My iPad 8 just developed a light thin horizontal line across the screen. It wasn’t there earlier today. I have done the fastest software update, the line is there when I took a screenshot, and it is so strange that it just appeared. I have had a few iPads through the years and this is the first time this has ever happened. Is there a solution?
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 then 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
Lines not visible in screenshot
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
Lines are visible in screenshot
If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipad08a40f3b/ipados
If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings
If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting.
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 then 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
Lines not visible in screenshot
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
Lines are visible in screenshot
If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipad08a40f3b/ipados
If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings
If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support
Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044
You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting.
Light thin horizontal line appeared on iPad 8 screen
