Samsung TV Vertical Lines and Ghosting: Causes and Solutions

Samsung TVs are known to deliver amazing picture quality and brightness, but those stubborn vertical lines on-screen never fail to dampen your viewing experience.

Why are there vertical lines on your Samsung TV screen, and how can you get rid of them? Are there ways to fix your TV’s screen at home, or should you take it to a professional?

Keep reading to find out!

1. Reset Your TV

Before you begin taking your TV apart and altering the settings, try resetting it.

Turn off your TV and leave it unplugged for at least a minute. Plug it back in, turn it on, and see the results.

This will drain all the power from your TV, reboot it, and hopefully fix any glitches.

2. Check Your Cables

A TV screen will often display vertical lines if the cables are loose or misplaced.

Check that each cable is securely plugged into the correct port and ensure they’re not bent, twisted, or torn.

Cables can also wear down over time due to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and sun damage. If your cables are fished through the walls, you may also consider that pests may have chewed them.

Follow each cable from one port to the next and observe any imperfections. Cables are usually easy to replace and can be ordered online, so don’t worry if you come across any rips or tears.

You can also try plugging the cables into another port to ensure it’s not faulty.

If you’re using an adapter, consider replacing it with a singular cable, as adapters often weaken the signal.

3. Run a Picture Test

Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out why your TV has vertical lines. Is it the cables, the TV, or the content?

Running a picture test is a great way to see the exact problem with your TV, so you can either fix it or report it to Samsung customer support.

The steps to run a picture test vary depending on the year your TV was made. Was it manufactured before or after 2015?

Let’s learn how to run a picture test on any Samsung TV.

How to Run a Picture Test on a Samsung TV Made Before 2015

Step 1: Click the Menu button on your TV’s remote

Step 2: Scroll down and click Support.

Step 3: Choose the Self Diagnosis option.

Step 4: Click Picture Test.

Step 5: Observe the picture on-screen and make note of any blurriness, vertical lines, or discoloration.

Step 6: Press Yes or No when asked if the picture was clear.

Step 7: Document the results by using your phone to take a picture of your TV’s screen.

How to Run a Picture Test on a Samsung TV Made After 2015

Step 1: Use your remote to open the Settings (marked by a gear icon).

Step 2: Scroll and choose Support.

Step 3: Click Device Care.

Step 4: Press Self Diagnoses.

Step 5: Choose the Picture Test option. You can also return to this screen to run other tests in the future if needed.

Step 6: Click OK to view the picture test.

Step 7: Take note of any lines, ghosting, or discoloration.

Step 8: Document your results.

4. Reset Your TV’s Picture Settings

You may have accidentally changed your TV’s picture settings, resulting in vertical lines on-screen.

Resetting your TV’s picture settings is a good way to ensure they are set to their correct values and aren’t causing the screen to glitch.

Follow the steps below to reset your Samsung TV’s picture settings.

Step 1: Click on the Settings using your remote.

Step 2: Open the Picture tab.

Step 3: Click on Expert Settings.

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the screen and press Reset Picture.

Step 5: Click Yes to confirm your choice.

5. Your Screen Has Been Damaged

Your screen may have been damaged.

Look for cracks alongside the TV’s corners or on the screen, indicating it’s been dropped.

If your home is prone to leaking or flooding, check for any water damage. If you see that the TV is currently wet, turn it off, unplug it and call Samsung customer support.

Take care not to electrocute yourself when unplugging it.

Consult your warranty policy and see if it covers a cracked screen or water damage.

6. Update Your TV’s Firmware

If your TV is not set up to update automatically, a pending update will make your screen glitch. Luckily, updating your TV’s firmware is an easy process that can be done either over the internet or via a USB (if your TV doesn’t have internet access).

How to Update Your Samsung TV’s Firmware Over the Internet

Step 1: Open your TV’s Settings using the remote.

Step 2: Click on Support.

Step 3: Click Software Update.

Step 4: Click Update Now to start the update.

Do not attempt to turn off or use your TV, as this will impede the update and could damage your TV’s software.

Once the update is complete, click Auto Update and toggle it on so your TV will update automatically in the future.

How to Update Your Samsung TV’s Firmware with a USB

If your Samsung TV doesn’t have internet access, you will need to update the firmware using a USB drive.

You must download the firmware update from the Samsung Download Center. Enter your model number or select it from the list of available appliances.

Download the TV’s firmware and save it to your USB drive. Do not save it inside a folder, or else you will be unable to open it on the TV.

Warning: Only download firmware from Samsung Download Center. Faulty firmware can contain malicious code which can install viruses on your TV, steal your information, and permanently damage it.

Follow the steps below to update the firmware on your TV.

Step 1: Plug the USB drive into one of your TV’s USB ports.

Step 2: Open the Settings with your remote.

Step 3: Click Support.

Step 4: Choose the Software Update option.

Step 5: Click Update Now.

Step 6: Click Yes to confirm your choice and start the update.

Do not use your TV, turn it off, or unplug it while updating.

Once updated, play something to see if the vertical lines are still there.

7. Factory Reset Your TV

Your Samsung TV may need a fresh start.

Factory resetting your TV will erase all custom data and revert it to its out-of-the-box settings. It will also delete any apps you’ve downloaded and log you out, so remember to take note of your passwords.

Follow the steps below to factory reset a Samsung TV:

Step 1: Select Settings using your remote.

Step 2: Open the General tab.

Step 3: Click Reset.

Step 4: You will be asked to insert your PIN. If you don’t have a PIN, enter 0000.

Step 5: Click Reset again.

Step 6: Click OK.

Once updated, your TV will restart.

8. Fix the Cable Connection to the Logic Board

This last solution involves replacing or reattaching your TV’s flat cables to the logic board.

This board is responsible for processing your TV’s image and, if damaged, can cause a variety of picture irregularities, including vertical lines and ghosting.

There is also a flat cable connected to the logic board, which may have come loose, triggering the vertical lines.

Before removing the back of your TV, you must allow it to sit unplugged for several minutes to let the power drain. Failure to do so could result in you being electrocuted.

If you’re a TV repair novice, consider taking your TV to a specialist, as this can be a complicated process.

Note that it’s always a good idea to contact Samsung customer support for additional information before opening your TV.

For those who feel up to the task of repairing or replacing their TV’s logic board at home, watch the video below demonstrating the entire process.

9. Contact Samsung Customer Support

If you’ve tried the above solutions and cannot get rid of those pesky vertical lines, you may need to contact Samsung Customer Support.

Remember to let the agent know which of the above solutions you’ve tried, so they won’t ask you to repeat them.

They can be reached by live chat, phone, or email, so feel free to attach any pictures demonstrating the problem.