Your Samsung TV shows a blank screen, or your HDMI device doesn't appear at all. That doesn't automatically mean the cable is broken. Start with the power and input checks, then test the connection to find out whether the cable, port, device, or settings need attention.
Check the device and selected HDMI input
Turn on the console, streaming device, player, or cable box connected to your TV.
For a connected PC, wake it from Sleep or Hibernate.
Open Connected Device > Source list on the TV.
Select the input matching the number printed beside the HDMI socket. A cable plugged into HDMI 1 needs HDMI 1 selected. Source-menu wording varies by model.
If the external device has its own input selection, select the intended source there.
For a completely black screen, press Home or Menu. A visible menu confirms that the TV can display an image. If neither menu appears, follow Samsung's power or black-screen troubleshooting.
If the TV menu works but your HDMI picture is still missing, restart the TV and connected equipment next.
Restart the entire HDMI connection
This addresses HDMI detection problems by restarting the TV and connected equipment.
Disconnect all HDMI cables from the TV and connected equipment.
Unplug the power cords for the TV and external devices for at least 10 seconds.
Reconnect their power cords.
Reconnect each HDMI cable to the external device first.
Connect the other end to the TV.
Turn on the equipment.
Select the matching input through Connected Device > Source list.
If the problem continues, cold boot the TV. With it turned on, hold the Samsung remote's Power button continuously until the TV turns off and turns back on.
If the remote does not perform that sequence, unplug the TV while it is on.
Wait 30 seconds.
Reconnect its power cord.
Turn the TV on again.
Narrow it down to the cable, port, or device
Change one part of the connection at a time to find where it fails.
- 1.Inspect the HDMI cable for damage and seat both connectors securely.
- 2.Try a known-working, certified HDMI cable that supports your device's resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and audio requirements.
- 3.Move the same device and cable to another HDMI input, then select that input through Connected Device > Source list. If they work there, Samsung recommends service for the original port. ARC/eARC audio requires its specifically labeled socket.
- 4.Connect another working external device to the TV. If only the original device fails, troubleshoot it with its manufacturer. If different working devices and cables fail after the remaining checks, request TV service.
Run the TV diagnostics and update its software
On supported 2022 and later TVs, open All Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > HDMI Troubleshooting.
Select the affected connection.
Follow the prompts. Samsung notes the cable test is designed for HDMI cables shorter than approximately 2 meters and may not produce good results with longer cables.
Replace the cable if the test identifies a cable fault.
On supported models using Samsung's newer Australian diagnostic interface, open Settings > All Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis.
Select HDMI Test instead. It examines the signal, cable, signal history, and abnormal HDMI-CEC behavior. Available diagnostics depend on the model and software.
For a network-connected TV, check for firmware updates through Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Some models require updated firmware for the HDMI diagnostic options.
If the update option is unavailable while streaming, switch to the TV source.
Select Update Now again.
Allow installation and the restart to finish without interrupting power.
For affected 7 series Crystal UHD TVs that freeze when switching HDMI sources, use firmware 1371.0 or later followed by the remote-button cold boot above; this version requirement applies only to those affected models.
If the connection works but the picture or sound does not
The device is detected, but the picture flickers or the soundbar stays silent. Match the adjustment to that symptom.
For a compatible high-bandwidth video source, open Home > Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Input Signal Plus.
Select the connected HDMI port.
Set it to On. Supported resolution, HDR, and refresh-rate combinations depend on the TV, port, device, and cable. This setting cannot add capabilities the hardware lacks.
For an incompatible source limited to the UHD/FHD frequencies specified in Samsung's compatibility guidance, turn the affected port off in the same menu. Disabling Input Signal Plus restricts available video formats; use this adjustment only for that compatibility issue.
For a missing or flickering PC picture, compare the PC's output settings with your TV's e-Manual supported-resolution table, including Input Signal Plus and Game Mode restrictions.
Select a supported resolution and refresh-rate combination on the PC. The menu depends on the computer. Use your TV's limits, since the numerical limits for another model do not establish what yours supports.
If the picture works but your soundbar is silent, connect the TV's HDMI (ARC/eARC) socket to the soundbar's HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) socket.
Power on both devices.
Check their volume and mute settings.
Set the soundbar to its ARC/eARC source. On 2024 and later Samsung soundbars, press Multi Function or Source to select TV ARC or TV eARC. On soundbars using the D.IN source, select D.IN with the soundbar's Multi Function/Source button or the remote's Source button, and confirm the display then shows TV ARC.
Open Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Output.
Select your connected soundbar.
Temporarily select TV Speaker in that menu to check whether sound reaches the TV.
Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) through Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager. Earlier interfaces use General instead of Connection. Samsung's ARC/eARC setup requires Anynet+ enabled.
On compatible 2024 and later eARC TV/soundbar combinations, open All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings.
Set HDMI-eARC Mode to Auto.
Set Digital Output Audio Format to Auto.
Restart the TV and soundbar.
If your audio system cannot handle the selected format, choose PCM under Settings > All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format. Samsung describes this compatibility option as stereo output.
If ARC/eARC audio still fails, disconnect other external devices from the TV. Another connected device can interfere with ARC/eARC operation.
Retest the TV-to-soundbar connection.
If the picture or sound problem remains after these checks, try the factory reset below as the last software troubleshooting step.
Leave a factory reset until the end
A factory reset restores settings and requires app sign-ins again; Samsung says network settings are excluded.
- 1.Exit any streaming app.
- 2.Open Settings > General & Privacy > Reset. On older models with a different reset interface, use Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset.
- 3.Enter your PIN. The default is 0000 if you have not changed it.
- 4.Select Reset, then OK, and let the TV restart.
- 5.Retest the HDMI connection with a known-working cable and device. If multiple devices and cables still fail, request service through Samsung support. Samsung also recommends service for a failure isolated to one port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I select an HDMI input without the Samsung remote?
Yes, on TVs with an input-capable TV Controller, commonly underneath or behind the screen. On joystick models, press its center to open the control menu. Navigate to input selection. Check your model manual for the exact controller placement and selection gestures.
What should I check if my TV uses a wired One Connect Box?
Reseat the One Connect cable at both ends. Inspect it for bends, breaks, kinks, pinching, or pressure from heavy objects. Replace a damaged cable. These checks apply to wired One Connect equipment.
Can I update the TV without an internet connection?
Yes, on models supporting USB updates. Download your exact model's firmware from Samsung. Extract the supplied files and folders to the root of an empty FAT32 USB drive. Insert it into the TV. Open Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Select Yes if prompted. Let installation finish without interrupting power.
Should I turn off Anynet+ to fix missing HDMI video?
No. Turning off Anynet+ addresses unwanted linked HDMI-CEC control, such as devices controlling one another. It is not a general repair for missing HDMI video.