How to Fix Plex Black Screen with Audio on TV/Roku/Android/PS5
Like three weeks now, when I open the plex app on my LG TV, the app stays stuck and I only see the black screen after the plex logo.
Plex now stopped loading on my TV (Samsung) with a black screen. Suddenly since the last Plex PMS update, the Plex client on my TV will not load. It had no issue last night.
The Plex black screen issue can happen on Samsung TV, Hisense TV, LG TV, Roku, PS5/PS4, Android, and any other streaming devices. The problem can be caused by unsupported video formats, slow or unstable internet connection, hardware or/and software issues, etc. Check more reasons why Plex shows a black screen and what to do if you are having the issue.
Quick Fix to Plex Black Screen Caused by Unsupported Format, Aspect ratio, Resolution
- Convert video files of any format to Plex supported video format such as MP4 H.264, AAC.
- Repair damaged video files and make videos playable without showing a black screen on Plex Media Player.
- Customize video parameters, such as resolution, aspect ratio to help play Plex media files properly.
Part 1. Reasons Why Plex Black Screen Issue Occurs
There could be several reasons why you run into Plex black screen problem on Samsung TV/Hisense TV, Android, Roku, PS4/PS5, or on other streaming devices.
Slow or unstable internet connection. A slow or unstable internet connection could cause the Plex black screen issue.
Streaming device issue. There could be software or hardware issue on your streaming device. For example, you device is not updated and the app version/software is outdated.
Unsupported format. Format compatibility or damaged files could cause a black screen on Plex. Plex shows a black screen with audio when playing.
Improper settings. Improper settings within the Plex app can also cause the black screen.
Part 2. What to Do If Plex Shows Black Screen with Audio
There are a few things you can do to fix the black screen issue when you are using Plex on your TV, Roku, PS4/PS5, Android, etc.
#1. Check internet connection
Check if your internet connection is slow or unstable. Make sure your Plex streaming device is properly connected to the internet and try resetting your router. Turn on the Wifi on other devices to speed up the streaming speed.
#2. Check settings on your device
Check whether your TV is set to the correct input for the device you're using to access Plex, and that any settings related to video playback (such as video aspect ratio, resolution) are properly configured. Make sure your monitor is set to the correct input and that streaming settings are set correctly.
Related: How to Change Aspect Ratio / Fix Incorrect Aspect Ratio in Plex
#3. Update the Plex app and device software
Update the Plex app to the latest version on your streaming device. And update your TV firmware or device operating system to the latest version.
#4. Outdated software
If your TV or device is running an outdated version of Plex, it could cause problems with playback. Try updating your TV's firmware or the Plex app to the latest version. New versions of software can fix various bugs and improve the overall performance.
#5. Change video format
The video you are playing shows a black screen with audio on Plex and shows an unsupported format message. That means the format compatibility issue causes the Plex black screen. If the video is not supported by your TV, Roku, PS4/PS5, or other streaming device and the Plex app, transcode the video format to a universally format like MP4 H.264.
Step 1. Free download, install, and open the Plex video transcoder on your computer. Click the + Video button at the top menu bar to select and import the video that plays with a black screen on Plex.
Step 2. The Output Profile window pops up. Choose a format that Plex supports, such as MP4 H.264 profile under General Profiles.
Step 3. Click the setting button on main screen to customize resolution, bit rate, frame rate, audio codec, etc. If the video is in improper resolution and aspect ratio, you can set it to the right for Plex.
Step 4. Click the RUN button to start Plex transcoding. Intel/NVIDIA/AMD hardware acceleration is supported for super fast transcoding. After transcoding, play the Plex video file again on your device to see if the Plex black screen issue is resolved.
#6. Check permissions
Check the Plex app settings to make sure all necessary permissions are enabled. You have to set Plex permissions properly on your device. In order to have Plex app work properly for the media folder, make sure both users are granted Ready Only access.
#7. Restart your device and the Plex app
Simply restarting your Plex streaming device and the Plex app could resolve the issue. Sometimes, a restart can fix various bugs surprisingly, possibly including the Plex black screen issue on Samsung TV/Hisense TV, Android, Roku, PS4/PS5, etc.
On Android, the Plex black screen problem might be related to loading issue. Try pressing the recent applications menu on Android, close the Plex app that has the black screen issue. Open the app again to see if the Plex black screen with audio issue persists.
#8. Enable Plex auto sign-in feature
Some users have reported that the Plex black screen issue is related to Plex’s auto sign-in feature. You can turn on the feature and check if the problem is resolved. Here’s how to sign in automatically on Plex. Open Plex app, sign in with the administrator account, click the user menu > Account, click the General option under the “Plex for Windows” section, check the Automatically Sign in option.
If none of these solutions work, you can resort to Plex support for further help.
