Why Is My TV Freezing and Pixelating? 12 Easy Solutions

Co-authored by Jason Williams and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: March 28, 2024 References

If your TV is freezing and the picture becomes pixelated, this usually means the TV signal was disrupted or is weak generally. However, the specific reason may vary depending on your TV service provider and the type of TV service you have. Before you call your internet, cable, or satellite company, we here at wikiHow have found some things you can try to get your picture working again.

Fixing Freezing and Pixelation on a TV

Plug your TV directly into your router to correct any connection issues.
Unplug the HDMI cable, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in to reset the connection.
If your TV is freezes when you're trying to use an app, update the app and try again.

1

Tighten all cables and connections.

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Cables can become loose and cause the TV to lose signal. Turn off your TV and check all the cables going into your TV as well as into your set-top box, if you have cable. Then, check the cables and power cord going to the wall. Make sure they're all tight and secure.
- If any of the cables were loose, turn your TV on and see if that resolves the issue.

2

Check your internet connection or WiFi signal.

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If you get your TV over the internet, your signal might be weak. This can happen if your TV is far away from your WiFi router or there's another electronic device that's interfering. Try to use the WiFi on another device to see if the signal is active. ^{[1]
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- If you have several devices using the same internet connection, your TV might not have enough bandwidth to transmit the program you're trying to watch. Try turning off devices you're not using and see if that solves your problem.

3

Switch from WiFi to a wired connection.

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Plug your TV directly into your router to ensure the best connection. With a wired connection, you don't have to worry about interference from other devices. ^{[2]
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- When you switch from a WiFi to a wired connection, remember to also switch the preferred network in your TV's settings.

4

Install any pending app updates and restart your TV.

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If an app on your smart TV freezes, it might need to be updated. Exit out of the app, then check for updates to the app you're trying to watch. If there aren't any updates, try clearing the app's data and cache. Then, restart the system and see if that helps. ^{[4]
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- To avoid this problem in the future, change your settings to automatically install updates.

5

Reset the connection between your TV and your receiver.

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Unplug the HDMI cable between your TV and receiver. Wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Turn your TV on and see if that fixes the issue. You might need to wait a few seconds for the picture to adjust after you reset the connection. ^{[5]
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- It's also a good idea to inspect your HDMI cable and make sure it's not damaged. If the cable has become frayed or the casing is damaged, it might need to be replaced.

6

Power-cycle your modem or receiver.

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This resets your hardware and often resolves most issues. Unplug your cable box or modem from the wall, wait 10-15 seconds, then plug it back in. Turn on your TV and wait for the service to re-initialize. Once your programming is back, wait and watch to see if your picture has been restored. ^{[6]
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- Sometimes your service provider will push an update to the software in the cable box or modem that causes issues with reception. Power-cycling resets your hardware, similar to restarting your computer after you update the operating system.

7

Tighten any coax cables.

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Unscrew the coax cables and pull them out, then put them back. Screw the washer on the end of the coax cable until it's "finger tight." This simply means that you can't tighten it anymore with your fingers—there's no need to use pliers to get it any tighter. ^{[7]
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- Coax cables degrade over time and can become damaged. If adjusting this connection doesn't fix the problem, you might need a new cable.

8

Bypass the splitter.

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If you have cable connected to a splitter, connect it directly to the wall. You might have a splitter if you have cable going to more than one room of your house. Unscrew the coax from both sides of the splitter, then connect the coax coming from the wall directly to your cable box. ^{[8]
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- Keep in mind that while this might fix your picture issue, it also means that the cable going to another room will no longer work. You might need to have your cable company send a tech out to resolve the issue if it's important to have cable in both rooms at the same time.
- Cable splitters reduce the strength of the signal by half, so if you're getting a weak signal, the splitter might be the culprit.

9

Auto-tune your TV to improve the connection.

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This at least ensures that the problem isn't with your TV. Your TV is designed to automatically tune to the channels you have available, either through cable or over-the-air. Use the "auto-tune" function in your TV's settings to refresh the channels available and see if that corrects the problem. ^{[9]
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- You can typically access the TV settings using the remote that came with your TV. Search for your TV manufacturer online to find more detailed steps and tips on troubleshooting the issue.

10

Check outside for obstructions if you have a satellite.

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Tree limbs or buildings can block your dish's view of the satellite. If you've recently had severe weather, debris might be covering a portion of the dish. Water pooled in the dish can also affect the signal. Once you clear that away, you should have a better picture on your TV.
- If you think a building is obstructing your satellite, contact your provider. They'll have a tech come out and reinstall your dish so you'll get clear reception.
- Setting your antenna higher can prevent a spotty connection.

11

Move your antenna if you watch over-the-air channels.

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Turn your antenna facing the nearest broadcast tower. If you're not sure where the nearest broadcast tower is, search for a map on the internet. It also helps if your antenna is as high up as you can put it, such as at the top of a window. ^{[10]
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- You might get a stronger signal with an external antenna. However, they're more expensive than interior antennas and can be difficult to install because they might require you to go out on your roof.
- Check for obstructions that might be interfering with your signal as well. If there's been new construction in your area and there's a building between your antenna and the broadcast tower, you might not get the best signal anymore.

12

Clean the disc if you're watching a DVD or Blu Ray.

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A scratched or dirty disc can cause the image to pixelate. Take the disc out and inspect the surface. If it's dirty or scratched, you can clean it with a dry microfiber cloth. You can also buy a disc cleaning kit online or wherever electronics are sold. ^{[11]
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- The problem might also be with your player. Try other discs to see if you're having the same issues every time. If the TV freezes or pixelates with every disc, you might need a new player.

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Tips

In the spring and fall, the path of the sun aligns with many broadcasting satellites and might cause interference. This is particularly likely mid-morning and early afternoon. If your picture freezes or pixelates due to solar interference, there's nothing to do but wait. ^{[12]
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Check other TVs in your home to see if they all have the same issue. That can help you narrow down whether the issue is with a specific TV setup or with your TV service provider.

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Warnings

Resetting your TV or receiver might also reset your preferences. Check your features and make sure they're still how you want them, especially if you have parental controls set up. ^{[13]
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Why Is My TV Freezing and Pixelating? 12 Easy Solutions

Fixing Freezing and Pixelation on a TV

Steps

Tighten all cables and connections.

Check your internet connection or WiFi signal.

Switch from WiFi to a wired connection.

Install any pending app updates and restart your TV.

Reset the connection between your TV and your receiver.

Power-cycle your modem or receiver.

Tighten any coax cables.

Bypass the splitter.

Auto-tune your TV to improve the connection.

Check outside for obstructions if you have a satellite.

Move your antenna if you watch over-the-air channels.

Clean the disc if you're watching a DVD or Blu Ray.

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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