How to Fix a TCL TV with Black Screen in 2023

TCL TVs bring you the best of both worlds — endless entertainment options and excellent picture quality. Their impeccable TVs allow you to completely enjoy video content at home, watching your favorite movies in clear, crisp resolution. 

However, nothing is more annoying than your TV screen suddenly going black in the middle of your favorite TV show. A TCL TV black screen means that the device has been turned off, but if you can still hear audio, this isn’t the case. 

This is a persistent complaint among TCL TV owners, and it’s due to the way the TVs are designed. But don’t worry; we will share some quick fixes for you to try so that you can watch your TV again in peace. 

Common Causes of TCL TV Black Screen

A TCL TV black screen can indicate a more problematic unknown culprit; getting to the root of the issue is the first step of troubleshooting. 

We understand how confusing it can be to only hear sounds without being able to see any images. Whenever this happens, it’s due to one of the following reasons.

Hardware issues

One of the main reasons why the TCL TV black screen appears is due to a faulty HDMI cable that delivers the display signal from whichever device you have connected to the TV — this could be your set-top box, your Blu-ray player, or cable box.

Corrupted motherboard

While this problem has different root causes, the most probable culprit is a failed motherboard. Your TV can also be acting up because of a damaged power supply unit or a faulty T-con board. 

But don’t get intimidated by these internal components as they are easy to fix.

Backlight issues

This can be another known cause of the TCL TV’s black screen if it’s an LCD TV. To illuminate the pictures on the screen, LCD TVs use backlights. But if the backlight malfunctions, it’s impossible to see anything on the screen.

LCD TV Backlights
LCD TV Backlights

To resolve this issue, you have to change the backlight of the TV. But not everyone is skilled enough to accomplish this; we would advise you to seek professional assistance. 

But if you recently purchased your TV, you might be eligible for a replacement under the brand’s warranty period. If your warranty has expired, this YouTube tutorial offers a great DIY fix idea — but it will require time, money, and patience. Take a look:

Defective screen

The reason your TV cannot display images can be due to a defective screen. In this scenario, the only option is to get it repaired by professionals. 

Software issue

If your TV is not set to auto-update, the previous software version could be why your TCL TV suffered a black screen situation. A software bug can also lead to this problem. It’s critical to keep your TCL TV’s firmware up to date!

Weak Connections

If you face a TCL TV black screen problem, check the connections between the TV and the power socket, the cable box, the DVD player, and any other auxiliary devices. 

We suggest this because sometimes, the error is due to loose connections or faulty power sources. 

Sleep Timer is On

The sleep timer may have been engaged by accident, resulting in the TV powering off. Luckily, this can be solved easily. Just navigate to the TV’s Setup Menu and verify the sleep timer settings. 

Power Saver Mode

Even though some TVs will turn off the screen if movement is not detected, sounds are still emitted. If you think your TV is showcasing this feature, ensure that the Energy Saving Mode or Power Saving Mode is disabled.

Problem With the TV Panel

If your TV screen is dark, the panel may be damaged. In this case, decide whether you should replace the screen or buy a new TV altogether. 

Also Read: What Causes Horizontal Lines on TV Screen and How to Fix it

How to Fix TCL TV Black Screen

Now that we have gone over the potential issues that can cause the TCL TV black screen issue, it’s time to learn how to resolve these underlying issues. 

Restart the TV

This method is only applicable for TCL Roku TVs. The TV can be restarted by pressing a particular key combination on your remote control. This combination is straightforward, so just follow these steps:

  1. Press the Home button 5 times
  2. Press Up once
  3. Press the Rewind button two times
  4. Now press the Fast Forward key twice

After you accurately execute this combination on your remote, the TV will restart. 

Check the HDMI cables

The HDMI cable can deteriorate or break with age. Ensure that the cable is not disconnected from the port. Also, check the HDMI cable connector for missing or bent pins. 

HDMI Cable
HDMI Cable

If your HDMI cable is old, a replacement is necessary. If you were using the stock HDMI cable that came with the TV, buying a new one from a high-quality brand is a good idea. 

Power cycle the TV and remote

The first order of business is a good power cycle. We will attempt to do a restart. If you’re wondering about the name, a power cycle is simply removing or unplugging the power source, leaving the device off for a minute, then plugging it back again.

This quick step can tackle temporary problems that occur due to an accidental change in the settings that either you made or was automatically done, causing a TCL TV black screen problem. 

Reset the TV

To reset your TV, follow the steps below:

  1. Turn off the TV. 
  2. Wait until all the status lights on the device are off.
  3. Unplug the device from the power source.
  4. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Plug the device back in and power it on.

