Why are there lines on my laptop screen?
Lines or strange colours usually point to a damaged display cable, a failing screen or a graphics problem.
It usually needs a technician, but it's rarely an emergency. The checks below are safe to try first.
Does this sound like yours?
- Lines, stripes or strange colours
What usually causes it
- Loose or damaged display cable (common after a drop)
- Failing screen panel
- Graphics driver or graphics chip problem
Most likely first. A hands-on test confirms which one it is.
What you can safely check
- Connect an external monitor. If it looks fine, the screen or its cable is the problem
- On a laptop, see whether the lines change when you gently move the lid
Please don't
- Don't bend the lid hard while testing
Not sure it's this? Check yours in a minute
Send us a short video on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what we think it is. Our free repair checker asks a few quick questions about your laptop or desktop and tells you the most likely cause.
No diagnosis fee. Clear quote before any work. Visit us: Yaba, Lagos · Owerri · +234 902 730 1128
Want more detail? Read our guide: How much does laptop screen replacement cost in Lagos?.
Questions people ask
Why are there lines on my laptop screen?
Lines or strange colours usually point to a damaged display cable, a failing screen or a graphics problem. The most common causes are: loose or damaged display cable (common after a drop); failing screen panel; graphics driver or graphics chip problem.
What can I safely check myself?
Connect an external monitor. If it looks fine, the screen or its cable is the problem. On a laptop, see whether the lines change when you gently move the lid.
What should I avoid doing?
Don't bend the lid hard while testing.
Where can I get it fixed in Lagos or Owerri?
ENB Technologies repairs laptops and desktops at our offices in Yaba, Lagos and in Owerri, Imo State. There's no diagnosis fee, you get a clear quote before any work, and most common repairs are done the same day. Call or WhatsApp +234 902 730 1128.
Written by the ENB Technologies repair team from the faults we see on the bench every week.
ENB TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (RC 7714368) repairs laptops and desktops in Yaba, Lagos and Owerri. This page is general information, not a diagnosis of your device. Please don't open your device or try hardware repairs yourself.
