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How to Fix a Humming or Buzzing TV (10 Causes and Fixes)

How to Fix a Humming or Buzzing TV (10 Causes and Fixes)

Humming can be an ingenious way to soothe yourself, but when your TV hums every time you watch, it has the reverse effect. It torments you like no other — filling your days with much bitterness you might end up ditching the electronics altogether. 

Luckily for you, there’s no reason to suffer the agony, as there are effective ways to resolve this issue and give you back your peace of mind! 

In this post, we will show you everything you need to know about the factors that cause this TV humming or buzzing issue and help you apply ten proven fixes to deal with it once and for all — so we recommend you read up. 

1. Loose or Faulty TV Cables

One of the most common causes of humming and buzzing sounds is a faulty cable connection between your TV and its external input device. The data transmission will be affected if you connect an external input device via a faulty HDMI cable.

This will only lead to various issues with both the video and audio outputs on your TV. You must identify if the cable you’re using for your source device is faulty or loose by checking if it’s connected securely and looking for any sign of damage.

Some common types of damage that HDMI cables sustain over time of use are wear and tear on their wire and broken connector pins. Even the power cable of your TV can be a contributing factor to the issue of humming sounds when it’s loose.

Loose or Faulty TV Cables

If the power cable is loosely connected, it can lead to a power supply issue that can cause your TV to malfunction and experience various issues. As such, checking for any loose or faulty cables is a TV-humming quick fix you can use.

FIX 1: Reseat the HDMI cable on your TV and replace it if needed

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps2
Time to Perform Fix10 seconds
Things NeededA working HDMI cable
Step 1: Unplug the HDMI cable connected to your external input device and TV.



Note: Inspect the HDMI cable for signs of damage and replace it with a new one as needed.
Step 2: Plug the HDMI cable connected to your external input device and TV.



Note: Ensure your HDMI cable is a snug fit on the external input device and TV. Reseat the HDMI cable on both devices until it fits securely, or switch to a replacement HDMI cable that fits better on the port of both devices.

FIX 2: Reseat the power cable on your TV and replace it if needed

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps5
Time to Perform Fix15 seconds
Things NeededA working wall outletA replacement power cable
Step 1: Unplug the power cord of the TV from its wall outlet to turn it off.



Note: Inspect the power cable for signs of damage and replace it with a new one as needed.
Step 2: Unplug the other end of the power cord from the DC/IN port on the rear panel of your TV.

Step 3: Plug the power cord of your TV back into its wall outlet after 60 seconds.

Step 4: Plug the other end of the power cord into the DC/IN port on the rear panel of your TV after 60 seconds.

Step 5: Turn on your TV and check if you can still humming sounds.

2. Excessive TV Backlight Setting

Humming sounds on the TV can also be caused by a backlight setting that’s set to max or any high value. You’ll hear a humming sound once it reaches the 100% mark on its backlight settings, but some TV models will have it starting at a lower value.

When your TV starts producing humming sounds, we recommend checking its backlight settings to see if it’s set to a high value. This allows you to narrow down the possible culprit of the TV humming issue and apply the appropriate solution.

Depending on how high the backlight settings on your TV are, the intensity of the humming sound might be affected. A higher value on the backlight settings results in a louder humming sound; lowering it will also reduce the sound level.

FIX: Lower the backlight settings of your TV

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps5
Time to Perform Fix20 seconds
Things NeededA TV remote control

Since the backlight settings on your TV affect how loud the humming sound the device produces, it only makes sense to lower it. This solution only requires you to tweak the value of the backlight settings from the TV menu.

Step 1: Press your TV remote control’s menu, settings, or home button to open the settings menu on the display screen.

Step 2: Select Picture to open the TV’s picture settings menu.

Step 3: Scroll down and click Expert Settings to open the TV’s advanced picture settings menu.

Step 4: Select Backlight to adjust your TV’s backlight settings.

Step 5: Use the left directional button on your TV remote control to lower the backlight settings until you no longer hear any humming sounds from your TV.

3. Inconsistent Volume Levels

The inconsistency between the volume levels of your TV and the external input device connected can also result in humming sounds. This issue usually occurs with external devices like cable boxes and satellite receivers with their volume controls.

If you set the volume level higher on your TV compared to the external input device, that might cause the device to produce humming sounds. The same is true if you also set the volume level higher on the external input device compared to your TV.

