If your TCL TV is powered on but you do not see a picture, do not hear sound, or both, the TV may be on the wrong input, the connected device may be off, a cable may be loose, or the TV may need to be restarted.

Use the steps below to help narrow down what is causing the issue.

Note: Menu names and steps may vary by TCL TV model, remote type, and software version.

Start Here: Does the TV Menu Appear?

Before going through all troubleshooting steps, check whether the TV menu appears on the screen.

Press Home, Settings, or Menu on your TCL remote.

If the menu or Home screen appears

Your TV screen is working. The issue is most likely related to one of the following:

• The selected input
• A connected device
• A loose or damaged cable
• A specific app
• A channel or Live TV signal
• An external audio device

Continue with the section below that best matches your issue.

If the menu or Home screen does not appear

The issue may be related to the TV display, power state, remote, or connected source. Continue with the No Picture and No Sound or No Picture, but Sound Works section below.

Important: Is the TV Actually Powering On?

This article is for TVs that appear to power on but have no picture, no sound, or both.

If the TV does not respond at all, use TV power troubleshooting instead.

Signs the TV may not be powering on include:

• The power light is off, if your model has one
• The screen does not light up at all
• The TV does not respond to the remote
• The TV does not respond to the physical Power button on the TV
• You do not see the TCL logo or Home screen

If the TV appears to be powered on, continue below.

Choose the Issue That Matches What You See

Use the section that best matches your issue:

• No picture and no sound
• No picture, but sound works
• Picture works, but there is no sound
• Issue only happens with one HDMI device
• Issue only happens with Live TV or antenna
• Issue only happens in one app

No Picture and No Sound

If your TV appears to be on but you do not see picture or hear sound, start here.

Most Likely Causes

• The TV is on the wrong input
• The connected device is turned off or asleep
• An HDMI or coaxial cable is loose
• The TV or connected device needs to be restarted
• The selected app, channel, or device is not sending a signal

Step 1: Check the Input or Source

The TV may be set to an input that does not have a device connected.

Roku TV

1. Press Home on the Roku remote.
2. Select the correct input tile, such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Live TV, or Antenna.
3. Wait a few seconds for the signal to appear.

If you do not see the input listed on the Roku Home screen:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select TV inputs.
3. Select the input you want to use.
4. Set up or rename the input if needed.

Google TV

1. Press the Input button on the remote.
2. Select the correct input, such as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, or Live TV.
3. Wait a few seconds for the signal to appear.

You can also check inputs from Settings > Channels & Inputs > Inputs on many Google TV models.

Fire TV

1. Press the Input button on the remote, if available.
2. Select the correct HDMI input or Live TV option.
3. If your remote does not have an Input button, check the input options from the Fire TV interface or use the physical input button on the TV, if available.

Stop here if picture and sound return.

Step 2: Check the Connected Device

If you are using a cable box, satellite box, game console, streaming device, Blu-ray player, soundbar, or audio receiver:

1. Make sure the connected device is powered on.
2. Make sure it is not in sleep or standby mode.
3. Use the device’s original remote to wake it up.
4. Confirm the TV is on the same input where the device is connected.

Step 3: Restart the TV and Connected Device

Restarting can help reset the connection between the TV and external devices.

1. Turn off the TV and the connected device.
2. Unplug both from power.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug the TV back in.
5. Plug the connected device back in.
6. Turn both devices on.
7. Select the correct input again.

You can also restart the TV from the menu if the screen is visible. TCL’s Roku TV restart path is Settings > System > Power > System restart > Restart, or Settings > System > System restart if the Power menu is not shown. Google TV uses Settings > System > Restart. Fire TV Smart TV uses Settings > Device & Software > Restart, while some Fire TV menus may show My Fire TV > Restart instead.

No Picture, but Sound Works

If you can hear sound but the screen is black, the issue may be related to the selected source, HDMI device, app, channel, cable, or the TV display.

Most Likely Causes

• The app, channel, or HDMI device is not displaying video
• The HDMI cable is loose or damaged
• The TV is on the wrong input
• The connected device needs to be restarted
• The TV display may need service if the menu does not appear

Step 1: Check Whether the Menu Appears

Press Home, Settings, or Menu on the remote.

If the menu appears

The TV display is working. The issue is most likely with the app, channel, input, cable, or connected device.

Continue with the steps below.

If the menu does not appear

Continue troubleshooting by restarting the TV and checking cables. If the screen stays black and the menu never appears, the TV may need additional support.

Step 2: Try Another Source

Try a different source to see whether the issue happens everywhere or only in one place.

