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Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-LevittOriginal
2025-03-27 12:11:08213browse

Lines appear on MacBook screen? Don’t panic! This article will guide you to troubleshoot and resolve the problem of colored lines (white, blue, green, or purple) on MacBook screens that are usually not a sign of serious hardware failure.

While the colored lines on the screen may stem from complex hardware issues and need help from Apple professionals, we recommend that you try the following first. Please note that this is different from the MacBook white screen or the iMac black screen issue.

Causes of lines on MacBook screen:

There may be multiple reasons for the occurrence of lines: hardware problems, such as damaged graphics card chip cables, or software problems, such as power management failures. The most common causes are overheating caused by resource-intensive processes (such as video editing) or environmental impacts (external high temperatures).

Whether it is horizontal, vertical, colored or other types of lines, the reasons for their occurrence are worthy of careful examination.

Hardware issues that cause lines on Mac screen:

  • The screen is damaged by falling, colliding, or overheating.
  • The cable connecting the graphics card chip and the monitor is damaged.
  • Screen burning: This phenomenon can also be caused by the LCD screen displaying the same image for a long time. While the damage looks like lines, this is most likely not, and it is a separate question and you should consult an Apple professional.

Software issues that result in the same effect:

  • Power management issues can be the cause of display problems.
  • The graphics card driver is outdated and the system cannot process the images correctly.
  • Software conflicts can also lead to errors.

How to fix horizontal, vertical, colorful and other lines on your MacBook screen:

There are many ways to solve the problem of vertical lines on MacBook displays. One of the most common fixes is to reset the SMC. This is recommended because SMC plays a crucial role in managing power distribution, battery performance, fan operation and other important functions.

But you can try other ways, and we'll walk you through each solution step by step to get your MacBook back to normal.

  1. Check the monitor connection:

First check the connection of the monitor. If you are using a desktop Mac connected to your monitor, check the back of the system and monitor to make sure the cables connecting them are completely plugged in. If this doesn't solve the problem of flashing the MacBook screen or still static lines appearing on the screen, please proceed to the next suggestion.

  1. Using an external monitor:

The lines on the MacBook screen may be caused by a graphics card failure or a display failure. To check if this is the case, if so, connect an external monitor for clear instructions.

How to connect an external monitor to a Mac:

  1. Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using an HDMI cable or a USB-C cable. It depends on the monitor you are using.

  2. Check that the external monitor is displayed normally and has no lines. If this is the case, unfortunately this could be a hardware issue with your MacBook.

  3. You need to take your Mac to the Apple Service Center for further help to remove the lines of your monitor.

  4. Check MacBook Temperature:

A common reason for lines on MacBook screens is that the system temperature is too high.

How to check the temperature of a MacBook:

  1. Download the Hot app from the iMazing website. (You may need to scroll down to find it)
  2. Once the download is complete, drag the icon to your application folder and open it.
  3. The Hot icon will appear in your Mac menu bar . The temperature will fluctuate according to your operation. However, it should not exceed 192°F (89°C) for a long time. If it exceeds it, this may be your problem.
  4. If your MacBook is too hot, try using it in a cooler place, or cool your current environment by opening a window or using a fan.

Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]

  1. Use additional cooling equipment:

Typically, your device may be overheated due to overuse of power. If the lines on the MacBook screen are caused by overheating, the best solution is to provide additional cooling to the system before attempting to restart. If the problem is heat, it usually displays vertical colored lines on the MacBook screen, but it is not always the case.

Here are a few ways you can try:

  1. The lines on your MacBook may be just a temporary problem caused by overheating, so we recommend you turn off the machine first and let it cool for a while.

  2. Maybe it's your room too hot, not the problem with the machine itself. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and open the windows if you can.

  3. Reset SMC:

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for several power-related tasks on a Mac, including power adjustment, video mode changes, hibernation, LED, and sleep functions. Performing an SMC reset can provide a solution when encountering persistent problems such as lines on a MacBook screen.

Repair lines on your MacBook screen by resetting your SMC, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the Mac menu bar and click Close.
  2. Hold down the Shift Option Control key while holding down the power button.
  3. After 10 seconds, release all keys. Re-plug the power cord and turn on your Mac.

Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]

  1. Reset NVRAM:

NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) is a memory segment in macOS that retains data even if the computer is powered off. It protects your preferences such as display resolution, brightness, boot disk, and more. If the lines on the MacBook screen are caused by settings-related issues, resetting NVRAM may help.

Repair lines on your MacBook display by resetting NVRAM:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the Mac menu bar and select the Close option.
  2. Re-open the Mac and hold the Option Command PR key on restart. Release the button when you hear the second start sound.

Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]

  1. Check for graphics card updates:

Not all graphics card updates can be obtained directly through this system information window. Depending on the graphics card and macOS version, updates may be obtained through the App Store or the manufacturer's website.

The general instructions for checking graphics card updates are as follows:

  1. Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen to open the drop-down menu and select the About Local Options.
  2. A window will appear showing system information about your Mac. Next, click on the More Information… button.
  3. The About section in system settings will be opened. Scroll down and click on System Reports…
  4. The system information window will open. Find the graphics/driver in the left panel and click to open it. This window will display detailed information about your Mac graphics card.
  5. If an update is available, you should see a download link. Click this link to access more details about the update or to start the update process.

Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]Lines on MacBook Screen: How to Fix? [Vertical, Horizontal, Colored]

  1. Reinstall macOS:

What if the problem is still not solved? Your last step before heading to Apple Pros is to reinstall macOS. It provides a clean boot while retaining your data and repairing any corrupted software. Remember to back up your files before continuing.

How to reinstall macOS:

  1. Enter macOS recovery mode.
  2. Once you enter recovery mode, select Reinstall that matches your macOS version and click Continue .
  3. If the system requires you to unlock the disk, enter your username and password.
  4. If you are asked to choose between Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD - Data during the installation process, select Macintosh HD .
  5. Wait for the installation to end. Don't worry if your Mac screen turns blank, restarts, and then displays progress multiple times. This is completely normal.
  6. After the installation is complete, your Mac may restart to Settings Assistant.

Get a clearer view with our tips and tips:

Stripes appearing on Mac screens, although worrying at first, do not necessarily indicate serious problems. While complex hardware problems may require the expertise of Apple professionals, it is best to explore other solutions before doing so.

Lines on MacBook screens can occur for different reasons. Some are due to the way the hardware works, such as damage caused by your dropping your laptop or it overheated. Others are due to software problems, such as when different parts of the computer are not working properly.

Hopefully with the help of our recommended methods, you can solve the display problem on your Mac. Also, don't forget to check out MacKeeper's memory cleaner to stop high-energy tasks in time, keep your Mac running smoothly, and reduce the possibility of vertical or horizontal lines appearing on your MacBook screen.

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