10 Easy Fixes for When Your Monitor Is Not Turning On

Are you frustrated because your monitor is not turning on? You’re not alone! Many people experience this issue, whether they are using a desktop computer or a laptop with an external monitor. Don’t worry though, there are several simple solutions that can help you get your monitor working again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 quick and easy fixes to help resolve your monitor not turning on issue. These solutions should apply to various types of monitors, including LED, LCD, and OLED screens, as well as both Windows and Mac operating systems. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Check the Power Cable and Connection: Ensure the Power Source Is Active

Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as an unplugged cable. The first thing you should do is check the power cable and make sure it’s securely connected to both your monitor and the power outlet. A loose or disconnected cable is one of the most common reasons for a monitor not turning on.

Important tips:

• Look for any visible damage to the power cable, and if you see any fraying or cuts, consider replacing the cable.
• Test the power outlet by plugging in another device, like a lamp, to make sure the outlet is working.
• If your monitor has a power switch on the back or side, check that it is turned on.

Sometimes a damaged power cord or faulty connection is why your computer monitor won’t turn on, even if the power button is pressed. If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, ensure the laptop’s display settings are configured correctly to extend or duplicate the display.

2. Inspect the Monitor’s Brightness and Display Settings

If your monitor seems to be on but you’re still not seeing anything, it’s possible the brightness is too low or the display settings have changed. This can cause the monitor to appear as if it’s not turning on when, in fact, it’s just too dim to see anything.

Steps to check the brightness:

• Use the monitor’s built-in buttons or the on-screen display (OSD) to increase the brightness.
• If you are using a laptop, adjust the brightness through the keyboard or system settings.
• Screen not showing up? Try connecting the monitor to a different computer or laptop to rule out any software-related issues.

If adjusting the brightness does not fix the issue, ensure your display settings are correct. In Windows, go to “Display Settings” and check that the correct display is selected. For Mac users, check the Display Preferences to ensure the settings are set to mirror or extend the screen.

3. Check for Loose or Damaged Cables (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort)

Another common reason for a monitor not turning on is a loose or damaged video cable. HDMI cables, VGA cables, and DisplayPort cables are all commonly used to connect the monitor to the computer. If the cable is loose or not securely attached, the monitor will not receive a signal and will stay black.

What to do:

• Unplug and reconnect the video cables from both the monitor and the computer.
• Check for visible damage on the cables, such as bent pins or fraying, and replace them if necessary.
• If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, check the connection and ensure the laptop is correctly sending the display signal to the external screen.

In many cases, this simple fix can resolve issues such as the monitor not detecting signal or a black screen issue. If you’re using an adapter (e.g., HDMI to VGA), try using a different one to ensure it’s not the source of the problem.

4. Reset the Monitor to Factory Settings

Sometimes, software-related issues can cause a monitor to malfunction. If your monitor is not turning on or is showing unusual colors or distortions, it may help to perform a reset to restore the factory settings.

How to reset your monitor:

• Most modern monitors have a Reset option in the on-screen menu (OSD). Use the buttons on your monitor to navigate to the settings and select the reset option.
• If your monitor has a manual, refer to it for specific instructions on how to reset your model.

Resetting the monitor can often help fix problems like the monitor not turning on, display flickering, or a stuck screen. If the problem persists, the issue may be related to internal hardware problems, which may require further troubleshooting.

5. Troubleshoot the Graphics Card or Computer Hardware

If none of the above fixes work, the issue might be with your computer’s graphics card or other internal hardware. A malfunctioning or improperly seated graphics card can cause your monitor to display a black screen or refuse to turn on.

Steps to troubleshoot:

• Turn off your computer and unplug all cables. Open your computer case to inspect the graphics card.
• Check that the graphics card is securely seated in the PCI slot and that no pins are bent or damaged.
• If you have another graphics card, try swapping it out to see if the issue lies with the original card.
• If you’re using a laptop, try connecting an external monitor to check if the internal display is the issue.

Signs your graphics card might be the problem:

• Your monitor remains completely black, even after trying other solutions.
• There are strange artifacts or flickers on the screen.
• You recently updated your graphics drivers or made changes to your computer’s hardware configuration.

6. Perform a Power Cycle on the Monitor and Computer

A power cycle, or “soft reset,” can often resolve issues with monitors not turning on, especially if there’s a problem with the monitor’s internal settings or the connection between the monitor and computer. Power cycling helps reset both the monitor and the computer’s internal systems.

