If your TCL Fire TV screen looks wrong (black screen, flickering, lines, blurry picture, strange colors, or “no signal”), the steps below can help you quickly narrow down the cause and fix it.

First: Quick Checks (Do These Before Anything Else)

1) Confirm the TV has power

• Make sure the TV’s power light is on.
• Try a different wall outlet (avoid power strips during testing).
• If the TV won’t power on at all, unplug it for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

2) Check if the issue is only on one input or app

• Press Home on the remote.
• Try a few different apps (like a streaming app) and a different input (HDMI 1/HDMI 2).
• If the issue only happens on one device/input, the TV may be fine and the issue is with the connected device or cable.

3) Reboot the TV (simple restart)

• Unplug the TV from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

Issue: Black Screen (Sound but No Picture / No Picture at All)

If you still see menus (Home screen shows)

• This usually points to an app or input issue.
• Switch to a different app or input.
• For an HDMI device: unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable on both ends.

If you do NOT see menus (completely black)

• Press Home (wait 10 seconds).
• Press Up a few times (you may be navigating the menu even if you can’t see it).
• Unplug the TV for 60 seconds, plug back in.
• If you’re using an external device (cable box, game console, etc.):
• Turn the device off and back on.
• Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
• Try a different HDMI cable.

Tip: If the screen is black but you can faintly see an image with a flashlight, the TV may be on but the backlight may be affected.

Issue: “No Signal” or “Check Signal Cable”

• This means the TV is on, but it’s not receiving video from the selected input.
• Press Home → go to Inputs and select the correct HDMI input.
• Reseat the HDMI cable (unplug/replug both ends).
• Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
• Try a different HDMI cable.
• Power cycle the connected device:
• Unplug the device for 30 seconds, plug it back in.
• If possible, test the device on another TV, or test a different device on this TV.

Issue: Flickering Screen, Flashing, or Intermittent Blackouts

This is commonly caused by an HDMI cable/port, video setting mismatch, or power issue.

Try these in order:

• Replace the HDMI cable (use a High Speed HDMI cable).
• Move the device to a different HDMI port.
• Power cycle the TV and the device (unplug both for 60 seconds).
• On the connected device, lower the output temporarily to test:
• Set resolution to 1080p (then re-test 4K later).
• If using a streaming stick or device that’s powered from the TV’s USB port, try powering it from a wall adapter instead.

Issue: Lines on the Screen / Vertical or Horizontal Bars

Confirm whether lines show:

• On the Home screen/menus (TV-level issue) or
• Only when using a specific HDMI device/app (device/cable issue)

If using HDMI:

• Try another HDMI cable and port.
• Restart the TV (unplug for 60 seconds).
• If lines appear everywhere (menus + all inputs), it may be a panel-related issue and support may be needed.

Issue: Picture is Zoomed In, Cut Off, or Doesn’t Fit the Screen

This is often an aspect ratio or overscan setting mismatch.

• Press Home → Settings 
• Go to Display & Sounds → Display

Look for options like:

• Screen Resolution
• Display Area / Calibrate Display
• Aspect Ratio (wording can vary)
• If the issue is only with one device:
• Check the device’s video settings for resolution/aspect ratio.
• Try setting the device to Auto or 1080p to test.

Issue: Blurry Picture, Grainy Image, or Poor Quality

Confirm the content quality:

• Some channels/videos are lower resolution and may look blurry.

If using HDMI:

• Make sure the device output is set to the correct resolution (Auto/4K if supported).

Check your picture mode:

• Home → Settings  → Display & Sounds → Picture
• Try switching Picture Mode (ex: Movie, Standard, etc.)

If the issue is mostly with streaming:

Check your internet connection speed and stability (buffering/low bandwidth can reduce quality).

Issue: Strange Colors, Washed Out Picture, or Color Tint

Test a different app and input to see if it’s everywhere.

If using HDMI:

• Replace the HDMI cable and try another port.

Adjust picture settings:

• Home → Settings → Display & Sounds → Picture
• Try resetting the picture settings (if available).
• If colors look “off” only in one app/device, it’s likely the source, not the TV.

Issue: TV Screen is Frozen (Menus Don’t Respond)

Restart the TV:

• Unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in.

If the remote is also not responding, try:

• Replacing the remote batteries

Using the TV’s physical power button (if available) to restart

If Nothing Helps: Try a Factory Reset (Last Step)

A factory reset can fix software-related screen problems, but it will erase your settings and sign you out of apps.

Home → Settings  → My Fire TV → Reset to Factory Defaults