How to Fix Samsung TV Color Distortion

If your Samsung TV is displaying inaccurate or unnatural colors, this guide offers a range of troubleshooting methods to help resolve the issue. Follow the step-by-step instructions under each method to restore proper color balance to your display.

Method 1. Check HDMI and Cable Connections

Loose or damaged cables can cause color distortion by interrupting the proper transmission of signals.

Inspect All Cables: Examine HDMI, component, or composite cables for any visible damage, fraying, or loose connections.
Secure Connections: Ensure all cables are firmly connected to both the TV and any external devices.
Swap Cables: Replace the current cables with known working ones to determine if a faulty cable is causing the color issue.
Try Different Ports: Connect the cables to alternative HDMI or input ports to see if the problem persists.

Method 2. Adjust Picture Settings

Incorrect picture settings can lead to color distortion by misrepresenting color temperature and saturation.

Access the Picture Menu: Press the remote’s ‘Menu’ or ‘Settings’ button and navigate to the ‘Picture’ settings.
Adjust Color Settings: Modify the color temperature, hue, saturation, and tint settings until the colors appear natural.
Select a Different Picture Mode: Switch between modes (Standard, Dynamic, Movie, etc.) to see if a preset mode corrects the distortion.
Save the Settings: Once the colors look accurate, save the new settings to prevent future issues.

Method 3. Reset the Picture Mode to Default

Custom picture modes may inadvertently cause color distortion and reverting to default settings can help correct it.

Open Picture Settings: Navigate to the TV’s ‘Picture’ menu using your remote.
Locate the Reset Option: Find the option to reset or revert the picture mode to its default factory settings.
Confirm the Reset: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset.
Test the Display: Check if the color distortion has been resolved after restoring default settings.

Method 4. Perform a Power Cycle

Power cycling the TV can help clear temporary glitches that might be causing color distortion.

Turn Off the TV: Use the remote or the physical power button to switch off the TV.
Unplug the TV: Disconnect the power cord from the outlet and wait for at least 60 seconds.
Discharge Residual Power: Press and hold the TV’s power button for 10–15 seconds to clear any remaining charge.
Reconnect and Restart: Plug the TV back in and turn it on, then check if the color display has normalized.

Method 5. Update the TV’s Firmware

Outdated firmware may include bugs that result in display issues like color distortion, and updating can resolve these issues.

Navigate to Settings: Open the TV’s ‘Support’ or ‘Software Update’ menu using the remote.
Check for Updates: Select the option to check for available firmware updates.
Download and Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any updates.
Restart the TV: After installation, restart the TV and verify if the color issue is fixed.

Method 6. Reset the TV to Factory Settings

A complete factory reset can resolve deep-seated software glitches that may be causing color distortion.

Access the General Settings: Open the ‘Settings’ menu and navigate to the ‘General’ or ‘Support’ section.
Find the Factory Reset Option: Look for an option labeled ‘Reset’ or ‘Factory Reset.’
Enter the Security Code: If prompted, input the default code (commonly “0000”) or your personalized code.
Confirm the Reset: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, then allow the TV to reboot.

Method 7. Test with a Different Input Source or Device

Sometimes the color distortion is due to issues with the connected device rather than the TV itself.

Disconnect Current Source: Remove the device currently connected to the TV.
Connect an Alternative Device: Plug in a different source (such as another streaming device, game console, or DVD player) to the same input.
Switch Input Sources: Use the remote to change to the new input source.
Evaluate the Display: Check if the color distortion persists with the alternative device to isolate the cause.

Method 8. Inspect Advanced Color Calibration Settings

Advanced color calibration settings, if misconfigured, can also lead to color distortion issues.

Access Advanced Settings: Open the TV’s menu and navigate to the advanced picture or color calibration settings.
Review Calibration Options: Look for settings related to white balance, gamma, and color space.
Reset or Recalibrate: Use the option to reset these settings to default or follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate them manually.
Confirm Changes: Save the new settings and check the display for improved color accuracy.

Method 9. Contact Samsung Support or a Professional Technician

If all troubleshooting steps fail, professional assistance may be necessary to resolve the color distortion issue.

Gather Information: Note your TV model, current firmware version, and a detailed description of the color distortion problem.
Visit the Samsung Support Website: Look up troubleshooting guides, warranty details, and repair options on the official Samsung support page.
Call Customer Service: Contact Samsung customer support to explain the issue and receive guidance.
Schedule a Service Appointment: If advised, arrange for a professional technician to inspect and repair your TV.