Samsung TV Not Recognizing HDMI Input: 11 Fixes (2023)

Your gaming live stream on Discord is about to begin.

So, as usual, you set up all the devices you need for gaming and live streaming.

But soon as you’ve connected your PC to your TV via HDMI…

Your Samsung TV suddenly won’t recognize the device.

Don’t panic!

I’ve prepared several troubleshooting methods to help fix this issue. So…

Read on to learn:

How to test the health of an HDMI cable.
11 ways to fix Samsung TV not recognizing HDMI input.
Steps on selecting the correct source input on a Samsung TV.
Alternative ways to reset a Samsung TV to resolve connectivity errors.
And so much more…

Why is my Samsung TV not recognizing the HDMI input?

Your Samsung TV isn’t recognizing the HDMI input due to electronic glitches, faulty HDMI port, and damaged HDMI cable. It’ll also not recognize the external device if the TV has software bugs and outdated software. Incorrect source input on the TV and incompatible HDMI cable can also be the reason.

Samsung TV not recognizing HDMI input: 11 fixes

#1: Check the external device for any errors

First, check whether your external device is working.

Regardless if it’s a recording device, PC, or gaming equipment…

The device should be powered ON for your Samsung TV to recognize it.

That said, check whether the external device is:

Turned ON.
Plugged into a power socket.
Connected to the WIFi network.

If not, make sure the above criteria are met.

“I’ve done everything you listed.. But my Samsung TV still won’t recognize the external device…”

Then there may be errors with your device.

Your device may have outdated software. So, make sure to check whether there’s an available software update for your device.

To check whether your external device is the problem, plug other devices into the same HDMI port.

If it works, then your external device is faulty. And you should contact your manufacturer’s support for immediate assistance.

If it doesn’t, the problem is either with the HDMI cable or the Samsung TV itself.

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

#2: Select the correct input source on the TV

Is your external device working flawlessly?

But your Samsung TV won’t still recognize it?

Then, the input source on your TV must be incorrect.

Important note: This step is only applicable for 2016 or earlier Samsung TV models.

Newer Samsung TV models today can automatically recognize and connect with external devices. Thanks to newer technologies.

But if you’re using an old Samsung TV model…

You have to manually change the input source on your TV for the external device to work.

Say you plug the HDMI cable on the HDMI1 port of your Samsung TV.

You have to navigate your TV’s settings to select the input source from “TV” to “HDMI1.”

To change the input source on a Samsung TV:

Press “Source” on the TV remote.
Then, select the HDMI port you use.

“There are several options on the list. How would I know which one’s connected to my external device?”

All ports on every Samsung TV have labels next to them.

So, make sure to read the port label first before plugging a device.

Wondering how to label HDMI inputs on your Samsung TV? Then, watch this video:

#3: Reconnect the HDMI cable on both devices

Still doesn’t work?

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable on your devices.

Doing this will help refresh and reboot the device’s connection. Thus, it’ll help your Samsung TV recognize the external device.

Here’s how to do it:

Remove one end of the HDMI cable from the TV.
Remove another end from the external device.
Replug the HDMI cable to the external device first.
Replug the remaining end of the cable to the TV.

Reminder: If you’re using a 2016 or earlier Samsung TV model, you must manually select the correct source on the TV.

Not working still? Proceed to way #4.

#4: Try connecting to a different HDMI port

Sometimes your Samsung TV can fail to recognize an HDMI input due to a faulty HDMI port.

HDMI port is one sensitive part of a smart TV.

First, incorrectly plugging and unplugging a cable into it can easily damage the port. Making it more vulnerable to physical damage.

Plus, it’s “open.” Meaning dirt, dust, and even small insects can get into it. Which can be harmful and damaging to the device.

That said, you should check whether a particular HDMI port on your Samsung TV is faulty.

And you can do that by plugging the same external device and cable into another port.

If the device works, then the HDMI port is definitely damaged.

If it doesn’t, proceed to other ways below.

#5: Soft reset the TV

Another way to fix the issue is by soft resetting the Samsung TV.

A soft reset refreshes the device’s system by deleting temporary delete (RAM). And that includes potential glitches and minor bugs that your TV may have.

Electronic glitches can affect the performance and response rate of the device. But also its connectivity to other devices.

So, soft resetting your Samsung TV can be a great way to refresh the connection between your devices.

To soft reset a Samsung TV:

Ensure that the TV is turned ON.
Unplug the TV from the power socket.
Leave it for about 30 seconds.
Replug and turn ON the TV.

Or you can follow this much simpler method:

Press and hold the POWER button on the remote.
Release hold after the TV turns off and on once.

Then, if necessary, change the input source on the TV for the external device to work.

#6: Soft reset the external device

“Soft resetting my Samsung TV didn’t improve anything…”

If that’s the case, try soft resetting the external device next.

Like your Samsung TV, your external device can also experience glitches and software.

So, soft resetting can also help fix any connectivity errors between your devices.

Here’s how to soft reset if the device is plugged into a power socket:

Ensure that the external device is turned ON.
Unplug the device from the power socket.
Leave it for about 30 to 60 seconds.
Replug the turn ON the device.

