When there are problems with high-tech devices like Smart TVs, it can be a little daunting. The way in which they work is complex, and you may feel like you have no chance of fixing the issues yourself.
Sometimes, this will be the case. However, if your Samsung Smart TV is playing sound but isn’t displaying any images, there are ways for you to fix this.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of this issue and the best ways for you to fix it yourself. Just bear in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive, and there are other issues that you may not be able to fix by yourself.
Common Reasons Your Samsung TV Screen Has No Picture
There are a number of different reasons why your Smart TV is playing sound but has a black screen. This is a relatively common issue for all Smart TVs, and the causes can vary depending on the TV model.
However, there are some common causes that can occur in most models. These issues are fairly easy to fix once you’ve identified the problem.
Faulty connections
A blank TV screen is often the result of faulty connections. It could simply be that the HDMI cables aren’t plugged in correctly. They may just be loose which means that a proper connection hasn’t been established.
It’s also possible that the cables themselves are faulty. This is more likely with older cables that you’ve used for previous TVs.
There could also be an issue with your TV’s connection to the power supply. Again, this might just be due to loose connections, but it could also be a sign that the wiring itself isn’t working correctly.
Backlight errors
If your TV has a black screen, it could be because there is an error with the backlight. This is a crucial component of LCD TVs, and if it’s not functioning properly, then there’ll be no image on your TV screen.
If your TV screen suddenly went blank then it’s quite likely that your picture issue is being caused by a faulty backlight.
Power supply board faults
Power supply board failure is one of the most common causes of picture issues for Smart TVs. If the power board isn’t working, then the screen simply won’t turn on.
The power supply board works alongside the T-Con board and various internal parts to provide power to the TV and produce the picture on the screen.
The easiest way to tell if there’s an issue with the power board is to plug your TV into a new power source. If your TV starts working when you do this, then it means there is an issue with the power outlet you’ve been using.
If it still doesn’t work, then the issue is probably with the board.
TV panel faults
If there’s damage to your TV panel, then your screen will definitely be blank. Unfortunately, this is one of the more serious issues that can occur and it’s not easy to fix.
Capacitor faults
Capacitors are electrical components that are used to store electric charges and are also used in filter circuits. It’s fairly common for the capacitors in Samsung TVs to wear out over time.
If one or more of the capacitors in your TV has stopped working then this will prevent an image from appearing on your screen.
Sleep timer
It could be the case that there is nothing wrong with your TV at all and that you just have the sleep timer turned on. This means that your TV will automatically turn off after a certain amount of time.
All you need to do is go into your TV settings and turn off the sleep timer.
5 Easy Fixes For Your Blank TV Screen
So, now that you’re aware of the most common reasons that your TV has no picture, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can fix this. You should bear in mind that there are other issues that can cause your TV screen not to work properly.
Some issues will require you to buy a new TV or hire a professional to fix it for you. Still, there are a number of ways for you to fix your TV yourself.
1. Turn off power saver mode
If your TV is in power saver mode, then the screen will automatically turn off whilst the sound remains active. Power saver mode is a helpful tool for reducing wasted energy, but it can also disrupt the functioning of your TV.
To disable it, you need to access the settings menu and turn this mode off.
2. Factory reset
You can also use the reset option on your TV to perform a factory reset. This should fix most minor issues. To perform a reset, take a pin, insert it into the small hole in the back or side of your TV and hold it for around 60 seconds.
Depending on the model, you may be able to perform a factory reset using the TV remote or an app on your phone.
3. Replace the TV power board
If the power board isn’t working, then it may be best to call a technician to repair it for you. However, you can fix it yourself by following these steps:
- Lay your TV down on the floor on top of a towel with the screen facing downwards.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the back of the TV.
- Identify the fuses.
- Replace any damaged fuses.
- Use the screwdriver to unscrew the existing power supply board and replace it with a new one. Then screw this board into place.
- Reconnect any cables and wires, and secure the back cover onto the TV.
- Turn the TV on and see if it’s working again.
The above steps make the process sound simple, but you really shouldn’t try this unless you possess some DIY skills. In addition, you need to be careful when purchasing a replacement power supply board — different models will have different, incompatible power supply boards.
4. HMDI cable replacements
If all of the HDMI cables are correctly connected to the TV, but it’s still not working, then there may be an issue with the cables themselves. Buy new cables, or use different ones you already own, and see if the issue is resolved.
If the issue persists, then something else is causing it.
5. Make sure your TV is installed properly
It may seem obvious, but your TV may simply not have been installed properly. If it came with a manual, then check the instructions. If not, you can access the manual for your model on the Samsung website.
If it hasn’t been set up properly, then simply follow the instructions and make sure there are no loose connections.
Samsung Support & Warranties
If none of the fixes above work, then you may have to buy a new screen or a new TV. However, you should contact Samsung’s support team first to see if they can offer you any assistance.
If your TV is still under warranty, then many repairs and replacements will be covered by Samsung. You can check if your TV is under warranty online.
FAQs
How long do Samsung TV warranties last?
Samsung provides a 1-year warranty for most of its Smart TVs. It also offers extended warranties for an extra fee. If you want to take out an extended warranty, then you should discuss this with the merchant before you purchase the TV.
Is it expensive for a technician to fix my TV?
On average, it costs $207 for a technician to repair your TV. Replacing a power supply or motherboard usually costs around $250, bulb replacements usually cost around $88, backlight repairs are around $111, and HDMI port repairs are around $200.
Is it worth repairing my Samsung TV?
Depending on the issue, repairing your TV is usually more cost-effective than buying a new one. It also reduces waste and is better for the environment. Still, there are times when it would cost more to repair the TV than to replace it.
This is especially true of old TVs as parts become harder to find and more expensive over time.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many of the most common causes of this issue are fairly straightforward to fix yourself. This is good news as paying for repairs can be quite expensive.
Even so, there are times when the fixes we’ve listed in this guide won’t resolve the issue for you. When this is the case, you’ll need to contact a Samsung technician to carry out the repairs for you.
Fortunately, if your Smart TV is playing sound but not displaying images, it doesn’t usually require you to replace the TV.
