An HDMI connection is much more efficient because it contains both the video and audio signal. If there is an issue with the HDMI signal nothing will display on the screen and you can get the error message on the screen that says no HDMI signal from your device. Today, I will explain all of the causes and how to fix this when it happens.
As a general rule, always start by checking that the HDMI cable is plugged in all the way on both ends. Check that the source device is powered on, then check the display device such as a TV, or monitor is set on the right HDMI channel. Finally, try a different HDMI cable.
If you’re new to using an HDMI cable, you may need more of an explanation about exactly what to do. But, if you’re quite experienced you may also want to double check you’ve done everything right. Below are detailed step by step instructions for how to perform these troubleshooting steps, as well as additional steps you should do if it’s still not working.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Error
Although the error message says there is no HDMI signal, the HDMI cable or the source device isn’t always the cause of this problem. Here’s a summary of the 3 areas that you need to troubleshoot to get it working.
Overall, there can be 3 causes of the issue, the source device such as a computer or gaming console is not set correctly, the display device is not set correctly, or the cable that connects the two is not working or plugged properly. The steps to troubleshoot each of these are explained below.
Note, that because there are 3 main things you need to check it can seem like it will be a really big task to get it working. There are a lot of steps but each is very easy to do. It’s impossible to know which solution will fix this issue. But, I’ve ordered them from easiest and most likely to get it working again, to least likely. Follow each of these steps, and if it’s still not working after doing the step move on to the next step.
1. Make sure cable is seated correctly on both ends
An HDMI cable like all cables needs to be plugged in all the way to work. It’s very easy for the cable to be a little bit loose on one or both ends. A good way to check this is to take out the cable from both ends and then plug it back in. Making sure that it’s pushed in all the way.
2. Faulty HDMI cable not sending a signal
HDMI cables can get worn out, or the cable can have been bent which broke the internal wires. In some cases this can not be visible on the outside of the HDMI cable. Inspect either end to see if there is any visible damage to the ports on your HDMI cable.
The best way to check if it’s faulty is to use a different HDMI cable that you know is working. You may need to grab one from another part of the house, borrow one from a neighbor/friend, or buy a whole new one. Luckily they’re very inexpensive, and it’s always handy to have a back up.
3. Check power is on from the source device – such as a gaming console
This is a simple mistake that is very easy to make. As you may know, when using an HDMI cable there is a source device, and an output device. This is also called a display device. The message that says ‘no HDMI signal from your device’, is the display device. It is displaying the signal from the source device.
The source device such as a DVD player, computer, or gaming console can simply not be turned on. Or, on standby mode. It seems like common sense, but it’s an easy mistake to make. So, double check that the source device is turned on.
4. Change the HDMI channel – for example switch from HDMI1 to HDMI2
The display device such as a TV screen or computer monitor commonly has more than one HDMI port. This allows you to plug in more than one device into it. For example, you can have a gaming console, and a computer plugged into the same TV, or computer monitor.
For the display device to show the signal it needs to be on the correct HDMI channel. The channel is changed using the remote on a TV. On a computer monitor you may need to access the settings.
This is usually done using the buttons on the side or using the joystick type button on the back – called a JOG. Once you enter the settings on a monitor you can change the input to a different HDMI channel. For example, if it’s on HDMI1, change it to HDMI2.
Another option, which may be easier is to plug the HDMI cable at the back of the display device into a different HDMI port. Try each of the different HDMI ports to see if you get a signal.
5. Check the display device is fine by trying to plug in a different device
It can be the case that there is something wrong with the display device such as a TV, monitor, or projector that is stopping the HDMI signal from being received. The port on the TV can be faulty. Or, there is a glitch in the software which can happen somewhat rarely and the display device needs to be restarted.
Generally, turning your display device on and off again will do a soft reset. So, do that first. Provided that has fixed the No HDMI signal from your device error then try plugging in a different device. For example, if you’re trying to send a signal from a computer to your display device using an HDMI cable then try to connect a console or a DVD player to the display device over HDMI.
If it’s still not picking up the signal and you get a No HDMI signal error there may be an issue with your display device. Therefore, you should double check it with another cable such as VGA, explained in the next step.