How to power cycle your monitor and computer:

1. Turn off both the monitor and the computer.
2. Unplug the power cables from both devices.
3. Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure that all the internal components have fully powered down.
4. Plug the cables back in, turn on the computer, and then the monitor.

This simple step can fix a variety of issues, from frozen screens to no signal errors, and is an easy solution to try before moving on to more complicated fixes.

7. Check the Monitor’s Input Source

If your monitor is not turning on but you can see the power light, it could be set to the wrong input source. Many modern monitors have multiple input options, such as HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and DVI, and it’s possible that the monitor is set to a source that isn’t receiving a signal.

Steps to check and change the input source:

• Use the monitor’s built-in buttons or on-screen menu (OSD) to navigate to the input or source settings.
• Check that the correct input is selected (e.g., HDMI 1, VGA, etc.) that matches the port you’re using to connect to the computer.
• If you’re unsure which input is correct, try switching through each available input option until the monitor displays the proper image.

If the monitor is not receiving a signal because of the wrong input source, this is an easy fix that can get your monitor working again.

8. Test the Monitor on a Different Device

If your monitor still won’t turn on, it could be an issue with the computer or device that you’re trying to connect to the monitor. To rule out this possibility, try connecting the monitor to a different computer, laptop, or device.

Steps to test the monitor on another device:

1. Disconnect the monitor from your current computer.
2. Connect the monitor to another computer or laptop using the same cable (HDMI, VGA, etc.).
3. Turn on the second device and check if the monitor turns on.

If the monitor works on another device, the issue might be with your computer or its connection. If the monitor still doesn’t work, the monitor itself could be faulty and may require professional repair or replacement.

9. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause various display issues, including a black screen or monitor not turning on problem. Updating your computer’s graphics drivers ensures that the monitor and graphics card can communicate properly.

How to update your graphics drivers:

• For Windows: Open Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update Driver.
• For Mac: Go to the App Store, and check for any available macOS updates, which often include graphics driver updates.
• Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers directly from there.

After updating your drivers, restart your computer and check if the monitor is now functioning properly.

10. Replace the Monitor if It’s Faulty

If all of the above solutions fail, it may be time to consider that your monitor could be faulty or damaged beyond repair. This could be due to issues with the monitor’s internal components, such as the power supply, backlight, or screen panel.

Signs your monitor may need replacement:

• The monitor is completely dead, with no signs of power (even after checking cables, power sources, and resetting the monitor).
• The screen shows flickering, unusual colors, or black spots, even after troubleshooting.
• The monitor has been in use for many years, and it may be reaching the end of its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Monitors Not Turning On

1. Why is my monitor not turning on, and how can I fix it quickly? If your monitor is not turning on, the issue could be due to several reasons, such as a loose power cable, incorrect input source, or outdated graphics drivers. To fix it, first check the power cable, ensure the monitor is set to the correct input, and try connecting it to another device. If the issue persists, you might need to update your graphics drivers or reset the monitor to its factory settings.

2. What should I do if my computer monitor won’t turn on after I press the power button? If you press the power button and the monitor won’t turn on, it could be due to a power issue, a faulty video cable, or internal hardware problems. First, ensure the power cable is properly connected and check the power outlet. Next, inspect the video cables (HDMI, VGA, etc.) and make sure they are secure. If the issue continues, power cycle your monitor and computer, or check if the monitor works with another device.

3. How do I troubleshoot a black screen on my monitor that won’t turn on? A black screen can occur for various reasons, including incorrect display settings, a damaged graphics card, or a loose cable. First, try adjusting the brightness and contrast settings. Then, check the video cables and ensure the correct input source is selected. If the monitor is still not turning on, test it with another device to determine if the problem is with the monitor or the computer. Updating graphics drivers or resetting the monitor may also help resolve the issue.

4. Why does my monitor show a “no signal” error even though it’s turned on? If your monitor is turned on but shows a “no signal” message, it’s likely that the monitor isn’t receiving a signal from the computer. This could be due to an incorrect input source, a loose cable, or a malfunctioning graphics card. To fix it, verify that the correct input is selected, check all video cables for secure connections, and ensure that your graphics card is functioning properly. You can also try connecting the monitor to a different device to rule out computer-related issues.

5. Can outdated graphics drivers cause my monitor not to turn on? Yes, outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause issues with the monitor not turning on or displaying a black screen. To fix this, visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) or use the device manager to update your graphics drivers. After updating the drivers, restart your computer to see if the issue with your monitor is resolved. Updating your system’s graphics drivers can help ensure that your monitor and computer are communicating correctly.