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If an LG TV picture looks unusually dim, check Energy Saving and Picture Mode first. LG’s troubleshooting guidance recommends turning Energy Saving Step off and selecting Standard picture mode; if the picture remains dark, reset the picture settings. The menu path varies by TV generation, and these steps are not a diagnosis for every television or every dark-screen problem.
Turn off Energy Saving Step
LG says an active Energy Saving setting can affect screen brightness, including adjusting it in response to environmental lighting. Find the route for your TV’s webOS generation below, then set Energy Saving Step to Off. These are LG’s standard-model instructions; labels and paths may differ on some models. LG’s dark-picture troubleshooting guide was published July 28, 2026, and its Energy Saving guide was published July 17, 2026.
| TV generation | Menu path to Energy Saving Step |
|---|---|
| 2026 and newer, webOS 26+ | Settings > All Settings > System > Energy Saving > Energy Saving Step > Off |
| 2022 and newer, webOS 22+ | Settings > All Settings > General > Energy Saving > Energy Saving Step > Off |
| 2021, webOS 6.0 | Settings > Support > Energy Saving > Energy Saving Step > Off |
| 2020 and older, webOS 5.0 or earlier | Settings > All Settings > Picture > Energy Saving > Off |
Choose Standard picture mode
If turning Energy Saving off does not resolve the dim picture, check the mode selected for the current input. LG notes that picture mode settings may differ between inputs, so you may need to select the mode again when switching between HDMI, broadcast TV, or an app. See LG’s Energy Saving instructions.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- 2021 and newer: Settings > All Settings > Picture > Select Mode, then choose Standard.
- 2020 and older: Settings > All Settings > Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Picture Mode, then choose Standard.
LG also lists Vivid as an available choice on 2021-and-newer sets, but Standard is the recommended first selection in its troubleshooting guidance. If the picture is still dim after these checks, reset the picture settings using the option available in your TV’s Picture menu.
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When a dark picture may not be a settings problem
A loose HDMI or antenna connection can also cause picture trouble, and LG lists possible hardware issues among the causes of a dark or dim image. Check that the relevant connection is seated securely; a dim picture alone is not a reason to assume a cable needs replacing.
Stop troubleshooting through the menus and contact LG support if the settings menu itself is too dark to read, only part of the screen is dark, or the problem persists after the basic settings and connection checks. LG says those symptoms may indicate an internal issue. Its guidance applies to LG TVs; the title does not identify a model, and menu instructions should not be treated as universal across brands.
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