Monitor Says "No Signal"? How to Fix It Step by Step

Fixes to try (easiest first)

1. Select the right input source

   Use the monitor's menu to pick the input that matches the port your cable is plugged into (for example HDMI 2). [1]

2. Use only one video cable

   With two video cables connected, the monitor can look for a signal on the wrong one. [1]

3. Reseat or replace the cable

   Unplug and firmly reconnect both ends. Replace the cable if it's damaged. [1]

4. Plug into the graphics card, not the motherboard

   On desktops with a graphics card, use its video port (usually lower on the back). Using the port built into the main board is a common cause of 'no signal'. [2]

5. Read the power light

   On Dell monitors, amber, orange or blinking white means the monitor has power but no video signal from the computer. No light means no power. [2]

6. Run the monitor's self-test

   Samsung monitors: Menu > Picture Test. If the test fails and the screen stays blank, the monitor needs service. [1]

7. Try a different computer

   If the monitor works with another device, the original computer is the problem. If it doesn't work with any device, the monitor needs service. [1]

Is it worth fixing?

Input, port and cable fixes cost nothing or the price of a cable, so try them first. If the monitor fails its own self-test or works with nothing, it's a monitor fault: use the warranty if you can.

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What could help

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• 6 ft 4K HDMI cable: A known-good cable to rule out a faulty one, or to connect an external monitor for testing.
• 6 ft DisplayPort cable: A known-good DisplayPort cable to rule out a faulty one on a monitor.
• 24-inch monitor (Acer KB242Y, 1080p IPS): A budget replacement if your monitor has a hardware fault that would cost more to fix than to replace.