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No Signal Troubeshooting for LaptopsUpdated 10 days ago

Laptops

USB-C to USB-C

If connecting to a laptop using USB-C with one cable, ensure that you have a Thunderbolt 3 / 4, or Full Feature USB-C (3.1 or later) port with DP 1.4 and PD power delivery. Some laptops use USB-C only for high-speed charging (Power Delivery--PD) but no video output (DisplayPort--DP), check with your laptop provider for details or check this site www.epey.com for reference. You might need Google to help you translate because it's a Turkish site. 

Search your model and find Connection & Interfaces in the specification. If you can find USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery, then your laptop should be compatible.

As USB 3.0 is renamed several times, you might be confused when it says USB 3.2 Gen 1. Here is a chart to help you understand better and make sure you have at least USB 3.0.

Name

New Name

Latest Name

USB 3.0

USB 3.1 Gen 1

USB 3.2 Gen 1

USB 3.1

USB 3.1 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2

 

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

Besides USB 3.0, there is a newer version called USB4 now. We have focused on the final names of each version and highlighted their key differences—specifically, the data transfer rates.

Standard Name

Transfer Rate

USB 3.2 Gen1

5 Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen2

10 Gbps

USB 3.2 Gen2x2

20 Gbps

USB4

20/40 Gbps

Most modern portable monitors come with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Make sure to plug it into the right Type-C port on the monitor, as some ports might only provide power and are labeled as PD ports.

If you’ve connected everything correctly and your laptop supports Thunderbolt 3.0 or newer, but the power indicator on the portable monitor is green and you still see the "No Signal" message, it's time to  check for other issues.

Mini HDMI, HDMI, or DisplayPort

If your laptop doesn’t have any extra USB-C ports to connect to the monitor, or if the USB-C connection isn’t working, you can try using the Mini HDMI, HDMI, or mini DisplayPort on your laptop, as these can also transmit video signals. The port you choose will depend on your monitor. If you still see 'No Signal' after connecting with any of these ports, you can try to use a new cable. When that doesn’t help, ask the retailer for help.

Computers

Many users are using the second external screen with computers or PCs. If the device is not yet upgraded to an HDMI port for video output, they need to convert VGA or DVI to HDMI. If that's the case, ensure your adapter can support VGA to HDMI compatibility because some adapters offer only one-way connectivity, HDMI to VGA. Besides, You should buy the "VGA to HDMI Converter with Audio", to avoid the display showing only video without any sound. However, since 2008, most desktop consoles and graphics cards have supported HDMI ports. Therefore, only a small number of people need to consider purchasing the aforementioned accessories in order to connect the monitor.

The reason for converting VGA or DVI to HDMI is that the first two only support video transmission, while HDMI also carries audio. Plus, HDMI can handle 4K high-definition video. The table below highlights the key differences between these three interfaces.

Abbreviation

Full Name

Signal Type

Max Resolution

Audio

Connector Shape

VGA

Video Graphics Array

Analog

1920x1200 (WUXGA)

No

15-pin D-shape

DVI

Digital Visual Interface

Digital & Analog

2560x1600 (Dual-Link)

No

24 or 29-pin rectangular

HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Digital

4K (HDMI 1.4+)

Yes

19-pin flat rectangular

Gaming Consoles

The Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally, utilize USB-C, providing great versatility for connecting to monitors. In addition, Nintendo Switch also use HDMI when docked. You may also face the "No Signal" message when trying to connect your portable screen display to a Nintendo Switch console via a USB-C to USB-C cable. In such a case, ensure the monitor is powered via the Switch charger rather than the monitor's charger. If you want a more stable connection, you may use the HDMI port of the Switch dock. For best results, ensure all cables are in good condition and that the correct input source is selected on your monitor. 

Besides  the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S (when docked) also use HDMI.

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