Samsung TV Not Recognizing HDMI Input: 9 Easy Fixes

HDMI connectors are the standard interfaces for connecting virtually all modern-day audio-visual devices. TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, media streamers – most components of new-age entertainment setups require HDMI connectors. Without the HDMI connection, you can’t game or stream high-definition media. That’s why seeing your Samsung TV not recognizing HDMI input can be a terrifying feeling.

Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Thousands of people complain about their Samsung TVs not recognizing HDMI inputs on the Internet daily. In this article, we’ll provide every possible solution to this problem. So try out any one of these solutions to fix your Samsung TV’s HDMI woes.

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Why Is My Samsung TV Not Recognize HDMI Input?

HDMI was designed to simplify connecting multiple media devices to your TV with one HDMI cable. This cable can communicate audio and video, but only when the connected devices are “licensed” to communicate with one other. The communication standard HDMI-friendly devices use is called “HDCP.”

Two devices that are communicating via this standard can perform a step known as the “HDMI handshake.” Suppose two or more devices can’t perform this step. In that case, the HDCP encryption inserted in the HDMI signal isn’t recognized by either of the connected devices. This results in you being unable to connect your set-top box or gaming console to your TV.

How Do I Get My Samsung TV To Recognize HDMI?

Here are some solutions that almost always fix the issue of HDMI not working on Samsung TV. Each step gets more complicated. Try them out one at a time in the given order & verify whether your HDMI connection problems are corrected:

#1. Check External Device

Check whether the external device you’re trying to connect to your Samsung TV is working. It must be powered ON & connected to the Wi-Fi network. Or else your Samsung TV won’t recognize it.

#2. Update Your External Device’s Software

Your device may have outdated firmware or software. So, check for available software/firmware updates for your device. If the external device is faulty, other devices would typically work on the same HDMI port. So, if it’s a software issue, try connecting other devices to your Samsung TV.

#3. Select the Correct Input Source on Your Samsung TV

Post-2016 Samsung TV models can automatically identify and connect with external devices. So, this step is specifically for owners of older Samsung TV models. On these older TVs, users have to manually change the input sources. Only then do external devices work. To do this:

• Plug the HDMI cable into the port that says “HDMI 1” on your Samsung TV.

• Navigate your TV’s settings

• Change the input source from “Television” to “HDMI 1”

All HDMI ports on Samsung TVs have labels printed next to them. Read the port labels before plugging in devices. Here’s a helpful short video on how to switch between different video sources on older Samsung TVs.

#4. Disconnect and Reconnect the HDMI Cables on Both the Devices

Disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cables on both devices to refresh and reboot the connection. This step may help your Samsung TV finally recognize the external device.

#5 Try Connecting the Cable to a Different HDMI Port on your Samsung TV

One or several HDMI ports on your Samsung TV may be faulty. This step will help you determine which of the Samsung TV HDMI ports are not working. Bear in mind – HDMI ports are sensitive components. Incorrectly plugging/unplugging cables into them or not cleaning them can cause them to get damaged.

#6. Soft Reset Your Samsung TV

Try this step only if the simple solutions don’t work. By soft resetting your Samsung TV, you’ll be deleting its RAM. This deletion may get rid of the glitches/bugs that are causing the connectivity issues. To soft reset your Samsung TV:

• Press the POWER button on your Samsung remote & hold it for 15-30 seconds

• The TV will turn off & on during these 15-30 seconds

• Release the hold button once the TV has turned off/on

#7. Soft Reset the Device You’re Trying to Connect to Your TV

If soft resetting your Samsung TV doesn’t fix the issue, try soft resetting the device you’re trying to connect. You need to turn the device off, unplug it, leave it turned off for 1-2 minutes, & then re-plug it. If the device is battery-powered, pull the batteries for 1-2 minutes & then reinsert the batteries.

#8. Unplug Your TV & Disconnect Every Device

Suppose your Samsung TV keeps losing HDMI signal. In that case, it can be a sign of overuse, overheating, or other internal system errors. These types of errors are beyond what average users can fix. But we can refresh the TV by unplugging it and disconnecting every device.

• Unplug the TV & keep it unplugged for 10 minutes
• Remove all HDMI cables connected to the TV ports
• Re-plug the devices
• Switch the TV ON
• Reconnect just one external device to the TV via the HDMI port
• Turn on the external device

#9. Get a New HDMI Cable

Is your Samsung TV not detecting HDMI because of a damaged HDMI cable? Check whether your HDMI cable is bent or if it has exposed wiring or burn marks on either of its ends. Another way to test your HDMI cable is by using Samsung’s “HDMI Cable Test” feature. To do that follow these steps: 

• Go to settings (using your remote)
• Enter Support
• Enter Self Diagnosis
• Click on the option that says ‘Signal Information.’
• Select the option “HDMI Cable Test.”
• Press “Start Test” to begin the test

Your TV will either say that your HDMI cable is “Good” or “Bad.” If it’s the latter, buy a new HDMI cable.

How to Turn on Auto-Detect HDMI on Samsung TV

One way to ensure you never face the Samsung TV HDMI no signal issue is by turning on the Auto-Detect HDMI feature on your TV. To do so follow these guidelines:

• Press the Home button your Samsung remote
• Enter Settings
• From “All Settings,” go to General (Connection)
• From here, enter the “External Device Manager” section
• Select the option that says Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)

Now your Auto-Detect HDMI feature on your TV will be turned on.

How to Reset HDMI Ports on Samsung TV

Disconnect and then reconnect all the HDMI cables. If it still doesn’t work, continue troubleshooting or try using a different HDMI cable.

If all these steps fail, contact Samsung support. Giving your TV a system reset is another potential solution. Still, it’s too risky to perform such a troubleshooting method without expert assistance. Weak or no signal Samsung TV HDMI issues are relatively common & Samsung is aware of that. So, don’t refrain from registering complaints & queries.

Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.

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