Like many others, one of the most relaxing parts of my day is when I return from a long day at work and watch TV to unwind.
However, a few days ago, this peaceful time was interrupted by an unwelcome green screen, which blocked me from watching my favorite NFL team in action.
I changed the channel and even restarted my TV, but only the green screen stared back.
I had no clue why this was happening and what to do to get rid of it.
So, I spent the next few hours going through YouTube videos and web forums, looking for a fix.
Thankfully, my hard work paid off, and I was able to find a working solution that fixed my TV within a few minutes.
To fix a Green TV screen, power cycle the TV. You can power cycle a TV by unplugging it from the power outlet, holding its Power button for 5-10 seconds, and waiting 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
Why is My TV Displaying a Green Screen?
Your TV can display a green screen, show green bars and lines, or is heavily green tinted due to software or hardware defects.
Software problems can be caused by low or corrupt memory, static charge, or outdated TV OS.
On the hardware end, the green TV screen occurs when the TV does not receive a proper signal from its input source.
However, as daunting as these reasons may sound, the fixes for the green TV screen problem are quite easy.
Power Cycle Your TV
The most effective way to resolve the green TV screen is to soft reset or power cycle the TV.
Power cycling means completely shutting down a device and then restarting it.
Doing so will not only flush out software bugs from your TV’s memory and firmware but also drain any static charge from it.
This will cause the TV to reset to a working condition.
To power cycle your TV:
- Remove the TV’s power cord from its power outlet.
- Hold the TV’s physical Power button for 5-10 seconds.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug the TV back in and switch it on.
Check For Loose Connections and Damaged Wires
Your TV screen can also turn green if the video signal is not transmitted to it properly.
There are two major culprits in such a situation – loose connections and damaged cables.
Loose connections or cables can transfer partial information to your TV from a streaming device or set-top box. This can manifest in the form of a green screen or green overcast.
You should check all cables plugged into your TV to eliminate the green screen.
- Ensure you have a direct and clear view of the cables plugged into the back of your TV. You may have to shine a torch if the TV is wall-mounted.
- Wiggle each of the cables.
- If a cable moves around too much, it’s not plugged in properly. If this is the case, firmly insert the cable into its respective port.
Next, you should check the cables for any wear and tear or damage.
A TV’s HDMI cable and other such cables are quite thick and can get damaged simply by being bent too much.
To check your TV cables, use a torch and examine the entire length of each wire for sharp bends or fraying.
If you find any damage to the cables, replace them.
Update Your TV’s Software
Smart TVs need to be updated regularly to ensure that they work properly.
Every time your TV is updated, it receives the latest and necessary information or patches to resolve bugs that pop up over time.
If your TV isn’t keeping up with software updates, you could end up seeing a lot more bugs, including but not restricted to, the green screen problem.
All you need to do is look for the most recent firmware update available for your TV and install it.
Note: This solution can only be used if your TV has a green overcast or lines and you have a partial view of the screen.
Every TV will be slightly different, but here’s what you generally need to do:
- Go to Settings.
- Open Support.
- Look for Software Update.
- Click on Update Software.
Your TV will restart a few times while updating to the latest version.
Factory Reset Your TV
The ultimate solution to resolve a green TV screen is factory resetting the TV.
A factory reset will weed out a majority of software glitches from your TV and restore it to default settings.
Doing so will also delete all data, preferences, and apps from it, essentially getting rid of all file directories.
A few brands (like Hisense) have a physical ‘Reset’ button, which you need to press and hold for 5-10 seconds to reset their TVs.
Other companies allow you to reset their TVs using a specific button combination. You should check your TV’s user manual for detailed instructions.
What to Do If Nothing Works
If none of the methods covered above work, your only recourse is to contact your TV manufacturer and have a trained technician look at it.
The technician would be able to tell if the green screen is caused by physical damage to the TV display and advise you about resolving it.
If your TV qualifies for warranty support, you should be able to get this done easily and cheaply.
Green Means Nothing Without Red and Blue
Like the infamous BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) seen on computers, the green TV screen is an irritating glitch to face.
I was anxious while dealing with my TV’s green screen as I thought I would have to either hire a technician or replace the TV.
Both these options are a lot of hassle, and I wanted to avoid them as much as possible.
Thankfully, power cycling the TV proved to be a reliable solution.
If the green screen persists or keeps repeating itself periodically for you, contact your TV manufacturer and get the TV repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does a Smart TV last?
The average lifespan of an LED Smart TV at maximum brightness is 40,000 to 60,000 hours or roughly 4.5 to 6.8 years.
Why is my TV showing a blank screen?
Your TV may show a blank screen due to a loose connection. Check the connection of your streaming device or set-top box with your TV.
How do I know if my TV’s backlight is broken?
You can check if your TV’s backlight is broken by powering the TV on and shining a torch on the TV screen. The backlight is broken if you see any images while shining the light.