How to Fix Black Screen Issue on Smart TV (Samsung)

Are you experiencing a black screen on your Samsung Smart TV? Is it powered on but you’re unable to see a picture? You’re certainly in the right place to find a solution to this problem. Your TV might be functioning well, and then suddenly, the screen goes completely black. You might still hear the audio, adjust the volume, and change the channels, but still, you’re unable to see anything on the display. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Explore this page to find a solution.

Before you consider disposing of the TV to buy a new one or spend money on repairs, there are several potential solutions you can try yourself. The issue could stem from various factors, including the source, cables, or other inputs. Although this isn’t the dreaded “black screen of death,” you can often troubleshoot and solve the problem at home. However, some cases might indicate a more severe issue, necessitating professional service.

What Causes the Black Screen Issue on Your Samsung Smart TV?

After receiving numerous reports from multiple users, we investigated the issue and identified a set of solutions that resolved the problem for most of our users. We also looked into the reasons why the black screen issue occurs on Samsung Smart TVs and listed them below.

  • Cable connection problem: A black screen issue on your Samsung Smart TV may be due to a cable connection problem. Loose connections, damaged cables or inactive power sources could be the cause.
  • Source issue: Additionally, the problem could be related to external sources such as DVD players, cable boxes, etc. To check if the problem is with the sources, press the Menu button on your remote. If the menu displays on your TV screen, the problem lies with the external sources.
  • Input setting problem: The black screen issue could also be related to input settings. Your TV might be set to the wrong input. Ensure your TV is set to the correct input to avoid this problem.
  • Firmware update issue: Outdated firmware can also cause a black display. Updating the firmware is a potential solution.
  • Sleep timer/power saver mode: If your TV randomly goes black, the issue could be due to an activated sleep timer or energy-saving mode. Deactivate these features to see if it resolves the issue.
  • Hardware failure: Alternatively, your TV might display a black screen due to a hardware failure, which could include a faulty circuit board, panel, or LED. In this case, professional service is required.

With a basic understanding of the issue, let’s move on to the solutions. Implement these in the order they’re listed to avoid conflicts.

Solution 1: Ensure Proper Cable Connection

First, ensure there is a proper cable connection between the external sources and your TV. Unplug all connections and then plug them in tightly to ensure there are no loose connections. Also, check the power cable and power supply to confirm they work correctly.

After checking the connections, if the problem persists, inspect the cables for damage. If you find a broken cable, replace it and see if the issue is resolved. You can also try switching the HDMI cable to another port to test its functionality. If the problem continues, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 2: Double-Check the Sources

To determine if the issue is with your sources, press the Menu button on your remote. If the menu appears, your TV is functioning correctly, and the problem is with the connected sources. These could include the SAT Box, Cable Box, DVD Player, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and others.

Double-check these sources to ensure they work correctly. Turn off the sources and then on again to resolve any temporary faults. If this doesn’t work, try connecting a different source to the TV or the same source to a different TV. This step will help you identify if the source is the problem.

Solution 3: Set the TV Input Correctly

An incorrect TV input setting might be causing the black screen issue. Use your remote to press the Source button and navigate through the input settings to ensure they are correct.

Source button on your remote
Source button on your remote

Ensure the TV input is set to the correct component. You might also cycle through all TV inputs to confirm that each component is connected to the correct input, which may resolve the issue.

Solution 4: Turning Off the Power Saver/Sleep Timer

If you’ve accidentally activated the sleep timer or energy-saving mode, it could be causing your TV to display a black screen.

  1. Press the menu button on your remote.
  2. Select System and then Time.
  3. Choose Sleep Timer and set it to Off.
Turning off the sleep timer Samsung black screen
Turning off the sleep timer
  1. Press the menu button on your remote.
  2. Navigate to Settings and select Energy Saving Mode.
  3. Set the mode to Off.
Turning off the energy-saving mode
Turning off the energy-saving mode

If the problem remains unresolved, continue to the next solution.

Solution 5: Update the Firmware of Your TV

Updating your TV’s firmware can potentially solve the black screen issue and enhance the device’s overall performance. 

  1. Press the menu button on your remote.
  2. Navigate to Settings, select Support, and then Software Update.
  3. Choose Update Now.

Your TV will begin the update process. New updates will be downloaded and installed automatically. Once the update is complete, your TV will restart, and the black screen problem may be resolved.

Solution 6: Reset Your TV

If none of the previous solutions have worked, consider resetting your TV. This action will restore the settings to their defaults, erase all data, and remove any bugs or glitches. Resetting the TV can potentially fix the black screen issue.

  1. Press the Menu button on your remote control.
  2. Go to Settings and select Support.
  3. Choose Self Diagnosis and select Reset.
  4. Enter your PIN when prompted (the default PIN is 0000).
  5. After the reset process is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your TV.

Solution 7: Seek Professional/Technical Help

If the above solutions didn’t resolve the issue, you should consider professional repair services. You can claim warranty service or find a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the TV. Avoid attempting to repair the TV yourself unless you are confident in your abilities. Professional technicians can identify and replace any faulty components, ultimately resolving the black screen issue.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.