Think of those horizontal lines on your Samsung TV as you would those frown lines that appear between your eyebrows. When one too many appear, it’s a telltale sign your boob tube is getting old and may need a replacement.
Luckily, you don’t need to throw away your Samsung TV (not yet), as easy-to-do quick fixes could save the day – and get rid of those pesky lines for good!
The Samsung TV horizontal lines can be fixed by performing a power reset, firmware update, and factory reset. You can also inspect the HDMI connection, the T-con board, and the ribbon cables inside your Samsung TV.
In this guide, we’ll outline 8 proven fixes to Samsung TV horizontal lines on screen issues. We’ll show you all the things you need to do every step of the way so you can wrap everything up in over an hour — so read carefully to the very end!
1. Conduct a power reset on your Samsung TV.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Time to perform fix | < 2 minutes |
| Number of steps | 4 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV |
The most basic way we recommend you to combat the Samsung TV horizontal lines on the screen issue is to perform a soft reset and a power cycle. Soft resetting your Samsung TV will shut it down, along with its apps and programs.
Meanwhile, power cycling allows your Samsung TV to discharge any residual electrical energy stored in its capacitors and other components. This improves TV performance by refreshing its system memory and clearing stored cache data.
This should also eliminate minor issues that cause horizontal lines to appear on your Samsung TV display screen. Sometimes, allowing the device to shut down and reboot is necessary to correct errors.
Follow these steps to run a power reset on your Samsung Smart TV:
Step 1: Power off/unplug your Samsung Smart TV from the wall/power outlet. |
Step 2: Press/hold the Samsung TV’s power button for 60 seconds. Note: Depending on the Samsung Smart TV model, you might find the power button at the back, sides, or underside of its frame. |
Step 3: Power on/plug your Samsung Smart TV back into the wall/power outlet. Note: Ensure your TV’s power cable is securely plugged into the wall/power outlet to avoid any power issues that might mess with its reboot process. |
| Step 4: Give your Samsung Smart TV time to reboot. |
You might feel like the time element is entirely unnecessary. But know that since we’re dealing with electronics here, giving your TV time to discharge is key to the success of this quick fix.
However, the solution may come up short. If this quick fix fails to solve the issue, don’t hesitate to move forward and apply the next solution below.
2. Adjust the HDMI cables plugged into your Samsung TV.
The HDMI connection is commonly related to image errors, such as horizontal lines on Samsung TV display screens. After all, this connection is responsible for transmitting the video data from your external input device into the Samsung TV.
Three reasons might cause the HDMI connection to display the Samsung TV horizontal lines on screen error. The first can be due to the HDMI cable being loosely connected to the port, which results in an incorrect video data transmission.
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We recommend double-checking if the HDMI connector on the cable is securely plugged into the ports on both the Samsung TV and your input device. Unplug the HDMI cable and plug it back in securely.
The two other possible reasons involve a faulty HDMI cable or HDMI port on both of these devices. You can check the HDMI cable and port for signs of damage and have them replaced or sent back to Samsung for repair service.
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Pro tip: You can also blow air into the HMDI connector on the cable and the port to remove any dirt or dust that might be causing the connection not to work as intended. Use another one if you’re unsure if your HDMI cable is working fine. If the issue is resolved using another HDMI cable, the culprit is likely your old one.
3. Conduct a video/picture test on your Samsung TV.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Time to perform fix | < 1 minute |
| Number of steps | 11 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Samsung TV remote control |
At the outset, this practical DIY solution may seem very technical. Don’t be fooled by the techie title, though, as all you have to do is to understand and follow the steps below to make it happen.
Some Samsung TV models have a built-in diagnosis feature that allows you to test and troubleshoot certain aspects of the TV to check if they’re working. If your TV model has this, you can perform a video or picture test to look for display errors.
With these tests, the Samsung TV will use a video or image stored in its system to help you identify any blur or unusual lines on the display. It’s an effective way to narrow down the possible causes of the horizontal lines on your screen issue.
After inspecting the test video or image, your Samsung TV will ask if you found anything unusual. If you did, you’d get your Samsung TV model code and software version, which you’ll give to their customer service agent after reaching out to them.
