Google TV Streamer Black Screen? (Here’s What To Do!)
We know how frustrating it must be when you have to deal with a Google TV Streamer black screen, especially when this happens on such a high-end device.
The black screen is typically a sign of:
Yes, there are a lot of possibilities, so let’s get started and eliminate each of them one by one!
Google TV Streamer Black Screen – 8 Guaranteed Solutions!
Tip: Follow the steps consecutively!
1. Verify the HDMI Connection Link
The HDMI connection is the most important link, connecting the video transmission signal from your Google TV Streamer to your TV.
The black screen is often a sign of an interrupted HDMI connection, so the first step is to inspect whether your Google Streamer is connected properly.
We’re going to walk you through what you need to do:
#1 – Inspect the HDMI Cable & Ports
First, unplug the HDMI cable from your TV and Google TV Streamer. Then, take a close look at the cable connectors for potential corrosion, bends, or anything out of order.
If anything looks odd–maybe the tip is wiggly, or the cable body has been cut- then you will need a replacement.
#2 – Connect the Streamer to the TV
If everything with the HDMI cable looks good, switch the ends, and connect it back to the HDMI port of your Google TV Streamer and the HDMI port of your TV.
Turn on your Google Streamer and check whether the black screen issue is still there.
2. Select the Correct TV Input Source
If your connected TV/monitor shows a black screen even when your Google TV Streamer is on and connected properly, maybe you’re viewing the wrong source.
You’ll need to select this specific source based on which HDMI port of your TV the Google Streamer is connected to.
On most, if not all, smart TVs, there is an “Inputs” or “Source” button on the remote control that immediately reveals the source selection tab.
If your remote doesn’t have this button, just go into the menu and try to find where you can cycle through the different TV inputs.
When you find it, select the HDMI port (e.g., HDMI1, HDMI2, or HDMI3) to which your Google TV Streamer is connected.
3. Test a Different TV HDMI Input Port
The next step is to try connecting the HDMI cable to a different HDMI input port on your TV.
Most smart TVs offer up to 3 x HDMI ports, 2 x on the back and 1 x on the side.
So, if you are using the side HDMI port, go ahead and test your Google TV Streamer into a back HDMI port.
Above the port, there is typically a small label, HDMI1, HDMI2, or HDMI3, so you can easily tell which HDMI port is used to connect your Streamer.
We recommend trying all 3 HDMI ports on your TV and dynamically changing the TV source by following the instructions from the previous step.
⚠️Warning: It’s crucial to verify that your Google TV Streamer is not connected to the HDMI (ARC) port, which is unique and meant for audio devices such as soundbars and speakers.
4. Use a Shorter HDMI Cord (<10 Feet)
If you still can’t figure out what’s causing the Google TV Streamer 4K black screen, you need to consider the length of your HDMI cable.
If the Google TV Streamer is brand new, or it has been working at a 4K resolution previously, a too-long HDMI cable can cause complete signal loss.
To successfully transfer 4K resolution, you’ll need an HDMI cable shorter than 10 feet, so if your HDMI cable is longer, perhaps that’s causing the black screen.
5. Test with a Different Output Monitor
If you’re only seeing a black screen on your connected TV or monitor, you must start to consider the possibility that the issue is not with the Google TV Streamer.
If you have another TV or any monitor that supports HDMI input, go ahead and connect your Google TV Streamer to test with.
If you can finally see the picture of your Google TV Streamer, it generally shows that the fault is with the original monitor that was connected.
We recommend double-checking the input source and HDMI port.
6. Adjust Google TV Streamer Settings
Note: This step is only possible with a secondary monitor, allowing you to see and navigate the Google TV Streamer menus/options.
6.1 – Try Different Resolution
If you are using an older TV, some of the highest resolutions that the Google TV Streamer offers may not work properly or lead to a completely black screen.
So, on your second monitor, head to the “Settings” → “Display & Sound” and try a different resolution.
If the resolution is fixed, we recommend trying “Automatic” and connecting the Google Streamer to your original monitor to test.
If it doesn’t work, try the most compatible 1920×1080 resolution.
6.2 – Change the Refresh Rate
Another thing to try in the “Resolution” menu is to select a resolution with a different Refresh Rate (e.g., 60 Hz, 50 Hz, 30 Hz, 25 Hz, or 24 Hz).
Here’s a quick breakdown of what refresh rate you should try:
| 60 Hz | Best for most US and modern TVs (NTSC region) |
| 50 Hz | Best for European/UK TVs (PAL region) |
| 30 Hz / 25 Hz | Use for older HDMI 1.1–1.3 TVs that can’t handle 60/50 Hz at higher resolutions |
| 24 Hz | Only for watching movies, not general use (most TVs support it poorly) |
6.3 – Disable the HDMI-CEC
While your Google TV Streamer is hooked up with the second monitor, you should also disable the HDMI-CEC feature from “Settings” → “Display & Sound”.
This feature allows you to control your Google TV Streamer with the remotes of HDMI devices that are currently connected, but sometimes causes interference.
7. Reset Display via ADB Debugging (Advanced)
So, if your Google TV Streamer shows a black screen on a particular TV or monitor without any reason, there is a way to reset the display configuration.
This will only help if you’ve proven that the Streamer works with other TVs, the original monitor works with other devices, and there are no problems with the settings or your HDMI connection.
7.1 – Enable the Wireless Debugging
The first step is to enable the Developer Options on your Google TV Streamer.
You need to go to the “Settings” → “System” → “About” → “Android TV OS Build”.
With the “Android TV OS Build” highlighted, press the “Select” button on the remote 7 x times quickly, which will activate the Developer Options.
To enter the options, go back to “System” and choose “Developer Options”.
Finally, enable “Wireless debugging”.
⚠️Important: Using your secondary monitor, connect your Google TV Streamer to the same Wi-Fi (router) as your computer that you’ll be using for the operation.
7.2 – Install ADB on Your Computer
To get the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you must download the Android SDK Platform Tools package.
When you download the package, extract it into a folder on your desktop. The name does not matter.
Then, open the folder, click somewhere in the folder, and select “Open Terminal”. The Windows PowerShell will open.
7.3 – Connect ADB to the Streamer
On your Google TV Streamer, go to “Settings” → “System” → “About” → “Status” and note your device’s IPv4 address.
Then, in the opened Windows PowerShell, type “adb connect [Your Streamer IP]:5555”.
The command should look something like this: “adb connect 198.162.X.X:5555”, since “5555” is the default port used for wireless debugging.
When you’re connected, run these two commands to reset the display configuration:
If this doesn’t work, try:
When ready, connect your Google TV Streamer to your original monitor and check whether the black screen will disappear, now that the display configuration is reset.
8. Reset Google TV Streamer to Default
If nothing worked, and you still can’t get rid of the Google TV Streamer black screen, it’s time for a factory reset, which is your last resort solution.
⚠️Warning: This method permanently erases everything from your Google TV Streamer!
Considering that you can’t navigate the menus because you’re only seeing a black screen, the only way to reset the Google TV Streamer is via the Power button on the back.
So, press the Power button on the back for ~10–15 seconds, while the device is connected and powered on.
When you see the blinking yellow light, release the button. Your Google TV Streamer should reset and reboot, allowing you to start fresh.
Alternatively, reset the Google TV Streamer through the settings from a secondary TV/monitor!
Note: If you’ve tried everything and you weren’t able to diagnose the problem, maybe you’re dealing with a hardware defect, so check the device’s warranty and go to Google Product Help.
Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.
