HDMI cables are the standard way to join devices to TVs, laptops, etc. This digital interface can transmit videos, audio, and data, making it an important part of any entertainment setup.
When using an HDMI cable for your TVs, the cord should fit tightly into the port to establish a connection. However, it cannot be easy to get the HDMI cable to fit into your TV properly.
Your HDMI cable won’t fit into your TV if the HDMI port or cable is damaged. Also, if the pins in the cords are in the wrong direction, the HDMI cord won’t connect. In addition, your cable won’t fit into your TV if you’re using the wrong HDMI cable for your TV.
Why Does My HDMI Cable not Fit Into My TV?
There are many reasons why your HDMI cable won’t fit into your TV. First, High definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connects to your devices without cluttering wires.
And for the HDMI cord to connect devices to your TV effectively, the cable has to fit into your TV correctly.
A damaged HDMI port or cable is one of the major reasons your HDMI cord won’t fit into your TV.
However, there are other reasons as well. Below are the reasons your HDMI cable won’t fit into your TV.
#1. Your HDMI Port Is Bad
The HDMI port on your TV is the part that allows the HDMI cable to connect to the TV. This female connector has to be in proper shape for the cable to fit into your TV and connect properly.
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to fix the HDMI cable into the port, then the port is probably damaged. Also, the trial process may damage the port in the process.
So, it would help if you took extreme caution while fixing the cord to the HDMI port to prevent damage.
#2. Your HDMI Cable Is Bad
If your HDMI cable is bad, it won’t fit into your HDMI port on the TV. There’s a shaped HDMI cable that fits properly into TVs.
If the cable wears out, affecting the shape, it won’t fit into your TV. Also, the cord can be damaged internally without you knowing.
If there’s any problem with the wiring, the cord may appear to fit in but won’t establish any connection.
#3. Pins Facing the Wrong Direction
There are pins in your HDMI cords and ports on your TV. If these pins bend in the wrong direction, it’ll prevent the cord from fitting into the TV’s port.
#4. You Are Fixing Your Cord in the Wrong Port
TV brands come with different ports for different purposes. There are TVs with multiple ports, and if you don’t check properly, you may be fixing the cord into the wrong port.
Moreover, there are labelings on the ports which may clean over time, making it difficult to identify the right port. Also, an HDMI cord won’t fit if your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port.
#5. You Are Using a Wrong Cable
There’s also a chance you’re using the wrong HDMI cable. Although HDMI cables perform the same function, the design differs slightly.
The mini HDMI and micro HDMI have slight differences in size. And if you get one incompatible with your TV, it won’t fit.
#6. Production Error
There’s also a chance the designer incorrectly built your HDMI cable or port. In this case, you’ll have to change the cord or get a new TV if the port is the problem.
How Can I Make My HDMI Cable Fit Into My TV?
If your HDMI cable doesn’t fit into your TV, there are some do-it-yourself processes you can go through to get it to fit in properly. However, some fixes may demand you change your HDMI cable, the port, or the TV.
Below are ways to make your HDMI cable fit into your TV.
#1. Fix Your Cable More Firmly
You may need to apply more pressure while fixing your cable into the port.
If you’re sure your HDMI cable and port are in good condition and compatible, then push the cord in more firmly.
A little more pressure can make the difference and get your digital interface cord to fit into your TV.
#2. Adjust the Pin to the Right Direction
If you notice the pins in the HDMI port or the cable are bent wrongly, you can use a screwdriver to adjust them.
Gently push the pins back to the right position to avoid further damage to your digital interface cable or port. After adjusting the pins, your cord should be able to fit into your TV.
#3. Repair HDMI Port
If your HDMI port is bad, you can repair it though it isn’t easy. Therefore, if your TV is under warranty, you should take it to the manufacturer for repair.
Here are the steps to fix a damaged TV port:
- Place the TV on a flat surface. However, it would be best if you didn’t place your plasma TV on a flat surface to avoid scratches on the screen.
- Gently unscrew the TV’s exterior casing.
- Examine the TV’s HDMI port for broken attachment between the interface port and the circuit board. If there are no breaks, check the circuit with a current tester.
- Next, re-solder any broken connection and check for continuity after finishing.
#4. Change HDMI Port
If the digital interface port is physically damaged, replacing the port should be the solution.
