You’ve just made a cuppa and sat down to watch your favourite show, only for your TV to greet you with a “no signal” message. Yep, we’ve all been there. And it can be really frustrating when all you want to do is kick back and relax. But luckily, it’s a common issue that you can quickly fix with a few easy steps.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some solutions to help you get your TV back up and running. From checking the input source to updating its software.
Check your TV’s input source
You don’t even have to get up from the sofa to try our first fix. Just pick up your remote and follow these steps to see if your TV’s set to the correct input source:
Grab your remote: Look for the ‘input’ or ‘source’ button. If you can’t find it, it might be called something like ‘AV’ or ‘HDMI’ instead.
Press the input or source button: On most TVs, this should bring up a small menu that shows all of its available inputs.
Cycle through the inputs: Use the arrow buttons on your remote to go through your TV’s input options. Keep an eye on the screen to see if the signal appears from the device you’re trying to watch stuff from. It’s also worth checking that it’s turned on and not in standby!
Can’t find the input or source button?
You can usually find your TV’s available inputs from the main settings menu. Just scroll through until you come across the input or source section.
Inspect cable connections
Next up, let’s check those cables (sorry, you’re going to have to get up for this). That’s because a loose or damaged cable might be the reason behind that “no signal” message on your screen. Here’s how to find out if that’s what’s stopping you from tuning into Eastenders:
Turn off your TV and connected devices: Before you start, make sure to switch off your TV and anything you’ve got hooked up to it. Smart TV boxes, streaming sticks, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, etc.
Check over your cables: Inspect your HDMI or AV cables for any visible signs of damage. If you see any frayed or bent connectors, it might be time to replace them.
Reseat the cables: If they look fine, unplug the AV or HDMI cables from both your TV and connected devices, then plug them back in securely. Make sure the connections are snug and the cables are fully inserted.
Turn your TV and devices back on: Check if the signal is now coming through on your TV.
Test different ports: TVs have a few HDMI and AV ports. So, if you’re still having trouble, try plugging the cable from your device into a different port to see if it sorts out the issue.
Restart your connected devices
No, we’re not joking! Turning something off and on again can often fix a glitch. So, try restarting the devices plugged into your TV with these steps:
Turn off the device: Power off the bit of tech you’ve got connected to your telly.
Unplug it: Disconnect the device from the power socket and wait a few seconds. For some electronics, this is sort of like a reset.
Plug your device back in: Get your TV box or console connected to your mains again and turn it back on.
Check the signal: Once the device has restarted, check if the “no signal” message has disappeared on your TV.
Update software or firmware
Today’s smart TVs and TV boxes let you stream movies and shows with a Wi-Fi connection. That means they can also receive regular software updates to improve certain features and fix bugs. This is why it’s a good idea to keep them all up to date, as it can also help prevent connectivity problems. Here's how to do it:
Check for updates: Go to the settings menu on your TV and look for ‘software update’ or ‘firmware update’ (it might be under ‘general’). Then follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
Update connected devices: Also check for updates on your connected devices. This can usually be done through their settings menus too.
Reset your TV
If all the above steps didn’t work, then it might be time to reset your TV. This can help clear any internal memory issues or bugs that might be causing the problem. Here’s two methods you can try:
Power cycle: Switch off your TV and unplug it from the wall. Wait for around a minute before plugging it back in and turning it on.
Factory reset: If a power cycle didn’t do the trick, you might need to perform a full factory reset. But keep in mind that this will erase all your settings and preferences. To reset your TV, go into your settings, look for the ‘reset TV’ option, then follow the prompts.
Advanced troubleshooting steps
Still seeing the "no signal" message? It might be time to try some more serious troubleshooting steps. These less common issues can sometimes be the cause:
Overheating: This can make your TV and devices stop working. That’s why you must ensure they have proper ventilation and aren't getting too hot.
Signal interference: Other electronic devices or wireless signals can interfere with your TV signal. Try moving any potential sources of interference away from your TV and connected devices.
HDCP issues: High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) can sometimes cause compatibility problems. So, make sure that your HDMI cables and devices are HDCP compliant. Updating the firmware of your devices may also fix these issues.
Check resolution settings: Incompatible resolution settings on your device and TV can result in a "no signal" message showing up on-screen. Check your TV and connected device are set to compatible resolutions.
Need more TV advice?
Don’t leave just yet, as we’ve got plenty more TV tips for you! Like our guide on how to clean your TV screen, so everything you watch looks as clear as possible. Or how about giving our OLED vs. QLED vs. Mini-LED article a read? It’s especially handy if you’re thinking about upgrading your TV and want to know which screen tech is best.
