How do I know my monitor is dying?

Just like any other electronic device, monitors are not immortal, they can get faulty or even die after being used for a couple of years and in some rare cases months. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about dying monitors and what you can do depending on the situation. Without any further ado, let’s jump right in!

What does a dead monitor look like?

There are a couple of signs that show your monitor is dead or about to die. Here are some common ones; 

• Flickering and blinking images. If the images on your monitor are flickering or blinking (shaking-effect in the images), that’s a sign of an underlying issue.
• Takes too much time to turn on. A normal monitor should take about 5 to 10 seconds to start not minutes.
• Dead pixels in some spots of the monitor
• Image distortion (blurry images) is also a sign of a faulty monitor or graphics card.
• Strange lines and patterns on the screen
• Screen burn-in where by your monitor displays faint images of the previous content it was displaying. 

How often should you replace your computer monitor?

There is no standard time for replacing your computer monitor. However, it is always best to get a new monitor at least once every 3 to 5 years. You may also upgrade your monitor if there is a new exciting display technology that could smoothen your workflow. And of course, you should also replace your monitor if it gets a malfunction that cannot be fixed. 

How do you fix a dead monitor?

Fixing a dead monitor depends on the cause of the death. Most of the issues such as flickering, blinking, and image distortion are caused by either a faulty display, logic board, or power supply. Fixing these issues will require you to check all three components and replace the faulty ones. 

It should also be noted that any of the above issues can be caused by a faulty display card or drivers. Always start with updating drivers or connecting the monitor to a different computer to figure out if it is a monitor or computer issue. 

What do I do if my monitor won’t turn on?

There are a couple of reasons why your monitor may not turn on. Some of the common ones include;

• Faulty power cable. Start by replacing the power cable to see if that resolves the issue.
• Faulty firmware. Flash your monitor with new firmware to resolve this issue. The firmware can be got on the manufacturer’s website.
• Faulty power supply: If your monitor uses an internal power supply, it may also stop it from turning if it gets faulty. Replacing it could resolve the issue. 

Are monitors repairable?

Yes, monitors are repairable depending on the issues at hand. However, some repairs may not be worth doing because they usually cost almost the same price as buying a new or refurbished monitor. For instance, replacing a monitor’s display will usually cost almost 50 to 75% of the actual monitor price. Such repairs are not worth doing. 

Why is my PC on but no display?

There are a couple of reasons that may hinder your monitor from displaying even when it is turned on.

• Connection issues. Your monitor won’t display if it is not properly connected to your computer. Check your connection cable to ensure it still works and is properly connected on both ends.
• Wrong display cable. Your monitor won’t display if you are using a non-supported connection cable.
• Dead display

Final thoughts

If you see any of the death signs we shared, it is always best to do some troubleshooting using the tips we have just shared. If you can’t resolve the problem, consider visiting a nearby repair shop for further help.