to fix white lines on iPad screen via TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1. Launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery

Install and launch TunesKit on your PC or Mac device. Connect the iPad to your computer by using a USB cable. Then select 'iOS System Repair' on the main interface. On the next page, some system problems are listed on the screen. Don't worry if you can't find your problems, simply click 'Start' button to continue.

main interface v5

Step 2. Select Repair Mode

There are two repair modes for you to choose from, Standard Repair can repair your iOS system and keep your data intact, Deep Repair can fix more complex iOS issues but erases all data. You can select the 'Standard Repair' to avoid data loss.

select standard mode

Step 3. Download Firmware Package

Once the repair mode is selected, you need to download the firmware package for your device. Check if all information about your iPad is correct, and click on the 'Download' button to start downloading and verifying the firmware package.

download ipad firmware

Step 4. Fix iPad White Lines on iPad Screen

After completing the download process, click on the 'Start Standard Repair' button to fix your iPad white lines issue. Once the process is complete, your iPad's white line issue should now be resolved.

ios repaired

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Fix 6. Update or Restore iPad in Recovery Mode

If regular system repair does not work, you can use Recovery Mode to reinstall iPadOS.

On a recent Mac, use Finder. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app. Some older computers may still use iTunes.

  • Step 1. Connect your iPad to the computer with a USB cable.
  • Step 2. Put the iPad into Recovery Mode.
  • For an iPad without a Home button: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button. Keep holding the Top button even after the Apple logo appears, and release it only when the Recovery Mode screen appears.
  • For an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons even after the Apple logo appears. Release them when the Recovery Mode screen appears.

Step 3. Locate your iPad in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. When you see the Update and Restore options, choose Update first. This attempts to reinstall iPadOS without deleting your data.

Step 4. If the update does not fix the white lines, repeat the Recovery Mode process and choose Restore.

finder recovery mode restore ipad

link Warning: Restoring an iPad erases its content and settings. Back up your data first whenever possible.

Fix 7. Contact Apple Support

If the white lines remain after restarting, updating, and repairing iPadOS, the issue is more likely to be hardware-related.

Hardware repair may be necessary if:

  • The iPad was recently dropped or bent.
  • The screen was exposed to liquid.
  • The white lines appear immediately during startup.
  • The lines remain visible in every app.
  • The touchscreen also responds abnormally.

In this situation, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for professional diagnosis and repair.

apple support service option


FAQs About White Lines on iPad Screen

  • How can I tell if the white lines are caused by hardware damage?

    If your iPad was recently dropped, exposed to liquid, or the white lines appear during startup before iPadOS fully loads, the issue may be hardware-related. In this case, the display, internal connector, or another component may need professional inspection.

  • Can white lines on an iPad screen get worse over time?

    Yes. If the lines are caused by a damaged display, loose connector, or other hardware issue, they may become more noticeable or spread over time, especially after further drops, pressure, or physical damage.

  • Why do white lines appear only in certain apps?

    If the lines appear only in one app, the issue may be related to that app rather than the iPad display. Try updating, restarting, or reinstalling the app to see whether the problem disappears.


Conclusion

With advancements, every problem has its solution. Previous iOS systems were hard to detect, but now, easy methods have been introduced to solve software-related issues of iOS devices. iPad users will likely see white lines on their iPads and search for ways to solve this issue.

This article has provided some common solutions like rebooting and reducing brightness options for the issue of how to fix the white lines on iPad screen issue. Moreover, we introduced the TunesKit iOS System Recovery Tool, a great option for getting the iPad out of the white lines Screen. Follow the given guide and solve the issues related to your iPad's screen.

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