Whether you're trying to set up multiple monitors for your laptop or use an external monitor, the "No HDMI Signal" error may pop up. This message may indicate a problem with either of your devices, either source or target.
You may also experience this due to incorrect source/projection settings, outdated drivers/firmware, or corrupted components. But before diving into the relevant repairs, we recommend checking the loose connections first and trying to plug the HDMI cable back in.
Verify the input source
Adjusting the right input source is an important thing to consider. If you have plugged an HDMI cable into one port and set the input source to another port, the display will not display anything or you may get a "No HDMI signal" error. Here's a quick way to fix this issue:
1. Find and press the On-Screen Display (OSD) button to start the monitor settings. If you're on a TV, you can also use the dedicated buttons on the remote.
2. Next, find the "Input Source" option and expand it as shown below.
3. Now, depending on where you plug the cable, set the input source to HDMI 1 or 2.
Change the projection settings
If you get a "no HDMI signal" error after connecting your laptop to an external monitor, there may be a problem with the projection settings.
There are four different options to choose from – computer screen only, duplicate, extended, and second screen only. While the last three options will play your laptop content, the first option won't send an HDMI signal to an external display. Here's a simple guide to changing the projection settings to fix this issue:
1. Click the system tray in the Windows taskbar.
2. Now, select "Projection". If it's not available, you can add it manually from the Edit icon.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows+P hotkey.
3. From there, select "Copy" or "Extend" depending on your choice. After about a second, the monitor should show the contents of the laptop.
Restart after performing a power shutdown
Sometimes, bugs and glitches in the display can interfere with the HDMI signal. In this case, performing turning the display on and off will reset the configuration parameters, which may fix the error.
Here's how to do it the right way:
1. First, use the power button to turn off the monitor.
2. Next, unplug the HDMI cable and power cord.
3. Wait at least two to five minutes before plugging in the power cord.
4. Now, connect the HDMI cable and check if the "No HDMI Signal" error still appears.
Try using another HDMI port or cable
Damaged ports and cables can be another reason why your device is facing signal issues. To determine if HDMI is working, check that the ports and cables are not bent/broken.
You can even plug another HDMI device into the port to determine if it has some kind of problem. Similarly, you can try a spare cable to find out if the previous one is faulty. If you have any problems with your HDMI cable, get a new one.
You can even use a Syncwire HDMI cable for better durability and flawless transmission. Due to its metal construction, the cable will not be damaged even if it is bent more than 3000 times.
Troubleshoot issues on another display that is working properly
Another way to solve the problem of "no HDMI signal" is to troubleshoot the issue on another working monitor, which is to identify if any component of your display device is damaged.
If you're not receiving any signal, then there's something wrong with your computer, cables, and ports. However, if the screen shows what you want, it's a clear sign of troubleshooting your monitor, or you might even need to replace it!
Update drivers for display cards and monitors
The display adapter is responsible for sending the display image to the monitor or related device. Regardless of the type of monitor connection you're using, any issues with its drivers can directly impact the signal.
Similarly, only one monitor in a multi-monitor setup may show a "no HDMI signal" error. This could be due to outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers.
If you have access to the source device, we recommend that you first check for issues in Safe Mode. If the problem persists, follow these steps to check and update your device drivers:
1. Press Windows+X to open the "Quick Links" menu, and then select "Device Manager".
2. Now, unfold the display adapter, right-click on the device driver, and select "Update Driver".
3. Next, select "Search for Drivers Automatically" to run the automatic update.
4. If that doesn't help, navigate back to Device Manager. This time, expand the monitor, right-click on the driver, and select "Update Driver".
5. Select "Search for Drivers Automatically" again and see if that solves your problem.
6. Finally, restart your computer. Now, the monitor should detect the HDMI signal.
Reseat the memory module
If the memory module is not installed correctly, your device will not boot at all. As a result, there's the greatest chance that your output device won't display anything or throw a signal error.
In this case, we recommend re-inserting the memory module and cleaning the slot well. This ensures that no debris or dust gets stuck while the memory module is in place. Here's a simple guide to help you clean and reinstall your RAM:
1. First of all, turn off the computer normally.
2. Then, unplug all connectors.
3. Next, loosen the computer case with a screwdriver of the appropriate size and carefully remove it.
4. Push the two clips in opposite directions, and then remove the memory module from the dedicated slot.
5. Now, clean the slots and memory modules with a brush and compressed air.
6. Reinstall or reseat the memory module, and then assemble all the parts.
7. Finally, turn on the computer and reconnect the HDMI cable, then you should not get the "No HDMI signal" error on your monitor.
Update the monitor firmware
Corrupted monitor firmware often leads to unexpected display errors. Even if everything looks fine, there may be a "no HDMI signal" popping up on your output device. Again, here are the necessary steps you need to take to update your display firmware:
1. First, connect the monitor to your work laptop.
2. Next, press Windows+I to open the Settings app and navigate to the System > screen > Advanced Display Settings.
3. Under "Display Information", find your monitor model.
4. Now, open any web browser and visit the brand's official website. Here, search for your model's monitor firmware.
5. Download and install the required firmware, which should complete the task.
Factory reset the monitor
The last option is to perform a factory reset to restore the monitor to its original configuration. This will fix any bugs or glitches that may interrupt the HDMI signal. For the demonstration, we used the MSI Optix G241V E2 model. But the steps on other monitors should be similar:
1. Press the OSD button located on the back of the monitor.
2. Then, navigate to the Settings section.
3. Select the "Reset" option.
4. Then, tap "Yes" and wait for the monitor settings to return to the default settings.