How to Fix a Monitor That Won’t Turn On: 10 Simple Solutions

If your monitor isn’t turning on, it can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. However, before you panic and think your monitor is broken, there are several simple troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and fix the problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five solutions to fix a monitor that won’t turn on, so you can get back to work quickly and without stress.

1. Check the Power Cable and Connections

The most common reason why a monitor won’t turn on is a loose or disconnected power cable. If your monitor’s power cable is not securely connected to both the monitor and the electrical outlet, it won’t power on. Here’s what to do:

• Check the power cable: Ensure that the power cable is firmly plugged into both the monitor and the wall outlet. If the cable is damaged, try using a different power cable that is compatible with your monitor.
• Inspect the power source: Make sure the electrical outlet is working by plugging in another device, such as a lamp or phone charger, to test the power source.
• Use a surge protector: If you are using a surge protector, check that it’s turned on and functioning properly.

By ensuring that the power connection is secure, you can easily rule out the power cable as the issue and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

2. Verify Monitor’s Power Button Is Turned On

Many monitors have a power button located on the front, side, or bottom of the screen. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook whether the monitor’s power button is on or off.

• Look for the power indicator: Check if the small power light near the monitor’s power button is lit. If the light is off, press the power button to turn it on. If the light is on but the screen is still blank, there might be a different issue.
• Power-saving mode: If the monitor seems to be on but is blank, it could be in power-saving mode. Press any key on your keyboard or move the mouse to wake the monitor from sleep.

By verifying the power button is on and checking for power-saving modes, you can make sure that the monitor is actually receiving power.

3. Inspect the Display Cable Connection Between Your Monitor and Computer

Another common cause of a monitor not turning on is an issue with the cable connecting the monitor to your computer. If the connection is loose or damaged, the monitor will not display anything.

• Check the video cable: Ensure that the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI) is securely connected to both the monitor and your computer. A loose or unplugged cable can prevent the monitor from turning on or displaying anything.
• Try a different cable: If the cable appears damaged or faulty, try using a different one to see if the issue is resolved. If the new cable works, the old one was likely the problem.
• Test with another monitor or computer: If the monitor still won’t turn on after checking the cable, try connecting the monitor to a different computer or using a different monitor with your computer to determine whether the issue lies with the monitor or your computer’s output.

By checking and testing your display cable connections, you can often solve the issue and get your monitor to turn on.

4. Adjust Brightness and Contrast Settings

Sometimes, the monitor may appear not to turn on when, in fact, it is displaying a very dim image. This can happen if the brightness or contrast settings are set too low, making the display nearly invisible.

• Increase the brightness: Use the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu to adjust the brightness settings. Most monitors have buttons or a joystick for navigating the menu.
• Reset the monitor settings: If you’re unsure of what the settings should be, many monitors have a “reset” option in the OSD menu that returns the settings to their default levels.

By adjusting the brightness and contrast, you might discover that the monitor is on but the display is too dim to see. Restoring the factory settings can also help if settings were inadvertently changed.

5. Check for Faulty Hardware or Monitor Malfunctions

If none of the above solutions work, it could be that your monitor is malfunctioning or there is an issue with your computer’s hardware. In this case, it’s important to isolate the cause of the problem.

• Test with another monitor: If you have access to another monitor, try connecting it to your computer. If the second monitor works, then the issue is likely with the first monitor.
• Test the monitor on another computer: Alternatively, try connecting the monitor to a different computer. If the monitor still doesn’t work, it may be time to consider repair or replacement.
• Look for visible signs of damage: Check the monitor for any visible signs of physical damage, such as cracked screens or damaged ports, which could affect its performance.

If the monitor still doesn’t turn on after these steps, it may be faulty or have a deeper hardware issue. In this case, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.

6. Test the Monitor’s Power Supply and Voltage

In some cases, the issue with your monitor not turning on could be due to an issue with the power supply or voltage irregularities. Power surges or fluctuations can cause the monitor to fail to power up. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Check the voltage: Ensure the monitor is receiving the correct voltage. If you’re using a power strip or surge protector, try plugging the monitor directly into the wall socket to rule out issues with the power strip.
• Use a multimeter: If you have access to a multimeter, you can check the voltage coming from the outlet and make sure it’s consistent with the monitor’s power requirements (typically printed on the back of the monitor).
• Use an alternative power supply: If you have an extra compatible power adapter or cord, try using it to see if the issue is with the power supply.

By testing the power supply and voltage, you can determine whether the issue is related to electrical irregularities that prevent the monitor from turning on.

