I recently got an LG CX OLED TV and hooked it up with my Xbox Series X to get the best out of Ultra HD gaming on the TV.
However, last week after an hour into my gaming session, the TV screen suddenly went black and the “Invalid Format” error message popped up on the screen.
I tried restarting the Xbox and things were fine until the error reappeared yesterday while I was streaming the season finale of a Netflix show on my Xbox.
Frustrated with the invalid format error, I visited the official LG website and read through the relevant Reddit threads to find a permanent solution.
I learned that the invalid format error is a very common error reported by people using Xbox on their LG Smart TVs. Most folks suspected it to be an issue with the HDMI cable.
Here’s how to fix the LG TV Invalid Format error in no time and a setting to prevent it from happening again specifically on Xbox consoles.
The LG TV Invalid Format error occurs when the connected external device’s resolution is not supported by the TV. Select a compatible resolution on your TV settings to fix the issue. Press the Home button on the TV remote. Go to Set Up > Display > Resolution.
Select The Ideal Resolution For The Connected Device and Your LG TV
The Invalid Format error on LG TV mainly occurs when the connected external device’s resolution is not supported by the TV.
You need to adjust the resolution settings for both the TV and external device to fix the error.
Refer to the TV manual or visit the official LG website for the list of resolutions compatible with external devices such as desktops, streaming devices, game consoles, etc.
Change the TV Settings
You may need to select a compatible resolution from your TV settings if it’s not set up correctly.
To do this:
- Press the Home button on your LG TV remote
- Go to Setup and select Display
- Scroll down to find the resolution setting and select a compatible one for your connected device
- Check if the Invalid Format error is resolved
Check The Device Settings
You can also check the external device settings directly for devices such as your desktop or laptop to verify if it is set to a resolution supported by your LG TV.
You may be unable to view the on-screen display settings for devices such as game consoles or streaming devices due to the error.
In that case, try connecting the device to a different monitor or refer to the user manual for the compatible resolution details.
Reseat or Replace the Faulty HDMI Cable To Fix the Error
Another reason why you’re getting the Invalid Format error may be due to a faulty or damaged HDMI cable.
Unplug the HDMI cable you’re using to connect the external device to the TV. Inspect it for any physical damage or internal defects.
Plug the cable back in and ensure that it is tightly inserted. Switch to the correct input and check if the Invalid Format error is fixed.
If the issue persists, try replacing the primary HDMI cable with a high-quality and Certified HDMI 2.1 Cable to fix the issue.
This cable offers the best performance on streaming devices and game consoles if your LG TV supports HDMI 2.1.
Update Your LG TV To Fix Compatibility Issues
Outdated software may also cause an invalid format error on your LG TV.
Regular software updates are released to fix any compatibility issues and bugs that can help resolve the invalid format error.
Follow these instructions to update your LG Smart TV:
- Ensure that your LG TV is connected to the internet
- Press the Settings button (gear icon) on the TV remote
- Navigate to All Settings
- Go to Software Update
- Select Check for Updates and wait for a few seconds
- If a new update is available, Download and Install it
- Turn off the TV for 10 seconds before turning it back on to complete the installation
- You can also enable Auto Update to ensure that your TV stays up to date with the latest software version
Note: The software update location in TV Settings differs depending on the webOS version of your TV. Read the TV manual for more information on how to update your LG TV.
Factory Reset Your LG TV If Nothing Works
If none of the above troubleshooting methods fixed the invalid format error for the device you’re trying to connect, try factory resetting the TV.
Note that a factory reset will remove all installed apps, app data, and user information on your TV.
To factory reset your TV:
- Press the Settings button on your TV remote
- Go to All Settings and select Support
- Navigate down to General and select System
- Select Reset to Initial Settings
- Press OK to confirm
Fix The LG TV Invalid Format Error On Xbox
You’re likely getting the invalid format error screen randomly on your LG TV while playing games or streaming content on the Xbox.
There are several troubleshooting methods that may help resolve this error on Xbox.
Turn off the Instant Game Response feature on LG TV
The Instant Game Response feature provides an optimal gaming experience by reducing input lag by disabling any picture enhancements on the TV.
While this feature can enhance your gameplay on an LG TV, it may also cause an invalid format error on the Xbox.
Try disabling the feature and check if the error is resolved:
- Press the Settings button on your TV remote
- Navigate to All Settings
- Go to Additional Settings
- Tap on the Instant Game Response option
- Turn it off for the correct HDMI input used to connect the Xbox
- Try using the Xbox again and check if the issue is resolved
Power cycle your Xbox
When the invalid format error screen appears, try power cycling your Xbox console.
- Press and hold the Xbox button on the console for about 10 seconds and wait for it to turn off
- Press the Xbox button again to turn the console back on
- The invalid format error should be resolved now
Switch to a different HDMI input
You can also try connecting the Xbox to a different HDMI input and test if the invalid format error is fixed.
If this helps fix the error, there may be some hardware issue with the specific HDMI port on your TV. Opt for an authorized repair service in that case.
Get in touch with LG or Microsoft support
If the error persists, visit the LG Support Page or contact the Xbox Support Team regarding the issue.
Based on your problem description, the support teams will provide you with the best possible solution to get rid of the error.
Avoid Invalid Format Error to Enjoy Uninterrupted Gaming & Streaming
If you’ve got a PC or laptop connected to your LG TV, you may need to change its resolution to fix the invalid format error.
For Windows systems, click the Start button and go to the PC Settings. Open System and click on Display. Navigate to the Display resolution and adjust it to the one that is compatible with your LG TV.
To adjust the resolution on a MacBook, go to Apple Menu. Navigate to System Preferences and click on Display. Open Resolution and go to Scaled. Choose a compatible resolution.
If your Xbox is stuck on the invalid format screen when connected to LG TV, you can reset its resolution through the physical buttons.
Press and hold the Xbox button for about 10 seconds. Don’t let go of the button until you hear 2 beeps. The power light will flash on before the second beep occurs.
This will boot your console in low resolution i.e. 640 x 480. Once the Xbox screen appears on the TV, change it to a compatible resolution based on your TV.
Go to Profile & System> Settings > General > TV & display options and select the desired resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my LG TV supports the video format of my device?
You can check the specifications of your LG TV to see which video formats and resolutions it supports. You can also refer to the user manual or contact LG customer support for assistance. For example, if your device is set to a 4K resolution, always ensure that the TV supports 4K or it may lead to an invalid format error.
Why is my USB showing as an invalid file on my LG TV?
If your USB drive is formatted as an incompatible file system, your LG TV may not be able to recognize it. To fix this issue, you need to format the drive in FAT32 or NTFS file systems. To do this, plug the USB into your laptop or PC. Search and open File Explorer on the Windows search bar. Right-click on your USB name under Device and Drives. Click on Format from the menu. Open the drop-down menu under File System options and select FAT32 or NTFS and click Start.
What are the different resolutions supported by LG Smart TVs?
Most LG TVs support output resolutions including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Select Ultra HD and OLED LG TV models support resolutions up to 4K and 8K as well. Refer to your TV manual to learn more about the maximum resolution supported by your TV. Ensure that your connected device isn’t set to a resolution that’s not supported by your TV model to avoid the invalid format error.
How to change the input on my LG TV?
Before trying to change the input on your LG TV, check the HDMI port that you’ve used to connect the external device (streaming device, game console, cable box, etc.). Now press the Settings or Gear button on your TV remote depending on the TV model. Go to the input menu and switch to your desired HDMI input to start using the device.
