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Likely fix

Fix: Laptop to TV says no signal

A laptop-to-TV no signal issue usually comes from wrong TV input, display mode settings, bad HDMI cable, USB-C video support problems, or the wrong adapter.

Quick answer

Select the right HDMI input, reconnect the cable, choose Duplicate or Extend display mode, and confirm your USB-C adapter supports video.

Important warning

Not every USB-C port supports video. Some USB-C ports only charge or transfer data.

Try this

  1. 1 Select the correct HDMI input on the TV.
  2. 2 Reconnect the cable or adapter at both ends.
  3. 3 Wake the laptop and unlock it.
  4. 4 On Windows, press Windows + P and choose Duplicate or Extend.
  5. 5 On Mac, open Displays settings and check for the TV.
  6. 6 Try another HDMI cable.
  7. 7 If using USB-C, confirm the port supports video output.
  8. 8 Try a lower resolution or refresh rate.

Common causes

Wrong TV input.

Laptop display mode not set to external screen.

USB-C port does not support video.

Adapter is wrong or faulty.

Bad HDMI cable.

Unsupported resolution or refresh rate.

What to check next

  • Check TV input.
  • Check Windows + P or Mac Displays settings.
  • Check USB-C video support.
  • Check another cable.
  • Check another TV or monitor.

This might need a cable or adapter

If this fix points to a cable issue, check the related cable guide before buying the wrong one.

Check the related cable →

FAQ

Why does my TV say no signal from my laptop?

The TV may be on the wrong input, the laptop may not be set to output video, or the cable/adapter may not support the connection.

How do I make Windows show on the TV?

Press Windows + P and choose Duplicate or Extend.

Does every USB-C laptop port work with HDMI?

No. The USB-C port must support video output, such as DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt, or USB4 video.

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