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Samsung

Samsung TV Says Mode Not Supported: How to Fix It

"Mode Not Supported" appears when the device connected to your Samsung TV over HDMI sends a signal the TV can't display. Samsung's own fix list covers the resolution the device outputs, the HDMI handshake, the cable length, the device's automatic resolution option, a test with a second device and a TV software update.

Updated Last reviewed Zemivora Editorial TeamTime to fix: 5–20 minMedium
Samsung TVs with HDMI inputsSamsung smart monitors and projectorsAny device connected over HDMI (cable or satellite box, Blu-ray player, console)

Quick answer

Your Samsung TV shows "Mode Not Supported" when the device plugged into it over HDMI is sending a resolution the TV can't display. Start by switching that device to a resolution the TV supports, then turn both off and back on in the order Samsung gives so they redo the HDMI handshake.

  1. 1.In the connected device's resolution settings, choose one the TV supports: 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p or 2160p.
  2. 2.Turn off the TV and the device, turn the TV on, wait about 15 seconds, then turn the device on.

What it means

"Mode Not Supported" is the TV telling you it is receiving a signal on the HDMI input but can't show it. Samsung's troubleshooting for this message starts with one question: is the connected device outputting a resolution the TV supports? The supported list Samsung gives is 480i/p (640 x 480), 720p (1280 x 720), 1080i/p (1920 x 1080) and 2160p (3840/4096 x 2160).

The same message can also come from a poor HDMI handshake between the two devices, a long HDMI cable, or a device left on an automatic resolution setting. Samsung's way to tell a TV fault from a device fault is to connect a second HDMI device at the same resolution: if that one works, the TV is not the source of the problem and the signal from the original device may be.

Common causes

  • The device outputs an unsupported resolution. The box, player or console is sending a resolution outside the list the TV accepts (480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p, 2160p), so the TV can't display it.
  • Automatic resolution on the device. Many devices have a resolution option that detects the best output for the content on its own. Samsung recommends replacing it with a fixed output resolution.
  • Failed HDMI handshake. The TV and the device negotiate the signal when they connect. If that negotiation goes wrong, Samsung's first test is to power cycle both in a set order.
  • HDMI cable too long. Samsung notes that long HDMI cables can sometimes cause a "Mode Not Supported" message and suggests a cable of 6 feet (about 1.8 m) or shorter.
  • The signal from that specific device. If a second HDMI device works on the TV at the same resolution, the original device's signal is the likely issue, not the TV.
  • Outdated TV software. Samsung lists a TV software update as part of the fix, since updates add features and correct bugs.

Before you start

  • Note which device and which HDMI input show the message, so you know whose settings to change.
  • Check whether the message appears with one device only. If you have a second HDMI device handy, it is Samsung's own test for whether the TV is the problem.
  • Look at the HDMI cable length. Anything over 6 feet (about 1.8 m) is worth swapping during troubleshooting.

Fixes, from safest to last resort

1

Power cycle the TV and the device in Samsung's order

  1. 1Turn off the TV and the external device.
  2. 2Turn the TV on and wait about 15 seconds.
  3. 3Turn the external device on and check the input again.

Samsung describes this as a test of the HDMI "handshake" between the two devices, confirming it is being done properly.

2

Use an HDMI cable that is 6 feet or shorter

  1. 1Replace the current HDMI cable with one that is 6 feet (about 1.8 m) or shorter.
  2. 2Connect it between the same device and HDMI input and test again.
  3. 3If your setup needs a cable longer than 12 feet (about 3.7 m), use an ISF rated cable.

In the No Signal section of the same Samsung page, Samsung adds that 4K at 120Hz requires an HDMI 2.1 cable and recommends a certified one, since some lower quality HDMI 2.1 cables still cause issues.

3

Test another HDMI device at the same resolution

  1. 1Connect a different HDMI device to the TV, set to the same resolution as the original one.
  2. 2If the second device displays normally, the TV is not the source of the problem; the signal from the original device may be.
  3. 3If the second device shows the same message, continue with the TV software update below.
4

Set the device to a fixed, supported output resolution

  1. 1Open the resolution (video output) settings on the connected device, not on the TV.
  2. 2If the device has an option that detects the best output automatically, turn it off.
  3. 3Pick a fixed resolution the TV supports: 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p or 2160p. Samsung recommends the highest resolution supported by both the device and your TV.
5

Update the TV software

  1. 1With the TV connected to the internet, go to All Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
  2. 2The TV checks for the update and downloads it. After installing, it shuts down and restarts.
  3. 3Test the HDMI device again once the TV is back on.

No internet on the TV? On a PC, find your TV model on Samsung's download page, download the latest firmware file and extract it to a USB drive with no other files or folders on it. Plug the drive into the TV and run All Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.

If a menu doesn't match your TV

  • The resolution menu belongs to the connected device (box, player or console), not the TV, and its name varies by device. Look for the device's video, display or resolution settings.
  • If the TV shows "No Signal" instead of "Mode Not Supported", it isn't receiving a picture on that input at all; see our guide on Samsung TV says No Signal on HDMI.
  • Samsung's troubleshooting for this message doesn't include a factory reset of the TV. The steps cover the device's output, the cable, the handshake and the TV software.

When to contact support

If the message is still there after every step above, Samsung asks you to contact its support. Samsung offers online chat and support through the Samsung Members app. If a second device worked at the same resolution, the original device's maker is the better contact:

  • Have your TV's model number ready (Samsung's download page also asks for it when you look for firmware).
  • Say which resolutions you tried on the device and whether you turned off its automatic resolution option.
  • Tell them the result of the second-device test and whether a shorter HDMI cable made any difference.
  • Mention whether the TV software is up to date.

Sources

  • Official source: Samsung Support (US): Samsung TV or projector shows an error message ("Mode Not Supported" section) · www.samsung.com

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Samsung TV say Mode Not Supported?+

Because the device connected over HDMI is sending a signal the TV can't display. Samsung's first check is the resolution: the device has to output one the TV supports (480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p or 2160p). A failed HDMI handshake, a long cable or an automatic resolution setting on the device can also trigger it.

Samsung mode not supported: what should I check first?+

The resolution of the device plugged into the TV. Set it to 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p or 2160p, then turn off both, turn the TV on, wait about 15 seconds and turn the device on.

What resolutions does a Samsung TV support over HDMI?+

Samsung lists 480i/p (640 x 480), 720p (1280 x 720), 1080i/p (1920 x 1080) and 2160p (3840/4096 x 2160) on its troubleshooting page for this message.

Does Mode Not Supported mean my Samsung TV is broken?+

Not necessarily. Samsung's test is to connect another HDMI device at the same resolution. If the TV works with it, the TV is not the source of the problem and the signal from the original device may be.

Can a long HDMI cable cause Mode Not Supported on a Samsung TV?+

Yes. Samsung says long HDMI cables can sometimes cause this message and suggests trying a cable of 6 feet (about 1.8 m) or shorter. If you need more than 12 feet (about 3.7 m), it recommends an ISF rated cable.

Should I leave my device's resolution on auto?+

Samsung recommends against it for this message. Turn off the device's option that picks the best output automatically and set a fixed resolution: the highest one both the device and the TV support.

Will a software update fix Mode Not Supported?+

It's one of the steps Samsung lists, because updates add features and correct bugs. Go to All Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now, or update from a USB drive if the TV isn't online.

Related guides

hdmi-signalSamsung TV Says No Signal on HDMI: How to Fix ItsoundSamsung TV: No Sound Through HDMI ARC or eARC Soundbar

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