Hisense TVs offer excellent value, but like any electronics, they can develop issues over time. This comprehensive repair guide covers the most common Hisense TV problems, what repairs typically cost, and how to fix them yourself or know when to call a professional.
Most Common Hisense TV Problems
TV Won’t Turn On
This is the most frequent complaint among Hisense TV owners. The TV appears completely dead with no lights or response to the remote or power button.
Common causes: Faulty power supply board, blown capacitors, defective main board, or loose internal connections.
DIY fix: Unplug the TV for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Check that the power outlet works by testing another device. Inspect the power cable for damage. If the standby light is on but the TV won’t power up, try a power reset by holding the power button for 30 seconds while unplugged.
Repair cost: Power supply board replacement ranges from $100-$200 for parts and labor. Main board replacement costs $150-$300.
No Picture But Has Sound
Your Hisense TV audio works perfectly, but the screen stays black or shows a very dim image.
Common causes: Failed backlight, damaged LED strips, faulty T-Con board, or inverter board issues.
DIY fix: Shine a flashlight at the screen while content is playing. If you can faintly see an image, the backlight system has failed. Check all cable connections between boards. This usually requires professional repair.
Repair cost: Backlight replacement costs $100-$250 depending on TV size. T-Con board replacement runs $75-$150.
Screen Flickering or Flashing
The display flickers, flashes, or shows intermittent brightness changes that make viewing difficult.
Common causes: Loose cable connections, failing backlight, outdated firmware, or T-Con board problems.
DIY fix: Update your TV firmware through Settings > Support > System Update. Disable energy-saving modes and motion smoothing features. Check and reseat HDMI cables. Try different HDMI ports. Perform a factory reset.
Repair cost: If cable reseating doesn’t work, professional diagnosis costs $50-$75, with repairs ranging from $100-$200.
Vertical or Horizontal Lines on Screen
Colored or black lines appear across your screen, either vertically or horizontally.
Common causes: Damaged T-Con board, loose ribbon cables, failed panel connection, or physical screen damage.
DIY fix: If lines appeared after cleaning, you may have pressed too hard and damaged internal connections. Try a soft reset. Unfortunately, if reseating internal ribbon cables doesn’t help, this often indicates panel damage.
Repair cost: T-Con board replacement costs $75-$150. Panel replacement is rarely economical, costing 50-70% of a new TV’s price.
No Sound
The picture works fine but no audio comes from the TV speakers.
Common causes: Incorrect audio settings, muted TV, faulty speakers, or main board issues.
DIY fix: Check that the TV isn’t muted and volume is up. Go to Settings > Sound and ensure TV speakers are selected as the output device (not external speakers or HDMI ARC). Test different content sources. Perform a factory reset if settings changes don’t work.
Repair cost: Speaker replacement costs $50-$100. Main board replacement runs $150-$300 if the audio processing chip has failed.
TV Turns Off Randomly
Your Hisense TV shuts off by itself without warning, sometimes repeatedly.
Common causes: Overheating, power supply issues, enabled sleep timer, faulty power button, or software glitches.
DIY fix: Check Settings > Time > Sleep Timer and disable it. Ensure adequate ventilation around the TV. Clean dust from vents with compressed air. Disable HDMI-CEC in settings. Update firmware. Factory reset the TV.
Repair cost: Power supply repair costs $100-$200. If the main board needs replacement, expect $150-$300.
Remote Not Working
The Hisense remote doesn’t control the TV or only works inconsistently.
Common causes: Dead batteries, blocked IR sensor, remote damage, or TV sensor failure.
DIY fix: Replace batteries. Remove obstacles between remote and TV. Test the remote with your phone camera—point the remote at the camera and press buttons. If you see a light on your phone screen, the remote works. Clean the TV’s IR sensor with a soft cloth. Try the Hisense RemoteNOW app as a temporary solution.
Repair cost: New replacement remote costs $10-$30. IR sensor board replacement costs $50-$100.
Apps Not Working or Crashing
Streaming apps freeze, crash, load slowly, or won’t open on your Hisense smart TV.
Common causes: Insufficient memory, outdated firmware, poor internet connection, or corrupted app data.
DIY fix: Check your internet connection speed (should be at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming). Update TV firmware. Clear app cache in Settings > Apps. Uninstall and reinstall problem apps. Factory reset as a last resort.
Repair cost: This is typically a software issue requiring no hardware repair. Professional tech support consultation costs $50-$100 if needed.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Hisense TV
Repair if:
- Your TV is less than 3 years old
- Repair costs less than 50% of replacement value
- The problem is with replaceable boards (power supply, main board, T-Con)
- Your TV is a larger model (55″ or bigger) where replacement is expensive
Replace if:
- Repair costs exceed 50% of a new TV’s price
- The screen panel itself is damaged
- Your TV is over 5 years old
- Multiple components are failing simultaneously
DIY Repair Tips and Safety Warnings
Safety first: Always unplug your TV and wait at least 30 minutes before opening it. Capacitors can hold dangerous charges even when unplugged. If you’re uncomfortable with electronics repair, hire a professional.
Basic tools needed: Screwdriver set, plastic prying tools, multimeter, and flashlight.
Common DIY repairs:
- Replacing the power supply board is straightforward for someone comfortable with basic electronics
- Reseating cables can fix many display issues
- Firmware updates and factory resets solve most software problems
What to avoid: Don’t attempt screen panel repairs yourself. Avoid repairs if you’re unsure about electrical safety. Don’t use excessive force when opening the TV case.
Finding Professional Hisense TV Repair Services
Authorized Hisense repair: Contact Hisense directly at 1-888-935-8880 or through their website to find authorized service centers.
Local repair shops: Search for TV repair services in your area with good reviews. Ask if they have experience with Hisense models.
In-home service: Many repair companies offer in-home service for an additional fee, typically $50-$100 for the service call.
Warranty considerations: Check if your TV is still under warranty before paying for repairs. Hisense typically offers a 1-year limited warranty, and some retailers offer extended protection plans.
Preventing Future Hisense TV Problems
Use a surge protector to protect against power fluctuations. Keep your TV firmware updated regularly. Ensure proper ventilation with at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides. Clean the screen gently with microfiber cloths only. Avoid maximum brightness settings which stress the backlight. Turn off the TV when not in use rather than leaving it on continuously.
Final Thoughts
Most Hisense TV problems are fixable, especially if caught early. Simple issues like software glitches, remote problems, and loose connections are easily resolved at home. More complex repairs involving internal boards can be economical for newer, larger TVs. However, screen panel damage usually makes replacement the smarter financial choice. When in doubt, get a professional diagnosis before deciding whether to repair or replace your Hisense TV.