ASUS Zenfone 2 display problem- flickering, horizontal lines, vertical bands, discoloration
My almost new ASUS Zenfone 2 ZE551ML has suddenly developed a display issues like flickering, lines, bands and discoloration. When you reboot or turn on the device you see the ASUS logo and right after that a thick vertical line or band appears right on the middle of the screen. When the device finally boots up, everything appears to be fine. Then it starts glitching and horizontal lines appear on the top of the screen. Then, many vertical bars slowly start to appear, eventually taking over the whole screen. Swiping down from the top of the screen will temporarily resolve the issue. Also when you open some apps, only the top 25% becomes visible. Right now this Zenfone 2 display problem has been coming and going. When you are working with the device for a long time the issue seems to resolve but when you leave it for some time, the problem resurfaces.
Update: Situation has worsened now and only a small portion on the top of the screen becomes visible- that too for a few seconds and then the LCD is covered by vertical rainbow colored bands. I have also noticed that the screen becomes visible when you start charging the phone, but once you unplug it, it again starts glitching.
I haven't found any permanent solution for this LCD issue. Many Zenfone 2 users are all of a sudden facing similar display glitches, which has led many to believe that this is caused by a recent software update that ASUS released. Some of them have reportedly resolved the issue by simply tweaking certain settings while most have had to replace the entire LCD panel. If you are still under warranty, you can take your Zenfone 2 the nearest service center and they will simply repair it for you free of charge. However, if this problem has emerged after you dropped the phone, it won't be covered by warranty.
Here are some suggested fix for Asus Zenfone 2 display flickering and vertical bars issue
Here's a video demonstrating this screen glitching problem of Zenfone 2:
It is very unfortunate that ASUS hasn't addressed this issue on its forums. It's mostly the consumers who are discussing and suggesting the solutions. The Zenfone 2 was a great product until it started having many different issues. For what you are paying, you'd expect it to last longer than a year. As for me, I have become more wary about affordable "high-end" phones due to this unpleasant experience with Asus Zenfone 2.
Update: Situation has worsened now and only a small portion on the top of the screen becomes visible- that too for a few seconds and then the LCD is covered by vertical rainbow colored bands. I have also noticed that the screen becomes visible when you start charging the phone, but once you unplug it, it again starts glitching.
I haven't found any permanent solution for this LCD issue. Many Zenfone 2 users are all of a sudden facing similar display glitches, which has led many to believe that this is caused by a recent software update that ASUS released. Some of them have reportedly resolved the issue by simply tweaking certain settings while most have had to replace the entire LCD panel. If you are still under warranty, you can take your Zenfone 2 the nearest service center and they will simply repair it for you free of charge. However, if this problem has emerged after you dropped the phone, it won't be covered by warranty.
Here are some suggested fix for Asus Zenfone 2 display flickering and vertical bars issue
Method 1: Disable Hardware Overlay
- Go to Settings >> scrool down and tap "About"
- Tap on "Software Information"
- Keep tapping on "Build number" until developers option is enabled
- again from Settings >> select "Developers options"
- Scroll down and select "Disable HW overlays"
See if that resolved the IPS display issues of your Zenfone 2.
Method 2: Wipe Cache Partition
Boot into recovery and wipe cache by following these steps
- Turn off phone
- Press and hold volume up and power button at the same time
- When you hear the buzz, let go of the power button but keep pressing volume up
- Now you will enter Fastboot
- Use the volume button to switch to "Recovery mode" and press power button to select it
- Now you will see a new screen with a green Android lying down
- Press volume up and power and the same time and let go
- Now from recovery scroll down and select "wipe cache partition"
- Do not turn off your phone until this process is completed
- sometimes it can take as long as 15-20 mins
Method 3: Check for loose connection
Sometimes the display flickering, color fading out and vertical bands/bars might occur because you dropped your phone and the display connection became loose from the motherboard. If yo you are confident about disassembling your phone, just use the right screwdrivers to unscrew and take apart the phone. Once you find the display connectors, make sure they are securely connected to the mainboard.
If your phone's display is still flickering and glitching, it's time to admit that it is a hardware failure. If you are under warranty, then you are covered. Simply take the Zenfone 2 to the nearest ASUS service center and they will replace the LCD. If you are out of warranty, then you can purchase a new LCD panel with digitizer online from websites like Ebay and Aliexpress. Then follow the disassembly guides (available in YouTube) to take apart the Zenfone 2 and replace the display. If you don't think you can do it, you can take your Zenfone 2 to the nearest mobile repair center and they will easily install the panel for you.Method 4: Replace LCD panel
Here's a video demonstrating this screen glitching problem of Zenfone 2:
It is very unfortunate that ASUS hasn't addressed this issue on its forums. It's mostly the consumers who are discussing and suggesting the solutions. The Zenfone 2 was a great product until it started having many different issues. For what you are paying, you'd expect it to last longer than a year. As for me, I have become more wary about affordable "high-end" phones due to this unpleasant experience with Asus Zenfone 2.