Hisense TV Black Screen with Sound (Complete Fixing Guide)

According to recent data from consumer electronics support centers, approximately 8% of all TV-related service calls in 2025 involve black screen issues with functioning audio.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind the Hisense TV black screen with sound issue and provide step-by-step troubleshooting methods to help resolve the problem. These solutions can potentially save you from costly repairs or unnecessary replacements.

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Black Screen with Sound Problem

When your Hisense TV displays a black screen while the audio continues to work normally, it typically indicates that the TV is receiving and processing the input signal correctly, but there’s an issue with displaying the picture. This problem can affect all Hisense models, including those running on VIDAA OS, Android TV, or Roku platforms.

The black screen with sound issue can manifest in several ways:

Complete black screen: The TV appears completely dark, with no visible picture whatsoever, but sound plays normally.
Extremely dim screen: The screen is on, but so dark that the content is barely visible unless viewed in a completely dark room with a flashlight.

Intermittent black screen: The picture appears temporarily and then goes black, while the sound continues uninterrupted.
Black screen when using specific sources: The problem only occurs when using certain inputs (like HDMI) or specific apps.
Black screen after startup: The TV logo appears during boot-up, but then the screen goes black while sound continues.

Understanding which specific scenario applies to your situation can help determine the most likely cause and appropriate solution. In approximately 60% of cases, a backlight failure is the primary culprit, but various other hardware and software issues can also be responsible.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before moving on to complex solutions or considering repairs, try these fundamental troubleshooting steps that can often resolve the black screen issue:

1. Power Cycling Your Hisense TV

Power cycling is the simplest yet often effective solution for various TV issues, including black screens with sound:

Turn off your Hisense TV using the remote or power button.
Unplug the TV from the wall outlet completely.
Press and hold the physical power button on the TV (not the remote) for 15-30 seconds to discharge any residual power.
Leave the TV unplugged for at least 2-5 minutes.
Plug the TV back in and turn it on.

This process helps reset the TV’s internal components and can resolve temporary glitches. According to a report from BoostVision in March 2025, approximately 35% of black screen with sound issues are resolved with a proper power cycling procedure.

2. Check External Devices and Connections

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the TV itself but with connected devices or cables:

Disconnect all external devices (streaming sticks, game consoles, cable boxes) from your TV.
Power on your TV without any devices connected.
If the screen works, reconnect devices one by one to identify which might be causing the issue.

Test different HDMI cables and ports, as damaged cables or faulty HDMI ports can cause black screen issues.
Ensure all cables are firmly and properly connected.

This process helps isolate whether the problem is with your TV or an external device, or connection. Pay particular attention to HDMI connections, as these are common sources of display problems.

3. Check Picture Settings

In some cases, incorrect picture settings can cause the screen to appear black:

Press the Menu button on your remote (if the menu appears, it confirms your screen is working, but it may be set too dark).
Navigate to Settings > Picture.
Check if the Brightness or Backlight settings are extremely low.
Reset picture settings to default values.
Disable any energy-saving or eco modes that might be reducing screen brightness significantly.

This step can fix issues related to accidentally adjusted picture settings. If you can see the menu on screen, even faintly, this confirms that your TV’s display panel is functioning but may be configured incorrectly.

Checking for Backlight Failure

A backlight failure is the most common cause of a black screen with sound on Hisense TVs. The backlight system illuminates the LCD panel, and when it fails, the screen appears black even though the TV is processing the image correctly.

The Flashlight Test

This simple test helps determine if you’re experiencing a backlight failure:

Turn your TV on and ensure it’s playing something with sound.
Darken the room completely.
Take a flashlight (or use your smartphone’s flashlight) and shine it at a close angle against the screen.
Look carefully for faint images or text that might be visible under the light.

If you can see faint images when shining the flashlight on the screen, this confirms that your TV panel is working, but the backlight system has failed. According to a technical analysis by Tech Tests & Troubleshooting, approximately 60% of all black screen with sound issues in Hisense TVs are related to backlight system failures.

Common Backlight Issues

Several problems can affect the backlight system:

Failed LED strips: The LED strips that provide backlighting can burn out over time. These are typically arranged horizontally behind the screen.
Faulty LED driver board: The board that powers and controls the LED backlight strips can fail, resulting in no power reaching the LEDs.

Loose connectors: The cables connecting the LED strips to the power board may become loose or damaged.
Power board issues: The power board might not be supplying the correct voltage to the LED backlights.

Fixing backlight issues often requires opening the TV and replacing components, which is a more advanced repair. For those comfortable with electronics repair, LED backlight strip replacement kits for many Hisense models are available online, typically costing between $20-60, depending on the TV size and model.

