9 Easy Ways To Fix Samsung TV Black Screen of Death (2023)

“My Samsung TV screen went black! What should I do?”

Black screens on Samsung TVs can be frustrating…

Especially when it happens while you are watching a good movie.

Luckily, troubleshooting the Samsung TV black screen of death is as easy as pie.

Samsung support? Nah!

Read on to discover:

How to reboot and reset a Samsung smart TV.
Steps on disabling sleep timer and power saver mode.
9 easy ways to fix Samsung TV black screen of death.
How to change the input settings of a Samsung smart TV.
And that’s only the beginning…

What causes the black screen of death on a Samsung TV?

Power connectivity issues and problems with the connected streaming device are what cause the black screen of death on a Samsung TV. It can also happen if the TV’s sleep timer and power saver mode are enabled. Likewise, software bugs and system glitches caused by outdated TV firmware can trigger it.

9 ways to fix Samsung TV black screen of death

#1: Check the TV’s cable connection

“The LED light of my Samsung TV is on. But the screen is black…”

If that’s the case, perhaps your TV’s cable connection is loose or faulty.

Your TV receives a connection from your streaming device through the cable wire.

So, your TV will fail to receive signals once it gets loose. Causing your Samsung TV’s black screen of death.

Some of its common causes include:

Loose cable ports.
Inactive power sources.
Incompatible cable wire.
Improperly inserted cables.
Faulty or damaged cable wire.

Given that, you should check your TV’s cable connection. And see if there’s anything that causes the problem.

First, see if the cable wire is properly connected to your TV and its external source. Make sure also to assess whether the cable ports are loose or not.

If there are no problems with the ports, check the cable for visible damages.

Here are some damage signs that you should look for:

Bite marks.
Exposed wirings.
Poorly-bent cable.
Burnt or bent plug insert.

If you notice any of these on your TV cable, get a cable replacement immediately.

Buying reminder: Make sure to get one that’s compatible with your TV and streaming device.

“How would I know if the cable port is faulty or loose?”

Try plugging your cable wire into a different port to know whether the HDMI or AV cable port is faulty.

If the black screen on your Samsung TV disappeared, then your previous cable port is faulty.

#2: Change the TV’s input settings

A Samsung smart TV has several input options. Depending on how many cable ports it has.

When you connect an external device to it, you should change your TV’s input settings.

Because if not, your TV will continue to recognize and play its default input.

So, if your Samsung TV has a black screen, it may have the wrong input settings.

To fix Samsung TV black screen, you should change your TV’s input to the correct settings.

Suppose you’ve connected a Roku streaming device to your TV. Make sure to change your TV’s input to “HDMI.”

Here’s how to change the input settings of a Samsung TV:

Press the “Source” button on your Samsung TV remote.
Then, choose the correct input option.

If your TV has several HDMI ports, you may try selecting all the HDMI input options one by one. Doing this will help you determine the correct input.

After this, the black screen on your Samsung TV should disappear.

If not, check whether the connected external device is powered on. As you might have accidentally turned it off while assessing the cable or cable ports.

You may also wonder: Will a smart TV work with an antenna?

#3: Use voltage management devices

In some cases, a black screen of death can happen on your Samsung TV due to extremely high or low power voltage.

When your TV isn’t getting its proper amount of voltage, its system can malfunction. Causing your Samsung TV to have a black screen.

Sure, extremely high or low voltages caused by power outages can’t be prevented.

But there’s a way you can effectively handle it. And avoid your Samsung TV from getting affected by it.

To prevent black screens on Samsung TVs, use voltage management devices.

Such devices help protect your home appliances and gadgets from power surges. Preventing them from having further internal damages.

You can use an RV Surge Protector to prevent TV black screens.

Aside from protecting your Samsung TV from power surges. It also helps balance out the voltage power. Ensuring that your TV receives its proper amount of voltage.

#4: Disable sleep timer

“I was watching TV. Then the screen suddenly turned black!”

Given that scenario, perhaps the sleep timer on your Samsung TV is enabled.

The sleep timer is one of Samsung TVs’ advanced features. This feature helps you manage and monitor your screen time.

It automatically turns off your TV once it has reached its set time or limit.

Once it’s enabled, you won’t be able to use your Samsung TV. Unless you turn off the sleep timer manually.

So, if your Samsung TV screen suddenly went black, check first if the sleep timer is on.

You’ll know if it’s on when you can only access the TV’s menu settings.

“But I don’t remember enabling the sleep timer…”

Well, the sleep timer can be easily accessed on the settings page.

You might’ve accidentally clicked on it while navigating your settings.

Or you might’ve accidentally pressed buttons on your remote. Causing the sleep timer of your TV to turn on.

If you’re living with your family or friends, they might’ve set the sleep time without your knowledge.

Regardless of which, troubleshooting this problem is easy. So, you shouldn’t worry about it that much.

To resolve the black screen on your Samsung TV, disable the sleep timer.

Here’s how you can do that:

Press the “menu” button on your remote.
Navigate to settings.
Select “General.”
Click “System Manager.”
Choose “Time.”
Tap “Sleep Timer.”
Then, click “Off” from the options.

You might also like: What do smart TV cameras look like?

#5: Disable power-saver mode

If not the sleep timer, then the power-saver mode of your Samsung TV must be on.

As the name implies, this feature helps save energy power.

But aside from that, this reduces the brightness of your TV. Helping reduce eye fatigue while watching TV at night or in a dim room.

“Oh, so power-saver mode only reduces brightness. But why is my TV screen black?”

