USB-C to HDMI Not Working? 8 Fixes to Try Right Now

You've plugged in your USB-C to HDMI cable, switched the TV to the right input, and nothing. Black screen. No signal. Or maybe the picture was working and then suddenly stopped. It's one of the more frustrating tech problems precisely because it looks like it should just work.

The good news: USB-C to HDMI issues are almost always fixable, and the cause is usually one of a small number of things. This guide walks through 8 fixes in order from simplest to most involved, most people will find their solution in the first three.

Before You Start: Quick Diagnosis

USB-C to HDMI problems fall into three main categories:

• The USB-C port on your device doesn't support video output, not all USB-C ports do
• A settings or software issue on your device or display
• A faulty or incompatible cable

Work through the fixes below in order. Each one takes less than two minutes.

Fix 1: Check DisplayPort Alt Mode Support on Your Device

This is the most common cause of USB-C to HDMI not working and the one most people don't check first.

USB-C is a connector shape, not a capability standard. A USB-C port on your laptop might support data transfer only, or it might also support video output via DisplayPort Alt Mode. If your port doesn't support DisplayPort Alt Mode, no USB-C to HDMI cable will work with it, then it's a hardware limitation, not a cable problem.

How to check:

• MacBooks and iPads with USB-C: all support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you're fine
• Windows laptops: check your laptop's spec sheet. Look for 'DisplayPort over USB-C', 'Thunderbolt', or 'DisplayPort Alt Mode' in the port specifications. If the port is listed as USB-C data only, it won't carry video
• Android phones: very few support video output. Check your manufacturer's spec page
• Look for a small lightning bolt (Thunderbolt) or 'DP' symbol next to the USB-C port on your device

If your device doesn't support DisplayPort Alt Mode on its USB-C port, you'll need to connect via a different method, such as a wireless display adapter or a USB-C hub with a dedicated display output.

Fix 2: Switch TV or Monitor to the Correct Input

Sounds obvious, but it's the most common reason for a black screen. Your TV or monitor has multiple HDMI inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3 etc.), and you need to be on the input that matches the port you've connected the cable to.

Use your TV remote to cycle through inputs. On most TVs this is the 'Input', 'Source' or 'Home' button. Select the HDMI input number that matches the physical port your cable is in. If you're not sure which port, unplug and replug the cable while watching the input selection screen, the active input will usually show a signal indicator.

Fix 3: Unplug and Re-Plug the Cable (Both Ends)

USB-C connections can sometimes fail to initialise correctly on first connection, especially if the device was already running when you plugged in. This is a very common cause of 'no signal' on first connection.

Unplug the USB-C end from your laptop, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Then do the same for the HDMI end at the TV. Give your device 10-15 seconds to detect the display after reconnecting. If your device has a 'Detect Displays' option in its display settings, trigger that now.

Fix 4: Restart Your Device

A full restart clears any software state that might be preventing display detection. This is particularly effective if the cable worked previously but has stopped working after a software update or a period of standby/sleep.

• Windows: Start > Power > Restart (not Shutdown, a full restart clears more state)
• macOS: Apple menu > Restart
• iPad: hold the top button and volume button until the slider appears, then restart

After restarting, connect the cable before logging in, sometimes detection works more reliably when the cable is connected during startup.

Fix 5: Update GPU or Display Drivers (Windows)

On Windows laptops, outdated graphics drivers are a surprisingly common cause of USB-C to HDMI failures, especially after a Windows update that changed driver behaviour.

To update your GPU drivers:

• NVIDIA: open NVIDIA GeForce Experience and check for driver updates, or visit nvidia.com/drivers
• AMD: open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition or visit amd.com/support
• Intel (integrated graphics): open Device Manager > Display Adapters > right-click your Intel graphics > Update Driver

After updating, restart your laptop and test the connection again.

Fix 6: Try a Different USB-C Port on Your Device

Many laptops have multiple USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, but not all of them are equal. It's common for only one or two ports to support DisplayPort Alt Mode, while others are data-only.

If your first port isn't working, try each USB-C port on your device one at a time. On MacBook Pro models with multiple Thunderbolt ports, all ports support video output, but on Windows laptops, the port closest to the power input is often the one with full Thunderbolt or DisplayPort Alt Mode support.

Your laptop's manual will specify which ports support video output. If you've lost your manual, search '[your laptop model] USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode' to find the spec sheet.

Fix 7: Adjust Resolution or Refresh Rate Settings

If your device detects the display but shows a black screen or a 'no signal' message, the display resolution or refresh rate may be set higher than your TV or monitor can handle.

On Windows:

• Right-click the desktop > Display Settings > Advanced Display Settings
• Lower the resolution (try 1920x1080) and set refresh rate to 60Hz
• Apply the settings, even if you can't see anything, wait 15 seconds as Windows will revert automatically if you don't confirm

On macOS:

• System Settings > Displays > select the external display
• Try a lower resolution or change the refresh rate to 60Hz

Once you have a stable picture at a lower resolution, you can then step up to your preferred resolution to find the highest stable setting.

Fix 8: Try a Different Cable

If all the above steps haven't resolved the issue, the cable itself is very likely the problem. Not all USB-C cables are created equal, a standard USB-C charging cable will not carry a video signal at all, and low-quality or counterfeit 'USB-C to HDMI' cables frequently fail to deliver stable 4K signals or even establish a connection.

Signs the cable is faulty:

• Connection works intermittently or drops in and out
• Works at 1080p but not at 4K
• No signal despite all other steps checking out
• Cable gets unusually warm during use

Our USB-C to HDMI cable 4K is properly rated for 4K output and tested for compatibility with MacBook, iPad Pro, Windows laptops and other USB-C devices. If you've been using a budget or unbranded cable, replacing it is often the fastest fix.

Still Not Working? Check This Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my USB-C to HDMI work on one laptop but not another?

Because not all USB-C ports support video output. Your first laptop likely has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode support, and your second does not. This is a hardware limitation, the cable is fine, the port just doesn't carry video signals.

My USB-C to HDMI worked yesterday. Why has it stopped?

The most common causes are a Windows or macOS update changing driver behaviour, or a connection that hasn't initialised correctly after sleep or restart. Try Fix 3 (unplug/replug) and Fix 4 (restart) first. If that doesn't solve it, try Fix 5 for Windows.

Does USB-C to HDMI work with phones?

It depends on the phone. Most phones do not support DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C, meaning a USB-C to HDMI cable won't output video from them. Samsung Galaxy S and Z series phones support video output from USB-C in some models, check your specific model's spec sheet. Most other Android phones and all iPhones do not support USB-C to HDMI directly.

Can I use USB-C to HDMI while charging?

Yes, a USB-C to HDMI cable uses only the video signal function of the USB-C port. You can charge your laptop or iPad via a separate USB-C port (or the same port if you use a USB-C hub that supports passthrough charging) while using USB-C to HDMI for display output.

Quick Summary

USB-C to HDMI not working is almost always caused by one of three things: the port doesn't support video output, an incorrect input or settings, or a faulty cable. Work through the 8 fixes in order and you'll find the solution.

If a cable replacement is what you need: our USB-C to HDMI cable 4K is properly rated for 4K and ships free across Australia. Browse the full HDMI cables collection for all options.

Related: USB-C to HDMI compatibility guide (does it work with your specific device?) | How to connect your MacBook to a TV.