Is Your BenQ Projector Not Showing Picture? (Easy Fix!)

benq projector not showing picture

Is your BenQ projector not showing picture, and you’re searching for a quick fix? Look no further!

The BenQ projector’s broadcast might become inactive due to improper input selection, video cable issues, or even problems with the lamp or lamp door. 

By the end of this guide, you will know how to conduct proper maintenance on the projector and address all video-related issues.

How to Fix When BenQ Projector Not Showing Picture?

Tip: Try rebooting the projector both via the “Power” button and the remote control. 

1. Change the Projector’s Input Source

change the projector’s input source

If you see no picture at all, perhaps you haven’t specified the correct input source in the menu of your BenQ projector. 

The first and most important step is to ensure your projector’s currently selected input source matches the video cable connection. 

There are several ways to change the projector’s input source!

1.1 Change Source via the “Connections”

For modern BenQ projectors, all you have to do is tap the “Connections” button found on the right-left half of the screen, while on standby. 

You will be automatically taken to the input source selection screen, where you can specify the exact type of video cable you’ve plugged in.

1.2 Change Source via a ‘Swipe Up’ Action

Swiping upwards from the bottom of the interactive screen will also bring up the Connections menu, the same way pressing it would do.

However, ensure your finger is at the bottom of the screen, right above the logo before starting to swipe up.

1.3 Change Source via the Remote Control

All you have to do to change the projector’s source using the remote is press the “SOURCE” button, right below “POWER.”

This should bring up the input source menu, regardless of your BenQ projector model. 

2. Reseat the Projector’s Video Cable

reseat the projector’s video cable

Another tip for addressing the BenQ projector no-picture problem is reseating the video cable connection.

The HDMI is the most widespread and preferred connection for BenQ projectors, although it could often cause reception issues or periodical losses in the synchronization.

We recommend unplugging the video cable from both ends for a minimum of 60 seconds to refresh the connection and test the projector for other issues. 

Important: Use an Alternative Video Input/Cable

If possible, test the video cable used to establish the connection between your projector and computer on an alternative matching input to test the video signal.

You could also switch to another cable connection, just for testing purposes, and use one of the supported inputs:

  • HDMI Cable
  • VGA/DVI Cable
  • USB type-C cable
  • Component cables
  • DisplayPort cable

Note: Use any of the aforementioned cables to test the BenQ projector and don’t forget to switch to the new input source. 

3. Close BenQ’s Lamp Door Securely

close benq’s lamp door securely

If you’ve recently inspected or replaced the lamp of the BenQ projector and haven’t closed the door securely, the device may even refuse to start for as long as the latch remains open.

You can find the lamp door on the top panel of the projector, along with the integrated tapped holes.

Tightening the screws is all you have to do to ensure that the lamp door is closed and securely attached to the projector.

How to Know if the BenQ Lamp Door is Closed?

While there is no way of checking whether the projector detects the lamp door, you can ensure the surface of the door contacts the seals of the BenQ projector’s surface.

If not, there may be an issue with the lamp door’s plastic, or of course, the seals of the BenQ projector.

Note: Get in touch with the manufacturer in case of a permanent hardware defect. 

4. Reset the Power of the BenQ Projector

reset the power of the benq projector

A power cycle might be sufficient to address the BenQ projector turns on but no picture fault is occurring repeatedly.

The procedure requires cutting off the projector’s electricity until all of the power has drained entirely and then plugging it back in.

Here’s how to power reset the BenQ projector effortlessly:

  1. Press the “Power” button on the BenQ projector’s surface.
  2. Release the button after 5 seconds and unplug the device.
  3. Hold “Power” for another 20 seconds to discharge BenQ.
  4. Reseat the power cable on both ends and turn on the unit.
  5. Now, wait until the projector starts and check the broadcast 

Tip: Check if the projector’s power adapter is in good condition and test it on another outlet. 

5. Adjust the Source Device’s Display Settings

adjust the source device’s display settings

If you still see no picture, perhaps the settings of the source device have not been adjusted properly and have caused the black projection screen of your BenQ unit. 

There’s a variety of settings and options that must be configured in order to stabilize the output of the projector and eliminate any faults.

5.1 BenQ Projector Settings for Windows

  • Screen type: Press “Window key + P” to open up the display type menu and pick from “Duplicate,” “Extend” and “Second Screen Only” to test the projector.
  • Resolution: Go to “Settings” → “System” → “Display” and test all of the available resolutions to determine if the broadcast will appear. 

5.2 BenQ Projector Settings for macOS

benq projector settings for macos
  • Screen type: Go to Apple Menu → “System Settings” → “Displays” → “Detect Displays” and pick from “Mirror Displays” or “Extend Displays” to test the projector.
  • Resolution: Navigate to “Apple Menu” → “System Settings” → “Displays” and pick from the available resolutions to test the projector’s broadcast.

None of the other resolution and display-related settings of your Windows PC or Mac can have a direct impact on your projector’s broadcast unless the two we’ve mentioned above. 

6. Inspect the Lamp of the BenQ Projector

inspect the lamp of the benq projector

The next step is to ensure the lamp of your projector is properly installed and hasn’t caused the hardware to enter the so-called emergency mode. 

If any of your projector’s parts are missing or are recognized by the hardware as ‘defective,’ the device may refuse to start until further notice.

6.1 How to Inspect Lamp in the Projector Menu?

  1. Press the “[MENU/EXIT]” on the projector’s top panel.
  2. Now, use “</>” to navigate to the “System Setup” tab.
  3. Head to “Advanced Menu” and then “Lamp Settings.”
  4. Tap “[MODE/ENTER]” to view the lamp’s health/status.

6.2 How to Inspect BenQ Projector Lamp Physically?

inspect the lamp of the benq projector

Here are the steps:

  1. Uninstall the screws holding the projector’s lamp door attached.
  2. Carefully lift off the lamp door until it is removed from the projector.
  3. Uninstall the lamp housing and remove it from the BenQ device.
  4. Check if the lamp housing and bulb inside have sustained damage.

If the BenQ projector system says that the lamp’s health is degraded, and you’ve identified even further damage after the physical inspection, we recommend ordering an original replacement.

One More Thing: Reinsert the Original BenQ Projector Lamp!

Installing non-original parts in any projector could lead to issues with the functionality, especially if it’s of a high class as BenQ projectors are.

If you’ve recently replaced the lamp due to it being faulty, inconsistent, or weak, we recommend placing the old lamp back in to test the broadcast.

The projector may even refuse to start, load content, or provide you with access to most of its functions while ANY of the installed parts are not original. 

7. Reset BenQ to Default System Settings

reset benq to default system settings

Well, if your BenQ projector not showing picture after everything you’ve tried, perhaps with a simple factory reset you will solve the problem in an instant.

Only proceed with the instructions below if you’re aware that the data and settings will be permanently deleted.

  • Press “Menu” on the projector, go to “System” → “Factory Default” → “Reset” and follow the remaining instructions to finalize the process.

Note: If you still see no picture, regardless of what you try, feel free to get in touch with the customer service or local merchant for possible replacement.