How to Fix the ‘LG TV Unknown Device Disconnected’ ErrorIf you’re watching your favorite show on your LG TV and suddenly see the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error message, you may feel frustrated. This message typically appears when an external device, like a gaming console, soundbar, or streaming device, disconnects from your TV. While this error can seem troubling, there are several solutions you can try to fix it and restore your TV’s connection to the device.
In this topic, we’ll explore the reasons behind this error and offer simple troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ issue on your LG TV.
Common Causes of the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ Error
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand the potential causes of the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error. This error typically occurs when your LG TV detects an issue with a connected external device. Some common causes include
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Loose or Faulty HDMI Cable If the HDMI cable connecting your external device to the TV is loose, damaged, or not properly seated, it can cause connection problems.
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Power Issues A device that is not properly powered on or one that experiences a power surge can lose connection to the TV.
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Software Glitches TV software or firmware may have bugs that prevent the recognition of connected devices.
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Incorrect Input Selection If the wrong input source is selected on your TV, it may show the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ message.
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HDMI Port Issues Problems with the HDMI port on either the TV or the external device can cause disconnection issues.
Understanding these potential causes can help you identify the best way to fix the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the Issue
Now that we know what might be causing the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error, let’s explore how to fix it.
1. Check the HDMI Connections
One of the most common reasons for this error is a loose or faulty HDMI connection. Here’s how to check and fix it
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Turn off your TV and external device Before touching the cables, make sure both your TV and the external device (like a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or soundbar) are powered off.
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Inspect the HDMI cable Look for any visible signs of damage to the cable. If the cable appears frayed, bent, or worn out, consider replacing it with a new one.
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Re-seat the HDMI cable Unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and the device. Then, plug it back in securely. Ensure it is firmly connected to both the TV and the external device.
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Try a different HDMI port If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, try connecting the external device to a different port. This helps determine if the issue is with the port itself.
After checking and adjusting the HDMI connection, turn on your TV and device again to see if the error is resolved.
2. Power Cycle the Devices
Sometimes, simply restarting your TV and external device can resolve the issue. This process is known as power cycling and can help reset the connection between devices.
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Turn off the TV and external device Unplug both the TV and the external device from the power outlet.
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Wait for 1-2 minutes This gives both devices time to reset and clear any temporary glitches.
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Plug both devices back in After waiting, plug the TV and external device back into the power outlet and turn them on.
Power cycling can help fix connection issues caused by temporary software glitches or power problems.
3. Check the TV’s Input Settings
If the TV is set to the wrong input, it may not recognize the connected device, leading to the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error. Here’s how to make sure the correct input source is selected
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Press the ‘Input’ or ‘Source’ button on your remote On most LG TVs, this button is located on the remote control. It allows you to switch between input sources like HDMI 1, HDMI 2, or AV.
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Select the correct input Use the on-screen menu to select the input that corresponds to the device you are trying to use. For example, if your device is plugged into HDMI 1, select HDMI 1 as the input source.
If you have multiple devices connected to your TV, make sure you select the correct input for the device you are using.
4. Update Your TV’s Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause software glitches that may affect how your TV connects to external devices. To update your LG TV’s firmware
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Go to the Settings menu Use your remote to navigate to the ‘Settings’ option.
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Select ‘All Settings’ and then ‘General’ From here, navigate to ‘About This TV.’
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Check for Updates If there is a firmware update available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Updating your TV’s firmware can fix bugs that might be causing the device connection issue.
5. Check for Device-Specific Issues
If the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error only occurs with a specific external device, the issue might be with that device rather than the TV. Here’s what you can do
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Check the device’s power Make sure the external device is powered on. If it’s battery-operated, replace the batteries or charge the device.
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Restart the device Unplug the external device, wait a few moments, and plug it back in to reset it.
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Test the device with another TV If possible, try connecting the device to a different TV to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the device is faulty.
If the problem is with the external device, you may need to troubleshoot that specific device or contact its manufacturer for support.
6. Reset the TV to Factory Settings
As a last resort, if none of the previous solutions work, you can reset your LG TV to its factory settings. This will erase all custom settings and preferences, but it can fix persistent software issues.
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Go to the Settings menu From the home screen, navigate to ‘Settings.’
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Select ‘All Settings’ and then ‘General’ Choose the ‘Reset to Initial Settings’ option.
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Follow the prompts Confirm that you want to reset your TV.
After the reset, you’ll need to set up your TV again, but this can fix deeper software issues that might be causing the ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error.
Conclusion Resolving the LG TV Unknown Device Disconnected Error
The ‘Unknown Device Disconnected’ error on your LG TV can be caused by various factors, including loose cables, incorrect input settings, or software glitches. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can resolve the issue and restore the connection between your TV and external devices.
If the problem persists, consider reaching out to LG customer support or a professional technician to diagnose and fix the issue. With the right approach, you can get back to enjoying your entertainment without interruptions.