The bottom bar on the screen of Androiddevices is one of the most common problems that users encounter. It can manifest itself in different ways: this is a standard navigation bar with the “Back”, “Home” and “Recent” buttons, a black bar due to incorrect scaling, and even display artifacts after a crash or firmware update. In some cases, the bar interferes with viewing content, in others it signals serious malfunctions.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons for the appearance of a bar at the bottom of the screen - from software failures to hardware defects - and offer proven ways to eliminate them. You'll learn how to hide the system navigation bar, fix display errors after an update, and what to do if the bar appears after replacing the display or dropping your smartphone. We will pay special attention to the differences between versions Android (from Android 9 Pie to Android 14) and proprietary shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS).

Before you start fixing, determine the type stripes:

  • 🔹 Transparent or translucent panel with control buttons - system navigation panel.
  • 🔹 Black stripe along the entire bottom edge - scaling error or hardware defect.
  • 🔹 Colored lines or artifacts - matrix damage or cable.
  • 🔹 Flickering strip —display driver failure or application conflict.

If you are not sure of the reason, start with the simplest solutions (reboot, check settings) and gradually move on to more complex. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved using software methods without contacting a service center.

📊 What bar appeared on your device?
Navigation panel (control buttons)
Black bar along the entire bottom
Colored artifacts or lines
Flickering or blinking
Another problem

1. How to hide the system navigation bar (soft buttons)

The most harmless “strip” is the standard navigation bar with virtual buttons. It can occupy up to 10% of the screen, especially on devices with cutouts or a “monobrow”. In new versions, it can be hidden or replaced with gestures. Methods depend on the OS version and shell: go to Android it can be hidden or replaced with gestures.

The methods depend on the OS version and shell:

  • 📱 Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia): go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation i select "Gestures" or "2-button navigation".
  • 📱 Samsung One UI: Settings → Display → Navigation bar → Full screen gestures.
  • 📱 Xiaomi MIUI: Settings → Display → Full screen mode → Gestures.
  • 📱 Oppo/Realme ColorOS: Settings → Usability → System navigation → Gestures.

On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 or Google Pixel 7) the panel is hidden automatically in full-screen applications (games, videos). If this does not happen, check the settings of the specific application: often there is an option “Hide the navigation bar” or “Immersive mode”.

Make sure that gestures are enabled in the settings|

Check the operation in safe mode (the application may be at fault)|

Update the firmware to the latest version|

Make a backup copy of your data (in case of failure)

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) after hiding the navigation bar, gestures in certain applications may stop working. In this case, return the standard panel or use third-party utilities like Nacho Notch.

2. Fixing a black bar due to a scaling error

A black bar along the entire bottom edge of the screen often appears after an update. firmware, changing the resolution or connecting to an external display. The reason is incorrect scaling settings (display scaling) or a graphics driver failure.

How to fix:

  1. Reset the screen scale: go to Settings → System → Advanced settings → Screen size and select the standard value (usually “Default” or “100%”).
  2. Disable forced resolution change: some applications (for example, Game Launcher on Samsung) change the resolution for games. Check. their settings.
  3. Reset the display settings via the engineering menu: 
    ##36446337##

    In the menu that opens, select Display Test → Reset Settings.

If the band appeared after connecting to DeX (on Samsung) or Desktop Mode (on other devices), try:

  • 🔌 Disconnect and reconnect the cable USB-C/HDMI.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device in safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe" mode").
  • 📥 Update the firmware via Settings → Software update.
Cause of stripe Characteristic symptoms Solution
Scaling failure Black bar of uniform width, disappears when scrolling Resetting screen size in settings
Conflict with external display Appears after connecting to monitor/TV Reboot, reset settings HDMI/DeX
Graphics driver error The bar flickers or changes width Updating the firmware or rolling back to the factory version
Matrix hardware defect The stripe is visible on the splash screen and in Recovery Replacing the display in the service
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If a black stripe appeared after updating to Android 12+, try rolling back the firmware version via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung). Look for instructions for a specific model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

3. Eliminating artifacts and colored lines (hardware defects)

If color stripes, flickering or “dead pixels”appear at the bottom of the screen, the problem is most likely hardware. This could be:

  • 💥 Damage to the matrix after a fall or pressure.
  • 🔌 Detachment of the cable (a common problem after replacing the display).
  • ⚡ Overheating or short circuit on the board.

