At some point, we’ve all encountered a TV that shows the “black screen of death.” Hisense TVs, for all their good points, are also prone to this. So, what’s happening in this situation, and how can you fix it?
If your Hisense TV has a black screen, it’s likely caused by cable connection problems, issues with input devices, or outdated firmware issues. You can try a few solutions, including resetting the device, unplugging it from the wall, and checking the HDMI connection points.
Today, I’ll review these common problems and look in detail at what you can do to fix your TV before you impulsively decide to buy a new one.
Why Your Hisense TV Is Showing a Black Screen
As I mentioned, there are a few different reasons why your TV may show a black screen. This happens most commonly because the TV isn’t making a connection somewhere along the way.
It may be missing the electrical connection with the outlet specifically, or it may be due to issues with some internal components in the TV itself.
The device may also be experiencing some firmware problems. Firmware is essentially just software for hardware, and like any other software, it needs regular updates to work correctly.
It may not even be a problem with the TV itself. If the black screen is showing up after attempting to connect another device through the HDMI ports, the connection is likely loose, thus causing the black screen, or there is a problem with the other device.
Hopefully, this is a relief to you! Let’s look at each of these in more detail, and then we’ll discuss some solutions.
Cable Connection Problems
Cable connection problems can look like a few different things. It could be an issue with the outlet, or it could be a problem with the internal components of the TV wiring.
Over time, outlets become loose. This is especially true in older homes. With extended use, the outlets become stretched, and the plugs no longer stay in the outlet. A licensed electrician can easily replace loose outlets.
However, occasionally, the TV wiring will go bad. If you’ve had your Hisense TV for a long while, you can expect the cords to have gone bad eventually.
If your device is showing a black screen, look into some of the other problems first, but if you discover cable issues in an older television, it’s probably not worth your time to keep the TV. At this point, it’s cheaper to just replace the entire thing.
The Firmware Needs To Be Updated
Firmware acts as software for the TV’s hardware. Firmware keeps everything in good working order. However, the firmware needs to be updated frequently. This is especially true in newer Hisense TVs with internet capability.
What does an update do for your device?
Mostly it improves the functionality and features of the device. It provides fixes to nearly any performance issues your TV is having. In addition, it helps your device run at the same level as newer devices.
When firmware needs to be updated, you may notice that your television initially begins running slower. If apps are pre-installed on the TV, they may not work very well. As the TV goes longer without a firmware update, other things on the TV will begin to stop working.
Going too long without updating the TV will eventually just go black. The same thing can happen with computers if they’re left too long without updating.
The Input Device Port Is Loose
This is another issue you’ll encounter frequently. Even brand new televisions can have this issue, although it’s significantly more common in older TVs.
With use, or sometimes if the device has been manufactured poorly, the HDMI ports will get loose. This just means that whatever you plug into the port isn’t making a good enough connection to play whatever it is you’re attempting to play. This includes streaming from a computer, using a Firestick, Roku, or similar devices.
When the HDMI port is loose, you may notice that the screen is sometimes black and other times shows a picture. Usually, they break over time.
It’s important to note that if you are on the wrong HDMI input, you may also see a black screen.
What You Can Do To Fix a Black Screen on Your Hisense TV
The good news is that there are easy solutions to the problems we discussed, at least for the most part. If your TV wiring has gone bad, that’s a little more difficult. However, that’s the only thing I would suggest replacing your TV over.
Let’s look at some things you can try as solutions.
1. Power Cycle Your TV
Unplugging the TV for about one minute and then plugging it back in, also known as power cycling, is one of the best things you can do for a television that isn’t working correctly.
If your Hisense TV was working perfectly fine and has only started having issues, then it would likely benefit from a power cycle. This process often unloads information that your television has collected over time.
Gizmo Geek Guide posted this on February 7, 2023 as the original owner of this article.
It’s the equivalent of putting your TV to sleep for a few minutes. It allows the device to reset and recharge, thus working significantly better afterward.
2. Test and/or Replace Your Electrical Outlet
As I said, electrical outlets loosen over time. This is normal and common. You’ll usually find at least some loose outlets when you move into a new house.
You should be able to tell pretty quickly if the outlet is loose because none of your plugs will stay in them. If you notice that the TV plug is coming out a bit from the outlet despite pressing it firmly inside, then your outlet is loose.
Loose outlets will still work if the TV can still make a good connection. However, this doesn’t often happen. The TV will likely work for a few minutes and then go to a black screen.
You can call in an electrician to replace your loose outlets. It is not recommended to try this on your own. Alternatively, you can move your television or run an extension cord to a different outlet.
3. Update Your Firmware
This, also, is a fairly simple fix. To update your firmware, go into your TV settings and look for any updates the device suggests.
Updates can take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour. It depends on how long it’s been since you last updated the device and how many bugs it has acquired over time.
The good news is, updating your firmware will almost always fix any issues that you’ve had. A firmware update isn’t necessarily possible if your TV always shows a black screen and is not powered on. In this situation, it’s better to try power cycling first to see if that allows you to get into the settings. Otherwise, you may need to replace your TV.
4. Check Your HDMI Ports
This is a very simple solution and doesn’t require very much detail. For this, you’ll want to wiggle the device plugged into the port. If it releases easily or wiggles in any way, the port is loose.
In this case, move your device to one of the other ports. When an HDMI port is loose, the device cannot make a good connection, and it will often result in you seeing a black screen. This is usually fixed with a simple change of port.
Gizmo Geek Guide uploaded this as an original article on February 7, 2023.
Final Thoughts
Hisense TVs typically show a black screen when cable connection issues, firmware updates are needed, or when the HDMI port is loose. The TV may also need to be power-cycled from an overload of information.
The best way to fix it is to try a hard reset on your TV through power cycling, check HDMI ports for loose ports, and check on your outlets. You will also need to do regular firmware updates for newer Hisense TVs.
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Gizmo Geek Guide published this original article on February 7, 2023.