Unfortunately, many users have reported Black screen issues with their TCL TVs.
The black screens can range from permanent to intermittent, and we have some solutions to fix the black screen before you take the TV to the repair shop!
This guide will give you tips on removing the black screen from your TCL TV picture.
How do I fix the TCL TV back screen?
- Unplug your TCL TV and wait 60 seconds
- Update your TCL TV Firmware
- Change your input/source to see if the issues persist
- Switch out your HDMI cables
- Check your Picture Color settings
- Consider the possibility of backlight failures
- Contact TCL Support
Above is a brief outline of this article.
Now, let’s get into further details about each step.
Method 1: Soft Reset your TCL TV (All TCL Models)
Unplugging your TCL TV will perform a soft reset/power cycle
Unplug your TCL TV and wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
What does unplugging your TCL TV do?
Unplugging your TCL TV for around 60 seconds performs a soft reset of the system.
This restart allows any updates downloaded in the background to install and start successfully.
The soft reset also clears the system cache.
Performing the soft reset can help resolve the black screen issue if it is a software problem causing picture issues.
Method 2: Update your TCL TV firmware
Keeping your TCL TV firmware on the latest version can help prevent issues from arising over time.
The TCL TV software should automatically update if connected to the internet through Ethernet or a WIFI connection.
Sometimes, updates can be missed, or an installation can be interrupted and cause issues with your TV.
Old TCL firmware or a partial firmware installation could cause the black screen problem, and we strongly recommend that you update your TCL TV firmware to ensure that you have the latest software, access to new apps, and an improved viewing experience.
Keeping your TCL TV updated with regular updates improves your viewing experience and gives you better security & privacy protection.
How to update your TCL TV Software
If your TV is turned on, hit the HOME or MENU button on the remote.
Now, you will see the menu interface appear.
Hit UP and then scroll across to the right-hand side, where you will see the gear/cog icon which is the SETTING MENU button.
You should scroll down to SUPPORT and then select SOFTWARE UPDATE from the menu on the right-hand side.
I found that having outdated software presented the TCL TV no signal issues, similar to the black screen issues.
Method 3: Change your selected input device/source
Another potential quick fix for black screen issues on TCL TVs is checking the other input devices/sources.
You can change the input device or source by pressing the “Input” button on the TCL remote, as shown in the image below.
Once you have pressed this button, you are shown a list of available inputs. Inputs are the devices that are connected to your TCL TV. This could be a DVD player, Cable Box, Firestick .etc
You should navigate through your inputs to see if the black screen issue is still present when you change through the different inputs.
If the black screen is only present on one or more of your inputs but the image displays normally on others then this would suggest that your TV is fine, It may limit the issue to an external device (like those listed above) or alternatively an input device I/O issue.
What is an input device I/O issue?
I/O stands for input/output – it generally refers to the different ports on your TV like HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, USB.etc.
It is not uncommon for a port to become damaged or unusable after prolonged use or an extended period of plugging and unplugging cables into the same port.
I/O Input issue example:
Suppose the black screen is only on HDMI 2 – When you switch the device to HDMI 2 – if the black screen is still present.
This would suggest that you have a damaged HDMI 2 port.
Method 4: Check and switch your HDMI cables
A bad HDMI cable can cause your TCL black screen problems.
HDMI cables are made by thousands of companies worldwide and can vary drastically in quality and lifespan.
If you start to notice a deterioration of your signal quality, an intermittent black screen, or sound issues, then a bad HDMI may be the culprit.
If you have other HDMI cables in your home (and most of us do), we recommend that you try switching the HDMI cables to see if this fixes your problem.
We recommend that if you do not have a spare HDMI, you purchase one (Usually around $10) and ensure that the HDMI cable is not the issue before looking at the possible replacement or repair of your TCL TV.
Method 5: Check your TCL TV Picture Settings
Although it is unlikely that your picture settings are causing the black screen issue, it only takes a few minutes to check.
Method 6: Back Lighting Failure (Generally occurs in older TCL TVs)
A black screen problem can be caused by a backlight failure that fails to offer adequate brightness levels to the TV picture, thus resulting in a dark or completely black screen.
How to prevent TCL backlight failure
Reducing your TV’s brightness is worthwhile if you are not yet at the failure stage.
When you initially purchase a TCL TV from your local electronics store, the brightness level can often be set to 100. This excessive brightness can lead to issues over time.
Option 1: Call your local electronic repair store
If you believe that a backlight failure may be the cause of the black screen on your TCL TV, it may be time to call your local electronics store so that they can diagnose the issue.
We recommend you perform your due diligence when selecting a local store for repairs, check their Google Reviews, and possibly get a secondary quote.
Should I replace or fix my TCL TV?
It is also worth considering buying a new TV if it needs repair.
Factor in the age of your TCL TV and the quoted cost of repairs, and it may be more economical in the long run to purchase a new TV; with older TVs, other issues may arise over time.
The costs of screen pairs for TCL TVs can range from $125-$500 on average.
If your TV is over a few years old, you can likely get a brand-new TV with comparable or better features.
Another thing to consider is that you’ll get a warranty period of at least one year with a new TV.
Option 2: Repair the TCL TV backlight failure yourself!
To the braver TCL owners, you can always repair the TV unit.
Be aware that you should do this assuming the risk of causing more damage to your TV and potentially invalidating your warranty (If your TV is newer and still covered)
Contact TCL Support
If none of our tips have helped resolve the TCL TV screen black screen issue, then it might be time to consider contacting TCL support as you may have a defective TV unit.
TCL may be able to advise you of other things to try or help diagnose the root cause of the issues.
Luckily, If you have followed this guide, you already have a headstart on the troubleshooting as TCL will ask you to follow the same steps to rule out any other issues.
I would strongly recommend contacting TCL before you consider any other fixes that may invalidate your warranty or cause further damage to your TCL TV.
TCL Warranty
Check your receipts and purchase documentation to see what warranty was provided when you purchased your TCL TV.
If your TV is still under warranty, then you may be able to get TCL to fix it for free.
Conclusion – TCL Black Screen
Having a black TCL screen can be an annoyance, and unfortunately, the fixes range from quick and easy to long-winded and potentially expensive.
We hope this article helped you uncover the root cause of the TCL black screen.
