Is your Samsung TV producing no picture but all sound? Before you rush to buy a new TV, know the “black screen” problem could be a minor issue caused by easy-to-fix complications, such as:
- A misconfigured HDMI connection.
- A faulty cable installation.
- An improper device input setting.
- A remote with dead batteries.
For a quick fix to the Samsung TV that has sounds but not pictures, power-cycle it. Do this by unplugging it, pressing its power button for 15 seconds, and then plug it back in after 30 seconds.
If power cycling doesn’t work, read on, as we’ll show you 10 proven fixes to Samsung Smart TVs that turn up with a black screen while still playing their sounds. Plus, we’ll thoroughly discuss the details so you can fix things in less than an hour!
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Duration | 48 minutes |
| Number of Fixes | 10 |
| Things You Need | Samsung TVSamsung Smart remoteUSB stickA working internet connection |
How to Fix Your Samsung TV with Sound But No Picture
It’s easy to be lost in the dark when a smart TV is acting up. In the case of a Samsung TV with sound but no picture, it’s best to be systematic when applying proven fixes; that way, you don’t waste precious time and effort.
Thus, while you can configure your TV by cherry-picking one or two solutions below, we strongly urge you to start from the top. When you do, you’ll be able to zero in on the issue at hand a lot faster than being random about it.
1. Soft reset the TV.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Duration | 45 to 60 seconds |
This first solution is the easiest one. But don’t skip this part, as this is a proven fix that could settle a Samsung TV with no picture without sweat — saving you time in the process.
Note there are two ways to factor in a soft reset. However, both could solve possible software issues with your TV, so you can try each one.
Method 1: Follow these steps to soft reset using the remote:
- Press then hold the power button of your remote until the TV turns off.
- Keep pressing until your TV comes back to life again.
That should be easy. However, the following solution should come in handy if you can’t locate the remote.
Method 1: Follow these steps to soft reset without a remote:
- Unplug the TV from its power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the unit back in.
This second solution requires a little bit more muscle. But it could give an excellent start if your unit needs to remedy the problem at hand.
If you’re still dealing with the issue, the succeeding solution should come in handy.
2. Power-cycle your TV.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Duration | 45 to 60 seconds |
Power cycling is a little more specific than just a plain reset. The steps prescribed here are to ensure the unit is free of electrical charges as much as possible, explaining the twist to this more effective solution.
Follow these steps to power cycle your Samsung TV.
- Unplug the TV from the wall.
NOTE: If you have a surge protector, it’s best to ditch them for now, as the device is prone to power issues.
- While the TV is unplugged, locate the power button on the smart TV itself and not on the remote.
- Long press the power button for 15 seconds.
- Wait for another 30 seconds, then plug your Samsung back into the power source.
- Turn the TV back on.
That should be a walk in the park. But if that doesn’t resolve your Samsung TV with a blank screen, let’s move on to the following proven fix.
3. Check your TV connections and cables.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Duration | 3 to 5 minutes |
Connections provide necessary input to your Samsung TV. However, a faulty one can disrupt the unit’s performance, so you must consider every device linked to your TV.
With that said, it’s crucial you check your input source to see if they’re powered on. If you have a cable box, double-check if you’ve turned it on.
Additionally, that should hold true for your satellite box. As every setup from one TV to another is unique, ensure you have all connections accounted for.
Follow these steps to ensure connections are secure for your TV:
- Disconnect every external device connected to your TV. These could include the following:
– PlayStation/Xbox One consoles
– Roku
– Chromecast/FireStick streaming devices
– Cable box
– Satellite box
- Wait for 30 seconds before you put every connection back.
- Check devices connected to HDMI ports. Try plugging your Chromecast, for instance, into another HDMI port (HDMI 2) to see if the TV screen works.
- Check if you have faulty cable wires. HDMI cables could be damaged in time, so using another HDMI cord is a good idea to see if you can get your TV screen back.
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4. Check TV input.
Double-check your TV ports. It’s possible your TV could be connected to the wrong input source, so check using your remote if all the signal inputs are labeled as the correct input channel.
If not, you may have to change the source input. Unfortunately, doing so might have a different route for each Samsung TV model.
Depending on the buttons available on your remote control, changing the source will vary on a particular Samsung TV. Don’t worry; we’re showing below how you can choose sources utilizing different button controls.
Follow these steps to select the source using the TV control stick:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 2 |
| Duration | 10 seconds |
- Press the power button on the control stick to open the control menu.
- Press the control stick button similarly positioned to the source option in the control menu.
Follow these steps to select the source using a single TV power button:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 3 |
| Duration | 15 seconds |
- Press the power button on the Samsung TV to open the control menu.
- Press the power button repeatedly to highlight the source option.
- Press/hold the power button to select the highlighted option.
Follow these steps to select the source using the remote control:
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 2 |
| Duration | 10 seconds |
- Press home
on the Samsung remote.
- Scroll left/click Source.
Note: In other versions of the Samsung remote, the source button is readily available on the remote.
5. Use another external device.
It’s possible your external device may be defective, causing your Samsung TV to produce only sounds but no pictures. So a little experiment you can do here is to use another external device.
For instance, try another game console. If you plug in another Xbox One and your TV works, your original Xbox One could be out of commission.
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6. Check TV content sources.
Now, if your Samsung TV with sound but no picture issue persists, you may have to check on the content source. It could be an issue with your cable company, for instance.
To know if it’s the content source, try another content source. If you’re online, put it on Netflix or YouTube instead.
If online content works and your screen is all beautiful with colors, your cable company may have some explaining to do. But if not, your black screen issue needs another more formidable solution.
