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If your monitor is on but displays “No Signal” or stays black, check the selected input and video connection first. Then test the computer, cable, and monitor separately to find which part is preventing a picture.

What “No Signal” means

A “No Signal” message usually means the monitor is powered but is not receiving a usable picture through its selected input. A completely black screen can have other causes, including a monitor that is off or a computer that is not starting. Check the monitor’s own status and on-screen menu before changing computer settings.

Check the monitor and its selected input

  1. Confirm the monitor is powered on. Look for its power indicator and press its power button once if needed.
  2. Open the monitor’s on-screen menu using its physical buttons. If the menu appears, the display can show its own interface, so continue by checking the incoming signal.
  3. Use the monitor’s input or source control to select the port actually connected to the computer, such as HDMI or DisplayPort. If you are unsure which port is in use, check the cable at both ends.

Reseat the video connection

  1. Turn off the computer and monitor before disconnecting or reconnecting the video cable.
  2. Remove the cable at both ends, inspect the connectors for visible damage or debris, then firmly reconnect it. Make sure it is connected to the monitor’s video input and to a video output on the computer.
  3. If the cable or port is damaged, or the connection still fails, try another compatible cable or another available video port. Change one item at a time so you can tell whether it affects the result.
  4. Turn the monitor and computer back on and check whether a picture appears.

Find out whether the computer or monitor is the problem

Test one side of the connection at a time, using equipment and ports that are compatible with each other.

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  • Try the monitor with another device. If it displays that device, the monitor and the tested input are working with that connection; investigate the original computer, its output, or the cable.
  • Try the computer with another display. If the other display also gets no signal, the original monitor is less likely to be the cause. Check whether the computer has completed startup and whether its video output is connected correctly.
  • Try a different cable or port. If changing only the cable or port restores the picture, the original connection path is the likely cause.

These checks narrow down the fault but do not identify a specific failed component in every case. If multiple known-working combinations still produce no picture, the computer or monitor may need service.

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If the screen is black rather than showing “No Signal”

Check whether the monitor’s own menu appears. If it does, verify the selected input and repeat the cable and device checks. If the menu does not appear, confirm power and try the monitor’s controls again. A black screen alone does not establish whether the fault is the display, its power, or the computer.

When to stop troubleshooting

Do not open the monitor or computer to inspect internal components. Stop if you notice a damaged connector, unusual heat, a burning smell, or other signs of electrical damage. For persistent failures after checking power, input, cable, and a second device or display, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service.

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