You can refer to the TV humming easy fix provided below to resolve the sound problem on your unit without any issues.

FIX: Adjust the volume on your TV and external input device accordingly

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps2
Time to Perform Fix20 seconds
Things NeededA TV remote control

The key to resolving the issue of inconsistent volume levels between your TV and its external input device is adjusting them at once to find the right balance. You only need to use both device’s remote control to adjust their respective volume levels.

You can also use the volume button on your TV if you can’t access a working remote control. The same goes for the external input device unless it comes with a rotating knob for volume control instead.

Step 1: Press the volume buttons of your TV or its remote control to adjust its volume level.

Step 2: Press the volume buttons of your external input device or its remote control to adjust its volume level.

Step 3: Adjust both devices’ volume levels until you no longer hear any humming sounds from your TV.

4. Faulty TV Speaker

As with any component, the built-in speaker inside your TV can also sustain damage while in use due to various factors  (e.g., moisture exposure or faulty power supply)/

Once damaged, your speaker will produce bad-quality audio or humming sounds.

The best way to check if the built-in speaker of your TV is the root cause of the humming sound is to lower the unit’s volume level or set it to mute. If the humming sound disappears, then it’s likely that you have a faulty built-in TV speaker.

FIX 1: Use an external speaker or soundbar on your TV as a replacement

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps5
Time to Perform Fix20 seconds
Things NeededA TV remote controlAny external audio device

If you own an external audio device such as a wireless speaker or soundbar, you can connect it to your TV in place of its faulty built-in speaker. You’ll need to switch the Sound Output on your TV from “TV Speaker” to “Optical” or “Bluetooth Speaker List.”

Doing so will not repair the built-in speaker inside your TV but will prevent it from being used and producing the humming sound. You can think of this solution more as a simple remedy instead of an actual TV-humming easy fix.

Step 1: Press your TV remote control’s menu, settings, or home button to open the settings menu on the display screen.

Step 2: Select Sound to open the TV’s sound settings menu.

Step 3: Select the Sound Output option under the sound settings menu.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Optical as the Sound Output if your external audio device is connected to your TV’s optical audio port.

Step 5: Scroll down and select Bluetooth Speaker List as the Sound Output if you connect a Bluetooth audio device to your TV.


FIX 2: Replace the built-in speaker inside your TV

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps5
Time to Perform Fix5 minutes
Things NeededA screwdriverA replacement TV speaker

A more permanent solution to a faulty TV speaker that’s producing humming sounds is to replace it with a new one. You can browse online selling platforms like Amazon or your local electronics shop for a compatible replacement speaker unit for your TV.

You need to do this if you’re planning to perform the replacement process yourself. If you’re not confident with your technical skills, you can send your TV to a local repair shop or your vendor’s service center so they can replace it with their spare parts.

Step 1: Place your TV face down on a work table or any smooth and flat surface.

Step 2: Unscrew the back panel of your TV to remove it and reveal the device’s internal components

Step 3: Disconnect the cable linking your TV’s built-in speakers to the main board and unscrew them from the chassis to remove them.

Step 4: Install the compatible replacement speaker units on your TV, screw them in place, and connect the wires that link to the main board.
Step 5: Reinstall your TV’s back panel and screw it back in place.

5. Ground Loops

Audio devices are the usual victims of ground loops, which cause them to produce buzzing and humming sounds. It becomes disruptive for any audio device since it messes up with their function, which is to generate good quality sounds for listening.

You will encounter a ground loop when several interconnected devices are plugged into separate power outlets, which causes most audio devices to produce humming sounds.

It happens because the audio device has two ground paths due to the created loop.

Ground Loops

FIX 1: Plug your TV and audio device into a single power source

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA working power source

A TV humming quick fix you can try to resolve the ground loop issue is to connect your TV and the audio device to a single power source. The source must have the same ground to reduce the difference in electrical potential between both devices.

FIX 2: Use a ground lift to cut the ground path

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 seconds
Things NeededAn audio device with a ground lift

Some audio devices have a built-in ground lift switch that allows you to cut its ground path to the other device, which breaks the ground loop. If your external audio device has this switch, turn it on to stop the ground loop.

Use a ground lift to cut the ground path

You can check your audio device’s product guide to see if it comes with a ground lift switch. Otherwise, we recommend you try the next solution we’ve prepared below.

