What to do when your HDMI connection doesn’t work.
This troubleshooting guide applies to all HDMI-related devices, whether it’s a computer, TV, etc.
This ability to recognize and communicate media and devices is referred to as the “HDMI handshake.”
Ashley Deleon Nicole / Lifewire
This usually results in you not being able to watch your movies or play your video games.
There are some things it’s possible for you to do to work around this issue.
Here’s how to troubleshoot problems with HDMI.
If this happens often, consider buying locks for your HDMI cables or self-locking cables.
If you have several different HDMI components, try starting them up in different order combinations.
when you land determined the best turn-on sequence, write it down for future reference.
Failing that, plug your unit into a different HDMI input and repeat the above steps.
If that works, then the receiver or intermediary rig you’re using is likely the problem.
verify the TV of video projector’s firmware is up to date.
When an HDR TV or video projector detects an HDR signal, a confirmation should appear on the screen.
If it does not, the problem may be a matter of compatibility rather than connectivity.
This allows communication between the HDMI and DVI devices.
Although HDMI can pass both video and audio signals, DVI connections can only pass video signals.
Older DVI-equipped TVs may not have the firmware to recognize an HDMI source rig.
Contact your equipment’s manufacturer to proceed further.
Boot up your rig while the TV is off and then turn on the TV.
Boot up your setup and turn on TV before connecting the HDMI cable.
Change the distance and position of the wireless devices.
For particularly long distances, there areadditional HDMI connection optionsto consider.
Try different turn-on sequences like those mentioned above.
Check product specifications and compatibility with any wireless HDMI gear.
double-check to change your HDMI-In source on your TV to match the HDMI port you use.
You may need a specific HDMI adaptor for your laptop model.
Some HDTVs won’t let you grab the port until you’ve actually made a connection.
Toinstall an HDMI switch box, connect each unit to the inputs on the switch box with HDMI cables.
Then, connect your television to the HDMI output on the switch box.
