Whether due to bad weather or hardware issues, your TV can encounter a “no-signal” issue. If there’s heavy rain, snowfall or winds at your location, the cable operator or streaming service provider will display a failure to receive the signal message. You only have to turn off the device for a while before the signal recuperates. This is because modern satellite dishes have been designed to cope with extreme weather.
In all other cases, if you’re convinced there is absolutely nothing wrong with the TV hardware, the problem lies with one of its many connections. Follow the simple troubleshooting steps in this guide to deal with the no-signal issue without incurring too much cost.
What Exactly Is a “No Signal” Problem?
Most TV manufacturers have an auto connection mechanism that allows the device to be detected and displayed on screen as soon as you turn on the remote. If your TV says no signal even though it’s set to the correct source or input as the cable box, what you’re facing is a network reception issue.
You can first try to power off the TV, wait for a few minutes and restart. If the problem continues, you’ll need to examine the individual connections one by one for troubleshooting. It’s a simple process of elimination.
If you’re using one of the HDMI ports of the TV to connect to a laptop/computer or any other screen-sharing device, you must disengage them before proceeding.
No Signal When Connected to Windows 10
There can be numerous reasons why you’d get the No Signal message when trying to connect your TV to Windows 10. While the hardware-related problems are covered elsewhere in this guide, there are a few things you can try on the Windows software side.
First, hit Win + P on your keyboard until you select either the Extend, Duplicate or Second Screen Only options. One of these should make the picture appear.
If that doesn’t work and your computer has an HDMI port both on its GPU (graphics card) and motherboard, then you need to make sure you’re connected to the right port. Normally, if you have a connected GPU, then the HDMI port on the motherboard will be disabled automatically.
Should you want to re-enable the motherboard HDMI port, you can sometimes do so by right-clicking the desktop and switching there, but you may need to do so through the BIOS (though generally it’s better to use the port on the GPU, as you’ll be taking advantage of your GPU’s power that way).
Check the Cable Box/Set-Top Box
Your set-top box might be the reason for a no-signal issue in some cases. Whether you use an SD or HD box, the provider may release a new firmware and update it in the background. This means new satellite settings have been uploaded, but the device has not fully integrated with the adjustments.
To solve the problem, unplug the power cable and insert it once again. Make sure the TV is switched off. You may also want to pull out the smart card/viewing card and let the cable box cool for a while. Do it firmly without much pressure. Later, reinsert the card with the chip facing downward, following any visible arrows.
HDMI Cable/Port Issues
In most cases, the reason behind a no-signal problem can be traced to either the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables or the ports. If the connections are not fitting tightly or slipping out, there might be slight damage to the ports. It’s nothing serious that a TV mechanic can’t fix, and you can simply migrate to an alternative HDMI port. (Most TV manufacturers include at least two HDMI ports.)
Disengage the HDMI cable and re-insert it in the old or new HDMI port. You may want to upgrade your HDMI connector cable to a self-locking one which will help it stay in the port position. Once you sort out these HDMI issues, your TV signal should start working again in a jiffy.
HDCP Errors
In some cases your TV may run into what is known as a High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) error. This is an anti-piracy measure which suggests that non-licensed devices should not be receiving any cable TV content. Almost all modern TV sets have to be HDCP-compliant.
If you’re trying to connect a Kodi box, for example, to your cable TV using HDMI, especially with higher definition displays, the no-signal message will show up due to HDCP errors. You will have to remove the offending device and that should restore the connection.
Other Tips
Sometimes your TV needs to be on a different base channel. While being on 1 or 2 is the default setting on the TV remote, you need to sometimes move it to 3 or 4. This change is for the TV remote only and has nothing to do with your cable or streaming service provider.
You can also reverse the order of starting the cable box and TV compared to an older sequence. This allows both devices to connect again and receive the signals.
When a TV displays a no-signal message, it can be frustrating. But, in most cases, you don’t have to call up for external assistance. By dealing with one of the troubleshooting issues in this guide, you can fix the issue on your own.
For more TV-related help, see our guide on fixing overscan and underscan on your TV. If you’re lucky enough to own an Android TV, then make your way over to our list of the best apps for Android TV.
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Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over ten years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.
Hi! Very informative, BUT I stillhave NO SIGNAL!MY remote is not programed to my TV, also, MY set top box is in another room!
My TV says that it has NO CHANNELS, can this be the reason for NO SIGNAL?