A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) transfers high-quality video and audio simultaneously from sources like consoles, system units, and cable boxes to receivers or displays like TVs and monitors.
Manufacturers continuously replace the old analog interface with HDMI connections to make streaming HD content easier. However, regardless of how high-end a device is, malfunctions can arise.
Once an external device is connected to a TV, the device should show up. But sometimes, error messages like “No Signal” or red HDMI port symbols occur.
Losing HDMI signal is common in TV and HDMI connections. If a Samsung TV doesn’t recognize HDMI input, here are the common causes solutions.
Why is my TV not reading my HDMI cable?
A TV may not recognize or read input from an HDMI cable for one or more of these reasons:
- Loose connections
- Wrong HDMI source
- External device error
- Damaged HDMI cable
- Faulty HDMI port
- Software updates
- Damaged motherboard
These are the usual culprits when a TV does not recognize HDMI input. Identifying them can be the solution to many Samsung TV issues.
Why are my HDMI inputs not working?
Besides the reasons mentioned above, the causes of HDMI input problems range from simple mistakes to serious damage that requires a technician’s help.
The ports may be damaged, or the TV may not recognize the external device using a video format.
Selecting the wrong video output on the external device is a common error. Blu-ray players, DVD players, gaming consoles, a cable box – all require HDMI as the output for a display’s visibility on the TV.
How do I get my TV to recognize HDMI?
There are easy solutions to this problem which may help avoid paying for a repair service.
1. Check cables and connections.
Try checking the HDMI cable’s connection. Sometimes, though all components are functioning, the TV gets no display if the HDMI cable isn’t connected properly.
Check if the cables are loosely connected, or unplug then re-plug them. Also try re-connecting the HDMI cable to another Samsung TV HDMI port if there are multiple HDMI ports.
If this doesn’t work, try the next step.
2. Check the TV input source.
Most modern TVs have a built-in HDMI port; some have multiple ports. This allows users to connect multiple devices to the TV simultaneously.
If a Samsung TV has multiple ports, the correct input source must be selected.
For example, if the HDMI cable is plugged into port 1, the correct input source to select is Port 1. Most TVs have labels that provide information on the TV HDMI ports.
With a wall-mounted Samsung TV, checking the HDMI ports is a challenge because these ports are usually located at the back of the television. In such cases, the input can be switched through different ports.
How to change HDMI input in older Samsung TVs
Changing the input source is simple with an older Samsung TV. The menu interface is minimal; the remote has a source button that leads directly to the source options page.
It is easy to switch through available ports using the remote’s directional pad.
How to change HDMI input in newer Samsung TVs
Newer Samsung television models have more powerful processors, complicated menus, and a minimalist remote, which can get confusing.
These steps enable users to change the source in the latest model:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Use the circular pad for navigation and source selection.
- Choose the correct port or switch between different HDMI ports.
- Hit the apply button.
The TV should start getting the signal from the selected source. Hopefully, this solves the problem. If not, investigate the source (instructions below).
3. Check external source/device.
Sometimes the problem is not with the TV but the connected HDMI input and external source.
The simple mistake of forgetting to turn on external devices could be the reason a TV isn’t getting any display. A device may also not be plugged in properly to a DC power source.
Try checking if the HDMI device is powered on and connected to a stable power source. Then try turning off the device, unplugging it from the power source, then plugging it back in after a few moments to restart it.
Another tip: plug the HDMI cable into the device before turning everything on. Then connect the HDMI cable to the Samsung TV, then turn on the external source and TV to see if the problem is resolved.
This method, called power cycling, allows the external device to reset and restart. The power cycle method is used to fix many devices, and can help fix Samsung TV issues.
If everything has a stable power source and has been rebooted, yet the HDMI issue persists, this may signify software or hardware damage, not just setup mistakes. There are solutions for these, too.
4. Change the video output of the external device.
Another possible cause of the issue is having the wrong output selected on the external device. To fix this simply check the output settings on the cable box or DVD player and check the output settings. The HDMI or TV option must be selected.
The TV may also not be reading video signals from the connected device. Changing the external device’s video output format could solve the problem. If not, these next steps may help.
5. Troubleshoot cables.
When a Samsung TV can’t recognize the input, even though the HDMI is plugged in firmly or has the correct settings, the components need checking. The HDMI cable must first be examined for any visible damage.
The old one can be replaced with a different HDMI cable if extra HDMI cables are available. Otherwise, use a cable from another device.
If the replacement cable works, that means the old cable is damaged, and a new HDMI cable must be bought. HDMI cables are available for less than $5.
6. Check ports.
If the problem remains unsolved, the ports must be checked next. The user can take the old HDMI cable and plug it into other TVs, computers, or displays. If the HDMI cable functions properly with other devices, the Samsung TV HDMI port might be the problem.
The TV might have software or hardware issues, or both. That could be complicated, but there are still remedies.
7. Update the Samsung TV software.
If the Samsung TV HDMI ports keep losing signal, that could signify that the Samsung TV needs a software update. TVs come with pre-installed firmware; sometimes, not updating to the latest version causes issues.
To update to the latest firmware, visit the Settings, click Support, navigate to Software Update, and select Update Now to start. Once the update is finished, reboot the television to see if the HDMI signal is detected.
8. Restore Samsung TV to factory settings.
Resetting or doing a factory reset is the last resort in fixing any device at home. That restores the device to the original settings when it was bought and deletes any subsequent settings.
To factory reset a Samsung TV, go to Settings, navigate to General, go to Reset, and enter the reset pin. Usually, the default pin is 0.0.0.0. If that doesn’t work, contact customer support or the TV dealer.
9. See a technician.
If none of these methods work, the television may be more seriously damaged. It might be an issue that requires specific tools, knowledge, and skills to fix. If that is the case, it’s time to take the television to a technician or visit a Samsung Support Center to request a repair service.
Conclusion
Samsung TVs have been among the most trusted products for a long time and are found in many homes. But even with this product, problems with HDMI signal detection can arise. These issues can be resolved without much trouble or expense if the solutions mentioned in this article are applied.