Advanced Hardware Troubleshooting

If basic troubleshooting and backlight checks don’t resolve the issue, you may need to investigate other hardware components that could be causing the black screen with sound problem.

T-CON Board Issues

The T-CON (Timing Control) board is responsible for controlling the display panel and sending signals to each pixel row of your screen. A faulty T-CON board can cause complete picture loss while sound continues to work.

Signs of T-CON board failure include:

No picture at all, even when using the flashlight test

Horizontal lines appeared across the screen before it went black
Half of the screen works briefly before failing completely

To check for T-CON issues:

Power off and unplug your TV.
Remove the back cover of your TV (this requires a screwdriver and technical knowledge).
Locate the T-CON board (usually a small rectangular board attached to the LCD panel).

Check for visual damage like bulging capacitors or burn marks.
Ensure all ribbon cables connecting the T-CON to other components are properly seated.

If you suspect T-CON board failure, replacement boards are available for approximately $30-50.

Main Board Problems

The main board (motherboard) of your TV processes all inputs and controls the overall function of the TV. A failing main board can cause black screen issues while still allowing audio to function.

Signs of main board issues include:

TV powers on but shows no image
Sound works normally
The menu and on-screen displays don’t appear
Remote control functions still work (volume changes, input switching)

Testing the main board requires technical expertise and tools like a multimeter. If you have the necessary skills, you can check the voltage outputs using a digital multimeter designed for electronics testing. Otherwise, consulting a professional technician is recommended.

Power Supply Board Issues

The power supply board converts AC power from your wall outlet to the DC power used by the TV’s components. Issues with this board can affect the backlight and picture while allowing other functions to work.

Signs of power supply board failure include:

TV turns on (indicator light works), but the screen remains black
Sound works normally
TV may turn off unexpectedly
Clicking sounds when attempting to power on

Like the main board, testing the power supply board requires technical knowledge and appropriate tools. Voltage output testing can determine if the board is providing the correct power to all components, particularly the backlight system.

Software Solutions

Not all black screens with sound issues are hardware-related. Software glitches can sometimes cause this problem, particularly on smart Hisense TVs with frequent updates.

Factory Reset

A factory reset can resolve persistent software issues:

If your remote has a Menu button, try pressing it (if menus appear even faintly, navigate to Settings > System > Reset).
If menus aren’t visible, locate the reset button on your TV (usually a small pinhole on the back or side).
Using a paperclip or similar tool, press and hold the reset button for 15-30 seconds.

Release the button and wait for the TV to restart.
Follow the on-screen setup prompts if the TV successfully restarts with a picture.

Note that a factory reset will erase all your settings, installed apps, and account information. Approximately 15% of black screen issues can be resolved through proper factory reset procedures.

Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause display issues on Hisense smart TVs:

If you can navigate menus (even faintly), go to Settings > System > About > System Update.
If you can’t see menus, try connecting to the TV using the VIDAA or Hisense app on your smartphone.

Check for and install any available updates.
Allow the TV to complete the update and restart.

For TVs that won’t display a picture at all, firmware updates can be more challenging. In some cases, you may need to download firmware to a USB drive from the Hisense support website and update the TV manually.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many black screen with sound issues can be resolved through DIY troubleshooting, certain scenarios warrant professional assistance:

If your TV is still under warranty, contact Hisense customer support or authorized service centers rather than attempting repairs yourself, as DIY repairs may void the warranty.

If the TV has physical damage (cracks, impact marks), it may have caused the display issue.
If you’ve attempted all troubleshooting steps and the problem persists.
If you’re uncomfortable working with electronics or don’t have the necessary tools for advanced repairs.

Professional TV repair costs for black screen issues typically range from $75-$200 for diagnosis and repair, depending on the specific problem and whether parts need replacement. For older or lower-end Hisense models, replacement might be more economical than repair if major components have failed.

Hisense TVs manufactured after 2022 have improved reliability in their backlight systems, with a 35% reduction in backlight-related failures compared to earlier models.

Video Credit: Tech Tests & Troubleshooting / YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Hisense TV have sound but no picture?

This issue typically occurs when there’s a problem with the display components, but the audio processing system is still functioning correctly. The most common cause is a backlight failure (about 60% of cases), where the LEDs that illuminate the screen have burned out or their power supply has failed.

Other possible causes include problems with the T-CON board, main board, or power supply board. In some cases, software glitches or incorrect settings might also be responsible.