FIX 3: Use an Audio or Power Isolation Transformer.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededAn audio isolation transformer

There are two separate devices that you can use to cut the ground path between your TV and the external audio device. Both devices should work effectively. 

You can connect an Audio Isolation Transformer (AIT) or  Power Isolation Transformer (PIT) between the two interconnected devices.

Isolation transformers can prevent the ground loop between your TV and the external audio device. The only difference is that the AIT is connected to the audio output while the PIT is connected to the power output.

6. CRT Scanning

Cathode-ray tube TVs are no longer prevalent today, but you can still get them from most retro electronic shops. These TVs remain a hot commodity for retro gamers who enjoy playing on classic game consoles to replicate the old-school experience.

CRT Scanning

Humming sounds are normal for CRT TVs since it’s always produced whenever they scan for signal frequencies. Since it’s a unique aspect of a CRT TV, you can’t treat it as a problem that requires a solution.

FIX: Replace your CRT TV.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA new LCD or LED TV

If you can’t tolerate the humming sounds that CRT TVs produce, the only fix for this is to get a new unit. Replace your old CRT TV with a new LCD or LED unit that doesn’t produce humming sounds as part of its functionality.

7. Overmodulation

The RF modulator installed on your TV is responsible for converting the audio and video signals that are transmitted by external input devices. 

The audio/video signal is turned into TV signals that your unit can read and output into its display and speaker.

Unfortunately, your TV’s RF modulator is prone to be overwhelmed by the audio and video signals it’s receiving. This results in overmodulation, which causes image and sound distortion on your TV.

When the overmodulation becomes too much for your TV, the sound distortion may become humming sounds.

FIX 1. Use a signal attenuator between your TV and cable box.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA TV signal attenuator

Installing a signal attenuator between your TV receiver and the cable box will help regulate the signal and reduce it to a bearable level. This nifty little device is a guaranteed TV humming easy fix for any overmodulation issues.

Use a signal attenuator between your TV and cable box.

Don’t be overcome by the tech speak. An attenuator is simply a plug to reduce signal strength. In a way, it’s like a gun’s silencer that limits the weapon’s sound volume. 

FIX 2: Replace your cable or satellite box.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA replacement cable box

If you’re in the market for a new cable or satellite box, this might be the best time to get a new one. 

While a signal attenuator can help with overmodulation, getting a new cable or satellite box is more future proof if the one you own has been with you for a long time.

8. Electrical Interference

Most wireless devices and electrical appliances are not advisable to store near your TV as they can cause electrical interference, which disrupts your unit’s functionality. 

Signal interference can also affect the TV when devices are near using similar frequencies.

Household devices such as phones, computers, and microwave ovens use the same 2.4GHz signal frequency. So, they’re all suspects when it comes to interference. TV humming sounds are the usual result of the interference caused by these devices.

FIX: Keep wireless and electrical devices away from your TV.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA replacement cable box

Moving nearby appliances and gadgets that can cause electrical and signal interference is the TV humming easy fix that we recommend the most. As long as these culprit devices are safe from your TV, you can stop the humming sounds.

If there’s a reason that you can’t move a specific device away from your TV, you can also try turning it off once you’re no longer using it. Reducing the number of devices near your TV should also be enough so you don’t have to move everything. 

9. Faulty or Obstructed TV Cooling Fans

Cooling fans are usually installed on more powerful TV models to help regulate their working temperature and prevent overheating. Overheating is problematic for any TV model as it can cause damage to its components and various other issues.

TV humming sounds are one of many issues that can result from an overheated unit. For this reason, we highly recommend you always give your TV enough time to cool itself down and avoid using it whenever its temperature reaches a dangerous level.

FIX: Clean your TV’s air vents.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA vacuum cleaner

The air vent on your TV is certified dust magnetic, which is why you’ll notice that it’s easier for the dust to build up there compared to other spots. It’s essential to clean your TV’s air vent to ensure its cooling fans perform well.

If the dust buildup becomes too thick, the air vent on your TV will be closed, and the cooling fan inside will not be able to work correctly due to the obstruction. You can use a vacuum cleaner to suck away dust from your TV’s air vents regularly.

You can also open the back panel of your TV so you can clean the cooling fan inside. Cooling fans will collect dust over time, so it’s always a good idea to clean them up regularly since too much dust buildup may also damage them.

