Symptoms
- Screen is completely black or very dark
- You can hear audio playing normally
- A faint image is visible with a flashlight held close
- Screen was fine yesterday, then went dark
Likely causes
- CommonBacklight (LED strips or inverter) failedSound keeps working because the backlight is a separate circuit from the panel and audio.
- CommonWrong input selectedThe TV can play the internal speaker's app sound while showing a black screen from an unplugged HDMI input.
- PossibleMain board failureA blown capacitor or failed board can cut video output while audio circuits keep running.
- PossibleLoose or failing panel ribbon cableA cable knocked loose during moving or cleaning can drop video only.
What to do
- Shine a flashlight close to the screen in a dark room; a faint image means the panel works but the backlight is dead.
- Press the input/source button and cycle through all inputs to rule out a wrong-source black screen.
- Unplug the TV for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power on to clear a software glitch.
- Try a different HDMI cable and port if you suspect a specific source is the problem.
- Check for any physical damage or recent drops that could have loosened an internal cable.
- If the flashlight test shows a faint image, the backlight likely needs professional replacement.
- If there's no image at all with the flashlight, the panel or main board has likely failed.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
Replacement LED backlight stripsSearch: “TV LED backlight strip replacement kit for model”
When to call a pro
If the flashlight test confirms a backlight or panel issue, take it to a TV repair shop; replacing a screen is rarely cost-effective versus buying a new set.
Safety
Use caution
Unplug the TV before removing any back panel; internal capacitors can hold a charge even when unplugged.