7. Perform a Monitor Self-Test

Many modern monitors come with built-in diagnostic tools or self-test features that allow you to check if the monitor is functioning properly. These tests can help determine if the monitor itself is faulty.

• Run the built-in self-test: Check your monitor’s user manual for instructions on how to perform a self-test. On many monitors, you can disconnect the video cable and power it on. If you see a color pattern or on-screen test, it means the monitor is working, and the issue might be related to the computer’s signal.
• Look for error messages: Some monitors display error messages or codes when there is a malfunction. Take note of any error messages that appear, as they can provide useful information to diagnose the problem.

Performing a self-test can help you determine whether the problem lies with the monitor itself or with the computer or cables.

8. Check the Computer’s Graphics Card or GPU

If your monitor isn’t turning on, it could be a result of issues with the computer’s graphics card or GPU. If the graphics card is malfunctioning, the monitor won’t receive any signal, which could make it appear as though it’s not turning on.

• Test the monitor on another computer: Connect the monitor to a different computer or laptop to see if the issue persists. If the monitor works with a different device, the problem is likely with your computer’s graphics card.
• Test the graphics card: If possible, remove and reinstall the graphics card or test it in another computer to ensure it’s functioning properly. If you have an onboard graphics option, you can test the monitor with that to confirm if the issue is related to the dedicated GPU.

By checking the graphics card or GPU, you can determine whether the problem is related to the computer’s hardware or the monitor itself.

9. Reset the Monitor’s Settings to Factory Defaults

If none of the basic solutions work, it’s possible that the monitor’s internal settings have been changed or corrupted, causing it not to turn on. Many monitors allow you to reset them to factory defaults.

• Find the reset option: Using the monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) menu, look for the option to reset to factory settings. This option is often located in the Settings or Advanced section.
• Perform a factory reset: If available, perform a full factory reset to restore all monitor settings to their original state. This can help eliminate any settings issues that might prevent the monitor from functioning correctly.

Resetting the monitor to factory defaults is a useful step to eliminate configuration issues and ensure the monitor is set up correctly.

10. Consider a Monitor Replacement or Repair

If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and the monitor still doesn’t turn on, it could be time to consider repair or replacement. Over time, monitors can suffer from internal failures, especially if they’ve been in use for many years.

• Check warranty or service options: If your monitor is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options. Many manufacturers offer a warranty that covers parts and labor for a specific period after purchase.
• Professional repair: If the warranty has expired, you can contact a local repair shop to diagnose and potentially fix the monitor. However, keep in mind that repair costs might approach or exceed the price of a new monitor.

When all else fails, it might be time to replace the monitor. A malfunctioning or completely dead monitor may need to be replaced to get back to using your computer.

1. Why is my monitor not turning on, and how can I fix it?

If your monitor is not turning on, it could be due to several reasons. First, check if the power cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the power outlet. You should also verify that the monitor’s power button is on. If that doesn’t work, ensure the video cable connecting your monitor to the computer is properly plugged in. You might also want to check your computer’s graphics card or test the monitor with another device to isolate the problem.

2. What should I do if my monitor doesn’t power up even though everything is plugged in?

If your monitor doesn’t power up despite all cables being plugged in, the problem could be with the power supply, cable, or the monitor itself. First, test the power outlet by plugging in a different device. You can also try using a different power cable. If the monitor still doesn’t turn on, it may be worth testing with a different monitor or checking the computer’s GPU to see if it’s sending a signal.

3. How can I fix my monitor that won’t turn on but is showing a black screen?

If your monitor is showing a black screen but appears to be powered on, it could be due to incorrect input settings or a resolution issue. Ensure the monitor is set to the correct input source (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA). You can also try adjusting the brightness and contrast settings. If it’s still not displaying, check if the computer’s graphics card is working properly, or try connecting the monitor to another computer.

4. What are the steps to troubleshoot if my monitor is not turning on after a power surge?

After a power surge, your monitor may fail to turn on due to damage to the internal components or the power supply. First, check the power cable and ensure it’s properly connected. If you’re using a surge protector, make sure it’s working. If the monitor still doesn’t turn on, try plugging it directly into the wall socket to rule out issues with the surge protector. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer for possible repair options.

5. How can I reset my monitor if it’s not turning on or displaying anything?

If your monitor is not turning on or displaying anything, resetting it to factory settings might help. Many monitors have a reset option in their on-screen display (OSD) menu. To access it, use the buttons on the monitor to navigate the OSD and look for the reset option. If your monitor has no display at all, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting all cables, or test it with a different device to see if it’s a monitor issue or a problem with the computer.