Samsung TV turning on and off repeatedly while displaying a black screen can be a frustrating experience that will disrupt your TV usage. This issue, often referred to as the “black screen of death,” is surprisingly common and can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from minor glitches to more serious hardware failures. Whether it’s a power supply problem, a software bug, or faulty connections, understanding the root cause is the first step toward resolving it. Let’s find out what causes this issue and how to quickly resolve it.
What Causes My Samsung TV to Turn On and Off Repeatedly with a Black Screen?
A couple of factors can trigger this issue in your Samsung TV. Let’s explore some major reasons your Samsung TV turns on and off repeatedly with a black screen;
Power Supply Problems: a faulty power supply unit is one of the most common reasons your Samsung TV turns on and off repeatedly with a black screen. This issue can come from loose or damaged power cables, malfunctioning outlets, or internal defects in the power supply unit which can disrupt the TV’s ability to maintain consistent power, leading to repeated on-and-off cycles.
Software Glitches: software glitches or corrupted firmware can cause your Samsung TV to turn on and off repeatedly and display a black screen. These issues may arise during updates or resets, leading to incomplete system configurations or unresponsive displays. Restoring factory settings incorrectly can also result in black screens.
External Device Interference: connected external devices like gaming consoles, cable boxes, or USB drives can sometimes conflict with the TV’s system. Faulty HDMI or USB connections may trigger this issue in your Samsung TV.
Incorrect Display Settings: improperly configured display settings such as brightness, contrast, or input source can lead to a black screen that appears as though the TV is off. This often happens after a reset if settings are not restored correctly.
Hardware Failures: internal hardware issues, such as defective capacitors, ribbon cables, or LED strips, can cause voltage mismatches and prevent the screen from functioning properly. These failures are less common but require professional diagnosis and repair.
Samsung TV Turning On and Off Repeatedly Black Screen: Basic Troubleshooting Tips
To resolve this problem, start with these basic troubleshooting steps first;
1. Power Cycle the TV
A simple power cycle on your Samsung TV can fix this problem. However, in cases where it does not, you can explore other options. Here is show to carry out a power cycle on your Samsung TV;
- Unplug the TV from the wall outlet for 30–60 seconds to drain residual power and reset the system (Some experts recommend that this should be done for a longer period)
- If you were using surge protectors, bypass them and reconnect directly to a working power outlet.
- Try turning on your Samsung TV with the power button or remote
2. Inspect Power Connections
Faulty or loose connections are among the most common causes of Samsung TVs turning on/off repeatedly or displaying a black screen. Hence, there is a need to inspect the power connections on your TV.
- Check the power cable for visible damage or loose connections at both the TV and outlet end.
- Test with a different the power cable if available, as faulty cables can disrupt voltage flow
3. Disconnect External Devices
External devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or cable boxes, can interfere with the TV’s functionality due to compatibility issues, faulty connections, or software conflicts. Disconnecting external devices is a crucial step in troubleshooting a Samsung TV that turns on and off repeatedly or displays a black screen. Here is what to do;
- Remove all HDMI/USB devices to rule out conflicts caused by faulty peripherals or HDMI-CEC interference.
- Disconnect all external devices and test each individually to identify the problematic device.
4. Verify Power Settings
If your Samsung TV keeps going on and off repeatedly, you will need to verify your power settings once the TV comes on
.
- Tap on the Home button on your remote and navigate to Settings> All Settings
- Select General & Privacy
- Scroll down and select the Power and Energy Saving option
- Find the Auto Power Saving and Auto Power Off option and disable them
- Also turn off Sleep Timer by selecting Settings>System Manager
- Tap on Time and scroll to the Sleep Timer option
- Tap on the option to turn off Sleep Timer.
Samsung TV Turning On and Off Repeatedly Black Screen: Advanced Fixes
Sometimes, the basic troubleshooting steps may fail to resolve the issue. When this happens, it suggests the issue is more complex and will require advanced fixes. These solutions address deeper hardware and software problems that often require technical knowledge or professional assistance. Below are some advanced fixes to try
1. Update Firmware Manually
If your Samsung TV turns on and off repeatedly and shows a black screen, updating your TV can help resolve this issue. Here is how to;
- Visit Samsung Support to download the latest firmware for your TV model.
- Transfer the firmware file to a USB drive and insert it into the TV.
- Follow on-screen instructions to immediately update the software
- Restart the TV after updating to ensure changes take effect.
2. Factory Reset your TV
Though this will erase all your previous settings, carrying out a factory reset may help resolve this issue. This restores all settings to factory defaults, eliminating persistent software glitches.
- Press the “Menu” button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings> All Settings>General & Privacy
- Choose “Factory data reset” from the options
- Enter your PIN (default is usually 0000) if you did not set a new pin on your device
- Confirm the reset, and your TV will restart.
3. Inspect Capacitors and Power Board
It gets more technical from here. If you are conversant with this, go ahead with these steps, if not seek professional help
- Open the back panel of the TV and check for bulging or leaking capacitors on the power board, burnt components or loose connections.
- Replace faulty capacitors or seek professional help for repairs if necessary
- Replace Ribbon Cables or LED Strips as they can cause voltage mismatches if damaged and cause a black screen.
4. Diagnose Main Board Issues
The main board, responsible for processing signals, can fail due to wear or electrical surges. Mainboard issues is usually more complex to diagnose, so we advise you consult a technician for diagnostics and replacement if necessary
Conclusion
Dealing with a Samsung TV that repeatedly turns on and off with a black screen can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the fixes we’ve outlined, most Samsung TV users can easily get this resolved without professional help. However, there are times the issue is caused by a more complex compinent in the TV ehich will require higher technicality or professional assistance. If you are not comfortable carrying out the advanced fixes on your own, you can contact Samsung Support for help.