6. Try a different input such as VGA
HDMI is one way to send a video signal but there is also VGA. VGA is the technology that was around before HDMI burst onto the scene. However, it still works and works well. The main difference is that it sends the video signal only and not the audio signal.
This still makes it perfect to test the display device you’re sending the video signal to such as a monitor, or projector. Doing so will tell you if the display device has an issue or it’s something else. Use it instead of the HDMI cable and see if you get a video signal. Often this can involve changing a few settings. If you’re using a computer as the source device refer to the heading below that says ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer’.
It explains how to fix various issues with sending a signal from a computer to a display device using an HDMI cable. But, the same steps apply to changing the settings for a VGA cable. For a TV you will need to change the input channel. Instead of HDMI1, HDMI2 or the HDMI port it’s set to, change it to VGA.
7. HDMI cable distance is too far, if more than 10m need a repeater
HDMI cables have a maximum distance that they can go. There are adapters that connect an HDMI cable to an HDMI cable. There are also very long HDMI cables that are 20 meters or more.
But, if you try to send an HDMI signal a distance longer than 10 meters the signal can not be strong enough. When it gets to the screen or projector you’re sending it to, the signal can be so weak that it doesn’t register. If you’re using an HDMI cable that is longer than around 5 meters this can be the issue.
Certain sources such as Blu ray players, and consoles aren’t designed to send HDMI signals so far. Therefore, if you’re using a very long cable – longer than 5 meters then you should get a repeater. A repeater boosts the signal to make it stronger.
If you have dell monitor, I have written an article specific to dell monitor hdmi not working, please check that out.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer
Sending the signal from a Windows PC/computer is necessary if it’s not a laptop. An HDMI cable can also be used to send the signal to a computer monitor. It’s better suited to sending the signal to a TV or projector because it sends both the video and audio signal, but if it’s not working here’s what to do to get the HDMI signal to work.
Generally, you should first check that the HDMI cable is plugged in all the way at both ends. If it is then check that the HDMI cable is not faulty by trying a different HDMI cable. After that, use the Windows troubleshooter to identify an issue, update the graphics driver.
If you’re not getting any sound then you need to select the HDMI device as the default device. The Windows specific troubleshooting steps outlined above are a bit tricky to do because they aren’t something that you commonly do on your computer. Therefore, I’ll explain how to do them below:
For the first 2 solutions: checking the HDMI cable is plugged in all the way, and that the HDMI cable isn’t faulty scroll to the top of this article, where I explain how to do them. They are numbered 1. and 2., and explain how to do it in detail. Provided it’s not that, move on to the step below.
1. Run the built in Device Troubleshooter tool in Windows
Windows 10 has a built-in device troubleshooter tool that will scan for any hardware issues. As you may be aware, hardware are things like graphics cards, and RAM. It’s possible there’s an issue with your graphics card that is causing it to not send the signal to your HDMI cable. Or, another issue with one of the hardware components on your computer.
To access the Device Troubleshooter you need to open what’s called the command prompt. Here’s the steps to do that:
- Press the start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard
- Type in the word cmd
- Right click on it with the mouse and select ‘Run as administrator’.
- This will open a new window with the command prompt
- Type into it this: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Note that it’s case sensitive and the spaces required
- This will open the device troubleshooter wizard
- Hit next and the program will diagnose any issues with the hardware components on your computer.
- It will explain to you how to fix any issues following the prompts that it gives you.
2. Make sure it’s plugged into your graphics card not the motherboard
Many computers come with an onboard graphics cards. Whereas, you may have decided to get what’s called a dedicated graphics card. This is a separate graphics card that is installed into the motherboard. Which is a significant upgrade from the onboard graphics card.
A dedicated graphics card has its own HDMI port. Therefore, if you have a dedicated graphics card you will have two places to plug the HDMI cable into. If it’s plugged into one of the ports try the other port.
The reason is one port is connected to the integrated graphics card built into the motherboard. And if you’re using a dedicated graphics card the integrated graphics card will be disabled. A computer can only use one graphics card at a time.
Therefore, it’s very possible the HDMI you’re plugging the cable into has been disabled. So, try the other one.
3. Change these display settings to make sure it’s sending the signal correctly
There are a few different screen configurations on a computer. It can be set to only display to your main screen. This needs to be manually adjusted in the settings to send the signal to the HDMI cable.
