Samsung TV has a black screen but I can hear sound
Sound but no picture can look alarming, but it often turns out to be a setting, a cable or the backlight. Here is how to find out which.
First, check it is not just the source
- Press Home on your remote. If the menu appears, the screen works and the problem is with the source or input.
- Press Source and choose a different input, such as TV or an app.
- If one input works but another is black, the problem is the device or cable on that input. See our guide on no signal and HDMI problems.
Try the Picture Test
Samsung TVs have a built-in test that shows whether the screen itself is working. On recent models it is under Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Picture Test (older models may place it under Support or Self Diagnosis directly). If the test picture shows clearly, the screen is fine and the fault is outside the TV. If the test picture is also black, the screen or backlight may be faulty.
Shine a torch at the screen
In a dark room, hold a torch close to the black screen. If you can faintly see the menu or picture, the backlight has failed. That is a hardware fault and needs a repair.
Quick fixes to try
- Check Picture Off (audio only) is not switched on. Some Samsung TVs let you turn the picture off but keep the sound. Pressing a button on the remote usually brings it back.
- Do a power reset: unplug the TV for a minute, then plug it back in.
- Unplug HDMI cables, then plug them back firmly.
- Check for software updates under Settings > Support > Software Update.
When to get more help
If the Picture Test is also black, or the torch test shows a faint image, do not try to open the TV. This is a warranty or repair issue. Have your model number and receipt ready, and speak to the shop or Samsung. Vision Tech can help you check and explain the options.