If you’re getting a black screen on your Insignia TV, we’re here to help.
Insignia TVs, much like many other sets, sometimes run into a few issues. One common issue among many TVs is the dreaded black screen of death, which is typically characterized by a TV that is seemingly on, but showing no picture whatsoever.
If you’re here, you’ve likely encountered this yourself, but before you go searching for a brand new TV, there are a few things you can do that could solve the issue in a matter of minutes.
Here are some of the most common causes of a black screen with Insignia TVs, and our step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing the issue.
What causes the Insignia TV black screen issue?
Here are some of the most likely causes of your Insignia TV getting the black screen issue, before we dive into what steps you can take to resolve it.
- Power source issue
- Loose cables or connections
- Remote controller issues
- Hardware malfunctioning
- Software or firmware updates
How to fix your Insignia TV black screen
Step
Restart your Insignia TV
Minor software bugs can cause a black screen. Restarting your system can fix those bugs. So to restart your system:
- Switch off your TV
- Remove the main power cord from the power outlet.
- Wait for roughly 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the TV’s power cord and turn it on.
Step
Check power source
There is a possibility that the power source isn’t functioning due to broken power cables or loss from power output.
Examine the power output along with the cables to prevent any loss of power leading to black screen issue. If the cables are broken replace them or consult an electrician to repair them.
Step
Check all the cables
Sometimes a loose or faulty cable can cause your Insignia TV to get the black screen issue. To make sure this isn’t the case, we’d advise:
- Checking each wire that’s going into your TV – including HDMI, VGA, and power cables.
- Checking any external devices for loose connections, such as consoles, speakers, or DVD players.
If you do find that some of your cables are damaged the good news is that you can purchase them again for typically less than $10 at most retailers.
Step
Inspect for remote controller issues
It’s also worth ruling out that the remote controller isn’t the cause of the problem and giving you the impression that your TV is being unresponsive.
Check the remote’s batteries aren’t dead, replace if they are, and see if it resolves the problem.
Step
Locate power saver mode
Power saver mode can reduce the brightness of your screen leading to the black screen. If your system has a power saver mode:
- Locate and select the menu button on your remote
- Choose settings or options as per your TV guide
- Go to power saver or energy saver mode, turn it off and confirm your selection
Step
Examine the LED backlight
The backlight installed on the TV lights up to project images on your screen. Without this backlighting, the TV won’t be able to project any images. Instead, it will be a black screen without any picture. To resolve this problem:
- Turn off the TV and remove the power cable from the power output
- Flash several beams of light across it using a flashlight
- Look at the screen for any shadows or hazy image
If you notice any spot, the back lighting might be damaged. In this case, consult a professional from the Insignia help center as they have the right tools and components for resolution.
Step
Check Software and Firmware Updates
An outdated software or firmware can cause significant problems. If your Insignia TV needs any updates, then refer the manufacturer’s manual for suggestions. For software updates:
- Using the TV remote, choose the menu button
- Go to settings or setup option depending upon whichever available for your system
- Select the option that mentions firmware update or software update
- Download the update as per the instructions on your screen
- Restart your system once the update is done
Conclusion
To sum up, your Insignia TV not turning on and showing a black screen may be a minor problem, like a loose plug connection or a malfunctioning remote controller. However, if the solution steps don’t help, then it might be a software issue or a hardware problem. In this case, you should get assistance from Insignia customer service for professional help.
If you find that you need to replace your TV altogether, in which case we’d recommend checking out our picks for the best Insignia TVs on the market to kick off your search.