It’s also a good idea to restart your TV remote control:

  1. Remove the batteries from the remote control.
  2. Wait for a few minutes.
  3. Place the batteries back inside and test the remote

To examine whether you resolved the issue, repeat what you were doing when the dark screen appeared. You can now continue to use the device normally. 

There is another method of power cycling your TV if the above-mentioned fix doesn’t work. First, you need to get a paperclip or something similar. Then:

  1. Turn off the TV. 
  2. Unplug it from the wall socket.
  3. Search for the reset button on the side of the device — it resembles a small hole that only a paperclip can enter.
  4. Press and hold down the reset button for 30 seconds minimum.
  5. Now plug the cord back in and turn on the TV again.

Update firmware

Nowadays, TV software gets frequent updates, and ever since TCL shifted to the Android ecosystem, its TVs are no exception. This is a good thing because software patches resolve major and minor problems. 

As discussed above, outdated software can lead to a dark screen. In order to update the firmware of your TCL TV, follow these instructions:

  1. Tap the Home button on your remote and then go into the Settings menu.
  2. Now tap  More Settings and choose Device Preferences  > About.
  3. Scroll down to find the System Update option and choose it.
  4. Click on Network Update from the box that appears. 
  5. The device will then ping TCL servers to check for a software update. 
  6. If any are available, the TV will download it and once that’s done, press OK to confirm.

Remember that you should not turn off the TV during the update process, or it can harm the operating system. The update duration will vary based on your internet speed and the updated file size. 

After the update is successfully finished, the TV screen will turn on again automatically. If not, move on to the next solution.

Check all cables and connections

As stated before, a likely reason for a TCL TV black screen is due to loose connections or damaged cables. Check the back of your TV and verify that all connections are intact.

Adjust the Fast Start option

Many TCL TV owners have successfully fixed the black screen by allowing or disallowing the Fast Start options. Enable or disable it according to the current settings. For TCL Roku TVs, follow these steps:

  1. Tap on the Home button on the Roku TV remote control.
  2. Go to Settings > System.
  3. Select Fast TV Start.
  4. Disable or enable Fast TV Start as applicable.

For TCL Android TVs:

  1. Navigate to the Settings menu.
  2. Choose Power.
  3. Change the Instant Power On setting as applicable.
  4. Restart the TV.

Factory reset TV

This should be your last resort because a factory reset will erase all customized settings and any logged-in accounts. You’ll also have to connect to your WiFi network again. To execute a factory reset on Roku TV:

  1. Go to the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down and choose System.
  3. Navigate to Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset.
  4. Choose Factory Reset Everything.
  5. Insert the code on your screen to begin the reset process. 

To execute a factory reset on TCL Android TVs:

  1. On the Home screen, select the Settings menu from the remote control.
  2. Go to More Settings > Device Preferences > Reset.
  3. Select Factory Data Reset.
  4. Choose Erase Everything.
  5. Type in the PIN shown on the screen and tap OK

TCL Customer Service

If none of the troubleshooting steps worked, only the TCL Customer Support team can help you out now. Communicate with them, and they will try their best to solve your TCL TV black screen issue.

If you are under the original or extended warranty, make sure you mention that to receive free service or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do when your TV turns on but the screen is black?

Change the HDMI cable because it might have a defect or a short. Unplug the TV for 5 minutes to do a reset. This will erase any temporary issues. 

Conclusion

TCL has long been a promising manufacturer for a flawless combo of video and audio. Plus, they provide great value for money. These TVs are perfect for anyone who wants a 4K TV without having to splurge on an LG or Sony TV.

Speaking of LG, if you’re unsure whether you should purchase your next TV from TCL or LG, read our comparison guide: LG vs TCL: Which TV brand should you buy?

All in all, their Android TVs and the latest Roku TVs are superior choices for your Smart home entertainment system. However, the issue of the TCL TV black screen is faced by a few users. 

But after going through this comprehensive guide, we hope you’re enjoying your TCL TV with your loved ones now. Not only that, you’re now aware of all the possible culprits for the dark screen! 

Don’t forget to mention the troubleshooting step that worked in your favor below in the comments. Thank you for reading!

Avatar of Melissa
About Melissa

Hey! I'm Mel, I write the occasional article for Spacehop, amongst other things. I love meeting new people and chatting, so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Leave a Comment

Previous

Everything you need to know about 65 inch tv dimensions

How to fix smartcast not working on vizio tv

Next