It can be frustrating when you plug an HDMI cable into your Samsung TV and the TV turns off or goes black. A few potential causes and solutions for this issue are worth trying.
What Causes a Samsung TV to Turn Off with HDMI?
There are a few common culprits that can cause a Samsung TV to power off or go black when an HDMI cable is connected:
- HDMI CEC Settings: The HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) settings can sometimes cause issues when components are connected. If HDMI CEC is enabled on both the TV and the connected device, this can cause unintended powering on/off or input switching. Try disabling HDMI CEC on either the TV or the device.
- Bad HDMI Cable: A faulty or damaged HDMI cable that isn’t transferring the signal properly could lead to a black screen when connected. Try replacing the HDMI cable with a different high-speed cable that supports the resolution you’re trying to display.
- Loose HDMI Ports: If either end of the HDMI cable is loose, not fully inserted, or damaged, this could cause signal issues, leading to a black screen. Check both the TV and device ports to ensure the cable is securely inserted.
- HDMI EDID Handshake: The EDID handshake that occurs when an HDMI device is connected may fail, causing the TV to turn off. Unplugging and reconnecting the cable may reset the handshake.
- Incompatible Device Resolution: If the connected device’s output resolution exceeds the capabilities of the TV, it may turn off after being connected. Adjust the external device’s resolution to match the maximum resolution of the Samsung TV.
- One Connect Box: If you use the One Connect box with your Samsung TV, there could be an issue with the box rather than the TV itself. Try connecting devices directly to the TV ports instead.
Fix Samsung TV Turns Off When HDMI is Plugged In
Here are some steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue when your Samsung TV turns off or goes black when an HDMI device is connected:
1. Check HDMI Cable – Replace the cable with a working high-speed HDMI cable that supports the resolution you need. Faulty cables are a common cause.
2. Toggle HDMI CEC – Turn off HDMI CEC on both the problematic device and the TV. See if the issue persists with CEC disabled on both ends.
3. Change HDMI Ports – Connect the HDMI device to a different port on the TV, if possible, and see if the issue occurs on other ports.
4. Update External Device Firmware – If using an external streaming stick, cable box, etc., check if there is a firmware update available for that device and install it.
5. Reset External Device – For external devices like a Roku or Apple TV, restart or reset the device to factory default settings in case incorrect settings are causing the HDMI issue.
6. TV Firmware Update – On the Samsung TV, check Settings > Support for updates and install any available firmware updates, as these sometimes address HDMI problems.
7. Factory Reset TV – As a last resort, reset the Samsung TV to factory default settings. This will eliminate any problematic customized settings. You will have to re-pair devices and reconfigure settings after a reset.
8. HDMI Diagnostics – Some Samsung TVs have a built-in HDMI diagnostics tool under Support or Device Care to check for connected device issues.
Preventing Samsung TV from Turning Off with HDMI
Once you have resolved the HDMI issue, here are some tips to avoid potential problems in the future:
- Always install the latest firmware on TVs and connected devices to reduce bugs.
- Only use premium, high-speed HDMI cables that have been tested to work at the resolutions you need.
- Insert cables securely and check ports for damage. Loose connections can cause signal loss.
- Connect devices directly to the TV if possible instead of passing through other equipment.
- Reduce the number of HDMI switch boxes, splitters, extenders, or other pass-through equipment wherever possible. The simplest signal path is best.
- Position devices close to the TV and avoid excessively long HDMI cables. Long cables are prone to interference.
- Connect only one device at a time and test to find the problematic component.
Following troubleshooting steps, preventing future issues, and using quality cables will help minimize HDMI problems like Samsung TVs turning off when a device is connected. Pay close attention to the handshake, HDMI CEC control, and firmware updates as well. With diligent testing, the root cause can usually be found, resolved, or isolated to the responsible device.
