Screen
iPod lines on screen
Lines across the screen, or dead and stuck pixels? Pick what happens and your model to see the likely cause and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Lines on screenAlso searched as screen lines · has lines on screen · screen has lines · screen has lines through it · black lines on screen · white lines on screen · horizontal lines on screen
- Dead pixelsAlso searched as stuck pixels · fix dead pixels · dead pixel fix
- Dropped screen has lines
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Black lines across the picture usually mean the screen (LCD) is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. Lines of other colours can come from the screen, its cable or the logic board: lines that change when you press gently near the screen point to the cable; lines that stay put point to the screen, and if a new screen shows them too, to the logic board. Press gently near the screen only if the case doesn't bulge and, on the 5th, 6th and 7th Gen and the Mini, the screen shows no pressure marks. Both are signs of a swollen battery.
Free checks first
- Opened it before? Check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Classic (A1238) lines on screeniPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) lines on screeniPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) lines on screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
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Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Video (A1136) lines on screeniPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) lines on screen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) lines on screeniPod 4th Gen (A1059) lines on screeniPod Photo (A1099) lines on screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Mini (A1051) lines on screeniPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) lines on screeniPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) lines on screen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
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Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. On the Mini it can press on the screen and leave pressure spots, which usually fade after a new battery. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
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Also possible
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) lines on screeniPod 3rd Gen (A1040) lines on screen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
Dead pixels
Also searched as stuck pixels · fix dead pixels · dead pixel fix
Dead or stuck pixels are dots that stay black or one colour. They are in the screen itself: a new screen is the only fix.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
Dropped screen has lines
Lines appeared after a drop.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
Started after a repair or part swap
Lines appeared after the iPod was opened or the screen was swapped.
Free checks first
- Opened it before? Check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
Not sure — free diagnostic
Mail us your iPod and we test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like the price, we ship it back at our expense.
Free