Looking for the best DISH network troubleshooting no signal guide? We’re here for you, so keep reading until the end of our guide to learn the ultimate troubleshooting solutions!
When your DISH network keeps saying “no signal”, it’s safe to assume that there’s a temporal outage with your service.
In the meantime, you should verify all cables are in proper condition, check the TV source, and ensure your dish is aligned well!
Keep reading for more information!
Why Does My TV Says No Signal DISH Network?
The “No Signal” message on the DISH network most often represents a fault with the service.
The problem could either be on your end or with DISH as they may be having temporal maintenance or there’s an outage going on.
Here’s why your TV keeps saying “no signal” on DISH:
- An issue with the box-to-TV connectivity
- Temporal service outage with DISH
- Problem with the cables/equipment
- Software issues with the receiver
- Improper network dish alignment
- Heavy outside weather conditions
- There’s a serious fault with your dish
About Multiple DISH Receivers
Whilst testing the signal on one of your DISH receivers, disconnect other satellite receivers from service temporarily.
Unplug the coaxial cable from the splitter that pairs the receivers with the satellite dish and test on only one of your receivers!
DISH Network No Signal – Working Solutions
Tip: To achieve the most troubleshooting success, follow our steps consecutively!
1. Verify the Signal Strength!
With DISH, you’re able to view the “Signal Diagnostics” within the settings of your TV box.
This helps when you receive random errors, including the “no signal” message, to see if there’s an outage with the network and if the problem is on DISH’s end.
- Checking the signal strength is only possible with Settings access!
Follow these steps to inspect the strength of the signal reaching your box:
- Press the “MENU” button on the DISH remote control.
- Navigate into the “SETTINGS” tab within the menu.
- Highlight the “DIAGNOSTICS” option on the screen.
- Press the “OK” button on the remote to access the page.
- Press “3” on the DISH TV box remote control next.
Info: The player’s current signal will now be displayed on your screen.
It is measured on a 125-point scale and the higher the displayed number, the stronger the signal! If the displayed number is below “50”, consider contacting DISH for more help!
2. Correct the Input Source
If the “no signal” message comes from the connection between your TV and cable box, you must verify that the correct input source is selected.
Connecting the cable box to “HDMI Input 1”, means you’ll have to select “HDMI 1” in the source menu of the TV, to view the broadcast.
- Check which HDMI port is your DISH box plugged in (HDMI 1,2 or SIDE)
Follow these instructions to alter the selected source on your TV:
- Get your TV remote control.
- Press the “Source” button.
- Use the arrows to navigate.
- Highlight the correct input.
- Press “OK” to select the new input.
- Check if the broadcast will now appear.
Info: You must also make sure that the cable box is up and running, otherwise, the screen of your TV will remain pitch black or it’ll keep saying “no signal”.
3. Power Cycle the TV Box!
A fault with the DISH network cable box may result in the “no signal” message.
To address this problem quickly, you must power cycle the TV box, by unplugging it from the electrical outlet for several minutes. This process helps with both hardware and software issues with the box!
Here’s how to power cycle your DISH Network TV box:
- Press the power button on the DISH remote.
- Wait for the cable box’s hardware to power off.
- Unplug the power adapter from the electrical socket.
- Wait for at least 3-4 minutes while the box is unplugged.
- Reconnect the power cable of the device back into power.
Note: The power cycle not only helps with temporal software/hardware issues but cools down the TV box.
Especially during the warm seasons, overheating could be menacing for the box!
4. Inspect the Coaxial Cable
One of the main reasons why your TV/cable box will say “no signal” is when the coaxial cable is loose or damaged.
This cable connects your DISH network receiver to the satellite antenna and therefore provides the TV service you’re viewing on the TV.
- A fault with the coaxial cable will interrupt the TV service!
Here’s how to check the coaxial cable for damages:
- Unplug the coaxial cable from the back of your TV box.
- Inspect the parts of the cable that are in your house.
- Clean the satellite port on your DISH TV box receiver.
- Reconnect the coaxial cable securely into the port.
- Check if a broadcast will appear on the associated TV.
Alert: Damages such as rips, cuts, or exposed parts of the cable should be immediately reported to DISH.
5. Align the Network Dish
For an uninterrupted TV signal, your DISH outdoor antenna must have a proper alignment.
Signs of improper antenna positioning could be outages with the broadcast or no signal.
How to Identify Dish Alignment Settings?
Since dish alignment is done by DISH themselves most of the time, they don’t have a developed tool that lets you know the horizontal/vertical alignment settings.
Instead, you should get a mobile application such as Dish Align for iOS and Android!
Tip: You could also use a magnetic compass to view the azimuth and vertical readings!
- If your dish is placed in a dangerous place, avoid adjusting yourself!
Azimuth (Horizontal) Dish Alignment
- Identify the azimuth setting for your dish.
- Reach the dish’s location, using a ladder.
- Loosen the bolts on the mounting collar.
- (Optional) Use a magnetic compass to view the alignment.
- Rotate the satellite dish towards the direction on the compass.
- Tighten the bolts on the mourning collar again.
Vertical (Elevation) Dish Alignment
- Locate the residing bolts on the back of the dish.
- Undo the bolts so the dish’s vertical adjustment ladder loses up.
- Slowly lift the dish vertically, according to the vertical elevation settings.
- Once the signal is at the highest strength possible, stop lifting.
- Re-tighten the elevation bolts and ensure the dish isn’t moving.
Signs My DISH Antenna is Aligned Improperly:
- Your satellite picture becomes frozen/pixelated
- There’s an issue with the sound or it breaks up
- You’re experiencing total signal loss!
Alert: Before you’re finished adjusting the dish, ensure that all bolts are tightened.
6. Factory Reset the DISH Receiver
The problem with the signal outage can also be fixed by performing a factory reset on your DISH receiver.
It’s a great solution for DISH network troubleshooting no signal, as it wipes all content and settings from your TV box, making you set up the device from scratch!
- Only recordings saved on a DVR will be safe from the factory reset!
Let’s learn how to perform a factory reset on your DISH receiver:
- Press the “MENU” button on your DISH remote.
- Navigate to the “Receiver” tab in Settings.
- Scroll down and press the “Tools” icon.
- Press “RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS”.
- Choose “RESET RECEIVER TO FACTORY DEFAULTS”.
- Select “Yes” on the confirmation prompt that will appear.
Info: When the factory reset on your DISH receiver is triggered, the cable box will reboot shortly and then you’ll be back at the initial setup screen.
7. Wait Out Bad Weather!
When using a satellite TV service you should know that the “no signal” message often appears during or after bad weather.
We speak and envision thunder, furious rain, and fast winds since this is one of the primary factors for satellite signal interference.
If your DISH service has been out for a while now and you’re still seeing “no signal” on your TV screen, perhaps it’s due to a heavy thunderstorm or strong wind in your area.
Use the Weather app on your mobile phone to check if the weather conditions in your town/residence are bad.
Still Here?
In case you’ve attempted all of the solutions in this guide but nothing helped, perhaps you would need some professional help. Simply contact DISH Suppor Center to report the issue.
Quick Recap:
We’ve learned that the key to DISH network troubleshooting no signal, is to power cycle your receiver and inspect the wiring harness thoroughly.
If you’re still having issues, factory reset the receiver and check the positioning/alignment of your network dish!
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.