Experiencing a black screen is perhaps the most frustrating thing for any TV owner. Sending your TV to a repair shop can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when you factor in the shipping and handling fees.
Troubleshooting a black screen is relatively easy, and we have outlined a step-by-step guide to help TV owners learn how to fix a black screen on their top-rated TV.
What Causes A Black TV Screen?
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Cable Connection | Loose or damaged cables can cause black screens and sound problems. The connection to the power source or the power source itself could be an issue as well. They can also be the cause of sound problems, which if that’s the case as well, you can find out how to fix a TV with no sound. |
| Input Devices | Source devices like game consoles, DVD players, and cable boxes can cause issues. Additionally, devices connected to your TV could be a reason for a high-pitched noise coming from your TV. |
| Input Settings | A wrong input connection can cause a blank screen. |
| Firmware Updates | Obsolete firmware versions might need updating. |
| Backlight | The backlight illuminates the TV screen. Its malfunction can cause the screen to go black. |
| Internal Components | A defective mainboard or T-Con board (Timing Control board) can lead to a lack of picture and other display problems. |
| Power Supply | The power supply board is crucial for providing power to every part of the TV. Its malfunction can lead to the TV shutting down or failing to power up. |
Steps To Fix a Black TV Screen
STEP 1 Power Cycle Your TV
Unplug your TV from its power source for a few minutes, hold the power button for 15-30 seconds, then plug it back in and try turning the TV on.
STEP 2 Check Connections to TV
First, ensure that you have a proper cable connection between source devices like set-top boxes, video consoles, and your TV. This will help you understand if the problem is due to a connection or any other issue.
Additionally, a loose cable could be the cause of a blue screen on your TV. Make sure the power cable and all HDMI cables are secure.
STEP 3 Connect the TV to a Different Power Outlet
Plug your TV into another outlet. Make sure the outlet is working as well.
STEP 4 Connect the TV to a Different Device
If the TV is still not working, connecting another device, like a DVD player or a gaming console, can help determine if the issue lies with the TV itself. If the alternate device operates correctly, it’s likely that the TV is the source of the problem.
STEP 5 Check that Inputs are Set Up Properly
Next, set up your inputs correctly. Poor connections will lead to a black screen, and setting up your devices correctly will solve the problem.
Press the input button on your TV remote and navigate to the input setting section. Make sure all your inputs are set correctly to the right input source. You can learn how to fix an HDMI port on tv if that is the problematic connection.
STEP 6 Test for Backlight Failure
Hold a flashlight close to your TV’s screen.
If you see a faint image, this indicates that there’s an issue with the TV backlight which needs to be fixed.
STEP 7 Check for Software Updates
If you can access the TV menus, check if there are any software updates and install them.
STEP 8 Check Power Saver Settings
Some TVs come with a sleep timer or power saver feature that will turn off the screen when not in use or at a configured time.
If there is more than one person in your household, a sleep timer could have been activated, which is perhaps why the TV screen is black. Navigate through your menu settings and turn it off. And be sure to keep your TV screen clean to ensure that the picture is clear from dirt too.
STEP 9 Reset the TV
Do a hard reset on the TV. Most TVs are equipped with a reset button that lets you revert the TV back to its original factory settings.
STEP 10 Check for Internal Component Failure
Note that this step can be intricate and requires some technical knowledge.
Remove the back panel of the TV. Inspect for any visible damage or loose connections. If either or both the main and T-CON boards are deemed to be faulty, replace them. These are also solutions in the case that your TV has sound but no picture.
STEP 11 Consult a Professional Technician
If all the above steps do not succeed, hire a professional technician.
Demonstrating How To Fix A Blank TV Screen
If you’d prefer a demonstration of the above steps, check out the following video. The creator addresses the issue a fully blank TV screen with a blinking input source text in the corner. He also discusses the scenario where the TV menu works but no picture shows in the window that displays the main content.
F.A.Q.S
Is it possible to fix a TV black screen at home?
Before rushing to your local TV repair shop, consider troubleshooting the problem yourself at home. However, it is essential to note that some cases might need the TV owner to seek technical assistance from a professional.
What causes a TV to black screen?
TV black screens are commonly caused by cable connection issues, issues with input devices, or outdated firmware updates. Worst case scenario, the power supply board could have malfunctioned.
Could a loose cable cause a TV black screen?
Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues. Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black.
Could an outdated firmware update cause a TV to black screen?
Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the manufacturer. Your TV screen might be black due to an obsolete firmware version.
How does the sleep timer feature cause a black screen?
Some TVs come with a sleep timer or power saver feature that will turn off the screen when not in use or at a configured time. This will lead to a blank/black screen.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-tv-has-sound-but-no-picture-CT10000018-1380902746888
- https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00173830
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-OeaBezoGkr
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4ZxcFUkf24
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/782217/smart-tv-share-by-oem-in-the-us/