Follow these steps to conduct a video/picture test on your Samsung TV:
Step 1: Press the home button on the Samsung remote control to open SmartHub.  |
Step 2: Scroll left/click Settings to open the settings menu. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 4: Scroll down/click Device Care. |
Step 5: Select/click Self Diagnosis. |
Step 6: Select/click Video Test or Picture Test. Note: Some Samsung TVs only have a picture test. Only perform what’s available on your Samsung TV or move on to the next troubleshooting tricks if there are none. |
Step 7: Select/click OK to proceed with the chosen test. |
Step 8: Inspect the test video or image for horizontal lines. |
| Step 9: Select/click Yes if the video or image shown looked normal to conclude the test.  |
| Step 10: Select/click No if you found horizontal lines on the display. Write down the model code and software version that will be displayed next.  |
Step 11: Select/click Show Again to view the test video or image once more. |
Take note that your selection matters for your Samsung TV. It’s important, therefore, that you weigh your options before jumping in to decide.
If you selected no after inspecting the material shown in the video or picture test, reach out to Samsung customer support. Their service agent will ask for the Samsung TV model code and software version displayed on your TV screen.
4. Update the firmware or software on your Samsung TV.
Software issues are also possible culprits for the Samsung TV horizontal lines on screen issue. If this were true for your Samsung TV, you can resolve this problem by performing either a firmware/software update or a factory reset.
We recommend updating the firmware/software on your Samsung TV to make sure that it has the latest upgrades and bug patches for the best performance. This action is usually enough to fix issues that stem from older firmware/software versions.
Also, a firmware/software update can be done in two different ways depending on the reliability of your internet connection. If you have a fast and stable WiFi network, you can download the update over the air.
Follow the steps below to update the firmware on your Samsung TV:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Time to perform fix | < 30 minutes |
| Number of steps | 6 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Samsung TV remote control |
Step 1: Press the home button on the Samsung remote control to open the Smart Hub. |
Step 2: Scroll left/click Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 4: Click Software Update. |
Step 5: Click Update Now. |
Step 6: Wait for the TV to check and install any available updates. |
For users with slower internet speeds, you can try another approach. It’s a much more practical one.
Instead of downloading the firmware/software update into a computer directly, extract the updates and save them on a USB stick. This USB stick can then be plugged into your Samsung TV to perform a manual update.
However, the routine is a bit long. In this regard, we urge you to read and comprehend the steps first before applying them all in one fell swoop.
Follow these steps to update the firmware/software on the TV via USB stick:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 17 |
| Duration | 25 minutes |
| Step 1: Press the home button on the Samsung remote control to open the Smart Hub.  |
Step 2: Scroll left/click Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 4: Scroll down/click About This TV. |
| Step 5: Write down/remember the Samsung Smart TV model number and current software version.  |
| Step 6: Visit the download section of the Samsung product support page using a PC. Type/search your Samsung TV model number in the search box provided.  |
| Step 7: Scroll down to the firmware section and click the download button under Upgrade File(USB type) to download the update on your PC.  |
Step 8: Extract the update into the desktop of the PC. Note: Please don’t modify or rename the firmware/software file. |
Step 9: Copy the update into a USB stick that’s plugged into your PC. |
| Step 10: Eject the USB stick from your PC. Insert it into the USB port of your Samsung Smart TV.  |
| Step 11: Press the home button on the Samsung remote control to open the Smart Hub. |
Step 12: Scroll left/click Settings. |
Step 13: Scroll down/click Support. |
Step 14: Click Software Update. |
Step 15: Click Update Now and let the TV fail when checking for an update. |
Step 16: Click Yes to make your Samsung TV scan the USB stick instead. |
Step 17: Click Yes to install the firmware/ software update once it’s detected. |
That should have been easy if you followed the steps as outlined. However, don’t lose hope if it didn’t solve the issue at hand; instead, proceed to the next step to settle the problem once and for all.