Try the following:

• Open a different app
• Change to a different channel
• Switch to another HDMI input
• Go back to the Home screen
• Try a different connected device, if available

If the picture works in one place but not another, the issue is likely related to that specific app, channel, device, or input.

Step 3: Check the HDMI Cable and Device

If the issue happens with an HDMI device:

1. Make sure the device is powered on.
2. Restart the connected device.
3. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
4. Try a different HDMI cable.
5. Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
6. Connect the device directly to the TV.

Avoid HDMI splitters, adapters, switches, or extension cables while troubleshooting.

Picture Works, but There Is No Sound

If you can see the picture but cannot hear audio, start here.

Most Likely Causes

• The TV is muted
• The volume is too low
• Audio is being sent to a soundbar, receiver, headphones, or Bluetooth device
• The app, channel, or device has an audio issue
• The audio output setting needs to be changed

Step 1: Check Volume and Mute

1. Press Volume Up on the remote.
2. Make sure the TV is not muted.
3. Try changing the channel, app, or input.
4. Restart the TV.

Stop here if the sound returns.

Step 2: Check External Audio Devices

If you use a soundbar, audio receiver, headphones, or another audio device:

1. Make sure the audio device is powered on.
2. Make sure the audio device is set to the correct input.
3. Disconnect the audio device.
4. Test the TV speakers by themselves.
5. Check the TV’s audio output settings.

Step 3: Check Audio Output Settings

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select Audio.
4. Check the available audio output and speaker settings.

Menu options may vary depending on model and connected devices.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Display & Sound.
3. Select Audio or Audio Output.
4. Choose the correct output, such as TV speakers, ARC, eARC, optical, or Bluetooth, depending on your setup.

Google’s troubleshooting guidance for Google TV soundbar/audio setup includes checking Channel and Inputs, HDMI control/eARC settings, and Display & Sound > Audio > Audio Output when using external audio equipment.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Display & Sounds.
3. Check the available audio settings.
4. If using a soundbar or receiver, confirm the TV and audio device are using the correct input and connection.

Step 4: Test Another Source

Try a different app, channel, or HDMI device.

If sound works in one app or input but not another, the TV may be working normally. The issue is likely with that specific app, channel, device, or service.

Issue Only Happens with One HDMI Device

If the TV works normally except when using one connected HDMI device, the TV may be working properly.

Examples of HDMI devices include:

• Cable boxes
• Satellite boxes
• Gaming consoles
• Streaming devices
• Blu-ray players
• HDMI switches
• Soundbars
• Audio receivers

Most Likely Causes

• The connected device is turned off or asleep
• The HDMI cable is loose or damaged
• The device is connected to the wrong input
• An HDMI splitter, switch, adapter, or extension cable is interfering
• HDMI-CEC control is affecting the connection

Try These Steps

1. Make sure the connected device is powered on.
2. Confirm the device is not in sleep or standby mode.
3. Use the device’s original remote to wake it up.
4. Restart the connected device.
5. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable.
6. Try a different HDMI cable.
7. Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
8. Connect the device directly to the TV.
9. Remove HDMI splitters, switches, adapters, or extension cables while testing.

Fire TV: Check HDMI-CEC Device Control

If your TCL Fire TV has no picture or sound when using an HDMI device, HDMI-CEC may be affecting the connection.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Display & Sounds.
3. Select HDMI CEC Device Control.
4. Turn the setting Off.
5. Check the HDMI device again.

Issue Only Happens with Live TV or Antenna

If the issue only happens when watching Live TV, antenna, or coaxial cable, the TV may need to scan for channels again.

Most Likely Causes

• The antenna or coaxial cable is loose
• The TV is on the wrong input
• Channels need to be scanned again
• The antenna signal is weak
• A cable box is turned off or connected to the wrong input

Try These Steps

1. Make sure the antenna or coaxial cable is firmly connected.
2. Try a different channel.
3. Make sure the TV is on the correct input, such as Live TV, Antenna, or the HDMI input used by your cable box.
4. If using a cable box, make sure the cable box is powered on.
5. Run a channel scan.

Run a Channel Scan

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select TV inputs.
4. Select Live TV.
5. Select Scan for channels.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Channels & Inputs.
3. Select Channels, Live TV, or Channel Scan.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Menu names may vary by model and software version.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Look for Live TV, Inputs, or Channel Scan options.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan for available channels.

Menu names may vary by TCL Fire TV model and software version.

Issue Only Happens in One App

If the picture or sound issue only happens in one streaming app, the TV may be working normally. The issue may be with the app, app account, streaming service, internet connection, or app data.