How to diagnose:

  1. Check whether the bar is visible on loading screen (manufacturer logo) and in Recovery Mode (hold Power + Volume up when turning on). If so, this is 100% a hardware problem.
  2. Connect the device to an external monitor via HDMI (if supported). If there are no artifacts on the monitor, the smartphone display is to blame.
  3. Try to press lightly on the bottom of the screen. If the bar changes, this confirms the problem. cable.

Temporary measures (if it is not possible to immediately send it for repair):

  • 🛠️ Use the device in safe mode - sometimes this reduces the load on the GPU.
  • 🔋 Disable adaptive brightness and set a fixed value (in display settings).
  • 📉 Reduce screen resolution to 720p (if available in settings developer).

⚠️ Attention: If artifacts appeared after a fall or moisture, Modern smartphones (for example, do not try to disassemble the device yourself. Modern smartphones (for example, iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23) have a complex design with adhesive joints - unprofessional repairs can aggravate the problem. Contact an authorized service center, especially if it is under warranty. still valid.
What to do if the stripe appeared after replacing the display?

If artifacts appeared after the repair, most likely the technician connected the cable incorrectly or installed a non-original matrix. Return to. service and request:

1. Check the tightness of the cable (sometimes reconnection helps).

2. Replace the matrix with the original one (on Samsung non-original displays often fail). Apple non-original displays often fail).

3. Check the integrity of the contacts on the motherboard (possibly damaged during disassembly).

If the service refuses to fix it, file a complaint with the administration or the consumer protection society.

4. Stripe due to firmware failure or application conflict

Software failures are the second most common cause of stripes. They can occur after:

  • 🔄 Updates Android (especially “raw” beta versions).
  • 📱 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
  • 🤖 Conflict with applications that change the interface (Nova Launcher, Substratum).

How to fix:

  1. Start the device in safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe Mode"). If the bar disappears, a third-party application is to blame. Remove recently installed apps.
  2. Reset to factory settings via Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data. Attention: this will delete all files, make a backup copy!
  3. Reflash the device via Fastboot or ODIN: 
    fastboot flash system system.img

    fastboot reboot

    Look for instructions and firmware on XDA Developers for your model.

If the band appeared after update Android, try to roll back:

  • 📥 For Samsung: use Odin and the official firmware from the site Sammobile.
  • 📥 For Xiaomi: download MIUI from en.miui.com and flash via Mi Flash Tool.
  • 📥 For Google Pixel: use Android Flash Tool (https://flash.android.com).

⚠️ Attention: When rolling back the firmware on some devices (Huawei, OnePlus) protection may work anti-rollback, which will block the smartphone. Before rolling back, check whether your model supports downgrade.
💡

If the bar appeared after installing custom firmware, first try changing the kernel (kernel) or version GApps. Often the problem is solved by switching to a more stable build (for example, from LineageOS 20 to LineageOS 19).

5. Features for specific brands and models

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit your needs, so the methods for removing a bar may differ. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

On devices Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23, A54) the bar is often associated with the function DeX or Edge Panels. To remove it:

  • 📵 Disable Settings → Features → Edge Panels.
  • 🖥️ Reset settings DeX in Settings → Connections → Samsung DeX.
  • 🔧 In the engineering menu (#0#) check the test Touch - sometimes the bar appears due to a sensor failure.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

On MIUI the bar may be related to the function Full Screen DisplayCheck:

  • 📱 Settings → Screen → Full screen mode → Auto-hide bottom panel.
  • 🎮 In games: enable Settings → Accessibility → Game space → Full screen mode.
  • 🔄 If the bar appeared after the update MIUI, try resetting the settings via Settings → About phone → Reset settings (without deleting data).

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On Pixel the bar is often associated with navigation gestures. To remove it:

  • 👆 Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation and select “2-button navigation”.
  • 🛠️ Enable developer mode (tap on the build number in Settings → About phone7 times and disable USB debugging - sometimes this helps.
  • 🔄 Update Google Play Services via Play Market.

Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

On devices Huawei the bar may appear due to function Smart Resolution. Disable it:

  • 📊 Settings → Screen → Screen resolution → Smart Resolution (set to a fixed value).
  • 🔧 V Settings → System → Reset → Reset all settings (without deleting data).
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On Huawei P50 Pro i Mate 50 a strip may appear due to a conflict with Huawei Mobile Services. Try uninstalling updates for HMS Core Settings → Applications Settings → Applications.