You can get a new replacement port for between $1-$25 on Amazon or anywhere they sell technology parts. Once you get the new port, fix it inside your TV.
Follow these steps:
- First, remove the solder from the HDMI port after checking the board’s connection.
- Use a desoldering pump to remove the molten solder after heating the connections.
- Take away the faulty HDMI port.
- Fix the new port to the circuit board by properly selling it in place and matching the pins connection.
Also, you can get a port replacement kit alongside the new port. The kit will have the tools and a guide to show you how to fix the port.
#5. Change Your HDMI Cable
If your HDMI cord is the problem, then changing the cord should solve it. You can reach out to your TV manufacturer and request a replacement cord which they may offer for free.
Also, you can get these replacement cords in stores like Walmart or Best Buy. In addition, you can purchase online on Amazon or eBay. The price of the HDMI cable ranges from $5-$80.
#6. Return or Replace Your TV
You may return or get a new TV if the HDMI port is damaged. If you’re sure you bought the TV with a damaged port, you should return it.
You may likely get a new working TV or a refund from the manufacturer. Also, if the manufacturer advertised the TV as having an HDMI port and it doesn’t, you should return it.
Additionally, if after changing the HDMI port or cable and the cable won’t fit still, you’ll have to get a new TV.
If you’re still within the warranty period, you may get a replacement TV from where you purchased it.
#7. Consult TV Manual
You can also consult your TV manual to check for possible solutions to your HDMI cord and port connection problems.
If you no longer have the physical manual, you can access the online manual by visiting the brand’s website.
Do HDMI Cables Work on All TV?
No, HDMI cables don’t work on all TV. Usually, manufacturers design most TVs with HDMI or RCA ports.
Many old TV models aren’t HDMI compatible because they lack this digital interface port.
Also, new models of TVs come in smart collections, with many having multiple ports for various functions. However, not all smart TVs come with an HDMI port.
So, if your TV comes with any port other than HDMI, then an HDMI cable won’t work on the TV.
Conversely, there are some ways to connect a device with an HDMI port to your TV that lacks an HDMI port.
First, you connect the device by bridging the connection using an adapter. However, this connection will still depend on your TV and port types.
How Do I Know if My HDMI Port Is Broken?
If your HDMI port is broken, you won’t be able to connect devices to your TV properly. Also, there are issues that you’ll notice.
Below is a table showing the possible issues you’ll notice if your HDMI port is broken.
| Issues | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Problems with screen display | Fuzzy or sparking display on the TV screen, picture displays intermittently. |
| Problems with images | Poor quality image resolution or discolored images |
| Problems with sound | Sound comes in intermittently or not. |
| Problems with connection | HDMI cable fits into the port |
Also, you can check if the port is bad by removing the TV’s external panel to access the port. Once you get to the port, check for any physical damage or a broken connection.
Can I Replace an HDMI Connector?
Yes, you can replace your HDMI connector. If the HDMI connector is the cause of the issues you’re facing, you can replace it with the following steps:
- Detach the connector at the tip of the HDMI cable with a pair of wire cutters. Ensure you leave some room so you can easily attach a new connector at the end of the receiver
- Get a new replacement connector, or you can use a connector from an old cord that’s still functional but not in use. Use a tester to check the viability of the connector.
- Splice the new connector in by joining the wires together. Ensure you match the wires correctly to enable the cable to function. Wrap the exposed wires with electrical tape.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the receiver. Then, turn on your TV to ensure the screen is displaying properly.
How Can I Lock My HDMI Cable?
To prevent your HDMI cable from coming loose, you can employ different locking processes to keep it in place.
Locking your HDMI cable is important to prevent damage to the cord or port from constant pulling and fixing.
To lock in your cable connection, you can purchase a locking cable that’ll fix your cable tightly. Here’s a list of locking cables that employ different technologies to lock in your cable.
Also, you can lock in your cable by using a blue tack. First, wrap the blue tack around your HDMI cable, allowing it to stick out slightly.
Then, fix the cord into the TV port and smoothen the tack around it. Finally, add more blue tack over it until it’s secured firmly.
Conclusion
HDMI cables won’t fit into your TV if it’s damaged or the port on the TV is damaged. Also, it won’t fit in if you’re not using the right HDMI cord.
Some possible fixes include replacing your HDMI cord, repairing the HDMI port, or replacing it. However, ensure you lock in your HDMI cable to minimize damage.