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(7 Fixes) Horizontal Lines On Samsung TV Screen [2023]

Horizontal Lines On TV Screen Samsung

I remember the first time it happened…

Seeing horizontal lines on my Samsung TV screen. 

I was 1 second away from watching Zombieland, and then…

White lines started appearing. 

Fortunately, I managed to save my TV. 

And it only took less than 1 hour. 

If you’re in the same pickle…

Continue reading to discover:

  • 5 reasons why your Samsung TV’s displaying horizontal lines.
  • How to adjust your TV settings, resolution, and do a picture test.
  • Why software updates are crucial to your TV’s performance and display. 
  • 7 quick fixes to remove the horizontal lines on your Samsung TV screen.
  • And so much more…  

Why are there horizontal lines on my Samsung TV screen?

There are horizontal lines on your Samsung TV screen because of a loose or damaged HDMI cable. As a result, the image doesn’t load properly. Other reasons include an incompatible video/image resolution and outdated software. Worst case, your TV has a broken display panel or a failed gate driver. 


Horizontal lines on Samsung TV screen: 7 fixes


#1: Reset your TV

Apart from cable issues or hardware problems…

The horizontal lines you see are most likely a TV malfunction. 

So, how do you address this? 

By simply restarting your Samsung TV. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

  1. Unplug your TV from its power source.
  2. Wait 5 minutes. 
  3. Plug it back into the outlet. 

Now, if this doesn’t work, the next step is to…

#2: Reconnect all cables attached to your Samsung TV

“What does it mean if your TV’s having an input cable issue?” 

Put simply, it could be due to the following reasons:

  • Your cable is loose or poorly attached.
  • The cord is faulty, worn down, or damaged. 

Either way, this leads to one issue: The images on your Samsung TV don’t load properly. 

As a result, you end up seeing white horizontal lines on your screen. 

To be more specific, a damaged HDMI cable cannot send a clear signal to your TV. 

Read also: Samsung TV Not Recognizing HDMI Input: 11 Fixes

And when this happens, your TV’s unable to process the image fully.

Think of it as a weak cable signal. 

When the connection’s weak, you see black and white static lines, right? 

Well, that occurrence is similar to a loose or damaged HDMI cable. 

Now if your HDMI cord is simply loose, here’s an easy fix:

  1. Unplug your HDMI cable. 
  2. Note: If you have other cables attached to your TV, unplug them as well.
  3. Wait for 15 to 30 seconds. 
  4. Plug your HDMI cable back into your TV.
  5. Make sure it’s securely attached. 

In the event this solution doesn’t solve your problem, then…

You need a new HDMI cable. 

But before you do that, try the other fixes below first and see if it solves your issue. 

#3: Adjust the video/picture resolution

According to Samsung, if the aspect ratio’s different from your TV screen’s ratio…

The picture turns out to be distorted. 

In rare cases, your video/picture resolution can look like horizontal lines if…

You’re not using the best ratio format for your TV viewing experience. 

This may not be what’s happening to your screen.

However…

Just to be sure, you can edit your picture ratio and settings easily on your TV. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

  1. Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
  2. Scroll left and tap “Settings.”
  3. Select “Picture.”
  4. Tap “Picture Size Settings” and “Picture Mode.”
  5. Adjust accordingly.
  6. Check if it removes the horizontal lines on your screen.

#4: Update your Samsung TV’s software

Update Your Samsung TV's Software

As mentioned earlier, firmware updates are crucial for your TV display and performance. 

How so? 

Mainly because updating your Samsung TV’s software is meant to:

  • Upgrade the graphics drivers.
  • Remove any bugs or glitches in the system.
  • Improve the viewing experience and performance.

Now, why does this matter?

Well, if you’re running on outdated software, here’s what happens:

Your graphics driver isn’t updated so it can’t display high-resolution images properly. 

Not to mention, you’ll have unresolved bugs and glitches in your TV’s system.

As a result, your Samsung TV won’t be able to handle certain images or videos. 

For example: 

Streaming a movie that needs a high resolution with an outdated graphics driver.

You’ll either get an error message or a display similar to the horizontal lines on your screen. 

Don’t worry, though. 

Your TV isn’t doomed. 

In fact, it’s an easy fix. 

All you have to do is update your Samsung TV’s software. 

But first, make sure you’re connected to the WiFi

Check out: How To Use Smart TV Without WiFi

How to update your Samsung TV’s software

For Samsung TV models 2020 & 2021
  1. Press the Home button (located in the middle of your remote).
  2. You’ll see a menu appear at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Scroll left until you hit the gear icon. 
  4. Tap “Settings.” 
  5. Scroll down and press “Support.” 
  6. Tap “Software Update.”
  7. Select “Update Now.”
For older Samsung TVs (2016 to 2019)
  1. Press “Menu” on your remote.
  2. A pop-up menu should appear.
  3. Scroll down and tap “Support.”
  4. Select “Software Update.”
  5. Press “Update now.”