5. Conduct a reset to restore your Samsung TV to its default settings.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Time to perform fix | 5 minutes |
| Number of steps | 8 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Samsung TV remote control |
As mentioned earlier, another way to resolve software problems on your Samsung TV is to conduct a factory reset. Please note that you must only perform this as a last resort as it will remove all the stored data, apps, and files on your Samsung TV.
| WARNING: Make sure you keep a copy of your personal files and preferences before you factory reset your Samsung TV. If not, you could lose everything in one fell swoop. |
However, removing everything on your Samsung TV and restoring it to its original state with its default settings is what makes this method effective. After the reset, you’ll feel like you’ve gotten your hands on a new Samsung TV.
Unfortunately, since it gets rid of your account information, installed apps, and settings configuration, you’ll need to set up your Samsung TV again. As we’ve said, you’ll get a new Samsung TV by performing this action.
Follow these steps to conduct a factory reset on your Samsung TV:
| Step 1: Press the home button on the Samsung remote control to open the Smart Hub.  |
Step 2: Scroll left/click Settings. |
Step 3: Scroll down/click General. |
Step 4: Scroll down/click Reset. |
Step 5: Type your Samsung Smart TV PIN and hit Done to continue. |
Step 6: Click Yes to restore the Samsung Smart TV to its default factory settings. |
| Step 7: Give your Samsung Smart TV time to shut down and complete its reboot. |
| Step 8: Set up the Samsung Smart TV and configure its Smart Hub settings by following the on-screen instructions provided.  |
A factory reset is a potent solution. However, if it fell short in resolving the TV screen issue, you must move forward and factor in the next solution.
6. Open the back panel of your TV and clean the insides with compressed air.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Time to perform fix | 10 minutes |
| Number of steps | 4 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Screwdriver Compressed air can |
Aside from software problems, the Samsung TV horizontal lines on screen issue are also due to problems with hardware. It’s either the result of dirt or dust buildup inside the Samsung TV or damage to the cables and components under the back panel.
You can inspect the insides of your Samsung TV by unscrewing and removing its back panel. In particular, we recommend looking at the T-con/control board and its surrounding cables for signs of damage or accumulation of dust and dirt.
A small brush with delicate and soft bristles can gently clean the T-con board and the area around it. For hard-to-reach spots, we highly advise using a can of compressed air to blow away deep-seated dirt and dust.
It’s basically a clean-up drive. However, know that you’re dealing with electronic parts here so make sure to turn off the TV before proceeding.
Follow these steps to open the back panel of your Samsung TV:
Step 1: Lay your Samsung TV facedown on a soft and smooth surface or workbench. |
Step 2: Unscrew/lift its back panel to reveal its components. |
Step 3: Inspect the T-con board for loose cables and dust/dirt build-up. |
| Step 4: Use a brush or a can of compressed air to clean the T-con board. |
7. Reseat the ribbon cables on the T-con board of your Samsung TV.
| Difficulty | Moderately Hard ●●●●○ |
| Time to perform fix | < 10 minutes |
| Number of steps | 6 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Screwdriver A smooth surface |
Color loss, no video output, and unusual display patterns are common signs of a problematic T-con board. In extreme cases, this might warrant replacing the entire T-con board with a new one.
However, it’s also possible that the ribbon cables connected to the T-con board are the root cause of the problem. After all, the ribbon cables are like driveways where the signals that are sent and received by the T-con board pass through.
Sometimes, these cable connections can loosen up, and you might need to reconnect them securely. Other times, the pins in these connectors will get busted, and you need to replace the ribbon cables altogether.
Again, before proceeding, make sure your TV is turned off.
Follow these steps to reseat the ribbon cables attached to the T-con board:
| Step 1: Lay your Samsung TV facedown on a soft and smooth surface or workbench. |
| Step 2: Unscrew/lift its back panel to reveal its components. |
Step 3: Inspect the ribbon cables attached to the T-con board and make sure they’re plugged in securely. |
Step 4: Lift the flaps holding the ribbon cable connectors gently to release them from the T-con board. |
Step 5: Pull down the ribbon cables carefully to detach them from the T-con board. |
| Step 6: Reinsert the ribbon cables and close the flaps to secure them back into the T-con board.  |
8. Tape specific contact points on the ribbon cables.
| Difficulty | Hard ●●●●● |
| Time to perform fix | < 30 minutes |
| Number of steps | 15 |
| Things you need | Samsung TV Screwdriver Tape A smooth surface |
This final solution can be very difficult, depending on your skill level when it comes to handling electronic devices. If you can, we recommend asking a friend to help you with the things you can’t figure out on your own.
