How do I remove a dotted line on the screen of a 2020 iPad Pro?

I have a dotted line on my iPad Pro (2020). This is my first time buying an iPad as I am a student who used an old Samsung tablet. I bought it second hand in Japan, good condition and when I brought it back to the Philippines, lines suddenly appear on the screen, there were 3 lines but the 2 seem to go away somehow except one. During my flight back to the Philippines, it was fine, I was able to do my assignments, and read a couple of pdfs and pptx. I just used up my savings for it and now this happens. Any idea how to remove this? I checked the warranty and Applecare+ and the previous owner didn't have one. I tried switching the motion settings to disable cross fade transition but it still didn't work. Please help me, thank you very much.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: LINE ON SCREEN ON 2020 IPAD PRO

iPad Pro

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 8:38 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 30, 2026 4:04 AM

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, you can easily determine if you have a hardware or software issue. A reliable method to confirm a screen or other hardware fault is to take a screenshot when the fault is evident - and then review the captured screenshot image...


When reviewed, if the lines are not present in the screenshot image, then you have demonstrated that you have a hardware fault that, sooner or later, may become sufficiently severe that repair or replacement of the iPad are the only options. If the lines are visible in the screenshot, the something other than hardware will be the cause.


Note: When reviewing the image, rotating the iPad screen orientation by 90°, from Portrait to Landscape, will ensure that the image does not coincide with screen defects if present.


Take a screenshot on your iPad – Apple Support



If the test indicates that a hardware fault, a visit to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store is recommended - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad. This will likely inform your next steps:


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad Repair – Official Apple Support

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 30, 2026 4:04 AM in response to J_Ris

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, you can easily determine if you have a hardware or software issue. A reliable method to confirm a screen or other hardware fault is to take a screenshot when the fault is evident - and then review the captured screenshot image...


When reviewed, if the lines are not present in the screenshot image, then you have demonstrated that you have a hardware fault that, sooner or later, may become sufficiently severe that repair or replacement of the iPad are the only options. If the lines are visible in the screenshot, the something other than hardware will be the cause.


Note: When reviewing the image, rotating the iPad screen orientation by 90°, from Portrait to Landscape, will ensure that the image does not coincide with screen defects if present.


Take a screenshot on your iPad – Apple Support



If the test indicates that a hardware fault, a visit to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store is recommended - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad. This will likely inform your next steps:


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

iPad Repair – Official Apple Support

How do I remove a dotted line on the screen of a 2020 iPad Pro?

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