LG monitors -despite being very high quality and durable- can be a bit tricky when it comes to connecting to computers.
The main issue users have reported is the “No Signal” error on their LG screens.
But do NOT worry, this is a common problem which can be solved easily.
Here, we’ll cover a 10-step troubleshooting process to help you fix your LG monitor.
LG Monitor No Signal
Answer:
If your LG monitor shows a No Signal error, first unplug and reboot the monitor and the pc after a few minutes. Then, make sure the cables are correctly connected and the display settings are adjusted. If the problem persists, try resetting CMOS/BIOS and cleaning the RAM slots.
Now, let’s discuss each one in detail:
Step 1: Check Input/Source
First, before doing anything else, ensure the input/source settings are set correctly.
LG monitors can be connected to the pc by different types of input cables, and if you are unsure what your cable type is, compare yours to the image below and make sure the input settings are set accordingly.
Usually, new monitors come with HDMI cables and Display ports, but older ones include VGA and DVI.
To select the correct input/source signal, follow the steps below:
1. Ensure your monitor input cable is connected on both ends.
2. Press the menu button on the lower bezel of the monitor.
3. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to input options.
4. Now, make sure you select the correct input signal. (for example, one of VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP, or USB-C).
5. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the EXIT icon, or wait for a few seconds, and it disappears by itself.
Once you are sure that the correct input is selected, proceed to step 2:
Step 2: Unplug And Reboot
This might sound weird, but I’ve read many reports from users that they’ve fixed the problem by simply unplugging and rebooting the LG monitor, so it’s definitely worth trying.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Turn off the monitor and PC
2. Unplug the power, input, and any other cables connected to the monitor.
3. Hold the ON/OFF button on your monitor for 5 seconds.
4. Wait for one minute and then connect the power and input cables.
5. Now, turn on the monitor first and then the PC.
I know this might sound pointless, but again, this has solved the issue for many users, so DO NOT skip it!
If the problem still exists, let’s go to the following step3:
Step 3: Adjust Display Settings
If one of your monitor’s display settings such as refresh rate, aspect ratio, or resolution does not match with what your PC is producing, then it might cause the problem.
In most cases, simply reseting your display settings on the monitor solves the issue.
However, if you want to double check, you can find your PC display settings and make sure that it matches with the monitor settings.
Additionally, you can test the monitor in Safe Mode to see if it works on a lower resolution settings (PC produces lower resolution on Safe Mode).
Now, let’s inspect your cables:
Step 4: Inspect Connection Cables
Old or loose cables can also cause a No Signal error on your screen. Here’s how you can inspect your connection cables:
1. Make sure both sides of the cable and the ports are clean and dust free. You can use a toothbrush or a paintbrush to clean them.
2. Make sure the cable is perfectly connected on both sides, especially if you’re connecting it to a laptop.
Sometimes input cables don’t fit perfectly on laptop video ports, so make sure you press it enough that there is no extra gap (not too hard to break it!).
3. If the cable is old or loose, try pressing and keeping it in place with your hands.
If the monitor connects even for a moment, it shows that the cable is broken and should be changed.
4. And lastly, if there wasn’t any change and the error remained, try using another cable.
If the new cable solves the issue, the previous cable was causing the problem.
-NOTE: When switching to a different input cable, make sure you select the correct input settings (explained in step 1).
In most cases, if the problem is caused by the monitor (NOT the PC), it can be solved following the 4 steps discussed above. However, the problem can also be caused by your PC (steps 6 to 10).
But before checking your PC, let’s make sure if the PC causes the problem:
Step 5: Test The Monitor With Another Computer
If you have an extra computer or a laptop at home, you can test your monitor by connecting it to another device. At the same time, you can also try different connection cables to see if it has any effect (for example, Display Port instead of HDMI).
Connect the monitor to a new computer and make sure all the settings are correct (as discussed above); now, there are two possible outcomes:
Still “No Signal”: If you’re still facing a no signal error, in most cases, it shows that there must be something wrong with the monitor itself. At this point, I would suggest contacting LG customer support (more details at the end).
Works fine: If the monitor is working correctly with another computer, it shows that the PC causes the problem; in that case, it can easily be fixed following 5 steps below:
Step 6: Connect The Monitor to Graphics Card
Most computers have two separate video outputs: one is connected to the graphics card, and the other one is connected to the motherboard.
When using a dedicated graphics card, you should connect your display to the graphics card and NOT the motherboard.
-Why?
-Because the pixels on your display are drawn by the graphics card, NOT the motherboard. Additionally, when having a dedicated graphics card, motherboard video ports get disabled (or at least have poor performance).
Take a look at the back of your computer case, and make sure the cables are connected to the graphics card as shown in the image below:
If the problem persists, let’s go to the next step:
Step 7: Clean RAM Cards/Slots
RAM stands for Random-Access Memory.
