TV says No Signal: how to fix it with a cable box, Roku or Fire TV Stick
No Signal means the TV is on but it is not getting a picture from the input it is set to. Most of the time the TV is on the wrong input, an HDMI cable got bumped loose, or the streaming stick or cable box is off or frozen. The TV itself is rarely broken. Work through these steps in order and stop when the picture comes back.
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Steps
Press the Input or Source button on the TV remote (on some remotes it is an arrow pointing into a box). Step through HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3 and so on, pausing a few seconds on each. A grandchild, a cleaner or a power blink can switch the input without anyone noticing.
Look at the back or side of the TV and note which HDMI port the cable box or streaming stick is plugged into. The ports are labeled, for example HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 (ARC). Pick that same number with the Input button.
Check that the device is getting power. A Roku or Fire TV Stick has a small power cord with its own wall plug. If it is plugged into a USB port on the TV instead, move it to its own wall adapter, because many TV USB ports do not give enough power and the stick shows nothing.
Unplug the HDMI cable from the TV and from the device, then push each end back in firmly. If you have a spare HDMI cable, try it. If the stick plugs straight into the TV, try a different HDMI port and then select that port with Input.
Restart the device. Unplug the power cord from the cable box, Roku, Fire TV Stick or Chromecast, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. A cable box can take 3 to 5 minutes to fully start, so give it time before the next step.
Restart the TV. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet, not just off with the remote, wait 60 seconds, then plug it in and turn it on. Then press Input again and pick the right HDMI port.
Check the device remote. If the TV shows a picture but the cable box or Roku does not respond, replace the remote batteries. A Roku or Fire TV remote that stopped pairing can make it look like nothing is working.
If you see the Roku, Fire TV or cable menu but your show will not play, the problem is the internet or the app, not the TV signal. Restart your router and modem, wait a few minutes, and try again.
If the cable box shows an error code or a blinking light after a full restart, call your cable company using the number on your bill or their official website and ask them to send a refresh signal to the box.
Never call a phone number from a popup, a search ad or a TV screen message that says your Roku, Fire TV or TV needs paid activation. Roku and Amazon do not charge to activate a device, and real support will not ask for gift cards or remote access to your computer.
Common questions
What does No Signal mean on my TV?
It means the TV is set to an input that is not sending a picture. Usually the TV is on the wrong HDMI input, the cable is loose, or the box or stick is off.
Which input should my TV be on?
The one that matches the HDMI port your cable box or streaming stick is plugged into. Look at the label next to the port on the back or side of the TV and pick that same name with the Input or Source button.
My Roku or Fire Stick worked yesterday and today the TV says No Signal. Why?
The most common reasons are a power blink that changed the TV input, a stick that froze, or a stick powered from the TV USB port. Unplug the stick for 30 seconds, plug it into its own wall adapter, and pick the right HDMI input.
A message on my TV says I need to pay to activate my Roku. Is that real?
No. Roku activation is free at the real roku.com/link page. Sites and phone numbers that ask for a fee to activate are scams.
Can Ellis help me with this?
Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit in front of your TV, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.
Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.