Most Likely Causes

• The app needs to be restarted
• The app needs an update
• The streaming service is having an issue
• The app data needs to be cleared
• The app needs to be reinstalled
• The internet connection is unstable

Try These Steps

1. Close and reopen the app.
2. Try a different app.
3. Restart the TV.
4. Check for TV software updates.
5. Check for app updates, if available.
6. Clear app data or cache, if available.
7. Uninstall and reinstall the app, if your TV platform allows it.

Google TV troubleshooting guidance includes checking system updates, restarting the device, and clearing app data from Settings > Apps > See all apps when an app is not working correctly.

If other apps work normally, the issue is likely related to that specific app or service instead of the TV.

Restart Your TCL TV

Restarting the TV can clear temporary issues without deleting your settings or apps.

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Power, if shown.
5. Select System restart.
6. Select Restart.

If you do not see Power, use:

Settings > System > System restart

You can also unplug the TV from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select Restart.
4. Confirm if prompted.

Google also lists Settings > System > Restart as the restart path for Google TV troubleshooting.

Fire TV

For many TCL Fire TV models:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Device & Software.
3. Select Restart.

Some Fire TV devices may show:

Settings > My Fire TV > Restart

Amazon lists Device & Software > Restart for Fire TV Smart TVs and My Fire TV > Restart for Fire TV devices, so the exact menu name may vary by model.

Check for Software Updates

Software updates can help resolve system, app, performance, and compatibility issues.

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Software update.
5. Select Check now.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Select System update.
5. Select Check for update, if shown.

Google lists the Google TV update path as Settings > System > About > System update > Check for update.

Fire TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select My Fire TV or Device & Software.
3. Select About.
4. Select Check for System Update.
5. Install any available update.

Amazon lists Fire TV update steps as Settings > My Fire TV or Device & Software > About > Check for System Update.

Check the Cables

A loose or damaged cable can cause no picture, no sound, or both.

1. Turn off the TV and connected device.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI, coaxial, antenna, optical, or audio cable.
3. Make sure each cable is firmly connected.
4. Try a different cable, if available.
5. For HDMI devices, connect the HDMI cable directly from the device to the TV.
6. Avoid HDMI splitters, switches, adapters, or extension cables while troubleshooting.

Stop here if picture and sound return.

Try a Factory Reset as a Last Resort

Only try a factory reset after completing the other troubleshooting steps. A factory reset may help resolve a software-related issue, but it will erase TV settings and require setup again.

Only Reset the TV If

• You already restarted the TV
• You checked the input and cables
• You tested another app, channel, or device
• You checked for software updates
• The issue happens in more than one place
• The issue is not limited to one external device or one app

Before Resetting, Please Note

A factory reset may:

• Remove downloaded apps
• Sign you out of accounts
• Erase Wi-Fi settings
• Reset picture, sound, and system settings
• Require you to set up the TV again

Factory Reset Steps

Roku TV

1. Press Home.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select Advanced system settings.
5. Select Factory reset.
6. Select Factory reset everything.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Roku’s official factory reset path for Roku TV is Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset > Factory reset everything.

Google TV

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Select Factory reset.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts.

TCL and Google both list the Google TV factory reset path through Settings > System > About > Factory reset.

Fire TV

For many TCL Fire TV models:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Device & Software.
3. Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Some Fire TV models may show:

Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults

TCL lists Settings > Device & Software > Reset to Factory Defaults for TCL Fire TV, while Amazon notes that some Fire TV menus may use My Fire TV instead.

What to Do If the Issue Continues

If the issue continues after trying the steps above, gather the following information before seeking additional support:

• TV model number
• TV serial number
• TV software version, if available
• Whether the issue happens on all inputs or only one input
• Whether the issue happens in all apps or only one app
• Whether the issue happens with Live TV, antenna, HDMI, or built-in apps
• The name of any connected device, such as a cable box, game console, soundbar, or streaming device
• A photo or short video of the issue, if possible

This information can help identify whether the issue is related to the TV, a connected device, a cable, an app, or the signal source.

Helpful Tips

• Press Home, Settings, or Menu first to check whether the TV screen is working.
• Make sure the TV is on the correct input.
• Confirm connected devices are powered on.
• Check all HDMI, coaxial, antenna, optical, and audio cables.
• Try a different input, channel, or app.
• Restart the TV and connected device.
• Check for software updates.
• Use factory reset only as a last resort.

Reminder: Directions and menu options may vary depending on your TCL TV model, remote, and software version.