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TV Keeps Flashing HDMI (Why And How To Fix)

I recently ran into an annoying problem with my TV – it kept flashing HDMI on the screen, no matter which source I chose! After researching the issue, I’ve come to understand why this is happening and how to fix it. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience, as well as a few tips and tricks, so that you can better understand why your TV is flashing HDMI, and how you can resolve the issue. I hope this post will help you save time, money, and frustration when it comes to troubleshooting your TV.

Your HDMI will flicker when the cable has been damaged, is too long, or the signal sent to the TV is at the wrong resolution. You can fix these issues without getting a new TV by changing the settings, getting a new cable, using a different device, or ensuring that your cable is no longer than 15 feet. 

IssuePossible Cause(s)Solution(s)
TV flashing HDMICable problemsCheck for damage or outdated HDMI cable. Consider purchasing a new HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable.
Signal problemsTry connecting a different device with a strong signal. Consider using devices like Amazon Fire sticks which provide good signal quality.
Wrong resolutionCheck and adjust the resolution settings on the connected device to match the recommended resolution for the TV.
HDMI port brokenTry using a different HDMI port on the TV. If the issue persists, consider repairing or replacing the TV.
How to fix HDMI flashing on TV
Check cableInspect the HDMI cable for damage or outdated technology. Replace the cable if necessary.
Use a different portSwitch to a different HDMI port on the TV to see if the issue is resolved.
Use a different deviceConnect a different device to the TV to check if the issue is with the original device’s signal quality.
Try a soft resetTurn off the TV and unplug it from the wall outlet. Wait for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and turn the TV on again.
Try a hard reset (Samsung TV example)Head to Settings > General, select Reset, enter your PIN (default is 0000), and then select Reset again. Follow specific instructions for other TV models.

Why Would A TV Flash HDMI?

There are a few common reasons a TV will start flashing when set to HDMI, sometimes even flashing the HDMI sign to show a problem. Knowing the most common causes will rule out the problematic causes, like the TV being damaged or slowly breaking as it is too old. 

We will be looking at the four most common reasons for the TV to flash HDMI, whether this is a sign of something being wrong or the entire picture flashing. Knowing why something may be wrong is always a good idea instead of just assuming it will go away with time.

Cable Problems

This is usually why your TV is flashing on HDMI and constantly flashing the HDMI logo on your TV. Cables age over time and are often the first to be damaged when the TV is moved around the house, causing problems when trying to watch almost anything. 

We always recommend that you consider that the cable you are using may also be too old to work with anything new you are buying. As technology has changed and improved, the standards for HDMI have changed, meaning you can no longer use any cable to watch TV. 

Signal Problems

Very few people consider that the signal quality being sent to your TV has a big effect on the overall behavior of the TV. If the device you have connected to the TV cannot provide a strong enough signal or the right kind of signal, it will start having trouble.

The TV may show a warning sign that the signal sent to it is not high enough, or the TV may start flickering and flashing. This is a good sign that the signal being sent to the TV is beyond what it needs or is not strong enough to display, causing an overall drop in quality properly. 

Wrong Resolution

Usually, the problem when hooking a computer to the TV is that the resolution has been set to the wrong level. Whether it is too high or too low, the TV will start showing error messages or start flickering when the resolution is not set to the recommended level that the TV has. 

This usually means that if you use a normal HD TV and try to set the PC to 4K, it will not show at all. Further, when using a full 4K TV, it will struggle to show lower resolutions such as normal HD or lower, as the screen struggles to fit everything in, with the TV controller not knowing what to do with the signal. 

HDMI Port Broken

A situation we have seen more often with hand-me-down TVs is the TV ports being broken or, more often, bent. This happens when the TV has been moved around a lot or even when it has been wall-mounted; as the cables have pulled and twisted, they have damaged the ports. 

Most often, you will know when a port has been damaged when the signal works perfectly only when the cable is pulled or bent. HDMI ports have become quite resilient over time, but they are still vulnerable to damage when the TV is not handled properly or someone trips on the cables. 

How Do You Fix HDMI Flashing On TV?

Now that we know what is most likely because of your HDMI flashing on the TV, we can take a quick look at what you need to do to fix it. We have seen many people pull out their hair simply because their TV has started to flicker or lose image quality over time. 

We always recommend that you consider all the possibilities when looking for the problem, as simply going through the list of things that can be wrong may not solve the problem. Many TVs were thrown out when they needed a new HDMI cable. 

Check Cable

This should always be the first thing you try when the HDMI starts to flicker for any reason on your TV, and it is most likely to fix the issue. Most TV owners assume that their HDMI cable will work, but buying a new one ready for HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 will always improve your viewing. 

We had seen many people fail to do this, only to find themselves with the same problem their old TV had when they bought a new one. Trusting that the cable will never be damaged is something that only causes headaches when trying to find out why the HDMI is flashing. 

Use A Different Port

Sometimes the HDMI is flashing on your TV because you are using the wrong port or the port you have always used has been damaged. If you have only one or two things connected to the TV, simply switching to a new port should help you have to flash free TV within a few seconds. 

If you have bought a new cable and the signal is still bad, this is usually the step that will help prevent your HDMI from flashing. The same thing that probably damaged your cable, whether it is time, rust, or someone falling over it, can damage the HDMI port on your TV, with the only caveat being that you cannot easily fix the ports. 

Use A Different Device

If you are sure your TV works and the cable is still fine, you should try connecting something else to the TV. There are times when the device connected to the TV cannot properly send a full HD or 4K signal, causing the screen to flash as the device struggles to provide what is needed. 

Most devices will list on their side the clear signal they can provide, helping you to know how strong their signal capabilities are. Many people buy Amazon Fire sticks specifically because they are small and strong devices that provide a good signal to TVs with more requirements. 

Try a soft reset

A soft reset, is where you turn off the TV and unplug it from the wall outlet. You then usually have to wait for 60 seconds then you can put the plug back in and turn the TV on again. Performing a soft reset clears a device’s internal memory of running programs, which often clears up any technical glitches.

Try a hard reset

A hard reset involves completely resetting the TV to its factory defaults. Most TV models have specific instructions. However, if you have a Samsung TV here are the steps to follow:

To perform a factory reset:

  1. Head to Settings > General.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. Enter your PIN > then select Reset.

Note: If you didn’t change your PIN initially the code is 0000

Conclusion

The HDMI on your TV could be flashing for several reasons, each more likely than the next. However, it is always easy to fix, except if the TV is heavily damaged, which you may need to send the TV away, increasing the cost to fix it. 

Whatever you do, please try every fix before simply throwing the TV in the trash! 

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