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The “Mode Not Supported” error message on a Samsung TV is an indication that there is a problem with whatever connection you have on one of the HDMI, USB, or VGA ports, depending on what the TV has on the back and what you’re trying to plug in.
You can try switching from HDMI to VGA, replacing the HDMI cable with a new one (preferably a premium HDMI cable), checking the output resolution of the device you’re using, updating the Samsung TV’s firmware, or running a factory reset.
A factory reset is not something anyone wants to do but we usually recommend it as a last-resort measure when nothing else seems to be going your way. It’s possible that one or more of the ports are defective. In that case, Samsung’s customer support or your warranty will have to take over.
Table of Contents
6 Fixes To Not Supported Mode Samsung TV
1. Check and Compare the Output Resolution
Though 4k resolution TVs are rapidly growing in American households, 1080p is still holding its own across the board. Plus, it’s likely that your Samsung TV has multiple resolution settings, and whatever device you have plugged in is probably exceeding that setting.
For instance, if you’re trying to run a Playstation 5 or an Xbox Series X, and have them set to 4k before you try plugging them into a Samsung TV that’s set on 1080p HD, it might cause a problem.
Typically, these systems are supposed to be able to adjust to the native resolution of the TV. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Try plugging your device into something else, like a computer monitor or another TV, and check the resolution settings on that device (if applicable).
The only thing that matters is that the device resolution matches the supported resolution of your Samsung TV. If it doesn’t, you’re liable to get the “Mode Not Supported” error message right off the bat.
2. Power Cycle Both Devices
You don’t have to have a complicated understanding of Samsung hardware and software to do a power cycle. All you need to know is how to pull a cord out of the wall. However, you need to do it in order.
Disconnect the device from the TV and unplug the Samsung TV from the wall. Unplug your device from power as well. Give it about two minutes and plug the TV back in. Once it’s fully up and running again, plug your device into the power outlet as well.
Now connect the device to the TV using an HDMI, VGA, USB, or whatever it is you’re trying to use. Power cycling tends to clear up any glitches on either of the two devices.
It doesn’t always work but it’s a nifty and simple troubleshooting method that does the trick more often than not.
3. Avoid Long or Cheap HDMI Cables
Not all HDMI cables are created equally. In fact, far from it. HDMI cables are primary examples of the accuracy of the term, “you get what you pay for.”
A cheap HDMI cable is far more likely to create errors on your Samsung TV, specifically the “Mode Not Supported” error.
Extra, ridiculously long HDMI cables will do the same thing. The longer the cable, the more resistance is created as the data travels from one end to the other. You should stick with short (3’ or less) HDMI cables and avoid the ones on sale for $3.99.
Longer, cheaper HDMI cables have lower refresh rates, lag, and resolution issues. They may work fine for a cheap TV running on a native 720p resolution but they aren’t the best choice for a mid to high-end Samsung TV.
When you purchase your HDMI cable, make sure that it’s short, supports 4k resolution, and has a data transfer speed of 18Gbps or higher. If a cable like that still doesn’t do the trick, then you’ve eliminated the HDMI cable as the problem.
4. Update the Samsung TV’s Firmware
Most Samsung TVs are supposed to automatically update on their own, whenever new firmware releases. As anyone with an iota of experience with any kind of smart device knows, the whole ‘automated’ thing is more like a nice idea than anything else.
No matter what device you’re using, its always a good idea to establish a routine. Maybe once every few weeks, jump on the Settings menu and make sure the Samsung TV’s firmware is up to date.
- Press the ‘Home’ button on your Samsung remote
- Select the ‘Support’ tab
- Select ‘Software Update’
- If there is an update, you will see the option to ‘Update Now’
- Select it and confirm
After the TV is finished updating (it should restart on its own), try and plug in the device that’s been giving you fits. If it works, you know you hit the jack pot and that an update was all you needed.
5. Change Device Settings to Fixed Resolution
Of course, this option will only work if you have such a setting on the device. However, a lot of newer consoles and other devices have a setting which lets them auto detect the current resolution.
Odds are, you don’t need to have this setting turned on for there to be any noticeable resolution improvement on your end. Just set the device to its highest possible resolution support, so long as its supported by the Samsung.
If nothing else, this is a good way to eliminate the device itself and whether or not its causing the ‘Mode Not Supported’ error message.
6. Check Another Device
This is another instance of process of elimination, especially if you’ve done everything above and you’re still getting that ridiculously aggravating message. HDMI cables and set resolutions don’t matter much if the device you’re connecting to your Samsung TV is the one that’s creating the problems.
The best way to do this is to lug a different device in there and plug it into the same HDMI port as the old device just vacated. If you get the same ‘Mode Not Supported” error with a different device hooked up, the problem is with the TV—most likely the HDMI port in question.
Try switching the new device and the old device to a second HDMI port (assuming you have oen available). Most Samsung TVs (most TVs in general) have more than one HDMI port these days, so its not out of the question.
If the second HDMI port is working just fine, you now have a decision to make. HDMI ports in Samsung TVs are a DIY project. But if you’ve never done a project like that before, it might be best to contact Samsung Customer Service.
Now, if your Samsung TV is still under warranty, you don’t have much to worry about except for the time it takes to get the old TV out and the new one in. Its up to you how you want to handle it.
All Things Considered
Mode Not Supported is probably one of the more aggravating error messages you can get. That’s mostly because you always get it when you just finished wall mounting the TV, setting up the entertainment center, shifting everything where it needs to be, and cuttiing the first device on for the very first time.
Hopefully, the above solutions will help to minimize that degree of frustration for you and you can get back to enjoying your Samsung TV.
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Encountering ‘Not Supported Mode’ error on your Samsung TV? Fear not! Explore 6 proven fixes to resolve this issue and regain full functionality for an optimal viewing experience
Reference Sources
TV or Projector DIsplays an Error Message Retrieved from: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01109043/#mode-not-supported-error-message Mode Not Supported on External Display Retrieved from:
