Hisense U8G HDMI Not Working: 11 Ways to Fix It

Quick Fix

Unplug your Hisense U8G from power for 60 seconds, then reconnect your HDMI cable to a different port to fix HDMI issues in most cases.

Having your Hisense U8G not recognize HDMI inputs is incredibly frustrating, especially when you just want to watch something or play games. I’ve dealt with this issue on my own U8G and know how annoying it is when devices aren’t detected. The good news is there are several reliable fixes. Here’s what actually works.

Why This Happens

HDMI connection issues on the Hisense U8G usually occur due to HDCP handshake failures, firmware bugs, or incorrect TV settings. The TV’s HDMI ports need to properly authenticate with connected devices, and this process can fail for various reasons.

Sometimes the issue is with the HDMI cable itself, or the connected device’s output settings don’t match what the TV expects. Power surges can also corrupt HDMI port settings temporarily.

How to Fix Hisense U8G HDMI Not Working – 11 Solutions

1. Power Cycle the TV

A proper power cycle resets the HDMI handshake process and clears temporary glitches.

1. Turn off the Hisense U8G using the remote
2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet
3. Wait a full 60 seconds (this is important)
4. Press and hold the TV’s power button for 30 seconds while unplugged
5. Plug the TV back in
6. Turn on the TV and check HDMI inputs

Why this works: Power cycling clears the TV’s memory and resets all HDMI authentication states.

2. Try a Different HDMI Port

The Hisense U8G has multiple HDMI ports, and one may work better than another.

1. Unplug your HDMI cable from the current port
2. Connect it to HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 (these usually have best compatibility)
3. For gaming, use the port labeled “Game” if available
4. Go to Settings > Inputs and select the new HDMI port
5. Check if your device is now recognized

Why this works: Different HDMI ports have different capabilities and one may work better with your specific device.

3. Use a Different HDMI Cable

Faulty or low-quality HDMI cables are a common cause of connection issues.

1. Try a different HDMI cable (preferably certified High Speed or Ultra High Speed)
2. Use a cable rated for HDMI 2.1 if connecting 4K devices
3. Avoid cables longer than 6 feet for best results
4. Check that cable ends aren’t bent or damaged

Why this works: Higher quality cables provide reliable data transmission needed for 4K HDR content.

4. Adjust HDMI Mode Settings

The U8G has different HDMI modes that affect compatibility with various devices.

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs
3. Select HDMI Mode for the port you’re using
4. Try switching between “Standard” and “Enhanced” modes
5. If using an older device, select “Standard” mode
6. For 4K HDR devices, select “Enhanced” mode

Why this works: Enhanced mode enables full 4K HDR features but older devices may need Standard mode.

5. Power Cycle the Connected Device

The device connected to your TV may also need a reset.

1. Turn off the connected device (cable box, game console, etc.)
2. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds
3. While unplugged, disconnect the HDMI cable from both ends
4. Reconnect the HDMI cable
5. Plug in and turn on the device
6. Turn on the TV and select the correct input

Why this works: Both devices need to reset their HDMI handshake process for a clean connection.

6. Update TV Firmware

Hisense releases firmware updates that fix HDMI compatibility issues.

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About
3. Select System Update
4. If an update is available, download and install it
5. Wait for the TV to restart
6. Test your HDMI connections again

Why this works: Firmware updates often include fixes for HDMI handshake and compatibility issues.

7. Disable CEC (HDMI Control)

CEC settings can sometimes interfere with HDMI connections.

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Inputs
3. Find HDMI CEC or HDMI Control
4. Turn it Off
5. Power cycle both the TV and connected device
6. Test the HDMI connection

Why this works: CEC communication conflicts can prevent proper video signal detection.

8. Check Device Output Settings

Your connected device’s output settings may not match what the TV expects.

1. Access your device’s display or video settings
2. Set resolution to 4K 60Hz or 1080p (start lower for testing)
3. Set HDMI output to RGB or YUV420
4. Disable automatic resolution if available
5. Try different HDR settings (off, HDR10, Dolby Vision)

Why this works: Matching output settings to TV capabilities ensures proper signal recognition.

9. Factory Reset the TV

A factory reset clears all settings and can fix persistent HDMI issues.

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About
3. Select Factory Reset
4. Confirm the reset (note: this erases all settings and apps)
5. Go through initial setup again
6. Test HDMI inputs before installing apps

Why this works: Factory reset eliminates any corrupted settings affecting HDMI ports.

10. Check for HDCP Issues

HDCP (copy protection) handshake failures commonly cause no-signal issues.

1. Make sure all devices in the chain support HDCP 2.2
2. Remove any HDMI splitters or switches temporarily
3. Connect your device directly to the TV
4. Try playing non-copy-protected content first
5. If that works, the issue is HDCP-related

Why this works: Direct connections eliminate HDCP compatibility issues with intermediate devices.

11. Contact Hisense Support

If you’ve tried everything and HDMI still doesn’t work, there may be a hardware issue.

1. Document which ports work and which don’t
2. Note what you’ve already tried
3. Contact Hisense support at 1-888-935-8880
4. Check warranty status (U8G has a 2-year warranty)
5. Request service if still under warranty

Why this works: Hardware defects in HDMI ports require professional repair or replacement.

If Nothing Works

If all troubleshooting fails, your TV may have a hardware defect. Contact Hisense support for warranty service. In the meantime, you can use the TV’s built-in smart apps or connect via ARC to your soundbar as workarounds. Some users have had success using an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter as an alternative connection method.

FAQ

Why does my Hisense U8G show “No Signal” on HDMI?

The “No Signal” message means the TV isn’t detecting any input from the connected device. This usually indicates an HDCP handshake failure, wrong input selected, or a cable problem. Try switching to Enhanced HDMI mode in settings and power cycling both devices.

Which HDMI port is best for gaming on Hisense U8G?

HDMI ports 1 and 2 on the Hisense U8G support HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz for gaming. These ports also support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Make sure to enable Enhanced HDMI mode for these ports to get full gaming features.

Does the Hisense U8G support eARC?

Yes, the Hisense U8G supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) on HDMI port 3. This allows high-quality audio passthrough to soundbars. If you’re using eARC, make sure it’s enabled in the TV’s sound settings and your soundbar supports eARC as well.

Wrapping Up

Hisense U8G HDMI issues are usually fixed by power cycling the TV and switching to Enhanced HDMI mode. Most users get their devices recognized after trying a different HDMI port or cable. If you’re gaming, make sure to use ports 1 or 2 for the best compatibility. Good luck getting your devices connected!