Raspberry Pi HDMI not working? Follow these simple solutions

• HDMI port errors are some of the most common problems when using a Raspberry Pi, regardless of model.
• Fortunately, these can be solved by using only the recommended cables or by making minor adjustments to the HDMI code line in the OS image.
• You can find articles similar to this one in our dedicated Raspberry Pi bugs section on the website.
• Even more useful information can be found in the Developer Tools Hub on the website.

The Raspberry Pi’s HDMI out port is compatible with the HDMI port on most modern televisions and computer monitors.

Raspberry Pi 4 works with a micro HDMI to HDMI cable or a standard HDMI to HDMI cable plus a micro HDMI to HDMI adapter to connect to a display. Raspberry Pi 1, 2 and 3 use a standard HDMI to HDMI cable.

When you receive a  No Signal  or No HDMI Output error message on your monitor, it means there is a problem with the cable connection, SD card, or power supply.

Assuming the cable is fine (meaning it works by connecting another device and your monitor), see below for some solutions that were successful.

Contents index

• For HDMI to work on Raspberry Pi?
  • Minor adjustments
  • Force HDMI display
  • FAQ: Read more about Raspberry Pi

For HDMI to work on Raspberry Pi?

1. Minor adjustments

1. Make sure to connect the HDMI cable to the monitor before turning on the Raspberry.
2. Use an official or recommended power supply.
3. Use a shorter or better quality HDMI cable.
4. Make sure your device’s power supply delivers 1A, not less.
5. Remove the SD card and reboot.

If none of these worked, you will have to adjust the display settings as shown below.

Read this guide on everything there is to know about HDMI cables

2. Force HDMI display

1. Insert the SD card into another device
2. Open the boot / config.txt files with a compatible reader (nano or vi)
3. Look for the following two lines:
   • # hdmi_force_hotplug = 1
   • # hdmi_drive = 2
4. Remove the #  at the beginning of each line
5. Save and remove the SD card
6. Mount the card in the Raspberry Pi and the monitor should work.

If you are using a classic monitor, not a TV monitor, you can omit the hdmi_drive = 2 line.

Also, if the previous steps didn’t work, repeat them, also removing the # from the following line:  # hdmi_safe = 1 . This is only an alternative, as this could also affect the quality of the screen.

This second solution can also be done directly on the Raspberry Pi, but it must connect to the device via SSH. The modifications are the same.

We hope this article has been helpful and we welcome any comments in the dedicated section below.

FAQ: Read more about Raspberry Pi

• How do I connect my Raspberry Pi 4 to a monitor?

Depending on your Raspberry Pi model, you need a standard HDMI to HDMI cable or a standard HDMI to HDMI cable plus a micro HDMI to HDMI adapter (for Pi 4).

• How do I connect my Raspberry Pi monitor without HDMI?

Older televisions or monitors only have one VGA port. In this case, you must use an HDMI to VGA converter cable. You must also make a change to the config.txt file , that is, remove the # of the following lines: # hdmi_force_hotplug = 1  and  # hdmi_drive = 2 .

• How do I view my Raspberry Pi on my TV?

You can connect your Raspberry Pi to a TV using an HDMI to HDMI cable or an HDMI to VGA converter cable.