6. Radical methods: rolling back the firmware and replacing the display

If none of the methods help, there are still radical measures. use only in extreme cases:

Rolling back the firmware

If the line appeared after an update, return the old version Android:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website or XDA Developers.
  2. Install drivers ADB and Fastboot on the PC.
  3. Switch the device to Fastboot (hold Power + Volume down when turning on).
  4. Run the commands: 
    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot flash system system.img
    

    fastboot reboot

Replacing the display

If the bar is visible on the boot screen and in Recovery, the matrix needs to be replaced: Repair cost:

Device model Cost of replacing the display (original) Cost of replacing the display (analog)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 25 000 — 35 000 ₽ 12 000 — 18 000 ₽
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 8 000 — 12 000 ₽ 4 000 — 6 000 ₽
Google Pixel 7 Pro 20 000 — 28 000 ₽ 10 000 — 15 000 ₽
OnePlus 11 18 000 — 24 000 ₽ 9 000 — 12 000 ₽

Where to replace:

  • 🏠 Authorized service center - 6-12 month warranty, but more expensive.
  • 🛠️ Informal workshops - cheaper, but the risk of poor-quality repairs.
  • 📦 Independent replacement - only if you have experience and tools (for example, a kit iFixit).

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the display on iPhone or flagship Androiddevices (Samsung Galaxy S/Note, Google Pixel) a new matrix may be required. Without it, software binding new matrix. They may not work without it. Face ID, Always-On Display or gestures may not work. Check this point with the specialist before. repair.

7. Prevention: how to avoid the appearance of a stripe in the future

To minimize the risk of a reappearance of a stripe, follow these recommendations:

  • 📲 Update the firmware regularlybut not install beta versions on the main device.
  • 🛡️ Use cases with screen protectors (especially for devices with curved displays, for example Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra).
  • 🔌 Avoid cheap USB-C to HDMI cables —they can cause conflicts when connecting to external displays.
  • 🎮 Do not install mods for games (for example, GFX Tools), which forcefully change the resolution.
  • 🔄 Periodically reset cache section via Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).

If you often connect your smartphone to a monitor or TV, check the scaling settings after each disconnection. On some devices (Samsung DeX, Huawei Desktop Mode), the bar may appear due to a malfunction DisplayPort Alt Mode.

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On devices with AMOLED-screens (most flagships) avoid long-term display of static elements (for example, the navigation bar) - this can lead to the appearance of a permanent bar. Use dark themes and enable the function data-i="319">pixel burnout pixel burnout and the appearance of a permanent stripe. Use dark themes and enable the feature Screen Shift (on Pixel) or Shift AOD (on Samsung).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the stripe at the bottom of the screen

The stripe appeared after a crash. Can it be fixed programmatically?

No. If the stripe is visible on the loading screen or in Recovery Mode, This hardware problem is damage to the matrix or cable. The display needs to be replaced. Software methods will not help here.

On my Xiaomi the strip appears only in games.

Most likely this is due to the settings Game Turbo or a forced change in resolution. Try:

  1. Disable Settings → Accessibility → Game space.
  2. Disable in the game settings “Full screen mode” or “Performance optimization.”
  3. Update graphics drivers via Google Play Market (search for “driver Adreno/Mali»).
After updating to Android 13 a gray bar appeared at the bottom of the screen. How to remove it?

This is a known issue on some devices (Samsung Galaxy A52, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10Solutions:

  • Roll back to Android 12 via Fastboot or Odin.
  • Enable developer mode and disable HW Overlays (Settings → For developers → Disable HW overlays).
  • Install a custom kernel (for example, KernelSU), if available for your model.

If all else fails, wait for a patch from the manufacturer or contact support.

The strip flickers and changes color. Is it a virus?

Most likely not. Flickering of the strip is usually associated with:

  • 🔌 Failure of the cable (if the flickering increases when you press the screen).
  • ⚡ Overheating of the graphics processor (check the temperature via AIDA64).
  • 📱 Display driver failure (try to reflash the device).

Viruses rarely cause such artifacts. To check, install Malwarebytes and scan the system.

Is it possible to replace the cable yourself? display?

Theoretically yes, but:

  • ⚠️ On modern smartphones, the cables are very fragile and soldered to the matrix.
  • 🛠️ You will need soldering station experience with microelectronics.
  • 🔧 On some models (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S), the cable comes complete with a matrix - you cannot buy it separately.

If you do not have experience, it is better to contact a service center. Incorrect replacement can lead to this. to complete loss of the image.