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Troubleshooting picture issues on your TV

Last Update date : 2024-09-29

Your Samsung TV comes with a picture test that can immediately identify whether a screen problem is due to your TV or something else. Certain issues can also be easily resolved by adjusting your TV's settings.

Lines, dots, or spots of any color appear on the TV screen

When the TV has trouble with the picture, these steps may help resolve the problem.

1 Open Settings.

2 Select All Settings.

3 Select Support.

4 Then select Device care.

5 Select Self Diagnosis.

6 Select Picture Test. You will now be taken through a series of picture tests.

7 Confirm Yes or No to confirm whether the problem is visible and to continue to the next test. Look at the screen for any problems, and use the on-screen instructions to complete the picture test.

Lines, dots, or spots appear during the picture test.Lines, dots, or spots do not appear during the picture test.

When applying a picture test, the TV will show a pattern from which is already uploaded in the firmware; this pattern is unrelated to any connections or inputs.

Samsung TV has no picture or a black screen when connected to HDMI

1 Test the HDMI cable.

To perform the test, make sure the TV's source is still on the HDMI setting for the cable you want to test.

If the test says the cable is bad, replace the cable. Service is not required.

Step 1. Open Settings.

Step 2. Select All Settings.

Step 3. Select Support.

Step 4. Select Device care.

Step 5. Select Self Diagnosis.

Step 6. Select HDMI Cable test and select Start test.

2 Test different external devices

Try connecting a different device or using a different source port. If you were unable to test the cable in the previous step, then try swapping the cable too.

If the TV can display a picture in any other setup, then the TV is not the cause of the issue. Keep trying various setups until you identify the device or cable that is not working, and then troubleshoot or replace it.

Note: Check Samsung TV "No Display" issue to learn more about the issue and how to fix it.

TV keeps freezing and image looks blurry

If the picture freezes while you are watching TV, streaming from your favorite app, or during any other normal use, all you need to do is update the firmware on your TV.

If your TV is connected to the internet, follow these steps:

1 Press the Home button on your remote. Navigate to and select Settings (gear icon).

2 Select All Settings.

3 Select Support.

4 Then select Software Update.