No Signal Troubeshooting for Gaming ConsolesUpdated 19 days ago
Game consoles can connect to portable monitors using HDMI and USB-C ports, but not all of them support both options. This means there are some technical limitations when hooking up your portable monitor. If a console's HDMI port is HDMI 1.4 or higher, it should work fine. Some consoles even need a dock for HDMI connections. And while a few can cast directly using USB-C to USB-C, the USB-C port needs to support DisplayPort Alt Mode for that to work.
Interface | Common Devices |
HDMI (HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1) | PlayStation 4/5 |
Xbox One/Series X/S | |
Nintendo Switch (via dock) | |
Steam deck | |
ROG Ally | |
USB-C [USB-C 2.0/ 3.2 Gen 2 or later (via DisplayPort Alt Mode)] | Nintendo Switch |
Steam deck | |
ROG Ally |
Generic Troubleshooting
HDMI Troubeshooting
Check the Protocols of HDMI
As mentioned earlier, HDMI should be at least version 1.4. You can go to the console's website to check if the HDMI port of the product meets HDMI version 1.4 or above. Otherwise, all of the subsequent checks will be in vain.
Check the HDMI Cable and Ports Physically
Remove the HDMI cable from both the gaming console and the monitor, and use a flashlight to check inside both ports for any bent pins. Meeting the bent pins in the HDMI port, you might see a "No Signal" message or a blank screen. In this case, unplug the monitor or gaming console from the wall and gently push the bent pins back into place using a flat screwdriver.
Try Switching the ends of the HDMI Cable
This method is the experience of many users. This method helps fix problems with a loose HDMI connection.
Try a Different HDMI Cable
HDMI cables can sometimes have issues, so if you have another one available, consider swapping it out with the current cable.
USB-C Problem Solving
Check the Protocols of USB-C
Connect your console to the display using a USB connection. You should make sure the USB port is at least USB-C 2.0 or 3.2 Gen 2 and that it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Other Situations
Besides checking for incompatible port protocols, you can also try the following troubleshooting methods.
- The USB connection cable might not be plugged in all the way, or it could be loose or not making a good connection.
- Most modern portable monitors usually come with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Make sure to connect it to the right Type-C port on the monitor, as some ports are designated for power only and are labeled as PD ports.
Specific Troubleshooting
PlayStation 4
Press and hold the power button on your PS4 for seven seconds until you hear a second beep. If you see "No Signal," "Weak Signal," or a blank screen, check your resolution settings.
- Press and hold the power button again until the PS4 restarts, lifting your finger after the second beep.
- Use a USB cable to connect your controller to the PS4.
- Press the PS4 button on the controller to bring up the menu.
- Select "Change Resolution" (the second option) and press X.
- Press X again to restart your PS4.
- Select a resolution, keeping it compatible with your monitor (e.g. 720p for a 720p monitor).
- Press X to confirm. You should now be able to play your PS4.
Nintendo Switch
When you dock your Nintendo Switch, the LCD screen turns off, and what you were playing shows up on the monitor.
If you see a white screen or no image in monitor mode, try these steps.
- Unplug all cables from the dock.
- Disconnect the power adapter from the console and the outlet for about 30 seconds. Make sure you’re using the original Nintendo Switch power adapter (model HAC-002) and check for any damage.
- Take the Switch out of the dock, plug the power adapter back into it, and connect it to the outlet.
- Make sure your console is updated. If it is, hold the power button for three seconds to restart it, then go to "Power Options" and choose "Restart."
- Check that you’re using the original Nintendo Switch dock (model HAC-007). If you’re using a third-party dock, try switching to the original.
- Connect the power adapter to the dock and plug it directly into the outlet. Then, connect the HDMI cable from the dock to the monitor.
- Turn on the monitor and dock your console, ensuring it faces the same direction as the front of the dock.
- If the LED on the dock lights up but you still don’t see anything, try these:
- Try switching HDMI ports.
- Swap the HDMI cable.
- Test with a different monitor.
- If you can, try a different Nintendo Switch dock.
Steam deck
Updating Your Dock's Firmware
To make sure your dock is running the latest firmware, you might want to try a full reset. Here's how to do it.
- Plug the power cable and your Deck into the dock.
- Restart your Deck.
- Disconnect both the Deck and the power cable from the dock.
- Wait for about 10 seconds, then plug them back in.
This should initiate the firmware update. If it doesn't, reconnect the Deck and the power cable to the dock. Then, unplug the power cable from the dock, which might help initiate the update.
Compatibility with Third-Party Docks and Hubs
Most compliant USB-C hubs and docks work great with the Steam Deck. Thunderbolt and DisplayLink docks may also work but they aren't officially supported.
For powering the Steam Deck, make sure your dock or hub supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD). Some docks might reserve a bit of power for other devices, which could trigger a "charger speed too slow" warning.
Monitor Settings Tips
Avoid using passive cable adapters like DisplayPort™ to HDMI as they might cause issues. Instead, stick with active cables or adapters.
Also, when you connect a cable to a monitor, your Deck's screen will go black, which is normal in "game mode." Currently, the only way to enable dual or multiple displays is by rebooting into desktop mode.
If your Deck doesn't go black when connecting an external monitor, try resetting it (see below). If it still doesn't detect the monitor, unplug and replug the cable, try a different input port, or test with a new cable since these can sometimes fail.
You can also try another source or dock like a laptop or tablet with a monitor output.
If you have multiple monitor cables, try those as well. Just remember a cable that works in one setup might not work in another due to differences in data rates, color depth, resolution, and refresh rates. This is especially true for high-resolution or high-refresh-rate setups. It's best to use compliant DP1.4 and HDMI2.0+ cables for the best compatibility.
In the Steam Deck UI, you can change the resolution and refresh rate by going to "Steam" > "Display." If lower settings display correctly, your dock, cable, or monitor might not support the mode you're trying to use.
Resetting Your Dock
If you think your dock needs a reset, just unplug the Deck and the dock completely including the power and display cables, and then plug everything back in. Keep in mind that even if you unplug the dock's power, it will still draw power from the Steam Deck, so make sure to disconnect both for a full reset.
ROG Ally
The dock connects the ROG Ally to the monitor, but if you run into a black screen when the HDMI cable is plugged in, here are two ways to fix it.
- Open Device Manager and uninstall the external monitor. Restart your device, but if the display is still blank, uninstall the graphics card and restart again. This should help the external display show up.
- Press M1 + X to enable mirrored display, then turn off mirroring and turn it back on. If it doesn’t work right away, try pressing those buttons a few more times.