What to Do If Your Smart TV Screen Is Black: Troubleshooting Guide

A black screen on your smart TV can be frustrating—especially when you're ready to watch your favorite show and the display is completely blank. If you’re wondering what to do if your smart TV screen is black, this step-by-step guide will walk you through possible causes and practical solutions.

This guide applies to major brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, TCL, and Hisense Smart TVs.

Common Reasons Why Your Smart TV Screen Is Black​

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand what might be causing the issue:

• Power supply problems
• Faulty HDMI cables or input sources
• Outdated firmware
• Sleep timer or energy-saving settings
• Backlight or display panel failure

How to Fix a Smart TV with a Black Screen​

1. Check if the TV Has Power​

• Ensure the power cord is plugged in firmly.
• Press the power button on the remote and directly on the TV.
• Look for signs of life—such as a red standby light turning on/off.

If there's no light at all, try a different power outlet or test with another device.

2. Perform a Soft Reset​

Sometimes a simple reboot can solve the problem.


Steps:

• Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and press the power button.

This helps drain residual power and can clear temporary glitches.

hdmi-inputs-and-source-settings" >3. Check HDMI Inputs and Source Settings​

A black screen could be due to the TV being on the wrong input.

• Press the “Input” or “Source” button on your remote.
• Cycle through the inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) until your device appears.
• Make sure the streaming box, cable box, or game console is turned on.

Also, try unplugging and replugging the HDMI cable, or testing with a different cable/device.

4. Turn Off Energy Saving or Power Saving Mode​

Some Smart TVs turn off the screen as part of energy-saving settings.


Steps for most TVs:

• Go to Settings > General > Eco Solution (or similar).
• Disable Energy Saving Mode, No Signal Power Off, or Auto Power Off.

5. Reset the TV to Factory Settings (If Accessible)​

If you can see the menu briefly or if the screen comes back intermittently:

• Navigate to Settings > General > Reset or System > Reset to Factory Defaults.
• Enter your PIN (default is usually 0000).
• Confirm reset.

Note: This will erase saved apps and settings.

6. Inspect the Screen with a Flashlight Test​

If the screen is black but sound is still working, the backlight may be faulty.

• Turn on the TV and shine a flashlight closely at the screen.
• If you can faintly see images, the backlight may need repair.

This usually requires professional servicing.

Bonus Tip: Try an External Display​

To verify if the problem lies with the TV or input source:

• Connect your streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick, etc.) to another TV.
• If it works on the second TV, the issue is with your Smart TV.

When to Call a Technician​

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, and your TV is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer’s support or the place of purchase. Issues like a dead backlight or failed mainboard are hardware-related and may require professional repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts​

If your smart TV screen is black, don’t panic. Start with the basics: power, cables, inputs, and a soft reset. In many cases, the problem is simple and can be resolved at home. But if the screen remains blank after trying all fixes, it may be time to seek technical help.

Understanding what to do if your smart TV screen is black can save you time and money—and get you back to streaming in no time.

Related Reading:

Hisense TV Black Screen Fixing Tips