Why Does My TV Say 'No Signal'?

The quick answer

Start with the television's Input/Source button and choose the HDMI port your device uses. Then check that the cable is connected and the source device is actually powered on.

Follow the cable

If a streaming box, game console, or computer is connected to HDMI 2, selecting HDMI 1 won't show it. Look at the label next to the physical port; don't rely on which input happened to work last week. Reseat the cable while the devices are safely powered off.

Test the source device

Verify the streaming box or console has power and isn't stuck asleep. If another television or monitor is available, test the source there. You can also try a known-working HDMI cable or a different port to distinguish a cable issue from a TV input issue.

When connecting a computer

Windows may be set to display only on the laptop panel. With the TV connected, press Windows + P and select Duplicate or Extend as appropriate. If the laptop screen works but the TV doesn't, check display resolution and refresh-rate compatibility. Avoid changing several settings at once or you won't know which one helped.

What 'No Signal' doesn't prove

It doesn't automatically mean the TV's display panel is bad. It also doesn't prove the HDMI cable is defective. The source may be off, connected to another input, or failing to negotiate a compatible video signal.

When to seek repair

If multiple known-working devices and cables fail on every HDMI input, and the television's own menus work normally, the input electronics may need diagnosis. If the television won't show its own menu either, you're looking at a different display or power problem.