How to fix no signal on TV when Xbox is on

This guide helps you restore your Xbox's video and audio output to your TV. You'll learn to diagnose and fix the "no signal" problem through a series of checks and steps. Success means your TV screen displays the Xbox dashboard or game again.

Note: Steps can vary by console generation, system software, region, and account type. This guide uses safe, general methods.

Quick Answer

Power cycle your TV and Xbox by unplugging both for 60 seconds.
Check and firmly reconnect the HDMI cable at both the Xbox and TV ports.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV.
If available, test with a different, known-working HDMI cable.
On your TV, ensure the correct HDMI input source is selected.
Start your Xbox in low resolution mode by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then pressing it again to turn on.

If this doesn’t work, jump to Diagnose the issue below.

What you need

Before you start

Your Xbox console (power cable and brick if applicable).
The HDMI cable that came with your Xbox or a known-good replacement.
A TV with at least one available HDMI port.
Your TV's remote control.
Basic understanding of your TV's input/source button.
A few minutes to perform physical checks and power cycles.
Optionally, a second HDMI cable or device (like a Blu-ray player) to test the TV.

Good to know

Modern TVs often have multiple HDMI ports (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2).
Some TVs have a specific "HDMI Enhanced" or "Deep Color" mode that can affect signal.
Xbox consoles have a built-in low-resolution video mode for troubleshooting.
A faulty power supply can sometimes cause video output failure.
If using an AV receiver or soundbar between the Xbox and TV, it adds complexity.
Internal console resets are a last resort and may erase some settings.
The Xbox power light is white when on and orange in standby.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Check 1 — Is the Xbox power light on?

Look at the Xbox power button or light ring. Is it lit up white or orange?

What you should see: A solid white light means the console is on. Orange means it's in standby. No light suggests a power issue.

Check 2 — Does your TV show "No Signal" or a black screen?

Confirm if your TV displays a specific "No Signal" message or just a blank, black screen.

What you should see: A black screen can be a content issue, while "No Signal" usually means a connection problem.

Check 3 — Did you recently change video settings?

Think back: Did you recently adjust resolution, refresh rate, or HDR settings on the Xbox before this happened?

What you should see: If yes, the TV might not support the new setting, causing a handshake failure.

Check 4 — Is the HDMI cable securely connected?

Physically check both ends of the HDMI cable at the Xbox and TV. Is it fully seated and not bent or damaged?

What you should see: The cable should click in firmly and sit straight. Wiggling it should not cause flickering.

Check 5 — Are you using an AV receiver or soundbar?

Is the Xbox connected directly to the TV, or is it routed through another device first?

What you should see: Middle devices can fail or have compatibility modes that block the signal.

Check 6 — Have you tried a different HDMI port on the TV?

Have you moved the HDMI cable to another port on your TV to rule out a single faulty port?

What you should see: If another port works, the original TV port may be damaged.

If you identify the branch that matches your case, follow the steps below and use the scenario cards for faster fixes.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Perform a full power cycle

This clears temporary glitches in both the TV and console.

Turn off your TV and Xbox using their respective power buttons.
Unplug the power cords from the wall for both devices.
Wait 60 seconds to drain residual power.
Plug the TV back in and turn it on.
Plug the Xbox back in and turn it on.

What you should see: The Xbox boot-up animation on your TV screen.

Step 2 — Verify the TV input source

Your TV must be set to the correct HDMI port where the Xbox is connected.

Use your TV remote to press the "Input", "Source", or "TV/Video" button.
Cycle through the available inputs until you find the correct HDMI number (e.g., HDMI 1).
Some TVs have separate labels for ARC or specific devices; try them all.

What you should see: The screen changes to show the Xbox output, or at least a different "No Signal" behavior.

Step 3 — Inspect and reconnect HDMI connections

Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of signal loss.

Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Xbox and the TV.
Visually inspect the cable and ports for bent pins, debris, or damage.
Reconnect the cable firmly until it clicks or feels fully seated.
Avoid sharp bends or pinching the cable.

What you should see: A secure connection with no wiggle room at the port.

Step 4 — Test a different HDMI cable

HDMI cables can fail internally, even if they look fine.

If available, use a different high-speed HDMI cable that you know works.
Connect the new cable between your Xbox and TV.
Power on both devices and check for a signal.

What you should see: If the new cable works, the original cable is faulty and should be replaced.

Step 5 — Try a different HDMI port on the TV

Individual HDMI ports on a TV can malfunction.

Unplug the HDMI cable from its current TV port.
Plug it into a different, unused HDMI port on the same TV.
Change the TV input source to match the new port.

What you should see: Signal appearing on the new port indicates the original TV port may be damaged.

Step 6 — Boot the Xbox in low resolution mode

This forces the console to use a basic video signal compatible with almost all TVs.

Ensure the Xbox is turned off (power light off).
Press and hold the Xbox power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely.
Press the power button again to turn it on. This initiates a low-resolution video output.

What you should see: A display, allowing you to then adjust video settings back to normal.

Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One: The low-resolution mode process is the same. The console will output at 640x480 or 720p.

