No HDMI signal on your TV or monitor? What to do step by step
A “No signal” message rarely means a broken screen. It's usually the wrong input, a loose cable or a computer that has gone to sleep.
- Most common cause
- wrong input selected, or a loose or faulty HDMI cable
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
- Repair shop, if nothing helps
- 200–820 zł (HDMI port or board)
Before you unplug or plug in an HDMI cable, switch the devices off, or at least don't yank the connector. Don't force the plug in, because you can damage the port. A reset of the monitor or TV erases your custom picture settings and signed-in accounts, so do it last.
Step by step
Select the right input
On the remote, press Source (or Input) and choose the port your device is plugged into, for example HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. On a monitor, use the Input button or the joystick in the OSD menu and choose HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C.
Check that the source device is working
Make sure the set-top box, console or computer is on and not asleep. On a computer, move the mouse and press any key. If the monitor light is orange, the computer isn't sending a picture.
Unplug the HDMI cable and push it in firmly
Pull the plug out on both ends and push it in all the way, until it sits with no play. Check the ports for dust or bent pins.
Try a different cable and a different port
Use another HDMI cable, ideally a shorter one of good quality. Move it to another port on the TV. Also connect another device, for example a console instead of the set-top box. This shows whether the cable, the source or the TV is at fault.
Cut the power for a minute
Switch off the TV (or monitor) and the source device, and unplug both for a minute. Then turn on the TV first and the source a moment later. This refreshes the HDMI handshake.
Force picture detection on your computer
On a Windows computer, press Win + P. Choose “PC screen only”, then “Duplicate”. This often brings the picture back when the computer hasn't detected the monitor.
Check the HDMI settings on the TV
Samsung: Settings → General → External Device Manager → Input Signal Plus. Turn this option on or off for the HDMI port you use. LG: in the picture or HDMI settings (depending on your webOS version) find HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour and change it for the port you use. If you use an antenna, run the channel search again. Warning: the search can replace your current, sorted channel list.
Restore factory settings on the monitor or TV
This is the last resort. Warning: a reset removes your picture and brightness settings and profiles, and on a Smart TV also your signed-in accounts and apps. Write down the settings you want to keep. Dell: Menu button → Others → Factory Reset. On LG and Samsung monitors the name of the reset option depends on the model, so look in the system or general menu.
- No cable, port or device gives a picture, but the TV or monitor menu works.
- The screen is black, but you can hear sound or see a picture when you shine a flashlight on it.
- The HDMI port is loose or bent, or you have to hold the cable in place.
- You smell burning or the TV won't turn on at all.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Replacing the HDMI port | 200–540 zł |
| LED backlight repair | 340–950 zł |
| Motherboard repair or replacement | 410–1200 zł |
| Diagnosis at a repair shop | 70–200 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
If the cause is the cable, the input or the settings, the fix costs 0 zł, or a few dozen zloty for a new cable. Replacing an HDMI port usually pays off if the TV or monitor isn't very old. With a damaged motherboard in a cheap TV that's a few years old, buying a new one often costs less. Check it in the calculator.
Check if repairing your TV is worth it
Pick your model and fault. In 2 minutes we show the repair cost, what the device is worth and an honest verdict.
Open the calculator →FAQ
Why does my TV show “No signal” even though the cable is plugged in?
Most often the wrong input is selected, the source device is off or asleep, or the cable is faulty. Start by changing the source and trying another cable.
Can an HDMI cable break?
Yes. Fraying, breaks near the connector and loose ports are common causes. A cheap cable may also not support 4K or higher refresh rates.
My monitor works with a laptop but not with a console. What does that mean?
The monitor is fine. Check the console's cable and port, and the console's output resolution in its settings. A resolution that is too high can give a black screen.