How to Fix Picture Problems on an LG Smart TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Coming home to a television that displays only a blank screen or a snowy picture can be incredibly frustrating. This guide will walk you through the steps to find exactly where the problem is, and do what you can to correct it with your LG Smart TV.

2. Check Remote Batteries

Lift the back cover up and away from the remote.
Remove and re-insert the 2 batteries.
Reposition the back cover onto the remote, and slide down to click it into place.

Inserting batteries into a remote control. Illustration.

If the remote fails to respond properly after this, replace the existing set of batteries with new ones.

3. Restart

Turn it off by pressing the Power button on the unit itself or on the remote.

Then unplug it from the power outlet.

Power cable being unplugged from power outlet.

Wait for 10 seconds.
Plug it back in then turn the TV back on from the Power button.

4. Menu Check

Push the Home button on your remote.

Newer LG Remote with Home button highlighted.

Older LG Remote with Home button highlighted.

5. Check Input Device

Sometimes, it's not a problem with your TV, but rather with the device sending pictures and sounds to your TV.

Try testing another device, first. For example, if you're watching cable, try switching to DVD or Blu-Ray, and play something there. If that works, it's most likely not a problem with your TV, but rather the device that's sending the programming your TV is showing.
Try turning your cable, DVD, or Blu-Ray player off, waiting a few moments, then turning it back on, and try again.
If one device works fine (say, your DVD or Blu-Ray player), but another does not (say, your cable box), it would be best to contact the provider of the device that isn't working.

6. Snowy Picture Check

Our next steps depend on if you're receiving anything at all from any source you select, and if we're getting a snowy picture.

Try checking your broadcast television, cable or satellite television, Blu-Ray player, etc. Make sure you're getting anything at all from any of your devices.

7. Determine Platform

We must determine which platform is loaded on your LG Smart TV before beginning. Newer TVs released after 2014 will have webOS. Older models released between 2011 and 2015 will have NetCast. See the images below to help tell the difference.

Using webOS

Using Netcast

8. Run Auto Tune

Push the Home button on your remote.

Select the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.

Home menu overlay inset with settings highlighted.

Select All Settings at the bottom right.

Settings overlay inset with All Settings highlighted.

Select Channels, then Channel Tuning.

Channels menu with Channel Tuning highlighted.

Follow the prompts to allow your television to re-scan the channels and tune them back in properly.

This process can take a long time to complete, as there are hundreds of possible frequencies to check. The process is fully automated, and you do not need to watch it; you are free to leave and return later.