Note: If you have an Xbox 360, the process differs; you would hold the "Eject" and "Sync" buttons while powering on.

Step 7 — Bypass intermediate devices

Soundbars, AV receivers, and HDMI switches can interfere with the signal.

Disconnect the Xbox from any intermediate device.
Connect the Xbox HDMI cable directly to the TV.
Power on and test. If it works, the issue lies with the bypassed device or its settings.

What you should see: A direct connection often resolves handshake issues between devices.

Step 8 — Check for TV-specific HDMI settings

Some TVs have settings per HDMI port that can block signals.

Using your TV's menu, navigate to settings for the specific HDMI port.
Look for settings like "HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color", "HDMI Enhanced Format", or "HDMI 2.0".
Try toggling this setting off (or on) and see if the signal appears.

What you should see: Changing these modes can re-establish compatibility with the Xbox's output.

Common scenarios and fixes

Scenario: Worked yesterday, no signal today

Likely cause: A temporary glitch, loose cable, or TV input source changed accidentally.

Fast fix: Perform a full power cycle (Step 1) and double-check the TV input source (Step 2).

When to escalate: If power cycling doesn't help, proceed through the cable and port checks.

Scenario: No signal after changing Xbox video settings

Likely cause: The TV doesn't support the newly selected resolution, refresh rate (like 120Hz), or HDR mode.

Fast fix: Boot the Xbox in low resolution mode (Step 6). Then, navigate to Settings > TV & display options and set a lower, compatible resolution.

When to escalate: If low-resolution mode also fails, the issue may be unrelated to settings.

Scenario: Signal flickers in and out or is distorted

Likely cause: A failing HDMI cable, poor connection, or insufficient bandwidth for the video mode.

Fast fix: Replace the HDMI cable with a certified High-Speed or Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable (Step 4). Ensure connections are tight.

When to escalate: If a new cable doesn't fix it, the HDMI port on the Xbox or TV may be physically damaged.

Scenario: Xbox turns on but TV says "No Signal" on all inputs

Likely cause: The TV itself may have an internal fault or be stuck in an incorrect mode.

Fast fix: Test the TV with another HDMI device (like a streaming stick). If that also has no signal, perform a factory reset on the TV (consult its manual).

When to escalate: If the TV fails with multiple devices, contact TV manufacturer support.

Scenario: Using an AV receiver or soundbar, signal is lost

Likely cause: The middle device may be off, set to the wrong input, or have HDCP/passthrough issues.

Fast fix: Bypass the device and connect Xbox directly to TV (Step 7). If that works, power cycle the receiver and ensure its firmware is updated.

When to escalate: If the receiver consistently blocks the signal, you may need to adjust its EDID or HDMI settings, or consult its support.

Scenario: New TV or new Xbox console, never had a signal

Likely cause: Incompatible default video settings or a requirement for a specific HDMI port (like HDMI 2.1 for 4K120).

Fast fix: Use low resolution mode (Step 6). Also, try all HDMI ports on the TV, and check the TV manual for a "Gaming" or "PC" labeled port.

When to escalate: If no combination works, verify the console works on another display to rule out a defective unit.

Quick reference

Key concepts for this topic

Item	What it means	Why it matters
HDMI Handshake	A negotiation process between source (Xbox) and display (TV) to establish a compatible video/audio signal.	If this fails, you get "No Signal". Power cycling often resets the handshake.
Low Resolution Mode	A failsafe video mode (640x480) the Xbox can boot into to ensure basic display compatibility.	It bypasses problematic custom resolutions, allowing you to access settings to fix the issue.
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)	A form of copy protection for digital audio/video content over HDMI.	If HDCP negotiation fails, it can cause a black screen or signal loss, especially with older receivers.
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data)	Data sent from the TV to the Xbox detailing its supported resolutions and features.	Corrupt or incorrect EDID can cause the Xbox to output a signal the TV can't display.

Safe defaults

Setting	Safe default	When to change
Xbox Video Resolution	Auto-detect (Recommended)	Only manually set a resolution if you experience flickering or handshake issues, or to match your TV's native resolution.
Xbox Refresh Rate	60 Hz	Increase to 120 Hz only if your TV specifically supports HDMI 2.1 or a high-refresh-rate HDMI 2.0 port for gaming.
TV HDMI Port Mode	Standard/Default mode	Enable "Enhanced" or "Deep Color" mode only if using 4K, HDR, or high refresh rates and you experience no signal issues.
Xbox Color Depth	24 bits per pixel (8-bit)	Increase to 30 or 36 bits (10/12-bit) only if your TV supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision and you have content that uses it.

