How to Fix a Black Screen on a TV

Written By:
Lawrence Bonk
Updated January 24, 2023

Experiencing a black screen is perhaps the most frustrating thing for any TV owner,
especially if you just purchased one of the best TVs for the bedroom, you’re
exhausted, want to watch something before bed, and your TV won’t function
properly. If you just turned on your TV and it has a black screen, it could point
towards a malfunction. Black screens are pretty common; sometimes, the screen
will go black, but the user can still hear audio playing in the background.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 Perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is connection issues.

Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black.
 Sometimes, issues related to black screens are caused by source devices such
as Blu-Ray players, video consoles, and set-top boxes.
 Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the manufacturer. Your TV
screen might be black due to obsolete firmware.

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 fortunately for you, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to
help TV owners learn how to fix a black screen on their highly-rated TV.

For another guide to TV fixes, you’ll want to learn how to repair the TV main board,
and what to do if you have to ask, why does my TV keep turning off? Or, if you use
an antenna for over-the-air channels, we have a guide on rescanning for channels to
ensure you get the most options.

What causes a Black Screen?

Before rushing to your local TV repair shop, consider some simple troubleshooting
steps to solve this common issue yourself at home. However, it is essential to note
that some cases might need the TV owner to seek technical assistance from a
professional. So, what causes a black screen? Additionally, if you are dealing with
color-related problems, you can check out our guide on how to fix tv color
distortion.

 Cable connection issues: perhaps the most common cause of a black screen is
connection issues. Loose or damaged cables will cause the screen to be black.
They can also be the cause of sound problems, but you can simply find
out how to fix a TV with no sound. Make sure the power source is secured
and functioning as well.
 Issues with input devices: Sometimes, issues related to black screens are
caused by source devices such as video consoles and cable boxes. To find out
the problem, press the TV remote menu button. If the menu settings appear,
the problem is with the source device. Additionally, devices connected to your
TV could be a reason for a high-pitched noise coming from your TV.
 Input setting issue: A blank screen can also be caused by an input setting
issue. Most times, users experience black screens, it’s always due to the
wrong input connection. Before turning on your TV, makes sure that the
inputs are set correctly to avoid this problem.
 Firmware updates: Smart TVs get regular over-the-air updates from the
manufacturer. Your TV screen might be black due to an obsolete firmware
version.

Fixing a Black TV Screen

Fixing a black TV screen is relatively easy and can be done from the comfort of your
home.

1. 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.
2. Countercheck on the source devices. Find out if your sources have a problem
by pressing your TV remote menu button. If the menu setting pops up on the
screen, your TV is fine.
3. 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. You can learn how to fix an HDMI
port on tv if that is the problematic connection.
 4. 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.

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.
STAT: Smart TV technology is increasingly getting popular. In 2020, more than 70%
of U.S households had access to a Smart TV. The most popular Smart TV operating
system is Tizen and WebOS (source)

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-tv-has-sound-but-no-picture-
CT10000018-1380902746888
2. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00173830
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-OeaBezoGkr
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4ZxcFUkf24
5. https://www.statista.com/statistics/782217/smart-tv-share-by-oem-in-the-us/