- To do that press the Windows key and the letter P on your keyboard at the same time.
- This will open up the display settings, and show you the 4 different options. PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only.
- The two you want to use depending on how you want to send the signal are Duplicate, or Second screen only. Duplicate will show the video on your computer screen and the screen that you’re sending the HDMI signal to. Whereas, Second screen only will only display it on the monitor/projector/TV that you’re sending the HDMI signal to.
4. Check that the driver for your graphics card to the latest version
The HDMI port may not be working because the graphics card is out of date. Interestingly, if the graphics driver is out of date it can conflict with your version of Windows. To check that you the software (driver) for your graphics card is up to date do the following:
- Press the Windows button on the bottom left of your keyboard the letter X on your keyboard.
- This will open up some menu options, select ‘device manager’.
- It will open a window with all of your hardware components, click the option from this list that says ‘Display Driver’, which will show the name of your graphics card just below it.
- Right click on it, and then select ‘Update Driver’.
- This will open the driver update wizard that will guide you through the process to see if your driver is the latest version, and it will update it if there’s a newer version.
- Select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’. It will take some time to do it and then say if it’s up to date or prompt you to install the newer version.
5. Ensure there aren’t any pending Windows updates and install them if there are
Windows frequently release small and large Windows updates. These updates can conflict with the version of the graphics card driver and also stop the HDMI port from working. It’s very easy to see if there are any pending Windows updates, and install them if required.
To do that press the Windows key on your keyboard, or click the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen. The type in ‘Settings’, and choose the option that comes up that says settings. It has a purple cog wheel icon. In the settings select the option that says ‘update & security.
There are a lot of options so if you’re having trouble finding it use the search feature at the top. Then select the option that says ‘windows update’. It will either show that there is a pending update there, which you can update. If not, select ‘check for updates’. It will search for any Windows Updates and if there is one available it will prompt you to install it.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on March 19, 2022.
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Mac
A Mac works differently to a computer that is running Windows. This is because it’s set up slightly differently due to the operating system (OS), that controls all of the computer components. But, like a computer running Windows the HDMI signal can not be showing on the device you’re sending it to, so here’s exactly how to get it working.
There is a hidden setting accessed by clicking the Apple icon in the top left of the screen. Then click on ‘System preferences’, then ‘Displays’. After that, hold down the ‘alt option’ key on the keyboard which is to the left or right of either of the cmd buttons. Then select ‘detect displays’.
This button is located at the bottom right of the window that opens when you click on displays. Pressing the detect displays button will detect any screens that are connected to your Mac computer. According to some Mac users, this can happen a lot, and this is a very quick fix.
It’s also possible the HDMI cable is faulty, or is not plugged in all the way. If you have another HDMI cable lying around try it out instead of the one you’re using. Also, check that the cable is plugged in properly on both ends.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 19, 2022.
If the issue persists then it can be a bug in the software. To have this resolved go to the Apple store to see if there’s a pending software update. Otherwise contact Apple Support over the phone or email. Or, book in to have it looked at at an Apple Store.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Lenovo Thinkpad
Lenovo laptops are my favorite laptop because of the keyboard they have. When sending an HDMI signal from your Lenovo Thinkpad to a display device like a projector or TV, it can have no signal. This is typically because of how the HDMI cable is plugged in or a setting in Windows, here’s step by step instructions to get it working.
Generally, change the port that the HDMI cable is plugged into on your Lenovo Thinkpad. The HDMI port for the motherboard can be disabled if you’re using a dedicated graphics card. Next, check the cable is plugged in all the way on both ends. After that do the steps below.
- Run the device troubleshooter
- Check what the display setting is to make sure it’s sending the video signal to the right place
- Ensure the graphics card driver, and Windows version are both the latest version
- Put the display device on the right HDMI channel, such as HDMI1, or HDMI2
- Use a different HDMI cable to make sure the cable isn’t faulty
I’ve explained step by step how to do each of these near the start of this article. Look for the heading that says: ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Error’ and the heading that says ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer’. Follow all of the step by step instructions in both of those headings which include the steps outlined above.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device HP Laptop
HP is one of the most well known computer companies. Like all source devices sending an HDMI signal to an external display device like a computer monitor the signal can not be working. There are a few reasons why this can happen, and it’s a matter of trying each solution one by one until it works, so here’s what to start with.
