Known for their excellent picture quality, sleek designs, and affordability, Acer monitors are favored by many. Unfortunately, like with all tech, they are not immune to common issues. One of the most frequently reported problems is the Acer monitor not turning on.
Addressing common technical issues like this is crucial as it helps avoid potential damage to the hardware, saves on repair costs, and ensures a smooth and uninterrupted digital experience. With that in mind, let’s understand the possible causes and solutions for an Acer monitor not turning on.

Common Reasons Why Your Acer Monitor May Not Turn On
Here are some of the most common issues behind Acer monitors not turning ON –
- Power issues: These may encompass problems with the connection, faulty or defective power cables, issues with power outlets, and even power surges.
- Cable problems: These involve faulty or damaged video cables (HDMI, DVI, VGA, etc.) or any visible damage that might affect the transmission of power or data.
- Device-related issues: Problems originating not from the monitor but the connected PC or laptop (like graphic card issues) could also be the cause.
- Brightness settings: Incorrect settings, especially a brightness level set to zero, may make it seem like the monitor isn’t working.
- Peripheral devices: Too many connected devices might cause power conflicts, preventing the monitor from turning on.
- Monitor settings: Incorrect settings that need resetting or, more generally, a need for hard resetting your monitor could also be a cause.
- Driver issues: Outdated or corrupt graphic card drivers could lead to display issues.
Prerequisite Steps
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the problem. This could mean examining your monitor, power cables, and outlets for any visible signs of damage or wear.
Essential Tools
- Spare power cable
- Device to test connectivity (e.g., another PC or laptop)
- Screwdriver (for conducting a hard reset).

Solution 1: Checking the Power Connection
Confirm that your Acer monitor is correctly connected to a power source.
- Ensure the plug is fully inserted in the socket.
- Make sure your monitor’s power switch is turned ON.
If your Acer monitor still doesn’t turn on, the problem could be with the power supply.
Solution 2: Testing the Power Cable
A faulty power cable could prevent the monitor from powering up.
- Try replacing it with a new or different power cable.
- Check the cable for any visible damage.
Solution 3: Checking the Video Cables
Video cables (HDMI, VGA, or DVI) should be securely connected and free from physical damage.
- Look for loose or damaged video cables.
- If found, replace them immediately.
Solution 4: Testing with Different Devices
This test will confirm whether the trouble lies with the monitor or the device it’s connected to.
- Connect your monitor to a different PC or laptop.
- If it works, the problem might be with the original device (like a faulty graphics card) and not the monitor.
Solution 5: Check the Power Outlet
Sometimes, the issue might be in the power supply or the outlet itself.
- Test the power outlet with a different electrical gadget.
- If the device doesn’t work, the problem lies in your power supply/outlet.
Solution 6: Checking the Monitor’s Brightness Levels
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as incorrect brightness settings.
- Try adjusting the brightness controls using the monitor’s button or on-screen menu.
- Zero brightness settings could make it seem like the monitor isn’t working.
Solution 7: Disconnecting All Peripherals
Peripheral devices could be causing a malfunction due to power distribution conflict.
- Try disconnecting all connected devices.
- Turn on the monitor after that.
Solution 8: Resetting Your Monitor Settings
Resetting your Acer monitor’s configuration can effectively resolve various issues, including your monitor not turning on. There are two primary ways you can do this:
- Soft Reset: Follow your Acer monitor’s user manual to guide you on resetting the settings to factory values through the on-screen menu. This will undo all user-specified settings and return them to the factory defaults, which can often help resolve software-induced problems.
- Hard Reset: A hard reset might be necessary if a soft reset doesn’t work. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, turn off and unplug your monitor from the power source.
- Next, hold the monitor’s power button for at least 30 seconds.
- Afterward, without releasing the power button, plug the monitor back into the power source and turn it on.
- Finally, release the power button.
Please note that a hard reset can be more effective as it removes electrical charges stored in the monitor’s components that might be causing issues. However, it should be done carefully to avoid potential damage.
Solution 9: Updating Your Graphics Card Driver
The problem may lie in your outdated or corrupted graphics drivers.
- Check for graphic card driver updates regularly
- For Windows users, this can be done under “Device Manager”
- Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool to do that for you.
Conclusion
I’ve covered 10 solutions to fix an Acer monitor that isn’t turning on, ranging from basic power connection checks to updating your graphic card drivers.
I hope that one of these solutions helped resolve your issue and put you back in the game! If you’ve found alternative solutions or have valuable insights, please share them in the comments below.