If your unit is still covered by the warranty period, the best way to solve the Samsung TV horizontal lines on screen issue would be to send it back for repair service. Samsung might even send you a new one to replace the TV you sent back to them.
With this method, you’ll have to tape the contact points on the cable causing the lines to appear on the display.
Please note that you need to be careful when handling the ribbon cables and the components of your Samsung TV to avoid causing further damage.
Follow these steps to tape the contact points on the ribbon cable:
| Step 1: Lay your Samsung TV facedown on a soft and smooth surface or workbench. |
| Step 2: Unscrew/lift its back panel to reveal its components. |
| Step 3: Make your TV stand up and plug it into a power source while its back is exposed. |
Step 4: Disconnect one ribbon cable. Note: This will cut off the signal on one side of your Samsung TV display screen. |
Step 5: Check the display of your Samsung TV for horizontal lines. |
Step 6: Reconnect the first ribbon cable and disconnect the other one. |
Step 7: Check the display of your Samsung TV again for horizontal lines. Note: This means that the first ribbon cable was sending the signal with horizontal lines. |
| Step 8: Find the contact points on the first ribbon cable that connects to the 7 pins labeled on the T-con board.  |
Step 9: Mark the contact points on the ribbon cable and cover them with tape. |
| Step 10: Reinsert the taped ribbon cable and secure it by closing the flaps on the connector. |
Step 11: Check the display of your Samsung TV if the horizontal lines are gone. |
That should do it. If, by now, your Samsung is still plagued by horizontal lines on the screen, then you may have to call the cavalry and connect with Samsung repair experts.
Why does your Samsung TV have horizontal lines?
Several reasons can cause your Samsung TV to have horizontal lines on its display screen.
A faulty T-con board is a common culprit for the line showing up on the Samsung TV screen. The lines might also appear if you’re using a problematic HDMI connection due to loose cables or faulty cables and ports.
But there are more possible reasons! Below is a list we’ve curated consisting of the common causes for this issue to emerge on your Samsung TV.
- Terrible power quality due to voltage fluctuations causes your Samsung TV not to work properly and experience issues such as horizontal lines.
- HDMI connection problems due to loose or faulty cables and ports can result in your Samsung TV receiving bad image quality from the input device.
- An out-of-date Samsung TV is prone to malfunctions and erratic behavior that can result in various display problems.
FAQs about Samsung TV Horizontal Lines.
Identify the root cause of the problem and apply the appropriate troubleshooting method to fix it. If the T-con board is causing the issue, inspect the T-con board and its cables, clean them up, or replace them, if necessary.
The same thing with a problematic HDMI connection. Check the HDMI cables and ports, Ensure they’re plugged in correctly, look for signs of damage, and replace them if needed.
A faulty T-con board is usually what the lines on a TV screen mean. Aside from lines, blurry images and black screens are also common signs of a faulty T-con board.
This can be due to faulty ribbon cables that are connected to it or the board itself and the components soldered into it show signs of swelling or burns.
Around 4 – 8 years is the estimated lifespan of a Samsung TV. Depending on how it’s used, your Samsung TV might only last for less than 4 years, or it could even go beyond 8 years.
It also depends on the health of its internal parts and components. Any damage to these parts might result in irreparable damage.
The screen lines are fixable on Samsung TVs as long as you successfully identify the root cause of the problem and apply the appropriate methods to handle it. If you’re not confident with your skills, call professional repair for help.
A bad input connection can cause the moving horizontal lines on your Samsung TV screen to appear. Remedy this by making sure that the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both the Samsung TV and the input device.
Other possible culprits include software-related issues and hardware damage.