As a general rule, check first that the display device (monitor, TV, or projector) is on the right HDMI channel, that the HDMI cable is plugged in properly, and if it’s still not working restart your HP laptop, and the display device.
It’s common for a glitch to have occurred on the software for your HP laptop, or on the operating system for the display device. Restarting them will clear any errors. For an HP laptop it’s fairly easy to do.
Simply, go to the start menu and click the arrow next to the ‘Shut Down’ option, which opens up additional options. One of which is ‘Restart’. Click on that and wait for your HP laptop to shut down and start back up again.
For the display device such as a monitor, TV, or projector, turn it off using the power button. Then unplug it from the wall outlet. Give it 10 seconds or so, and then plug it back into the wall outlet, and press the power button.
In total, there are 11 troubleshooting steps, and each can solve this issue. Each of the steps is explained in easy to follow instructions further up in this article under the heading ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer’ and the heading ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Error’ at the start of this article.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device After Update
After you do an update sometimes the menu layout is a bit different. This can take a bit of getting used to. In rare cases, some of the features won’t work such as sending an HDMI signal, here’s what to do to fix this issue.
Generally, this is caused by the graphics card driver not being up to date on computers. For any other source device like a gaming console, restart both the source device and the display device. The display device is the screen or projector you’re sending the HDMI signal to.
Due to the update the display device can still be set to receive the HDMI signal from the software version that the device was previously. Doing a restart of the display device will force it to reconnect and configure itself to the new software version.
To restart the display device such as a projector, monitor, or TV turn it off, and then unplug it from the wall. After that, give it 5 seconds or so then plug it in and turn it on again.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Entering Power Save Mode
The HDMI signal can not be showing on the display device you’re sending it to. After no signal is there for a few minutes many display devices will go into power save mode. The main reason this happens is because there is no HDMI signal and this needs to be fixed for it to stop happening, so here’s how to do that.
Overall, this is caused by the wrong HDMI channel being selected, the cable not being plugged in all the way, the device not being set on the source device (such as a computer), and both devices needing to be restarted.
TVs, monitors, and projectors tend to have more than one HDMI port. If the HDMI cable is plugged into the HDMI1 port but the channel is on HDMI2, the display device will show no signal.
There are two categories of solutions to this issue, the first is for all source devices such as DVD players, gaming consoles, and computers. And the second set of solutions are specific to sending a signal from a computer. This is because it requires more specialized troubleshooting steps.
Start with the solutions that apply to all source devices. These steps are listed near the top of this article under the heading ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Error’. After that, and if you’re sending the signal from a computer then go through the troubleshooting steps listed under the heading ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer’. And do each of those steps until it’s working.
No HDMI Signal from Your Device Surface Pro
The Microsoft Surface Pro is very thin, and is a combination of a tablet and a laptop. It does not have an HDMI port, and a USB adapter is required to send an HDMI signal to a display device. The Surface Pro can have an issue where no HDMI signal is picked up on the TV, monitor, or projector, here’s what to do to fix this issue.
Start by restarting your Surface Pro, and the display device you’re sending the HDMI signal to. After that make sure the version of Windows for your Surface Pro is up to date, and the driver for your graphics card. Provided you’ve done each of these steps move on the steps below.
The device you’re sending the HDMI signal to can be on the wrong HDMI channel, the cable may be faulty, and the adapter you’re using to convert the USB port to HDMI may be faulty.
I explained how to do each of these steps one by one near the start of this article under the heading ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Error’. After doing each of these steps, if it’s still giving you the message that says no HDMI signal.
Then go to the heading that says ‘No HDMI Signal from Your Device Windows PC/Computer’. This covers a range of steps that are specific to sending an HDMI signal from a Windows computer. It applies to all types of computers including a Surface Pro. And there aren’t any specific steps that are different when using a Surface Pro.
Overall, begin by restarting both devices you’re using. For example, if you’re using a computer or a gaming console, restart that, then restart the device you’re sending the HDMI signal to such as a monitor or TV. If it’s still not working after that follow the additional steps below.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 19, 2022.