Bright and vibrant colors.
That’s to be expected from any TV model.
So you really shouldn’t tolerate a dark shadow appearing on your screen.
That said, allow me to help you fix this issue.
Continue reading to find out:
- 9 straightforward solutions to fix this problem.
- The most common causes of dark shadows on TV screens.
- How turning OFF your TV’s light sensor can remove this shadow.
- And this is just the beginning…
What causes dark shadow on TV screen?
A glitching power-saving mode causes a dark shadow on your TV screen. Sometimes, the light sensor on your device also contributes to this problem. And in other cases, you see a dark shadow because of your TV’s faulty HDMI cable.
How to fix dark shadow on TV screen – 9 fixes
#1: Stream on a different platform
Before you dive deeper into fixing your TV settings…
You should try to change the platform you’re streaming on.
That’s because your device isn’t necessarily the cause of the problem when a dark shadow appears on its screen.
And sometimes, it’s the app or channel you’re currently using.
That said, try to stream on a different platform temporarily.
For example, if you’re currently using Netflix to watch your favorite movie or show…
Try to stream on Hulu or HBO Max instead.
Likewise, if you’re watching on a sports channel…
Switch to a news network for now.
“What should I do after switching the [app/channel]?”
Simply observe if you can still see the dark shadow on your screen.
If you can, you should move on to the next fix. Because this problem concerns your TV.
But if the shadow doesn’t appear on other platforms…
Then the issue lies in the app/channel you were using before.
So you should contact their support team. And ask for guidance on how you can remove the shadow that only appears on their app or network.
#2: Power cycle your TV
Even if you’re not familiar with this term…
Most likely, you’ve already done this before.
See, power cycling is just the process of unplugging your device from the outlet before you plug it in again.
Easy, right?
But despite its simplicity, this process can fix dozens of TV problems.
That’s because a power cycle benefits your device by:
- Lettings its system refresh.
- Deleting its temporary caches.
- Removing minor glitches and bugs.
And fortunately, all of these also have the potential to remove the dark shadow on your screen.
That said, here’s how you can…
Easily power cycle your TV:
- Turn your device OFF.
- Unplug its power cable from the outlet.
- Press and hold its power button for 30 seconds.
- Wait for another 30 seconds.
- Plug your TV into its power source again.
- Turn your device ON.
Note: If your TV screen is hot, you might want to wait 10 minutes before you plug it into the outlet again.
Now, observe if you can still see the shadow on your screen.
#3: Wipe the surface of your TV
Dirt buildup. That’s also 1 of the main culprits of this dark shadow problem.
So the next fix you should try is to…
Clean the surface of your TV screen:
- Take note of the location of the dark shadow.
- Turn your device OFF.
- Grab a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe every part of your TV screen.
- Pay extra attention to the area where the shadow appears.
- Turn ON your TV.
Note: It’s crucial to use a microfiber cloth for this process. Because other types of fabric can leave fibers on your TV screen.
#4: Turn OFF your TV’s power-saving mode
I have 2 TVs at home.
And both of them have their power-saving mode ON.
That’s because this setting lets me conserve electricity.
And I don’t have to worry about racking up the bills when I accidentally fall asleep while watching a movie.
Moreover, the power-saving mode also lowers the brightness of my TV screen.
And this helps prevents my eyes from straining while binge-watching my favorite shows.
However, like all TV settings, this mode isn’t always perfect.
See, sometimes it glitches.
So instead of lowering the overall brightness of your TV…
It only dims a particular area of the screen. Thus, a dark shadow appears.
Now, the exact steps to turn OFF this mode depend on your TV model.
But to give you an idea of how to do this process, here’s how you can…
Disable the power-saving mode on popular TV brands:
Samsung TVs:
- Press Home on your remote control.
- Tap the Settings icon on your screen.
- Head to General.
- Select Eco Solution.
- Tap Power Saving Mode.
- Select OFF.
LG TVs:
- Press the Smart/Home button on your remote.
- Head to Settings.
- Select Picture.
- Click Energy Saving.
- Tap OFF.
Sony TVs:
- Tap the Home button of your remote control.
- Select System Settings.
- Click Eco.
- Tap OFF.
Note: Some TVs, like Hisense, don’t allow you to turn this mode OFF entirely. In that case, disable the energy-saving settings related to the screen’s brightness instead.
And once you’ve adjusted the power-saving mode of your TV…
Restart your device and check if the dark shadow remains on your screen.
You might also want to know: 11 Ways To Fix Your TV Brightness Problem
#5: Disable your TV’s light sensor
Note: In some TV models, this is called Light Detection.
