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LG TV: black screen or no picture

A black screen on an LG TV can mean the TV is off, on the wrong input, or needs a restart. Work through these in order. Menu names vary by model and year.

Is it really off?

Look for a small light under the screen. If there is sound but no picture, shine a torch close to the screen. A faint image means the backlight has failed, which needs a repair.

Check the input

  1. Press the Input button (or Home then choose Inputs).
  2. Pick the one your box uses, for example HDMI 1.
  3. Make sure the box itself is switched on.

A message such as No Signal points to the box or the HDMI lead rather than the TV.

Check the lead

Push both ends of the HDMI cable in firmly. Try another HDMI socket on the TV, and another cable if you have one.

Power cycle the TV

  1. Unplug the TV from the wall.
  2. Press and hold the power button on the TV itself for 30 seconds.
  3. Wait one minute, plug in and switch on.

Check for a mode problem

If the logo appears but the screen then goes black, try an Energy Saving setting. Go to Settings, then All Settings, then Picture, and look for Energy Saving or similar. Turn it off and see if the picture returns.

If it is a flicker or lines

Lines, dark patches or a split picture usually mean a hardware fault. Do not try to open the TV. They contain high voltages.

When to get more help

Get help if the TV makes sound but stays black, the picture has lines or patches, or the TV clicks and will not start. If the TV is under guarantee, check this before anyone opens it.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

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