Fix IPTV Black Screen with Audio
When you hear audio but see only a black screen, the issue is typically video codec incompatibility. Your device's decoder can't process the video format, but the audio codec works fine.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Screen is completely black but audio plays normally
- ▸ Brief flash of video then goes black
- ▸ Black screen only on certain HD or 4K channels
- ▸ Video works on phone but shows black on TV
- ▸ Picture returns after switching away and back to channel
Why This Happens
- ▸ H.265/HEVC codec not supported by device hardware decoder
- ▸ HDMI HDCP handshake failure between device and TV
- ▸ HDR content on non-HDR display causing compatibility issues
- ▸ Interlaced video format that device can't process
- ▸ GPU driver issue or hardware acceleration conflict
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Switch from Hardware to Software decoder in app settings
Try a different HDMI port or HDMI cable
Disable HDR in your streaming device settings
Lower playback resolution to 720p
Restart both the streaming device and TV
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Switch decoder
In TiviMate: Settings > Player > Decoder > Software. In Kodi: Settings > Player > Videos > Enabled HQ scalers for scaling > Off
Tip: Software decoder bypasses hardware limitations
Disable HDR
Settings > Display & Sounds > Display > Dynamic Range Settings > Set to 'Always SDR'
Tip: HDR can cause black screen on incompatible TVs
Try different HDMI
Connect Firestick to different HDMI port. Use HDMI 1 if possible (usually full bandwidth)
Tip: Some TV HDMI ports don't support all resolutions
Change resolution
Settings > Display & Sounds > Display > Video Resolution > Set to 1080p 60Hz
Tip: 4K resolution can cause issues with some streams
HDCP reset
Unplug Firestick from HDMI and power for 30 seconds. Plug back in and let it reinitialize
Tip: Resets HDCP handshake which often causes black screen
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Change decoder
In your IPTV app settings, find Decoder or Video options. Switch from Hardware to Software decoding
Tip: Forces CPU-based decoding
Disable HDR/DV
Settings > Display > HDR > Off. Settings > Display > Dolby Vision > Off
Tip: Eliminates HDR compatibility issues
Test in VLC
Install VLC, try same stream. If VLC shows video, adjust your IPTV app's decoder settings
Tip: VLC supports almost all codecs via software
Reset HDMI
Settings > Device Preferences > Display > HDMI > Reset to default
Tip: Fixes HDMI communication errors
Update GPU drivers
Settings > Device Preferences > About > System update
Tip: System updates include GPU driver improvements
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Use external device
If using built-in Smart TV app, try a Firestick or Android box instead - they have better codec support
Tip: Smart TV processors are limited
Change HDMI mode
TV Settings > External Device Manager > Input Signal Plus > Enable for your HDMI port
Tip: Enables full bandwidth mode for that port
Disable Game Mode
TV Settings > General > External Device Manager > Game Mode > Off
Tip: Game mode can interfere with video processing
Update TV
Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now
Tip: Newer firmware has better codec support
Try a different app
Install different IPTV app from TV's app store. Different apps use different video players
Tip: Built-in players vary in codec support
Pro Tips
- ★ H.265/HEVC is the most common cause - older Firestick (2nd gen) and cheap Android boxes don't support it
- ★ If channel works on phone but not TV, the TV/box can't decode that codec
- ★ Nvidia Shield Pro handles every codec natively - solves all black screen issues
- ★ Some providers offer SD versions of channels that use H.264 - try those
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Black screen affects all channels simultaneously
- ▶ Previously working channels all started showing black screen
- ▶ Provider changed their encoding recently
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my phone show video but TV shows black screen?
Modern phones have powerful processors and support virtually all video codecs. Streaming devices, especially budget ones, have limited hardware codec support. When a stream uses H.265/HEVC codec, phones can decode it but older/cheaper streaming devices cannot, resulting in black screen with audio.
How do I know if my device supports H.265/HEVC?
Fire TV Stick 4K/4K Max, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, and most devices from 2019+ support H.265. Original Firestick, 2nd gen Firestick, and cheap Android TV boxes (under $40) often don't. You can also install the free 'CPU-Z' app which shows codec support.