Subject:  Samsung TV has no picture or a black screen

A black screen could just be a sign that the TV is turned off, although if it is producing sound then you know that's not the case.

When your TV has a black screen even when it's on, it's quite possible it could actually be your external device and not your TV.

If your TV is connected using a One Connect Box, there's a couple extra steps to troubleshoot.

Is the TV with no picture using a One Connect Box or not?

TV without a One Connect Box has no picture

Press the Home (Menu) button on the remote.

• If the menu appears, the TV is powered on, but is either not on the correct source or not receiving a signal.
• If the menu does not appear, the TV may be having power issues. See our guide for TV will not turn on.

Confirm the TV is set to the same source as the external device.

• For instance, if your cable box is connected to HDMI 1, set the TV source to HDMI 1.
• If the TV is set to the correct source, but there is still no image, unplug and reconnect the AV connections one cable at a time, from both ends of each cable.
• If there's any damage to the cable, it will need to be replaced.
• After you've reconnected the external device, turn it off and then back on.

Test the HDMI cable.

• Some TVs have an HDMI cable test.
• Some models only have this test after a software update, and older models do not have it.
• If your model does not have this test, or is not connected by HDMI, skip to the next step.
• The test is designed for HDMI cords less than 6 feet long and may not give accurate results on longer cords.
• To perform the test, make sure the TV's source is still on the HDMI setting for the cable you want to test, and then navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Signal Information > HDMI Cable Test > Start Test.
• If the test says the cable is bad, replace the cable. Service is not required.

Test different external devices.

• The final thing to rule out is the external device you're using.
• Try connecting a different device, or using a different source port.
• If you were unable to test the cable in the previous step, then try swapping the cable, too.
• If the TV can display a picture in any other setup, then you've ruled the TV out as the cause of the issue.
• Keep trying various setups until you identify the device or cable that is not working, and troubleshoot or replace it.

Request Service for your TV.

If there's still no picture, visit the Support Center to request service.

TV with a One Connect Box has no picture

Check the One Connect cable for damage and solid connection.

• Disconnect and firmly reconnect the One Connect cable at both ends. (Some models call this the Invisible Cable.)
• Note: If the One Connect cable is bent, broken, kinked, pinched, or has a heavy object on top of it, it can cause an issue.
• The cable needs to be replaced if damaged.

Disconnect the One Connect Box to see if the TV displays an error message.

Note: If your TV does not have a power cord directly to the wall outlet, skip this step.

Disconnect the One Connect Box (either by disconnecting its power cord, or the One Connect cable).

• If you see anything (like a message or picture) on the TV after disconnecting the One Connect Box, the One Connect Box needs to be replaced.
• If the TV is plugged into a wall outlet, turned on, and disconnected from the One Connect Box, but no message appears, visit our Support Center to request service.

Press the Home (Menu) button on the remote.

• If the menu does not appear, the TV may be having power issues.

Confirm the TV is set to the same source as the external device.

• For instance, if your cable box is connected to HDMI 1, set the TV source to HDMI 1.
• If the TV is set to the correct source, but there is still no image, unplug and reconnect the AV connections one cable at a time, from both ends of each cable.
• If there's any damage to the cable, it will need to be replaced.
• After you've reconnected the external device, turn it off and then back on.

Test the HDMI cable.

• Some TVs have an HDMI cable test. Some models only have this test after a software update, and older models do not have it.
• If your model does not have this test, or is not connected by HDMI, skip to the next step.
• The test is designed for HDMI cords less than 2 meters long and may not give accurate results on longer cords.
• To perform the test, make sure the TV's source is still on the HDMI setting for the cable you want to test, and then navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Signal Information > HDMI Cable Test > Start Test.
• If the test says the cable is bad, replace the cable. Service is not required.

Test different external devices.

• The final thing to rule out is the external device you're using.
• Try connecting a different device, or using a different source port.
• If you were unable to test the cable in the previous step, then try swapping the cable, too.
• If the TV can display a picture in any other setup, then you've ruled the TV out as the cause of the issue.
• Keep trying various setups until you identify the device or cable that is not working, and troubleshoot or replace it.

Request service for your TV.

If there's still no picture, visit the Support Center to request service.