Here’s how soft reset if the device is battery-powered:

Remove the battery compartment cover.
Pull out the batteries.
Leave it for a few seconds.
Reinsert the batteries.
Return the battery compartment cover.

Note: The actual process may vary depending on your device and manufacturer. So, make sure to review your user’s manual or contact support.

#7: Unplug and disconnect every device

Your Samsung TV may sometimes fail to recognize an HDMI input due to internal or system error.

Rationally speaking, that’s beyond what users can fix.

But there’s a way to refresh the system and help it recognize external devices.

And that is by unplugging and disconnecting every device.

Here’s how to do it:

Remove all HDMI cables from the TV ports.
Unplug the TV from the power socket for 10 minutes.
Replug and power ON the TV.
Reconnect one external device to the TV via HDMI.
Power ON the external device.
Repeat steps 4 to 5 until all external devices are connected.

Note: Replugging an external device into the TV one at a time is a necessary process. So, make sure to follow the instructions correctly.

#8: Replace the HDMI cable

Are you sure you’re using a working HDMI cable?

HDMI cables can get damaged too. And one of its most common causes is physical damage.

You should consider your HDMI cable faulty if the:

Plug is bent.
Cable wire is bent.
Cable wire has exposed wirings.
Cable has burnt marks on any of its ends.

“Mine doesn’t have any of those.”

Then, that’s great!

But HDMI cables can get internal damage too.

And the only way to know that is to test the HDMI cable.

Luckily, most Samsung TVs have what they call the “HDMI Cable Test” feature. Which lets users check the health of their HDMI cables.

So, if your Samsung TV won’t recognize an HDMI input, test your HDMI cable.

To do that:

Using a TV remote, go to settings.
Click Support>Self Diagnosis>Signal Information>HDMI Cable Test.
Then, tap “Start Test” to begin the process.

If it says that your cable is “Good,” check the remaining troubleshooting methods below.

If it says that your cable is “Bad,” get an HDMI cable replacement immediately.

Check out: No Signal On Samsung TV: 6 Causes & Fixes (How-To)

#9: Update the TV software

Is your Samsung TV software up-to-date?

Software updates are necessary to improve TV performance and resolve errors.

If your TV is not up-to-date, it can run into several errors. And that includes failing to recognize and connect with external devices.

That said, update your Samsung TV as soon as a new software update becomes available.

To update a Samsung TV:

Grab a TV remote and press HOME.
Go to Settings>Support>Software Update>Update Now.

Or you can update your TV following this method:

Go to Samsung Download Center.
Find the “Enter Model Number” section.
Enter your TV model number.
Download the latest “Upgrade File (USB Type)” file.
Unzip and copy the upgrade file.
Save it in a USB flash drive.
Plug the USB into the TV USB port.
Using a remote, click Settings>Support>Software Update>Update Now.

If step #8 isn’t applicable with your TV model, try any of these 2:

Support>Software Update>Update Now.
MENU>Support>Software Update>ENTER.

Note: Some Samsung TVs, may automatically update the device after plugging the USB.

#10: Factory reset the TV

If all the abovementioned ways didn’t work, factory reset your Samsung TV.

Warning: A factory reset deletes data and custom settings. So, do this only as your last resort.

Doing this will return your Samsung TV from its factory default settings. Meaning your custom settings and downloaded apps will be removed.

And that includes every potential software bug and glitch that your TV may have. Which can help resolve the issue with your TV’s HDMI connectivity.

Here’s the typical way to factory reset a Samsung TV:

Using a TV remote…

Go to Settings>Support>Self Diagnosis>Reset.

But you can also deep factory reset your TV using its secret menu.

There are 2 ways to do it:

By pressing and holding the EXIT button.
By pressing and holding the MUTE, 1, 8, 2, and POWER buttons.

To deep factory reset using the EXIT button:

Power OFF the TV.
Press and hold the EXIT button for about 30 seconds.
Click Option>Factory Reset.
Wait for the TV to turn off automatically.
Press the POWER button to turn on the TV.

To deep factory reset using the MUTE, 1, 8, 2, and POWER buttons:

Power OFF the TV.
Press and hold the MUTE, 1, 8, 2, and POWER buttons simultaneously.
Click Option>Factory Reset.
Wait for the TV to turn off automatically.
Press the POWER button to turn on the TV.

#11: Contact support to schedule repair

If all else fails, contact Samsung support.

As mentioned above, some errors are beyond the user’s reach.

So, if you’ve tried every troubleshooting method above without any success…

Request a scheduled repair.

Samsung TV not recognizing HDMI input is actually a common problem among users. And Samsung is aware of that.

And many also believe that it’s a hardware issue.

So, it’s only understandable that Samsung is very open to providing repair services to users.

For faster service, make sure to prepare everything beforehand:

Warranty information.
Samsung TV serial number.
Samsung TV model number.
Your Samsung TV and connected device(s).

Also, when calling Samsung support, make sure to be near your Samsung TV. As they’ll surely ask for your help in navigating your devices.

Pro tip: Schedule repair under your Samsung account. That way, Samsung support can prioritize you and give you personalized service.

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