How to Fix a Dim Screen: 8 Quick Solutions

There are several reasons why your screen might appear dim. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Incorrect brightness levels
• Enabled Adaptive Brightness
• Power-saving settings reducing brightness
• Loose or disconnected cables
• Software issues or glitches
• Outdated graphics drivers
• Faulty cables
• Problems with the monitor's backlight

First, check your brightness settings. To begin troubleshooting, try pressing the button on your keyboard that increases the brightness; it is typically marked with a sunburst icon and an up arrow.

• You might need to press FN simultaneously with the brightness keys.
• For further brightness adjustments, go to Settings > Display.
• This option is also available in Settings > Display if you’re using a TV.
• If you're using an external monitor, press the monitor’s physical buttons to navigate to Menu/Settings > Display > Brightness.

Check if Adaptive Brightness is turned on. This feature allows devices such as tablets and laptops to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on surrounding lighting conditions. For instance, it brightens the screen in well-lit environments and dims it in darker surroundings.

• Windows: Navigate to Settings > Display > Brightness & Color and look for options like "Adaptive Brightness" or "Change brightness automatically when lighting changes."
• Mac: Go to System Settings > Displays and disable the option for "Automatically adjust brightness."
• Note that turning off this setting may reduce your device's battery efficiency.

Check your power-saving settings. Often, the screen dims when it’s inactive to conserve energy. Here's how you can check these settings:

• Windows PC & Laptops: Right-click the battery icon in the taskbar and select "Power and sleep settings." In the "Screen and sleep" section, you can disable "Lower screen brightness when using battery saver" to prevent the dimming effect when on battery.
• Samsung TV: Go to Settings > General > Power and Energy Saving and disable "Brightness Reduction."
• Sony TV: Navigate to "Settings > System > Power and Energy" and set it to "Off" or "Low".
• MacBook: Go to System Settings > Battery and ensure the dimming feature is not enabled.

Check and secure your cables. This is especially important if you're using an external monitor. If you're using an internal display like those on laptops, tablets, or TVs, you can skip this step.

• Loose or disconnected cables may result in a dim display.

Restart your device. A minor glitch on your TV, tablet, phone, or laptop might cause the screen to appear dim. Restarting the device can often resolve this issue.

Update your graphics drivers. If your screen requires updated drivers, such as for computers or laptops, keeping your graphics card up-to-date ensures clearer visuals.

• Performing a system update on Windows or Mac will automatically install any available driver updates.

Try different cables or switch power sources. Faulty cables or power outlets can cause dim displays. If your external monitor is malfunctioning, try using a different cable.

• Also, plug your device into a different power outlet to eliminate the possibility of a power issue.

Arrange a repair. If the troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the dim screen problem on your tablet, phone, desktop, laptop, or TV, it might indicate a hardware issue, such as a malfunctioning backlight.

• This is especially likely if the Power button is lit but the screen remains very dim.
• Visit the manufacturer's "Contact Us" page to get additional assistance and schedule a repair.

• Check out this Mytour article for a guide on fixing a black screen issue on a Hisense TV.
• Read this Mytour article to learn how to resolve the Samsung Black Screen of Death problem.
• For a black screen on your TCL TV, see this Mytour article.