Introduction

If you see lines on your TCL TV screen, such as vertical lines, horizontal lines, flickering lines, colored lines, or a split/distorted picture, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can try. In some cases, the issue may be caused by a loose cable, a connected device, an input problem, or a temporary software issue.

Menu names and settings may vary by model, remote type, and software version. Use the steps below that match your TV operating system: Google TV, Fire TV, or Roku TV.

1. Check if the Lines Appear on All Screens

First, check whether the lines appear everywhere on the TV or only when using a specific device or app.

Look for the lines on:

• The Home screen
• The Settings menu
• Built-in apps
• HDMI-connected devices
• Live TV or antenna channels, if available

If the lines only appear while using one device, app, channel, or input, the issue may be related to that source instead of the TV screen itself.

2. Check Cable Connections

Loose, damaged, or poorly connected cables can cause picture issues, including lines on the screen.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. Make sure the power cable is securely connected to the TV and wall outlet.
3. Check all HDMI cables connected to the TV.
4. Unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable from both the TV and the external device.
5. Try a different HDMI cable, if available.
6. Make sure the HDMI cable is not bent, damaged, or loose.

If you are using a cable box, game console, streaming device, Blu-ray player, or sound system, check the connections on that device as well.

3. Try a Different Input or Source

Testing a different input helps determine whether the issue is coming from the TV or from a connected device.

1. Press the Input or Source button on the remote.
2. Switch to a different HDMI input.
3. Open a built-in app, such as a streaming app.
4. Check whether the lines still appear.

If the lines only appear on one HDMI input, try connecting the device to another HDMI port. If the lines only appear with one connected device, the issue may be with that device, cable, or content source.

4. Restart the TV by Unplugging It

A power reset can help clear temporary display or software issues.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
3. Wait at least 30 seconds.
4. Plug the TV back in.
5. Turn the TV on and check the screen again.

For best results, plug the TV directly into a wall outlet when testing. If the TV is connected to a power strip, surge protector, or smart plug, try bypassing it temporarily.

5. Check for Physical Screen Damage

Carefully inspect the TV screen and frame.

Look for:

• Cracks in the screen
• Dark impact spots
• Pressure marks
• Bent or damaged areas
• Liquid damage
• Lines that appear from a specific point of impact

Physical damage can cause permanent lines or display issues and usually cannot be corrected through troubleshooting. If the screen appears damaged, the TV may require service or replacement.

6. Check Picture Settings

Some picture settings may make certain screen issues more noticeable. Try changing the picture mode or resetting picture settings.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Display & Sound.
3. Select Picture.
4. Try a different Picture Mode, such as Standard or Movie.
5. If available, select Reset picture settings.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Display & Sounds.
3. Select Picture Settings, if available.
4. Try a different picture mode.
5. Reset picture settings if the option is available.

Roku TV

1. Press the Star button while watching content, or go to Settings from the Home screen.
2. Select TV picture settings or Picture settings.
3. Try a different picture mode.
4. Adjust or reset picture settings if available.

If changing picture settings does not help, continue to the next step.

7. Check for Software Updates

Software updates can improve performance and may resolve certain display or picture issues.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Select System update.
5. Check for available updates.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select My Fire TV.
3. Select About.
4. Select Check for Updates or Install Update.

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Software update.
5. Select Check now.

Install any available updates, then restart the TV and check the screen again.

8. Test Without External Devices Connected

A connected device can sometimes cause display issues.

1. Turn the TV off.
2. Disconnect all HDMI devices.
3. Turn the TV back on.
4. Check the Home screen and Settings menu.

If the lines disappear after disconnecting external devices, reconnect one device at a time. This can help identify whether a specific device or HDMI cable is causing the issue.

9. Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If the lines continue after checking cables, inputs, picture settings, and software updates, a factory reset may help clear deeper software or settings issues.

Important: A factory reset will erase saved settings, installed apps, accounts, Wi-Fi information, and preferences.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Select Reset.
5. Select Factory reset and follow the on-screen instructions.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select My Fire TV.
3. Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Advanced system settings.
5. Select Factory reset.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

When Further Support May Be Needed

If lines remain after completing the steps above, the TV may require service. This is especially true if:

• Lines appear on the Home screen and all inputs.
• Lines appear even when no external devices are connected.
• The lines are always in the same place.
• The screen shows cracks, impact marks, or pressure damage.
• The issue continues after a factory reset.
• The picture is distorted, split, flickering, or partially missing.

Before requesting support, have your TV model number, serial number, purchase information, and photos or a short video of the screen issue ready.

Conclusion

Lines on the screen can sometimes be caused by a cable, input, connected device, picture setting, or temporary software issue. By checking each source one at a time and testing the TV’s built-in menus and apps, you can better determine whether the issue is with the TV or something connected to it.