Is your advertising display suddenly showing a black screen, no picture, or blinking indicator lights? Don’t worry—these are often caused by minor issues. Follow the simple troubleshooting steps below, and in most cases, you’ll be able to fix it yourself, saving both time and effort.
Before starting, please unplug the advertising display, wait one minute, and then plug it back in. This "reboot" can resolve many unexplained software glitches—be sure to try this first.
Check these areas first — 80% chance it'll work
1. Check if it's receiving power
Inspect the plug: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the advertising display and the wall outlet.
Try another outlet: Unplug other devices from the same outlet and plug in the advertising display, or move the display to a different working outlet.
Check the adapter: If using an external power brick (like a laptop charger), touch it to see if it feels warm and check if its indicator light is on.
2. Understand what the indicator light is telling you
No light at all: This means no power is reaching the device. The issue is likely with the power cable, outlet, or adapter.
Steady light (not blinking): This means power is supplied, but the device itself isn’t displaying. The problem may be internal.
Blinking light: This is the device "reporting an error," indicating a startup failure, possibly due to internal hardware or a power issue.
If it's still not working, proceed below
1. Is it actually powered on?
Sometimes the device is just in "standby" mode. Look for the power button on the remote control or the physical button on the device and press it. Don’t forget to check if the remote’s batteries are dead.
2. Is the correct input source selected?
If your advertising display is connected to multiple devices (like a computer, USB drive, etc.), you need to select the corresponding input source. Use the "Source" or "Input" button on the remote to switch between HDMI, VGA, etc.—just like switching channels on a TV.
3. Is the device overheating?
Touch the casing of the advertising display. If it feels hot to the touch, it may have activated overheating protection. Make sure the area around the device, especially the ventilation holes, is not blocked, and ensure good airflow.
For those comfortable with hands-on troubleshooting
Note: If the device is still under warranty, it’s not recommended to open it yourself. Contact after-sales support directly for the safest solution.
1. Check internal cables
Unplug the power, carefully open the back cover, and locate the widest flat cable connecting the mainboard to the screen (the display cable). Check if either end is loose and try reseating it.
2. Restore to factory settings
If the screen is black but the device seems to be running, you can try a "blind operation" to restore factory settings. The general steps are: first unplug the power, then press and hold the "Reset" pinhole or "Menu" button on the device, and while holding, plug the power back in. This process varies greatly depending on the model, so be sure to check your product manual first.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you have tried all the methods above and the problem persists, it is likely a hardware failure, such as:
A cracked screen or faulty backlight.
Damage to core internal components like the mainboard or power board.
At this point, it’s best not to troubleshoot further on your own.
Please contact our customer service directly for a quicker resolution. Before reaching out, please prepare the following:
Specific model and serial number of your advertising display (found on the label on the back or side of the device).
Purchase date.
Detailed description of the issue (e.g., “How is the indicator light blinking? How many times per second?”).
Inform the customer service representative of the troubleshooting steps you have already tried.
Our engineers will assist you as soon as possible.
"This article is part of the 'Advertising Machine FAQ' series. If you are experiencing other issues, such as unresponsive touch screens, black screens, etc., feel free to visit our [Advertising Machine Common Problems and Solutions (FAQ) Center | Ultimate Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide] for quick answers."