Image on TV is Discolored, Scrambled, Distorted, or Blurry (2024)

Important: Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode.

What to do

  1. Undock the Nintendo Switch console.
  2. Ensure your console has the latest system update.
    • If the console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds and select Power Options then Restart.
  3. Reset the AC adapter by unplugging it from both ends and leave it unplugged for thirty seconds.
    • During this time, ensure you are using the original Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. HAC-002).
      • If a different power source or AC adapter is being used, replacing it with the original AC adapter may resolve the problem.
  4. Unplug the HDMI cable from the dock and the TV.
    • Inspect the AC adapter and HDMI cables for any damage (kinks, cuts, frayed cables, etc.).
      • If any damage is found, replacing the damaged cable(s) may resolve the problem.
  5. Plug the AC adapter back into the dock and directly to a wall outlet.
  6. Plug the HDMI cable back into the dock and directly to an HDMI port on the TV.
    • If another device is being used, such as a sound bar, a home theater system, or a DVI adapter, remove them temporarily.
  7. If the issue persists, try the following:
    • Use a different HDMI port on the TV.
    • Use a different HDMI cable.
    • If supported, check for any Game Mode settings on your TV set.
      • For questions about your specific TV model, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Use a different TV set.
    • If possible, use a different Nintendo Switch dock with your console.
      • If the image on the TV is displayed properly while using a different dock, then the original Nintendo Switch dock will need to be repaired.

Situation not resolved

  • If the issue is occurring while using a TV or monitor that does not support HDMI connections, it is possible that the the TV or monitor is not compatible with Nintendo Switch, and a different TV or monitor will need to be used.
  • If the image continues to display incorrectly on multiple TV sets that support HDMI connections, to the point where it interferes with your game play, we will be happy to inspect the Nintendo Switch console and repair or replace it as necessary.
    • Please be sure to include the dock and the HDMI cable.
Image on TV is Discolored, Scrambled, Distorted, or Blurry (2024)

FAQs

Image on TV is Discolored, Scrambled, Distorted, or Blurry? ›

Use a different HDMI port on the TV. Use a different HDMI cable. If supported, check for any Game Mode settings on your TV set. For questions about your specific TV model, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Why is the picture on my TV distorted? ›

Check your TV screen for physical damage (dents, tears, cracks, etc.). The screen might be compromised if the TV received an impact that caused physical damage to the screen. Usually, the place of impact will be the origin of the picture distortion.

Why is my TV blurry all of a sudden? ›

Your soft picture could be the result of electrical interference through the cord. Move it around. Try moving any nearby electrical devices away from the TV. They could be the ones creating interference that is degrading your picture quality.

Why is my TV glitching? ›

Dust and debris build-up. If you reside in a dust-prone area, dust or debris build-up can cause electricals to malfunction. As a result, you might witness flickering or glitches on your screen. Regularly wiping not only your TV's screen but also the wires could help prevent this issue.

How to fix TV screen problem? ›

If you are getting horizontal or vertical lines on your TV screen, unplug the cable and re-plug it firmly. If it's not yet resolved, replace your HDMI cable with a new one and check whether it's working. If the problem still persists, there might be an issue with the screen.

How do you fix a TV screen with color distortion? ›

In the Picture Size menu, select Direct or Just-Fit. This will tell your TV to show off any video it gets from your connected device as it receives it, without stretching or cropping anything. This simple option can fix any weird distortion you see when you're watching TV.

What causes scrambled TV pictures? ›

If your TV picture is breaking up, cutting in and out, or pixelating (looks like everything is a bunch of squares), then you probably are experiencing a weak signal. Check all of the connections from the wall to your cable box and from the cable box to your TV to ensure that all connections are tight.

How do I fix the discoloration on my Samsung TV? ›

If your Samsung TV has abnormal colors, has a double image (ghosting), or the image looks blurry, you can fix this issue by updating the firmware for your Samsung TV. There are two ways to do this either by downloading the firmware from our website and update with USB or update it directly from your TV.

Why is my TV dark and pixelated? ›

This is an indicator of a poor signal. Pixelation can be caused by weather conditions (thunderstorms), interference from nearby appliances or signal interference from other devices.

How do you know when your TV is going bad? ›

Your TV Is Fading

As TVs age, the brightness of the light can slowly begin to fade, whether a backlit TV like a QLED TV, or a self-lit OLED TV, eventually, the image will begin to fade after a few years. As the light source of your TV begins to diminish, so too does the clarity of any image on the screen.

Why is my TV picture jerky? ›

Movies have a slightly stuttering effect, called judder, especially when the camera pans across a scene. This appearance comes about because movies and a lot of prime-time TV shows are shot at a relatively slow 24 frames per second, or 24 hertz. By contrast, video is typically shot at 60Hz.

How to fix cloudy TV screen? ›

If specific information is required to complete any of the steps, refer to the instruction manual of the television.
  1. Reduce the Backlight Level in the Picture Settings Menu.
  2. Turn the Light Sensor setting to On in the Setup Menu.
  3. Change the Power Saving setting to Low or High in the Setup Menu.
May 2, 2024

How do I get my TV screen back to normal? ›

This option may be called "Picture Size," "Aspect Ratio," "Screen Fit," or something similar. To find this option, go to your TV's settings menu and look for the display or picture options. Once you've found the option, select it and choose the option that best fits your screen.

What causes screen damage on TV? ›

Common Causes of Broken TV Screens

One of the most common reasons for broken TV screens is physical contact. If your TV is placed in an area where you regularly walk by, you may accidentally bump it. If you live with children or pets, they may also cause it to fall.

What is the most common problem with an LED TV? ›

The screen of the LED TV goes blank

A power supply unit may be the most common cause. All the components receive current from the PSU. There may be a problem with the capacitor. While it is a simple fix, it is recommended to seek out the services of a LED TV repair expert for soldering skills.

How do I get my TV picture back to normal? ›

This option may be called "Picture Size," "Aspect Ratio," "Screen Fit," or something similar. To find this option, go to your TV's settings menu and look for the display or picture options. Once you've found the option, select it and choose the option that best fits your screen.

What causes display screen image distortion? ›

Distorted or blank images can be caused by various factors, such as faulty cables, loose connections, incompatible settings, or damaged hardware. In this article, you will learn some basic hardware troubleshooting techniques that can help you diagnose and repair your monitor problem.

How do I get rid of screen distortion? ›

How to Fix Discoloration and Distortion on a Computer Screen
  1. Power off the monitor, wait 15 seconds, and then power it back on. ...
  2. Restart your computer. ...
  3. Check the cable between the monitor and the computer to make sure that each end is physically secure. ...
  4. Degauss the monitor.
Jul 12, 2023

Why does the picture appear distorted when? ›

Due to the formation of magnetic force, the picture appear distorted when a bar magnet is brought close to the screen of a television. Explanation: The TV works with electric charge. When we switch on the TV the electric charge flows from the power and makes the TV to work.

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