Login

No signal on TV: What does it mean and how to fix it?

Suddenly your TV only shows “No signal”? The screen stays black, the remote control doesn’t help, and your evening of binge-watching seems ruined. But don’t worry – such issues are usually harmless and can be resolved with a few targeted steps.

No signal” generally means that your TV isn’t receiving a video signal from the selected source. Most of the time, it’s due to a faulty HDMI connection, the wrong input source, or a disrupted signal. Even if you’re using yallo TV over the internet, the connection may have dropped. In this guide, you’ll find clear steps to identify the cause and quickly fix the issue – whether you’re using a Samsung, LG, Philips, Sony or yallo Smart TV.

25.08.2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

Quick tips and solutions


If your TV shows “No signal”, simple immediate actions often help. Here’s a practical checklist:

  • Check the HDMI cable – is it loose, twisted or faulty?
  • Select the correct HDMI port (usually via the “Input” or “Source” button)
  • Restart the TV and source device (unplug from power)
  • Check your internet connection if you’re streaming (e.g. with yallo TV)
  • Try a different HDMI port or another device
  • Update firmware/software to avoid bugs

Solutions for your Smart TV

Samsung Smart TV – fix the no signal issue

  • Switch the HDMI source using the Source button.
  • Press and hold the Power button to restart.
  • Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager and deactivate Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).
  • Update the software under Support > Software Update.

LG Smart TV – fix HDMI issues

  • Use the “Input” button to select the correct HDMI channel.
  • Go to General > Simplink to deactivate Simplink (HDMI-CEC).
  • Perform a cold restart: unplug the power, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

Philips smart TV – no signal

  • Set the correct source using the Source button.
  • Deactivate HDMI Ultra HD in the TV settings, especially if using older cables.
  • Perform a TV reset (Menu > Configuration > Factory settings).

Sony Bravia – HDMI no signal?

  • Select the input manually.
  • Go to System Settings > Bravia Sync to deactivate HDMI-CEC.
  • Try a different HDMI port, as some only support specific standards.
  • For persistent issues: reset to factory settings.

Using yallo TV?


With yallo TV, you watch television over the internet – via app or TV box. No signal? Then check the following:

  • Is your yallo TV box properly connected?
  • Is your Wi-Fi or LAN connection stable?
  • Restart the app or log out and log back in
  • Make sure your app is up to date

How to set up your TV correctly: Reception type & Channel search


If you watch via antenna, cable or satellite, you need to select the correct reception type:

  1. Open the menu
  2. Navigate to Channel settings > Reception type
  3. Choose between DVB-T, DVB-C or DVB-S
  4. Start automatic channel search

Tip: a channel search is always necessary after moving or changing providers.

Differences between HDMI versions


Not all cables are the same! Modern devices use HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 – older cables (HDMI 1.4) may not deliver a signal in 4K/60Hz or HDR. If you’re using new devices but an old cable, “No signal” may occur.

Solution: use a high-quality, certified HDMI cable with 18 Gbit/s or more.

Other causes of “No signal” on your TV


Besides the wrong source or a faulty cable, there are also less obvious reasons:

External devices

  • Receiver, console or streaming stick is in standby mode
  • Devices haven’t fully booted up
  • HDCP issues: if there’s a copy protection error, the device won’t send a signal

Weather and environmental factors

Especially with satellite reception, heavy rain, snow or hail can interrupt the signal. Also:

  • New buildings nearby
  • Construction sites or misaligned antennas
  • Rust or corrosion at connection points

Internal TV issues

  • Defective mainboards or HDMI ports
  • Outdated firmware
  • Software bugs

If the HDMI port is physically damaged, only service can help

HDMI no signal on TV – what to do?

This common error affects all brands. Here’s a specialised checklist:

Issue
Solution
HDMI cable loose/faulty
Test with a new cable
Wrong HDMI port selected
Select the correct one via Input button
CEC causes conflict
Deactivate HDMI-CEC
Device not sending a signal
Turn the device off and on again
TV doesn’t detect source switch
Restart the TV

How to avoid reception interference?


Use high-quality cables with ferrite cores to reduce interference

  • Don’t use cables longer than 3 metres without an amplifier for 4K
  • Avoid frequent plugging and unplugging while the device is powered on
  • Keep your system up to date: firmware, app, TV software
  • Label HDMI ports on the back (with stickers) for better clarity

When to contact support


If there’s still no signal after all measures:

  1. Contact your TV manufacturer’s support
  2. Test the device on another TV to check whether the issue is with the TV or the source
  3. Use diagnostic tools from your TV provider – e.g. yallo Support with troubleshooting via the app
  4. A hardware defect like a loose HDMI port connection needs professional repair

yallo TV: The modern solution for signal issues


With yallo TV, you don’t need a traditional antenna or cable signal. You can stream television easily via:

  • yallo TV app (for iOS/Android)
  • Web browser (tv.yallo.ch)
  • yallo TV box with remote control

This is especially helpful if you’re experiencing HDMI no signal issues on your TV or using older reception devices. All you need is a stable internet connection.

yallo TV benefits:


Watch TV on up to 5 devices at the same time

  • Over 280 channels in HD or Full HD
  • 1000 Recordings, 7 days replay and pause functions
  • No satellite dish, no cable clutter, no reception issues

“No signal”? Here’s how to fix it


Whether you’re setting up a new TV or it happens suddenly in the middle of a film – the “No signal on TV” message is annoying, but almost always fixable on your own. Check cables, source, settings and – if you're streaming over the internet – your connection.

And if you want total peace of mind, use yallo TV – television without cables or satellite, I it allows you to watch TV directly over your Wi-Fi.

FAQ – Some frequently asked questions

Why does my TV suddenly show “No signal”?

This message appears when the TV isn’t receiving a video signal from the selected source. It could be due to the input source, a loose cable, or a device that’s turned off.

My smart TV shows no signal – what should I do?

Check the source, restart the TV, and make sure the connected device is active. Updates often help as well.

How can I tell if the problem is with the TV or the device?

Test the external device on another TV or try a different device on your TV. This helps narrow down the issue.

Can bad weather affect the TV signal?

Yes, especially with satellite TV. With yallo TV, you’re not affected by this, as everything runs over the internet.

Why doesn’t my TV recognise the HDMI device?

It could be due to the cable, a copy protection issue, or incompatible technology. A restart or switching to a different cable usually helps.

How can I avoid such problems?

Use good-quality cables, don’t plug or unplug devices while they’re powered on, and keep your software up to date. With yallo TV, you no longer need to worry about reception issues.

More Blogs

Check out all our blogs with helpful tips and tricks.