Modern TVs adjust their brightness depending on how bright your surrounding is.
But sometimes, this function doesn’t work as it’s supposed to.
And it creates a shadow on your screen instead.
That said, if your device has this setting, you should try…
Disabling the light sensor on your TV:
For Samsung TVs:
- Turn ON your TV.
- Head to its Settings.
- Select General.
- Click Ambient Light Detection.
- Toggle it OFF.
For Sony TVs:
- Turn your TV ON.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Display & Sound.
- Click Picture.
- Tap Ambient light sensor or Light sensor.
- Turn the Auto luminance level OFF.
Note: Exact steps vary depending on your TV model. And for some brands, like LG, this setting falls under the power-saving mode. So if you did the last fix, this setting might already be OFF on your device.
Reading recommendation: 7 Reasons Your TV Screen Is Dark + How To Fix It
#6: Use a different input device
If changing your TV settings didn’t solve this problem…
Then you should try using a different input source.
“What’s that?”
I’m talking about streaming devices like:
- Roku.
- Apple TV.
- Amazon Firestick.
That said, if you’re not using a device similar to these to stream on your TV…
You should skip this fix because this won’t apply to your situation.
But if you’re using a gadget similar to the ones I listed, follow these steps to…
Switch the input device connected to your TV:
Step 1: Disconnect the streaming device you’re currently using
If your device uses an HDMI cable, leave the cord connected to your TV.
That’s because you’ll still use it for the next step.
That said, once you’ve disconnected the streaming device…
Step 2: Connect a new input source
Now, if the device you disconnected earlier didn’t have an HDMI cable.
Then you should plug an HDMI cord into your TV now.
After that, connect your new input source to the free connector of the HDMI cable.
However, if you’re planning to use a “stick-like” device like an Amazon Firestick…
Just plug it directly into the TV port.
Don’t have other streaming devices lying around?
Then you may also use your PC or connect a phone to your TV.
That said, ensure that your new streaming device is plugged into its power source.
And proceed to…
Step 3: Turn your TV ON
Can you still see the dark shadow?
If you can’t, then the problem was your previous streaming device.
So you should replace it or get it fixed by local technicians.
But if the dark shadow is still on your screen, then…
#7:Check your HDMI cable
Although this cord is small compared to your TV screen…
It still plays a crucial part in relaying images to your device.
Simply speaking, if the HDMI cable is faulty, you’ll also see flaws in your TV.
That said, now, you should…
Check if your TV’s HDMI cable is damaged
Step 1: Unplug your TV from the outlet
This will let you avoid the risks of getting electric shocks if there’s a tear or damage on your TV’s cables.
Step 2: Disconnect the HDMI cable from your TV
Unplug it from its port.
And then…
Step 3: Place it in a well-lit area
This way, it’ll be easy to spot any damages on your cable.
Step 4: Scan through the HDMI cord
That said, check if it has any:
- Tears.
- Deformation.
- Discoloration.
Moreover, you may also use this video to help you spot other signs of faulty HDMI cords:
Now, if your cable is damaged in any manner…
Replace it with a high-quality HDMI cord. Your current cable’s most likely the cause of the dark shadow on your screen.
But if it isn’t, then simply reconnect it to your TV. And proceed to the next fix.
#8: Conduct a factory reset
Now, it’s time to use your wild card: the factory reset.
In simple terms, this process will delete all the data from your TV, including your:
- Installed apps.
- Custom settings.
- Personal information and data.
“How will this remove the dark shadow on my screen?”
Simple. Since a factory reset restores the default state of your TV…
It’ll reset your incorrect picture or display settings that may be causing this problem.
Moreover, it’ll also get rid of stubborn glitches and bugs from your device’s system. That’s because they’re also known for causing all sorts of problems for TVs.
Now, the exact steps to factory reset your TV depend on its brand or model.
But to give you an example of how to do this, here’s how you can…
Factory reset Samsung TVs:
- Head to the Settings menu of your TV.
- Tap General > Reset,
- Enter the pin of your device. (Default is 0000).
- Tap Reset once more.
- Select OK to confirm the action.
- Wait for your TV to restart automatically.
Note: Check your TV’s user manual to find out how you can factory reset your device.
#9: Contact the TV manufacturer
If none of the previous fixes removed the dark shadow on your TV screen…
You should contact the company/manufacturer of your device.
That said…
Here are the support websites of the most popular TV brands:
Pro tip: Find the model/serial number of your TV before contacting its company’s support team. That’s because they’ll need this information before they can help you.