Malfunctioning RAMs are one of the most common issues when it comes to displaying problems, especially the No Signal error!
However, this can be easily solved by simply cleaning the slots and reinstalling the RAMs.
Follow the steps below to clean the RAM/slots:
1. Turn off and unplug the computer.
2. Remove the RAM cards by snapping side clips carefully.
3. Now, use an eraser to clean the metal part of the RAMs that connect to the slots (You can also use alcohol with a soft cloth to clean them).
4. Use a hairdryer (set to cold air) to remove the dust and dirt from the RAMs and slots.
5. make sure the RAMs are dry and reinstall them accordingly.
6. Put the cover back on, plug and turn the computer on.
Follow the instruction in the video below on cleaning the RAM:
Didn’t fix the problem? No worries, next step: resting CMOS/BIOS:
Step 8: Reset CMOS/BIOS (Battery Replacement)
–CMOS stands for Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor
–BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System
CMOS is the memory in your PC that stores the BIOS data. BIOS is responsible for identifying hardware, and just like RAMs, it’s a common reason why your monitor is showing a No Signal sign.
The easy solution here is to reset the CMOS/BIOS to the default by removing and reinstalling the CMOS battery.
Follow the steps below to reset CMOS/BIOS:
1. Turn off and unplug the computer.
2. Remove the computer cover and find the battery:
The battery can be directly connected to the board by a holder, or it can be connected with a wire (check out the video below).
3. Remove the battery from the holder (or remove the header if a wire connects the battery).
Wait 5 minutes and reconnect the battery.
5. Put the cover back on, plug it in, and turn the computer on.
Follow the instructions in the video below on removing the CMOS battery:
I hope one of the troubleshooting steps discussed so far fixes your problem.
However, if the problem persists, you can try the following 2 software troubleshooting steps.
So, the next two steps only can be done with an external monitor (for example, the laptop’s own monitor), and if you don’t have another screen that works properly, you can’t do them!
Step 9: Update or Reinstall Graphic Drivers
One common reason that may be causing the No Signal sign on your LG monitor is incompatible graphic drivers.
This issue can be easily solved by updating or reinstalling graphic drivers.
The easiest way to do this is simply updating your operating system; while doing so, the OS will automatically find and upgrade your graphic drivers.
Follow the paths below to update your Operating System:
Windows 10: Settings > Windows Update & Security > Windows Update
Windows 11: Start > Settings > Windows Update
Mac OS: System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now.
The other option is reinstalling or upgrading the drivers on Windows manually:
Update: Right-click Start and select Device Manager. Then, right-click the adapter and choose Update Driver > Search Automatically for Driver Software.
Reinstall: Download software, open Device Manager, right-click driver, select Update Driver > Browse My Computer for Driver Software.
Updating graphic drivers, can also fix audio issues on your monitor, if your LG monitor has speakers.
And now, let’s try the final check:
Step 10: Adjust PC Refresh Rate & Resolution
Refresh Rate: the number of times per second that the image refreshes on the screen (usually 60Hz).
Resolution: the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed (Usually 1920 x 1080).
If your PC display settings produce a higher refresh rate or resolution than what your monitor can handle, then it may be why you’re facing the No Signal error.
To solve this problem, follow the instructions below:
1. Check your monitor’s resolution & refresh rate numbers (you can easily search the model on Google).
2. Reset your monitor settings to default (Menu > Settings > Reset).
3. Now go to your computer display settings, and make sure the Resolution and refresh rate match the ones from your monitor.
4. If the numbers already matched, try lowering the resolution and refresh rate on the computer display settings to see if it changes anything.
(If nothing happens, set them back to match the monitor numbers. So it doesn’t interfere with the following steps).
Follow the instructions below on changing the resolution and refresh rate:
If you’ve done all the steps above and still get the no signal error, I think it’s time to contact LG!
Contact Customer Support
If none of the options above has helped you solve the problem, Now is the time to share the problem with LG customer support.
Usually, LG monitors have a two Year Warranty that you can benefit from. But still, if it’s passed that period, they can still help you to solve the problem.
You can report your problem here: LG Support
Conclusion
A No Signal sign on a blank LG screen is a common problem that users have reported when trying to connect their screens to the computer.
Here, we discussed the 10 most common problems and solutions to fix your LG monitor:
- Check Input/Source
- Unplug and Reboot
- Adjust Monitor’s Display Settings
- Inspect Connection Cables
- Test The Monitor With Another Computer
- Connect The Monitor to Graphics Card
- Clean RAM Cards/Slots
- Reset CMOS/BIOS
- Update or Reinstall Graphic Drivers
- Adjust Refresh Rate & Resolution
I hope this article can help you solve your problem, and if not, make sure to check with LG Customer Support.
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