How to Resolve Can’t Connect Xbox One to 4K TV

The Xbox One can suddenly go to a black screen or show “no signal” while trying to show 4K, often right after switching inputs or changing resolution settings. This means the console is failing to set up a proper 4 K video connection with the TV, causing a signal that is not compatible or not supported.

The most common cause is an HDMI cable that does not have enough bandwidth for 4 K; other causes include using a non-4 K HDMI port, turned-off HDR/deep-color settings, or refresh rates that do not match

1. Start In Low Resolution

This method helps if you see a “No signal” message or if your Xbox is stuck at a lower resolution.

1. First, completely turn off your Xbox.
2. Next, check your HDMI cable connection on the back of your Xbox.
3. To get a signal, make sure the cable is plugged into the ‘HDMI OUT to TV‘ port on the Xbox, not the ‘HDMI IN from SAT/Cable‘ port.

   

4. After connecting the cable, hold the Eject and Xbox Power buttons together to turn on your Xbox in low-resolution mode.

   

5. You will hear two startup tones. Release the buttons on the second tone.
6. On the TV, your Xbox will turn on with black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. This is because it launched in low resolution (640 * 480).
7. Once your Xbox is on, you can change the resolution to the one you want (e.g., 4K).
8. To change the resolution, press the Xbox home button on the controller to bring up the side menu.
9. Scroll right to the gear icon and choose Settings.

   

10. Go to Display & Sound.

    

11. Then select Video output.

    

12. Here you can see the resolution your Xbox is currently using.
13. You can switch the display to a higher resolution. Since you have a 4K TV, you should see an option for 4K.
14. If the 4K option does not appear, go to Video fidelity & overscan and change the Color depth option to 36 bits per pixel.
15. Now select the 4K resolution. When asked if you want to keep this resolution, press Yes.

    

    Note: If the screen turns black and the resolution resets to 640 * 480, the selected resolution isn’t supported by your TV or cable. Choose a lower resolution first, then try 4K again.
16. Lastly, go into Video modes and check the Allow 4K and Allow HDR10 options.

    

2. Try Different HDMI Ports

If you are not getting any signal from the TV after connecting the cable, there is a good chance something is wrong with the HDMI cable or the HDMI ports. Follow the steps below to test the HDMI ports.

1. As advised in Method 1, first make sure you are connected to the correct HDMI port on the Xbox.
2. Plug the cable into the ‘HDMI OUT to TV‘ port on the Xbox, not the ‘HDMI IN from SAT/Cable‘ port.
3. If there is still no response, try a different HDMI port on your TV.

   

4. Most TVs have three or more HDMI ports. Try connecting to another one and see if it works.
5. If your Xbox is older, there’s a chance the HDMI port on the console has become loose. In that case, firmly reconnect the cable and check again.

3. Check and Test Your HDMI Cable

If there is no issue with the HDMI ports, your HDMI cable is probably faulty, damaged, or not suitable for 4K. Some HDMI cables may also be incompatible with your TV due to different HDMI specifications.

1. First, check the HDMI cable you are using for any damage or bent pins.
2. For better compatibility, use a High-Speed HDMI cable with the HDMI logo on it. That logo shows the cable is certified. For 4K at 60 Hz, a Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable is recommended.

   

3. If you have the right cable and there is still no signal, try flipping the ends of the cable and reconnecting it.
4. If that doesn’t work, try using another HDMI cable.

4. Change Power Mode Settings

If you are using an HDMI splitter and not receiving any signal from the TV, this method might help.

1. Press the Xbox home button on the controller to bring up the side menu.

   

2. Scroll right to the gear icon and choose Settings.
3. Select Power and Startup.
4. Then select Power Mode & startup.

   

5. Change the Power mode from ‘Instant On‘ to ‘Energy-saving‘.

   

6. This forces a clean start and often fixes signal issues when using a splitter.

5. Examine Your TV

If the above solutions did not work, your TV could be the culprit.

1. Try resetting your TV to its default settings.
2. Try updating your TV’s software.
3. Some TVs only accept a 4K signal from a specific HDMI port. For example, some TVs have only one port that supports 4K@60Hz.

   

4. Read the user manual to make sure you are using the correct port and any required settings (like “HDMI Enhanced” or “UHD Color”).
5. If none of the above options worked, try researching online to see if other Xbox users with a similar TV have faced this issue and how they solved it.
6. As a last resort, you may need to replace the TV with a different model. Before you do, verify that your Xbox connects properly to another 4K TV.