That’s because Samsung TV’s power-saver mode has 5 settings, which are:

Off: no power and brightness reduction.
Low: slightly reduces the screen brightness.
Medium: significantly reduces the screen brightness.
High: greatly reduces the screen brightness.
Picture off: where the brightness is completely turned off.

If your Samsung TV screen is black, it may be in the “picture off” power-saver mode settings.

To return your TV screen to normal, you should modify or turn off its power-saver mode.

Here’s how to change Samsung TV’s power-saver mode settings:

Note: This process applies to Samsung TV series K, M, N, and R.

Press the “Home” button on the remote.
Go to “Settings.”
Select “General.”
Click “Eco Solution.”
Tap “Power Saving Mode.”
Then, choose your desired settings.

Reminder: Just to not confuse you. “Power Saver Mode” is called “Power Saving Mode” in newer Samsung TV models.

#6: Reboot your TV

Minor system glitches can sometimes cause a black screen on your Samsung TV as well.

I know, “system glitches” sounds a little technical…

But it’s only a temporary disruption. Plus, it’s super easy to fix!

Since your Samsung TV is a “smart” TV, it’s prone to many softwar e bugs, defects, and viruses. Which causes system glitches on your TV.

These can cause your TV to malfunction. Causing some features to not work.

Or, in your case, it can cause your TV screen to turn completely black.

Luckily, these errors can be easily fixed by rebooting your Samsung TV.

Rebooting is also called “soft resetting.”

It’s basically refreshing your TV’s system and software. Which helps remove minor system glitches and software bugs.

“I’ve made several customizations on my Samsung TV. I don’t want them gone…”

Worry not! As rebooting your Samsung TV doesn’t delete important data in your device.

Except for temporary memory data (RAM), Which helps speed up your smart TV. As it frees up its memory storage and deletes potentially harmful data.

To resolve the black screen of death on your Samsung TV, reboot your device.

There are 2 ways you can do it:

By using the Samsung TV remote.
By unplugging your TV from the power outlet.

To reboot Samsung TV using a remote:

Press and hold the power button.
Then, continue holding for 5 seconds. Or until the TV turned off and on once.

To reboot Samsung TV by unplugging:

Unplug the TV from the power socket.
Wait for 30 seconds.
Replug the Samsung TV.
Then, press the power button to turn it on.

#7: Update your TV’s firmware

“I’ve already rebooted my Samsung TV. But the black screen remains…”

If that’s the case, perhaps your Samsung TV firmware is outdated.

Developers constantly update the TV’s firmware to:

Improve its features.
Strengthen its security functions.
Replace or fix software programs.

That’s said, it’s important to keep your Samsung TV up-to-date.

Because if not, it can’t be infected with software bugs and viruses. Which may cause the black screen of death on your Samsung TV.

There are 2 ways you can update your Samsung TV:

Via USB.
Via internet.

To update Samsung TV via the internet:

Go to settings.
Select “Support.”
Click “Software Update.”
Then, press “Update Now.”

Tip: On the same page, click “Auto Update” to let your TV automatically update when there’s an update available.

Need visual instructions on how to update Samsung TV via the internet? Watch this video:

To update Samsung TV via USB:

Visit Samsung Download Center.
Select “Manual & Software Downloads.”
Enter your TV model number.
Download the file upgrade file.
Unzip the file.
Save the file on a USB (outside any folders).
Plug the USB into your TV.
Go to settings.
Select “Support.”
Click “Software Update.”
Press “Update Now.”
Then, follow the on-screen instructions.

The update may take a few minutes. And it’ll automatically restart your TV once done updating.

#8: Factory reset your TV

Still didn’t work? Then, it’s time to factory reset your Samsung TV.

Warning: Factory reset deletes all data and custom settings. So, make sure to do this only as a last resort.

When you factory reset your TV, its settings will return to default.

It may be a hassle customizing your TV settings again.

But doing this removes software bugs, system glitches, and viruses. Which are causing a black screen on your TV.

To factory reset a Samsung TV:

Go to settings.
Select “General.”
Click “Reset.”
Enter your PIN.
Tap “Reset.”
Then, press “OK” to confirm the action.

Note: If you haven’t changed the PIN code yet, the default PIN is 0000.

In some Samsung models, here’s the resetting process:

Go to settings.
Select “Support.”
Click “Self Diagnosis.”
Then, tap “Reset.”

After this, your TV screen should be back to normal.

Make sure to customize its settings first for personalized and convenient streaming.

This includes reconnecting your external streaming device. And setting up your streaming accounts from several apps.

Check out: 4 Reasons Why Your Smart TV Freezes On YouTube + Fixes

#9: Replace streaming device

Have you checked your TV’s cable connection already?

How about its input settings, sleep timer, and power-saver mode?

Have you already installed a voltage protection device? And updated your TV’s firmware?

If the black screen on your TV remains even after doing all the troubleshooting steps above…

Then, the problem isn’t with your Samsung TV.

It’s highly possible that the issue is with your connected streaming device.

If you’ve connected a faulty streaming device to your TV, its screen will most likely turn black. As your TV receives no signals from it.

To know whether your streaming device is the problem, try connecting a different one to your TV.

If the other one worked, take it as an obvious sign that your streaming device is broken.

Your only solution for that is to replace it.

Buying reminder: Ensure that your Samsung TV supports its cable type. And that its program is compatible with Samsung.

Reading recommendation: Can You Use a Roku Box With a Smart TV? 3 Device Facts