Why does the TV hang and picture noise? 12 easy fixes

TV hangs and picture noise (pixelation) are generally caused by an interrupted or weak TV signal. However, the specific cause may depend on the current TV service provider and type. Before calling your provider (Internet, cable or satellite TV company, etc.), let’s go over a few ways you can try to get the TV picture working again.

Table of Contents

Check all cables and connections.

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The cables may be loose, causing the TV to have a poor signal reception. Turn off the TV and check all cables directly plugged into the TV as well as the set-top box (if applicable). Then, check the cable and power cord that connects to the wall outlet. All cables must be firmly connected, not loose. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If any cables are loose, re-plug them tightly and turn on the TV to see if the problem is fixed.

Check your Internet connection or Wi-Fi signal.

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If you connect the TV to the Internet, the signal may be weak. This error occurs when the TV is far away from the Wi-Fi router or there is another electronic device that is interfering with the network signal. Try connecting to Wi-Fi on another device to see if the signal works. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If there are multiple devices using the same Internet connection, the TV may not have enough bandwidth to stream the program you want to watch. Try turning off devices you don’t use to see if the problem is fixed.

Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection.

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Connect the TV directly to the router to ensure the most stable transmission. With a wired connection, you won’t have to worry about other devices interfering with the signal. ^{[3] X Research Source} Check the Ethernet port (looks like a big phone jack) on the back of the TV. If your TV has this port, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your TV and router directly. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

After switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection, don’t forget to reselect the usual network settings in your TV’s settings.

Install pending app updates and restart the TV.

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If there is an app on your smart TV that crashes, you may need to perform an update. Exit the application and check for updates of the application you are trying to use. If no new update is available, try clearing the app cache and data. After that, restart the system to see if the problem is fixed. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

To prevent this problem in the future, it is recommended that you choose the automatic update setting.

Re-establish the connection between the TV and the receiver.

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Unplug the HDMI cable connected between the TV and the receiver. Wait about 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Turn on the TV to see if the problem is fixed. You may need to wait a few seconds for the picture to adjust itself after the connection is re-established. ^{[6] X Research Source}

This is also a good way to check if the HDMI cable is damaged. If the cord cover is frayed or damaged, you may need to replace the cable with a new one.

Power off the modem or receiver and then turn it back on.

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This method will do a hardware reset and fix most problems. Proceed to unplug the cable box or modem, wait 10-15 seconds and then plug it back in. Turn on the TV and wait for the service to restart. After the program works again, you can check if the TV picture has been restored. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Occasionally, the service provider will push a software update through the cable box or modem and cause problems receiving it. Unplugging and plugging it back in will reset the hardware, similar to when you restart your computer after an operating system update.

Tighten the coax cable.

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Open the coax cable, unplug it and reconnect it. Twist the washer on the end of the coax cable by hand until it is relatively tight. You don’t need to use pliers, just tighten the washer by hand. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Over time, coax cables can degrade and become damaged. If after reconfiguring the connection, the problem is still not fixed, you need to replace the cable with a new one.

Remove the divider.

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If the cable connects to the splitter, remove it and plug it directly into the wall. If you use a splitter for multiple rooms in your home, open the coax cable at both ends of the splitter and then connect the coax cable directly from the wall port to the cable box. ^{[9] X Research Source}

While this may fix the picture problem, it will mean that the cable going to the other room will no longer work. You need to ask the service company to send a technician to assist with the repair if other rooms also need to use the cable at the same time.
Cable splitters can reduce signal strength by half, so if the signal received is weak, the splitter is likely to be the cause.

Auto tuning to improve connection.

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This will at least check that the problem is not with the TV. The TV is designed to automatically scan for channels when available via an antenna or cable TV. Use the “auto-tune” feature in the TV settings to refresh available channels and see if the problem is fixed. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can usually access the TV settings with the included remote control. Look up the TV manufacturer’s name online for more details on troubleshooting steps and tips.

Check for obstructions outside if you receive satellite TV.

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Tree branches or buildings can interfere with the signal between the dish antenna and the satellite. If the weather is bad, dust can also cover some of the antenna surface. Even rainwater falling into the basin affects the signal. After solving these problems, the picture of the TV will be better. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If there is a building blocking the satellite signal, contact your provider. They will send a technician to come and reinstall the antenna for the best reception.

Move the antenna if you watch radio channels.

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Turn the antenna towards the nearest broadcasting station. If you’re not sure which direction the nearest station is, look up a map online. In addition, tuning for the highest possible antenna (such as on a windowsill) also results in better signal reception. ^{[12] X Research Source}

The signal may be stronger if you use an external antenna. However, this type of antenna is much more expensive than an indoor antenna, and it is also more difficult to install because it requires you to climb on the roof.
Check for obstructions that could disrupt the signal. The signal you receive will also be affected if there is any new construction in the area between the base station and the antenna.

Clean discs if you watch DVD or Blu-ray.

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Dirty or scratched discs can also cause blurry, noisy images. You need to take out the disc and examine the surface. If the disc is dirty or scratched, you can clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can also buy a disc cleaning kit online or at any electronics store. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Sometimes the cause lies in the reader. Try playing other discs and see if you get the same error. If the TV still hangs or has picture noise when playing any discs, you may need to replace the player with a new one.

Advice

Check other TVs in the house to see if the same problem occurs. This can help you narrow down the problem to determine if it’s caused by a specific TV setup or with your TV service provider.
In spring and fall, the sun’s rays can align with satellites and cause interference. This is especially common in the mid-morning and early afternoon. If the TV picture hangs or is noisy due to the impact of the sun, there is nothing you can do but wait. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Warning

Resetting the TV or receiver also deletes all individual customizations. Check the settings you want, especially parental controls. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Steps