Mind map summary

Start: TV shows "No Signal"
  -> Is Xbox power light on?
      No -> Check power cable, outlet, power supply.
      Yes -> Proceed.
  -> Is TV on correct input source?
      No -> Change TV input to correct HDMI port.
      Yes -> Proceed.
  -> Check physical connections (HDMI cable, ports)
      Loose/Damaged -> Re-seat or replace cable. Try different TV port.
      Secure -> Proceed.
  -> Power cycle TV and Xbox (unplug both)
      Works -> Success.
      Fails -> Proceed.
  -> Boot Xbox in low resolution mode
      Works -> Adjust video settings to compatible defaults.
      Fails -> Proceed.
  -> Bypass all intermediate devices (receivers, switches)
      Works -> Issue is with bypassed device.
      Fails -> Proceed.
  -> Test with different display/TV
      Works -> Original TV has an issue (port, settings, hardware).
      Fails -> Console hardware fault likely.
          -> Escalate to Xbox Support or repair.

Troubleshooting checklist

Console

Power light is on (white/orange).
Console vents are not blocked; it's not overheating.
Power supply brick (if applicable) light is white, not orange/red.
HDMI port on console is clean and free of debris.
Console can boot into low resolution mode.
No unusual beeps or rapid power cycling.
Console firmware is updated (if you can check on another screen).

TV and Connections

TV is powered on and not in standby.
Correct HDMI input source is selected on TV.
HDMI cable is firmly connected at both ends.
Different HDMI cable has been tested.
Different HDMI port on TV has been tested.
TV HDMI port settings (Enhanced/Standard) have been toggled.
TV works with another HDMI device.
No adapters or converters are being used.

Setup and Environment

All intermediate devices (soundbar, receiver) are bypassed.
If using a receiver, it's powered on and set to correct input.
Xbox video settings are at safe defaults (via low-res mode).
Room temperature is normal; no condensation on devices.
Power strip/surge protector is functioning.
No recent physical damage to console, cable, or TV.
Console has been fully power cycled (unplugged).
TV has been fully power cycled (unplugged).

When to escalate

Contact TV manufacturer support if your TV shows "No Signal" with multiple, known-working devices (like other game consoles or Blu-ray players).
Try a factory reset on your TV or Xbox if all other troubleshooting fails and you've confirmed the core hardware (cable, ports) is good. This is a last resort; note that a factory reset on the Xbox will erase all accounts, settings, and (if not backed up) games.
Contact Xbox support or seek repair if the console fails to output a signal to any TV or display, even in low resolution mode, or if you suspect physical damage to the HDMI port.

What to collect before escalating

Exact model numbers of your TV and Xbox console.
Brand and model of any HDMI cables, receivers, or soundbars used.
Description of when the problem started and any recent changes.
Results of your key tests: Did low-res mode work? Did a different cable/port work?
Any error messages or sounds from the TV or console.

FAQ

Can a faulty power supply cause no signal?

Yes, especially on older Xbox One models with an external power brick. If the brick's light is orange or red instead of white, it may not be providing stable power, which can affect video output. Try a different power outlet and ensure the brick's vents are clear.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K or HDR?

For 4K at 60Hz with HDR, a High-Speed HDMI cable (often labeled "Premium High Speed") is sufficient. For 4K at 120Hz (on Xbox Series X|S), you need an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable to ensure enough bandwidth. Using an older, standard HDMI cable can cause signal loss at higher resolutions.

My TV has HDMI-CEC. Could that be causing the issue?

Sometimes. HDMI-CEC allows devices to control each other's power and input. A glitch in CEC can cause the TV to switch to the wrong input or not detect the Xbox. Try disabling CEC (often called "Simplink", "Anynet+", or "BRAVIA Sync") on your TV's settings and see if the signal appears.

What if my Xbox turns on but immediately turns off?

That is usually a different issue related to power or overheating, not specifically a "no signal" problem. Ensure the console is well-ventilated, the power supply is adequate, and there's no internal fault. This often requires support.

Can dust cause HDMI ports to fail?

Yes. Accumulated dust or debris inside the HDMI port can prevent a proper connection. Carefully use compressed air to blow out the port (with the console off). Do not insert metal objects that could damage the pins.

Will a factory reset on my Xbox delete my games?

It depends on the reset option. The "Reset and keep my games & apps" option will preserve installed games and apps but will remove all accounts and settings. The "Reset and remove everything" option will delete all user data. Always ensure your game saves are backed up to the cloud (they usually are if you're online) before a reset.

Is there a way to hard reset the Xbox display settings without seeing the screen?

Yes, the low resolution mode boot (holding power for 10 seconds) is designed for this. Additionally, on some consoles, you can boot into the troubleshooting startup menu by holding the "Bind" and "Eject" buttons while tapping the power button, then releasing the power button after the second startup chime. This menu may have display reset options.

My TV says "Mode Not Supported" instead of "No Signal". What does that mean?

This is more specific: the TV is detecting a signal, but the resolution or refresh rate being sent is outside its supported range. The fix is the same: boot the Xbox in low resolution mode to force a compatible signal, then adjust the video settings downward.

Sources and references

Official Xbox support documentation and help articles
Microsoft account security and recovery guidance
General networking diagnostics concepts (DNS, NAT, Wi-Fi interference)
General security best practices (two-step verification, password hygiene)
HDMI and display compatibility basics (4K, HDR, refresh rate)
TV manufacturer technical specifications and user manuals
HDMI Licensing Administrator specifications for cable types

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How to fix no signal on TV when Xbox is on

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