Samsung's no-picture guidance separates the TV from what feeds it. If the TV is on and producing sound but shows a black screen, the issue may be the external device or the source: Samsung says a TV shows black if it is set to a source whose device is off, for example a cable box on HDMI 1 while the TV is set to another input, so choose the right source with the Source button and confirm the device is on.
The checks in more detail
Samsung's article covers TVs with and without a One Connect Box. On a One Connect model check the cable between the box and the TV is firmly seated at both ends and the box has power; a loose One Connect cable is a classic cause. Certain TVs have an HDMI cable test under Settings, Support, Device Care or Self Diagnosis: select HDMI Cable Test and run it, and run the Picture Test to see whether the TV itself can display an image.
If the Picture Test shows an image, the TV is fine and the fault is the source or cable; if it stays black, the panel, backlight or board is at fault. Shine a flashlight on the screen at an angle: a faint image points at a failed backlight. Check the brightness and Energy Saving settings, which can dim the screen to near black. Turn the TV off and unplug it for 30 seconds, reconnect one device at a time and try another HDMI cable and port. Update the software, and reset picture settings.
If you have a second HDMI device or a phone with a video adapter, use it to prove the TV displays an image on that input. A TV that shows a menu or the Samsung logo but no source proves the panel and backlight work and the fault is upstream, and that saves an unnecessary repair quote. Check the TV's own menu by pressing the Menu or Home button. If the menu appears, the panel is working, and the fault is the input or a source setting rather than the display itself.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung TV line has sound but no picture”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong source
What separates it The screen is black but there is sound because the wrong source is selected
How to confirm Select the right input with the source button, and check the picture returns
- 2
A device that is off
What separates it The source shows nothing because the connected device is switched off or asleep
How to confirm Turn the device on, and wake it from sleep, then check the source again
- 3
A loose One Connect cable
What separates it There is no picture on a box model because the One Connect cable is loose at one end
How to confirm Reseat the One Connect cable at both ends, and check that it is fully pushed in
- 4
A bad HDMI cable or port
What separates it One input is black because the HDMI cable or the port on it has a fault
How to confirm Test another cable and another port, to see whether the black screen follows the cable
- 5
A failed backlight
What separates it A faint image appears under a flashlight because the backlight has failed
How to confirm Contact Samsung service, since a failed backlight needs a repair from a technician
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether there is sound while the screen stays black
- Which source is selected on the TV at that moment
- Whether the Picture Test shows an image
- Whether the One Connect cable is seated
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the source
ReversibleCheck the source that is selected, and check that the connected device is switched on.
Run the Picture Test
ReversibleRun the Picture Test in Self Diagnosis, to see whether the TV itself can display an image.
Run the HDMI cable test
ReversibleRun the HDMI cable test if your TV offers it, since it tests the cable and the port together.
Reseat One Connect
ReversibleReseat the One Connect cable, if your TV has one, at both ends of the connection.
Try another cable and port
ReversibleTry another cable and another port, to isolate whether the input or the cable is at fault.
Flashlight test
ReversibleDo the flashlight test by shining a flashlight at the screen, since a faint image means a failed backlight.
Update and reset
ReversibleUpdate and reset the picture settings, and then retest with each source that you use.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Panels
- OLED models such as the S90D have no backlight, so a faint image points elsewhere.
- Box models
- Neo QLED models with a One Connect Box add a cable to check.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Q80C, Q90T, QN900D, QN90B, QN95D, S90C, S90D, S95C, S95D, LS03D.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the Picture Test is black and a flashlight shows a faint image, the backlight has failed
- !If the TV shows nothing on any input, contact Samsung
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
One Connect Box and external device causes.
Picture Test, HDMI test and firmware.
Picture Test, HDMI cable test and grounding.
Standby light states and the 2024 OLED power board note.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Samsung TV black with sound?+
Usually the source, a device or a cable.
What is the Picture Test?+
A built-in test that shows if the screen works.
What is the HDMI cable test?+
A test on some models under Support.
Can the One Connect Box cause it?+
Yes, a loose cable between the One Connect Box and the TV can cause a black screen.
Can the software cause it?+
Yes, the software can cause it, so update the TV and then retest the picture.
What is Samsung TV Plus?+
Samsung TV Plus is a set of free streaming channels that is built into Samsung TVs, with no extra subscription.
What is Input Signal Plus?+
Input Signal Plus is a per port setting that lets the TV accept high bandwidth signals, such as 4K at 120 Hz.
What is Eco Solution?+
Eco Solution is a group of power saving settings, and some of them can dim the picture to save power.
Where is Self Diagnosis on the QN90D?+
On recent models it is under Settings, then Support, and then Device Care, where the picture and sound tests are.