So, you have a wonderful TV…
But there’s one problem…
Out of nowhere, blue vertical lines started appearing.
And now, all you want to do is get rid of them.
Continue reading to discover:
- How to check your TV screen.
- What causes blue vertical lines there.
- 11 quick fixes for blue vertical lines on TV screen.
What causes blue vertical lines on a TV screen?
You see blue vertical lines on your TV screen because the TV doesn’t get enough power supply. Loose cable wiring or signal interference could also be the cause. Sometimes, your TV could be needing a system update or cleaning. Furthermore, your TV’s screen might be faulty and needs replacement.
Blue vertical line on TV screen: 9 fixes
#1: Inspect the power supply or outlet
Not a lot of people know this…
But a bad power supply, or faulty power outlet, can ruin the viewing quality of your TV…
And cause blue vertical lines on the screen.
Well, it’s easy to check if this is your TV screen’s problem.
Follow these steps:
- Turn off the TV.
- Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- Turn the TV back on and see if the blue lines have disappeared.
Furthermore, if the problem is your power outlet, here are a few steps to test it:
- Take a small lamp.
- Plug the power cord of the lamp into the power outlet of your TV.
- See if the lamp turns on.
If it does, then you don’t have a problem with your outlet.
If it doesn’t, then you can use an electric circuit breakage finder to test more.
Here’s an instructional manual on how to use it.
#2: Ensure that external TV cables are secured
I know how annoyed you are by the blue vertical lines.
But, there’s a simple way to check if a loose cable on your TV is what’s causing it:
- Turn on the TV.
- Tap the different areas on the back of your TV.
- Check if the vertical blue lines decrease in intensity.
Now, if you see that the vertical blue lines are disappearing, follow these steps:
- Turn off the TV.
- Check all cables for loose connections.
- Secure them by pressing them tightly.
- Turn your TV on and see if all vertical lines disappeared.
#3: Switch your TV on and off twice
Heard about electronic beams?
Well, they’re important to keep your TV functioning well.
Fun fact: A TV has chemicals known as phosphors. They create the green, red, and bluish dots on your TV screen.
So, to ensure that the electronic beams have good full access to the colored chemicals on the TV screen…
All you need to do is turn the TV off and on for 30 seconds, twice.
This will remove the vertical blue lines caused by the impact of electronic beams on the TV screen.
#4: Change the TV channel or network
I know it sounds too simple.
And that’s why it’s worth a try!
You see, there could be an interference with the network signal or channel.
Thus, changing it may remove the annoying blue vertical lines.
Well, you know how to switch TV channels, right?
So, grab your TV remote, change 4 to 5 channels, and see if the blue vertical lines disappear.
#5: Perform a picture panel test
The picture panel test will allow you to self-diagnose your TV screen.
It can be done with a Samsung TV, and here’s how:
- Turn the TV on.
- Press the Settings button using your remote.
- Select Support.
- Select Device Care.
- Select Self Diagnosis.
- Select Picture Test.
- Select OK to confirm.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
On the other hand, you can also do this for a Sony TV:
- Turn the TV on.
- Press the Help or Home button.
- Select Apps.
Note: If your TV doesn’t have the Apps icon on the home menu, follow the steps from the Help button:
- Select Status & Diagnostics.
- Select Picture/ Sound Symptoms or Picture/ Sound Test.
- Select Problem Diagnosis.
- Select Picture/ Sound Symptoms.
- Select Start to perform the test.
- Select Finish to end the test.
#6: Update the TV firmware
How old is your TV?
Well, if you purchased it a year ago, and the system didn’t update automatically…
Then the outdated firmware might be what’s causing the blue vertical lines.
But, it’s never too late to do an update.
Note: Updating the firmware depends on the TV brand, but this tip works for most brands. Also, make sure that your TV is connected to the internet.
So, to update your TV’s software:
- Press the Home button using your Remote Control.
- Select the Apps icon.
- Select Help.
- Select System Software Update.
Then, wait for it to finish.
Warning: Never turn your TV off when it’s updating, because it may do further damage.
Furthermore, if you don’t have internet access…
An alternative choice is by using a USB drive.
You can download the updated firmware on the following TV brand’s website, plus get tips on how to do an update:
Read more: How Often Do Smart TVs Update Their Software? 5 Examples
#7: Clean dust or grime in the TV’s connection points
Little things doing huge damage…
How crazy is that?
Sometimes, dust or grime could enter the back of your TV…
And, ruin the screen.
Now, the only way to find out is by opening its back panel.
Note: Place your TV on a hard surface with the screen facing a soft cloth to avoid scratches or damage to the LCD. Also, make sure that you unplugged your TV from the power source.
Now, here’s how to open the back panel:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Lift the cover a little bit using a plastic spudger pry tool if you have one.
- Don’t force and ensure that all screws are removed, and that no cord is still connected.
- Disconnect each connection point carefully to see if there’s dirt or lint.
Next, to clean each ribbon connection point:
- Use your fingernail and pop the black security tab up.
- Carefully take the ribbon up and out.
- Check on the back side if there’s debris, dirt, or dust.
- Grab a q-tip and a contact solution and clean the back side.
- Carefully re-align the ribbon and return it back to its place.
- Carefully shift the securing tab back in place.
- Do this for every ribbon connection point.
If you are a visual learner, watch this Youtube video:
#8: Secure loose ribbon cables
Now that you’ve learned how to open and clean the back panel of your TV…
The next thing to do is:
- Ensure that all connection points from the t-con to the power and vice versa are secure.
- Apply pressure to every LCD ribbon cable that sticks to the circuit board.
- Look if there are any melted wires or any signs of stretched two wires.
- Follow and check this for every single wire connection.
#9: Replace your LCD screen
I know this is the least good option.
But given that you tried the fixes above and nothing still works…
Then your TV’s LCD panel could be faulty.
Here are some reasons why the TV screen is damaged:
- Being an old model.
- Excessive moisture or water.
- Leaving a TV turned on for too long.
Usually, replacing the TV screen is a less costly option than buying a new TV.