7. Nix Power Saver mode on your TV.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Duration | 60 to 90 seconds |
Power Saver mode is a bright idea meant to reduce your energy usage. But it can play a central role in your Samsung TV donning a black screen.
Power Saver mode automatically puts off your TV when idle. As it could be the force behind your black-screen Samsung TV, turning it off is wise.
Use the following steps to turn off Power Saver mode:
Press home  on your Samsung Smart remote.Press the left directional button on the remote and access Menu.  |
Go to Settings. |
Select All Settings (under Settings menu). |
Select General and Privacy. |
Then, select Power and Energy saving. |
Toggle Power and Energy Saving to off. |
8. Factor updates for your Samsung TV.
If you’re still getting a black screen with the solutions above, updating your TV’s firmware could give you a better chance. Take note that these updates not only improve performance but also take care of system glitches.
If you’re connected to the internet, the process should be straightforward. Alternatively, you can use a USB stick to install needed updates manually (which is a longer process).
You will need a PC to download these updates from Samsung support’s download page; then save them on your USB stick. Subsequently, you can plug the USB stick into your Samsung TV, putting the update process in motion.
Use the following steps to directly update your Samsung TV via Wi-Fi directly:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
Press home on your Samsung Smart remote.Scroll left/click Settings. |
Scroll down/click Support. |
Click Software Update. |
Click Update Now. |
Wait for the TV to search for and download an available update. |
Use the following steps to update your Samsung TV manually:
| Difficulty | Moderate ●●●○○ |
| Number of Steps | 19 |
| Duration | 35 minutes |
Press home on your Samsung Smart remote.Scroll left/click Settings. |
Choose Support. |
Scroll down/click About This TV. |
Take note of the TV’s model number and software version. |
Visit Samsung support’s download page using a PC.Type/search your TV model number in the search field |
Find the firmware section and click the download button under Upgrade File(USB type). |
Extract the upgrade file to any location on your PC.Note: Don’t rename the folder containing the extracted file.Plug a USB stick into your PC and copy the extracted file there. |
Unplug the USB stick from the PC and plug it into your TV’s USB port.Press home on the Samsung remote.Scroll left/click Settings. |
Scroll down/click Support. |
Click Software Update. |
Click Update Now. |
Wait for the TV to fail with the update check.Click Yes to search inside the USB stick instead. |
Click Yes to install the detected update file. |
That may take some effort, but it should be worth it. System updates keep your Samsung TV in tip-top shape and could be your best chance to remedy one with sound but no picture.
Take note that the solutions here go harder by a notch as we move forward. It’s another reason you should start from the top; with that said, the succeeding solution could solve your black screen issue if it persists.
9. Factory reset your Samsung.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 8 |
| Duration | 5 minutes |
Factory resetting your TV is a proven fix for a Samsung unit with a black screen. However, make sure you proceed with caution, as undertaking this step will mean all your files will be erased.
Also, it’s wise to take note of your TV configurations, as you won’t find them after the reset. So, even if this solves the issue at hand, you will have to restore your TV to its old settings
| WARNING: Backup your files and take note of your TV configuration settings before you factory reset your Samsung. Factory reset means all personal data and saved settings will be lost. |
Factory reset is like getting a brand-new TV, as you have to start all over again. It also means throwing everything bad that the TV has accumulated over time, such as malware or a virus.
Factory reset your Samsung TV using the steps below:
Press home on the Samsung remote.Scroll left/click Settings. |
Scroll down/click General. |
Scroll down/click Reset. |
Type the PIN and click Done. |
Click Yes to revert everything to factory default. |
Wait until the TV shuts down and fully reboots.Follow the instructions on the display screen to set up Smart Hub. |
By this time, your Samsung TV should be fully functional. If not, you may have to call in the cavalry.
While you may also tinker with the insides of the TV to address hardware issues, we strongly recommend you leave it to the experts. Know that tampering with electronics inside could void your warranty if your TV is new.
If you’re unsure about your Samsung TV warranty, connect with Samsung personnel when you bring home a brand-new unit.
10. Call customer service.
If still unsuccessful, reach out to Samsung support for further assistance. You can call their hotline at 1-800-726-7864.
The issue could be more than you can handle, and calling the experts is the best thing to do now.
Wrapping Things Up
There may not be a more unpleasant surprise than a Samsung TV with sound but no picture. But there’s nothing a great guide can’t handle, so we’re confident you’ll be able to navigate this challenging terrain in a breeze with the above solutions.
FAQs of Samsung TV with Sound but No Picture
Follow the steps below to reset a Samsung TV without a remote:
1. Unplug the TV from the wall.
2. Press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously to your Samsung TV.
3. Let another person plug the TV into power while you continue holding the buttons down.
4. Follow the screen instructions to reset successfully.
The solution above should work when both your remote and Samsung unit is out of order.
Misconfigured input is the most common reason a Samsung TV does not show pictures. Using the remote, check if you’ve configured your source of input right.
Moreover, check if your content source is working. It can be a case of internet loss or a cable company doing repairs and shutting down their service temporarily.
The latest Samsung TV uses a blue OLED backlight that comes with a quantum dot filter. While this separates it from OLED TVs from other popular brands such as Sony and LG, this also means availing of a broader range of colors than usual.
Additionally, Samsung TVs have robust support. That means you can avail of expert service and support for technical issues.
Samsung TVs should last 10,000 hours or an equivalent of 10 years, the industry standard for LEDs. That’s assuming you use the TV at least about 3 hours daily, but if you use it 24 hours daily, the TV will not last as long.
