TCL TV: HDMI “No Signal” or black screen – how to fix handshakes
Few things are more frustrating than seeing “No signal” or a black screen when you just want to watch something. Modern HDMI chains are sensitive to cables, ports, and even the order you power things on (HDMI gear really is touchier than it should be). This guide helps you walk through a structured set of checks so your TCL TV can see the source again.
Quick checks to rule out simple issues
- Confirm the correct input
Double‑check that your TV or TCL TV is on the HDMI input where the source is actually connected. It is very easy to bump the input button to the wrong port. - Inspect the HDMI cable
Look for sharp bends, kinks, or loose connectors. Try reseating both ends until they click into place. - Test another HDMI source or display
If you can, plug a known‑working device (like a streaming stick) into the same port, or plug your source into a different TV. This quickly tells you which side is misbehaving. - Restart everything
Power off the TV, the source device, and any receiver in between. Unplug them for 30 seconds before turning them back on.
Rebuild the HDMI connection step by step
- Start with a direct connection
If you normally run through a receiver or soundbar, temporarily connect the source straight to the TV with a short HDMI cable. This removes one variable while you troubleshoot. - Use the highest‑bandwidth port
Many TVs only support full 4K or 4K120 on one or two HDMI inputs. Check your manual for labels like “HDMI 2.1,” “4K 120,” or “eARC,” and move the cable there. - Match resolution and refresh rate
Set the source to a conservative resolution first—try 1080p or 4K at 60 Hz. Once you see a picture, you can step back up to higher frame rates. - Disable advanced features temporarily
Turn off VRR, ALLM, and deep color modes while testing. These features sometimes cause handshakes to fail until the basics are stable. - Power on in a clean order
Turn on the TV first and let it reach the home screen. Then power on the receiver (if used), and finally the source. Some combinations really do depend on power‑up order.
Expert tip: try a different HDMI cable, even if the old one “used to work”
Tip: A surprising number of no‑signal problems end up being a marginal HDMI cable that only fails at 4K or at higher frame rates. Swapping to a short, certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is one of the fastest ways to tell whether you are chasing a wiring problem or a device issue.
Scenario example
Scenario example: Your game console was working yesterday, but today the TV shows “No signal” on HDMI 1. When you move the console to HDMI 3 and use a different cable, the picture appears instantly. Later, you learn HDMI 3 is the only 4K120‑capable port on your TCL TV, and the original cable was never rated for that bandwidth.
When to suspect the TV, source device, or receiver
- Source device problem – If the TV shows “No signal” no matter which port you try, but other devices work fine in the same port, the console or streamer may be at fault.
- TV problem – If multiple inputs intermittently lose signal for every device, check for a TV firmware update and consider a full factory reset after backing up your picture settings.
- Receiver or switch problem – If things only fail when a receiver or HDMI switch is in the chain, connect the source directly to the TV. If that works, review the receiver’s video pass‑through and 4K/8K settings.
If you still cannot get a picture
After verifying cables, ports, and basic resolution settings, persistent “No signal” or black‑screen behavior usually points to a failing port or a deeper compatibility issue. Document which combinations of source, port, and cable work or fail. Having that matrix ready makes support with TCL or your TV manufacturer far more effective and can help justify a warranty repair or replacement when simple fixes are exhausted.