Why Is My Samsung TV Not Showing Full Screen? Expert Tells

Below are the causes of your television’s size change. Continue reading to discover all the tips to adjust your Samsung Smart TV’s display size.

Why Is My Samsung TV not Showing Full Screen? Solution Included

Incorrect settings, wrong input source, or cable issues are the reasons behind the display glitch.

To fix it, press the remote control’s Menu button & select Picture.

Then, choose Screen Adjustment & change the Aspect Ratio/Screen Fit setting to Full.

If this doesn’t work, try restarting your Samsung or checking the cables.

Here is more detail about each cause:

Over-scanning

When your television is over-scanning, you may notice that some parts of the picture are cut off or not fully visible on the screen.

For example, the edges of the image may be cropped, and you might not see the full content, such as text or logos, at the edges of the screen.

Over-scanning can make the image appear zoomed out or too large for the screen.

It often happens with older televisions or specific video sources.

To address this, access your television’s settings and look for options like Just Scan or Fit to Screen.

Adjust these settings to ensure the entire picture is visible without cropping.

Wrong Aspect Ratio

Wrong Aspect Ratio

When the aspect ratio of your television doesn’t match the video source, you may see black bars around the picture, either at the top and bottom or on the sides or parts of the content being cropped.

The picture may not fill the entire screen, resulting in unused space on the display.

Alternatively, the image might look stretched or distorted, making people or objects appear wider or narrower than they should.

To resolve the problem, check your television’s settings for aspect ratio options and select the one that matches your content.

Also, ensure your video source (e.g., streaming device or DVD player) is set to the correct aspect ratio to avoid display issues.

Detailedly, in the aspect ratio settings, you’ll typically find options like “16:9,” “4:3,” “Zoom,” “Wide,” “Auto,” or “Just Scan”.

Choose the aspect ratio that matches the content you are watching.

Some new smart Samsung TVs have a feature called “Auto Aspect Ratio” that automatically adjusts the picture aspect ratio to fit the video content source.

It means that if you’re watching a television show at a 16:9 aspect ratio & then switch to TikTok, which has a 9:16 aspect ratio, the TV will automatically adjust the picture to fit the 9:16 format.

It prevents the picture from being stretched or cropped and ensures you get the best viewing experience.

Still, with the Samsung television generation, you must follow the above solution to restore its full screen.

Input Source Device Issues

Sometimes, the problem lies with the device connected to your television, such as a streaming device or gaming console.

Input Source Device Issues

Outdated firmware or incorrect resolution settings on the source device can cause display problems.

If you have input source device issues, the screen may display a “No Signal” message or show a blank screen when you switch to a particular input source (e.g., HDMI, AV, or USB).

Additionally, you might notice distorted or flickering images or the colors may appear abnormal.

To fix the issue, you should:

  • Update the firmware of your source device and double-check its resolution settings to ensure they are compatible with your television.
  • Ensure the correct input source is selected on your TV, and check if the source device (e.g., cable box, gaming console) is powered on and functioning correctly.

TV Settings

Incorrect television settings can lead to a partial display, black bars, or distorted visuals like a stretched image.

Navigate to your television’s settings menu and look for options like “Picture Size,” “Screen Fit,” or “Zoom.”

Choose the appropriate setting that best fits the content and screen size to enjoy a full-screen view without any image distortion.

Cable Connections

Faulty or loose cable connections can disrupt the display on your television.

When you see your television screen flicker, show random lines, or frequently go blank, they are likely signs of cable connection issues.

Ensure all cables, especially HDMI or AV cables, are securely plugged in.

Using high-quality cables and checking for damages can prevent display issues and ensure a stable connection between your devices and the television.

Signal Issues

Weak or interrupted signals from cable or antenna connections can affect the display quality of your television.

When looking at your Samsung screen, they can manifest as pixelation, flickering, frozen or blank screens, a “No Signal” message, audio distortion, or channel loss.

You can troubleshoot by checking cable or antenna connections, adjusting the antenna position, or contacting your cable/satellite provider for assistance.

How To Change The Samsung Screen Size To Full Screen?

This guide applies to both QLED TVs and Full HD TVs:

Step 1: Press the remote’s “Home” button.

Step 2: Select “Settings,” then “Picture.”

Step 3: Look for “Picture Size” or “Aspect Ratio.”

Step 4: Choose “16:9” for full-screen viewing.

Step 5: Press “Exit” to save the changes.

How To Change The Samsung Screen Size To Full Screen

When To Choose Which Aspect Ratio To Achieve A Full-screen View?

Here are some popular aspect ratios for different types of content:

  • Movies or shows: 16:9, because it provides a wide viewing experience without distorting the image.
  • Reels or TikTok: 9:16 is the most common aspect ratio for reels and TikTok videos since it is the designated aspect ratio of smartphones, the most common devices used to watch these videos.
  • YouTube: YouTube videos can be played in various aspect ratios, but the most common are 16:9 & 4:3. The 16:9 is the default, but you can change it to 4:3 if you prefer.
  • Netflix: Netflix videos can also be played in various aspect ratios, but the most common are 16:9 and 21:9. The 16:9 is the default, but you can change it to 21:9 if you have a compatible TV.

How To Prevent Your Samsung TV Not Showing The Full Screen In The Future?

Check settings: Regularly inspect TV settings like “Picture Size” and “Aspect Ratio” to ensure they match your content.

Input source: Verify the correct input source is selected for the connected device on your TV.

Cable connections: Ensure all cables are securely plugged in and in good condition.

Firmware updates: Keep your TV and connected devices updated with the latest firmware.

How To Prevent Your Samsung TV Not Showing The Full Screen

Signal strength: Maintain a strong and stable signal by adjusting the antenna position or using a cable/satellite provider with reliable service.

Professional assistance: If issues persist, seek professional support from Samsung.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it is because you accidentally touch some keys or buttons. Other times, it results from a signal, cable connection, or input source.

Spend a little time adjusting, and it will return to the ideal size immediately. Then, you can enjoy an unparalleled entertainment journey.

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David owner of Smarterve.com

David

Hi! I’m David — a writer, blogger, and proud owner of Smarterve. I’ve been using smart home gadgets and in the home industry for about a decade. I love to solve problems, give suggestions, and create ease for people to enjoy life. This blog is where I can share tips and provide solutions to everyone using smart gadgets.

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