If the “Software Update” option is greyed out, here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Hit the “Source” button on your remote.

You’ll see several options like: 

  • AV.
  • TV.
  • HDMI 1.
  • Component.
  • HDMI 2/DVI.
  • Screen Mirroring.

Step 2: Make sure your source is set to “TV.”

Step 3: Head to your TV’s settings and proceed with the software update.

If the update doesn’t load, it might be your internet connection. 

Some might opt to use a WiFi repeater. 

However, this slows down your internet

If that doesn’t work, position your router closer to your Samsung TV. 

Dig deeper: Samsung TV Won’t Stay Connected To WiFI: 11 Fixes

#5: Do a Picture Test

Now, you’re probably wondering…

“How does a picture test solve the horizontal lines on my Samsung TV screen?”

That’s a good question. 

Here’s how it works: 

A picture test’s purpose is to identify any flaws or faults on your Samsung TV. 

In addition, the test uses a high-definition picture to solve any troubles or errors your screen has. 

To access your Samsung TV’s picture test depends on your current model. 

Don’t worry. 

I’ve laid out all the steps for different models below. 

For newer Samsung TV models (2020 & 2021)

Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote.

You’ll see a Smart Hub menu appear at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Scroll left until you hit Settings (gear icon.)

A pop-up menu should appear. 

Step 3: Scroll down and press “Support” (cloud icon).

Step 4: Tap “Device Care.”

During this process, your Samsung TV will perform a scan. 

Wait for it to finish scanning. 

Step 5: Press “Self Diagnosis.”

Step 6: Select “Picture Test.”

A message should display on your screen, saying: 

“The test photo will now be shown. Please look carefully at the screen for the next 5 seconds.”

Step 7: Press “OK” on your screen to start the test. 

You might also like: Smart TV Remote Not Working: 8 Causes & Fixes

For older Samsung TVs (2016 to 2019)

  1. Press the Home button located in the middle of your remote.
  2. The Smart Hub menu should appear at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Scroll left until you hit the gear icon or settings option.
  4. Scroll down and press “Support.” 
  5. Tap “Self Diagnosis.”
  6. Choose “Start Picture Test.”
  7. Press “OK” on your screen to start the test. 

#6: Perform a factory reset

If a picture test doesn’t solve your issue, the best approach from here is a factory reset.

“Wait – didn’t we do a reset earlier too?”

You’re right. 

However, a factory reset’s different. 

How this works is it restores your TV back to its default settings. 

Basically, all your downloaded apps are deleted after the reset. 

Now, why do this?

Think of it like giving your TV a totally clean slate. 

You’re essentially removing all the errors and issues in your TV’s system. 

Imagine deep cleaning your bathroom to make it spotless and free of germs. 

In other words, that’s what a factory reset does to your TV. 

After restoring it to its default settings, the horizontal lines should disappear. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

For older Samsung TVs (2016 to 2019 models)

Step 1: Press the Home button (located in the middle of your remote).

You’ll see a menu (Smart Hub) appear at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Keep scrolling left until you hit the Settings option (gear icon).

Step 3: Scroll down and press “Support.” 

Step 4: Tap “Self Diagnosis.”

Step 5: Choose “Reset.”

Step 6: Enter your PIN.

For all Samsung TVs, your default PIN’s setting should be “0000.” 

Step 7: Tap “Yes” to confirm the Reset.

For 2020 & 2021 Samsung TV models

  1. Press the Home button on your remote.
  2. You’ll see the Smart Hub menu at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Scroll left and tap the Settings option (gear icon).
  4. Scroll down and press “General.” 
  5. Select “Reset” (located under Smart Features).
  6. Enter your PIN.
  7. Note: Default setting is 0000.
  8. Confirm the reset by pressing “OK.”

If you’re looking for an instructional video guide on how to do a factory reset, this should help:

Editor’s Pick: Samsung TV Loud Popping Noise: 7 Steps To Fix It 

#7: Contact a Samsung service technician

In the end, the worst-case scenario is your Samsung TV has a failed gate driver

What this does is it helps provide power to your TV’s screen. 

Your gate driver also activates each row of pixels on your display panel. 

The way it works is that 1 row is activated one at a time by starting with the first line at the top of your panel. 

Now, here’s the problem. 

If the gate driver fails, it’s possible that only certain rows of pixels will activate. 

As a result, you get the horizontal line display on your Samsung TV screen. 

Not to mention, this isn’t a fix you can do on your own. 

You’d need a Samsung service technician to do the repair or replacement. 

In that case, contacting Samsung is your best option from here. 

You can also opt for their chat support or request a repair service immediately.