Wondering why your Toshiba TV keeps automatically dimming?
If the auto-brightness sensor is turned on and the backlight settings are incorrect, your smart television will display a dull, grey image.
A change in your TV’s configuration or removing an external device can help rectify this problem.
We have produced this simple guide to help fix your Toshiba TV from going dark in 6 easy steps.
Why does my Toshiba TV keep going dark?
Your Toshiba TV is going dark because the auto-brightness sensor is automatically adjusting the backlight of your television, to match the brightness condition in the room.
This can sometimes be incorrect if your TV struggles to pick up the correct lighting.
A few other reasons include;
External devices
If you have a DVD Player or streaming device connected to your Toshiba TV, it can interfere with the display on your Toshiba, if the cables are not connected properly.
A damaged cable or faulty port will also be a hindrance to the image on your TV screen.
Corrupted firmware
Corrupt software on your Toshiba TV will create performance issues.
If your TV performed a software update, but the process was interrupted by a loss of connection, or the system malfunctioned, the firmware on your device will save faulty data.
Incorrect picture mode
A Toshiba TV has a few different picture modes you can choose from.
They will alter the contrast, brightness, and saturation of the image that is displayed.
If the mode is incorrect, your smart television can present a dimmed screen.
Poor signal
It has been noted that a poor signal can create ‘image distortion’.
Make sure your TV has a strong signal.
How to fix Toshiba TV dark screen
Fix 1. Disable auto-brightness sensor
If you turn off the auto-brightness sensor, your TV will not change the brightness of your screen to match its surroundings.
Step 1. Press the ‘Menu’ button on your remote and choose ‘Settings’
Step 2. Access the ‘Picture’ menu
Step 3. Click on ‘Advanced Picture Settings’
Step 4. Find ‘Auto-Brightness Sensor’ and highlight it
Step 5. Switch it ‘Off’
Under the ‘Picture’ settings, you will also be able to change;
- Resolution
- Contrast
- Saturation
- Brightness
Fix 2. Change Picture mode
Step 1. Access the ‘Settings’ menu
Step 2. Scroll until you find ‘Picture Mode’
Step 3. Change this to ‘Cinema’ mode
Cinema mode has been recommended as the better option, however, you can choose the mode that suits you best.
Fix 3. Update Toshiba software
Step 1. Click on ‘Settings’
Step 2. Select ‘Device & Software’ followed by ‘About’
Step 3. Now choose ‘Install System Update’
Wait until the upgrade has finished. Your TV will reboot itself.
Fix 4. Check external devices
If you have a DVD player or streaming stick/box connected, check that the cables are secure.
Your Toshiba TV could be dimming due to a problem with the device.
Swap out the cables, and try a different port. If this does not work, get rid of the connected device and check your TV’s display.
Fix 5. Disable energy-saving mode
Also known as ‘Power Saving’ mode, it is activated to decrease the amount of power the TV uses by lowering the brightness.
You will find this mode under the ‘Picture’ settings.
We recommend that you turn ‘Dynamic Contrast’ off as well. This will be under the same settings tab.
Fix 6. Reset your Toshiba
A quick reset can get rid of your Toshiba TV going dark.
Step 1. Select the ‘Menu’ button
Step 2. Click on ‘Settings’
Step 3. Choose ‘Setup’
Step 4. Now press ‘Reset TV’
Confirm this by clicking ‘OK’.
Note, if you are unsure of all the changes you have made, you can reset your picture settings to default, which will put them back to how you first received the TV.
Menu > Picture > Picture Reset
How do you know if your TV backlight is broken?
If the image is almost black, you can test your TV to see if the backlight is broken;
- Turn your Toshiba on
- With a flashlight switched on, point it at the screen
- If you can see a picture, this will confirm the backlight is broken
What causes a Toshiba TV backlight to fail
- One, or a few of the bulbs have burnt out
- The circuit board has been damaged
- A screw has come loose
- There is a problem with the voltage
Note, if only one side of your screen is black, this could be due to only a few of the bulbs being burnt out.
Related Posts:
- Here’s What To Do If Your Toshiba Smart TV Keeps Rebooting
- How to Retune a Toshiba TV in These Quick & Easy Steps
Can you fix a Toshiba TV backlight?
To fix the backlight, you will need to remove the screen to access the internal components of the TV.
You can send your Toshiba to a repair center or take it back to where you made your purchase.
Conclusion
With this fully extensive guide, we hope you were able to stop your Toshiba TV from automatically changing its brightness.
If your TV still gives you issues after trying our 6 fixes, you can email Toshiba by filling out their online form.
You can speak to one of their agents directly by calling them on;
- 0333 733 4422 – United Kingdom (+44)
- +353 (0)1 8424833 – (Ireland)
The operating hours are;
United Kingdom:
- Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm
- Sunday – 10am – 4pm
Ireland:
- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
If you are calling from a different country, you can check Toshiba’s call center number here.