To determine if it’s a backlight issue, try the flashlight test by shining a bright light on the screen at an angle while the TV is on. If you can see faint images under the light, your backlight system has failed.

How do I know if my TV’s backlight or screen is broken?

The most reliable way to distinguish between backlight failure and screen damage is the flashlight test. Turn on your TV and shine a bright flashlight at an angle close to the screen. If you can see faint images or text under the light, your LCD panel is working, but the backlight has failed. If you see no images at all, even with the flashlight, the problem might be with the screen itself or the T-CON board that controls it.

Additionally, backlight issues typically affect the entire screen uniformly, while screen damage often shows as visible cracks, dark spots, or partial display problems. Physical damage to the screen usually requires complete panel replacement, which is often not cost-effective compared to buying a new TV.

Is it worth fixing a Hisense TV with backlight failure?

The decision depends on several factors, including your TV’s age, original cost, and the specific repair needed. Generally, if your TV is less than 3-4 years old and was a mid-to-high-end model, repairing backlight issues can be cost-effective. LED backlight strips themselves are relatively inexpensive ($20-60, depending on TV size), but the repair requires technical skill and time.

For older or budget Hisense models, replacement might be more economical, especially if repair quotes exceed 50% of a new equivalent TV’s cost. Also, consider that once one backlight strip fails, others might follow soon, as they’ve been operating for the same duration. If you’re technically inclined, DIY repair can be much more cost-effective than professional service.

Can a firmware update fix my TV’s black screen issue?

Yes, in some cases a firmware update can resolve black screen issues, particularly if the problem is software-related rather than hardware failure. Firmware updates can fix bugs that affect display processing, HDMI communication, or power management that might cause black screens. According to electronic repair statistics, approximately 10-15% of black screen with sound issues can be resolved through firmware updates.

If your TV has Wi-Fi connectivity and can still connect to your network despite the black screen, it may automatically download updates. Otherwise, you might need to manually install firmware via USB using files downloaded from the Hisense support website. However, if the black screen is due to hardware failure like backlight or board issues, firmware updates won’t resolve the problem.

How much does it typically cost to repair a Hisense TV with black screen issues?

Professional repair costs vary based on the specific issue and your location. Diagnosis typically costs $50-100, with additional charges for parts and labor. Backlight replacement generally ranges from $100-250 total, depending on TV size. T-CON board replacement costs approximately $100-175 including parts and labor, while main board replacements run higher at $150-300.

DIY repairs are substantially cheaper if you have the technical skills—replacement parts like LED strips cost $20-60, T-CON boards $30-50, and power boards $25-85. However, DIY repairs carry risks including potential electrical hazards and further damage. For TVs under warranty, contact Hisense support first, as professional repairs may be covered at no cost to you.

Can a power surge cause my Hisense TV to have a black screen with sound?

Yes, power surges are a common cause of black screen with sound issues. Voltage spikes can damage sensitive components like the power supply board or backlight driver while leaving audio circuits intact. Power surges typically affect the most vulnerable circuits first, which often include the backlight power system.

To protect against future power-related issues, use a quality surge protector designed specifically for electronics with a minimum joule rating of 1,000. Some premium surge protectors even offer equipment protection warranties. If you suspect power surge damage, look for other signs like burned smell, discolored components, or multiple electronic devices failing simultaneously after a lightning storm or power outage.

Why does my Hisense TV screen go black randomly but still has sound?

Intermittent black screen issues with continued sound typically indicate a loose connection or component that’s failing under certain conditions (like heat). Common causes include loose ribbon cables between the T-CON board and display panel, components on the power board that fail as they warm up, or solder joints that have developed cracks from thermal expansion/contraction.

This type of problem often worsens over time, as temporary black screens become more frequent and eventually permanent. Diagnosis usually requires opening the TV and inspecting connections or testing components as they heat up. In some cases, simply reseating the internal ribbon cables can resolve intermittent black screen issues. Professional technicians may use techniques like “freeze spray” to identify components that fail when they reach certain temperatures.

Can I use my Hisense TV warranty for black screen with sound issues?

Yes, black screen with sound issues are generally covered under Hisense’s standard warranty, which typically ranges from 1-3 years depending on your region and model. To use your warranty, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase showing the TV is still within the warranty period. Hisense usually offers service through authorized repair centers rather than direct replacements.

Contact Hisense customer support with your model number and detailed description of the problem. Be aware that warranty coverage excludes physical damage, improper use, or problems caused by power surges unless you purchased extended coverage. Also note that attempting DIY repairs usually voids any remaining warranty, so check your coverage before opening the TV case.

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