FIX Clean your TV’s air vents.

10. Poor Ventilation and Ambient Temperature 

Another possible cause of humming sounds on your TV is poor ventilation, which can also lead to overheating. It’s always best to avoid letting your TV overheat so you can also prevent it from experiencing issues such as humming sounds.

FIX: Move your TV to an area with good ventilation.

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps1
Time to Perform Fix5 to 10 seconds
Things NeededA spot with good ventilation

The placement of your TV is a key factor in preventing it from overheating. We recommend putting your TV in a spot that has good airflow and away from other objects that can block its air vents.

You must also keep your TV away from spots near heat sources such as direct sunlight, stoves, ovens, etc. After all, keeping your TV in a place where the temperature increases frequently can cause it to overheat faster.

Other Troubleshooting Tips to Stop Humming and Buzzing on Your TV

Some simple troubleshooting tricks can also help stop the humming and buzzing sound produced by your TV. Below are the most common and effective ways to troubleshoot various issues on a TV.

1. Restart your TV

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps2
Time to Perform Fix15 seconds
Things NeededA working power outlet

The most common way to troubleshoot a TV that’s experiencing issues such as humming sounds is to perform a quick restart procedure. Doing so allows your TV to shut down, along with all apps and programs running in its background.

You can restart your TV by disconnecting and reconnecting it to its power source or pressing and holding its power button. After your TV restarts, you can expect it to correct any minor issues causing the unit to produce humming sounds.

Step 1: Pull the TV’s power cable from the power outlet to turn it off.

Step 2: Reconnect the TV’s power cable to the power outlet to turn it back on.



Note: Your TV should turn back on once it’s reconnected to the power outlet. Otherwise, you can press its power button to turn it back on manually.

2. Factory reset your TV

Difficulty Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps6
Time to Perform Fix5 minutes
Things NeededA TV remote control

Another common but effective way to troubleshoot problematic TVs is the factory reset procedure. Performing a factory reset is effective, but it should only be a last resort since it restores everything to its default settings, wiping stored data.

WARNING: A factory reset erases all your personal files and keeps only default settings. It’s crucial you save a copy of important ones before you start the process. 

Once you’re done with the factory reset, you need to reconfigure your TV and reinstall all the deleted apps. If your TV has a Cloud functionality, you can use it to back up your data and restore them after the factory reset has concluded.

Step 1: Navigate to your TV’s settings menu by pressing the menu, home, or settings button on its remote control.

Step 2: Scroll down and click General to go to the general settings menu.

Step 3: Scroll down and click Reset under the TV’s general settings menu.

Step 4: Enter the TV’s PIN code and click Done to start its factory reset.

Step 5: Click Yes to authorize its factory reset.

Step 6: Wait while your TV factory resets and reboots.

FAQs about TV Humming

Why is my TV producing a humming noise?

Various reasons can cause your TV to produce a humming noise. We’ve listed the most common reasons for TV humming noises in the rundown below so you can use it as a reference.

  • Loose and faulty cable connections on your TV and the external device.
  • Setting your TV’s backlight settings to a high value.
  • Inconsistency between the volume levels of your TV and the external device.
  • The built-in speaker of your TV is faulty and needs replacement.
  • You’ve connected your TV and the external audio device to separate power sources, which causes a ground loop.
  • Your TV is experiencing electrical and signal interference from nearby devices.
  • Your TV is overheating due to a rise in ambient temperature and poor ventilation.

Is a buzzing TV dangerous?

A buzzing TV is not dangerous, but it can cause further damage if unchecked for a long time. It can only be dangerous if the buzzing sound on your TV is caused by extreme electrical failure that can result in a fire hazard, which isn’t usual. 

Still, you should have your TV checked at the first signs of buzzing or humming. It’s always better to stop issues while they’re still manageable than to let them progress into a problematic mess.

What happens when your TV makes a buzzing noise?

Buzzing TV noises cause disruption when you’re watching, and letting it fester for a long time can result in further damage. It’s better to troubleshoot a TV making a buzzing noise as soon as possible to prevent it from causing irreparable damage.

Should I replace my humming TV?

Don’t replace your humming TV immediately, as this sound might only be caused by a minor issue that’s easy to troubleshoot. Replace your humming TV if the damage is too difficult to repair and if doing so will cost you almost as much as a new one.


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