My HDMI Cable Doesn’t Fit

Whether you want to connect TVs, video projectors, gaming consoles, laptops, LCDs, or anything else, you need a suitable HDMI cable for it. However, not all HDMI cables are the same, there are several types of HDMI cables that perform different functions.

It can be pretty hard to keep in mind which type of HDMI goes with which device. It is quite normal for an HDMI cable to not fit properly. And if there is any problem with the HDMI cable, there will be problems with video and audio outputs.

However, there is no need for you to worry. Because we have explained below why your HDMI cable doesn’t fit and what are the possible solutions for you.

Why My HDMI Cable Doesn’t Fit?

There can be several reasons why your HDMI cables don’t fit. We have given the most common reasons explaining why your HDMI cables don’t fit.

Different types of cable:

HDMI cables come in three different types,i.e,

Type A or Standard HDMI cables are the first and most commonly used HDMI cables used today. Their connector size is 14 mm and they can be used in TVs, laptops and LCDs.

Type B or HDMI mini is the smaller version of standard cable. They have a plug size of 10 mm. They are mostly used in tablets and DSLR cameras.

Type C or HDMI micro is the smallest size available with a plug size of just 5mm. They are mostly used in smartphones.

If your HDMI cable is not fitting, make sure that you have the right type of HDMI cable needed for your device. If you are connecting HDMI mini with your laptop, chances are that it won’t fit. So, before you buy an HDMI cable, understand the requirements of your device and buy accordingly.

Damaged cable:

In some cases, you are using the right size of cable but it still doesn’t work. If your cable has stopped working suddenly then chances are that your cable is damaged and can’t connect to your desired device.

In this case, inspect the case throughout and find out if there is any distortion or deformity. Sometimes a cable appears fine from outside but is damaged from inside. There is a connector on both sides of the cable and there are very small pins present inside it. They are a bit sensitive and can easily be broken, bent or deformed. If this is the case, then it might not be visible to the naked eye.

If your cable isn’t fitting, don’t try to force it in. Otherwise you will end up maximizing damage which isn’t the right approach.

Damaged port:

If you are using the right size of HDMI cable and there is nothing wrong with your cables, then there might be something wrong with the port on your device. There are corresponding pins in the port just like the connector.

If you have tried to force a faulty HDMI or any other thing, then you might have damaged your port. You will need to take the device to a professional and have them look at it. If your device has more than one HDMI port, try using the other one.

Why My HDMI Cable is Fitting But Not Connecting?

If your HDMI cable is fitting perfectly but still isn’t connecting, there can be a number of reasons behind it. This means that there isn’t anything physically wrong with your cable, the problem is in your firmware. Following are a few of the issues that can occur and how you can neutralize them.

The difference in resolution settings

The resolution of your HDMI devices should always match. In most cases, the resolution is set to auto, but can’t match with the desired resolution due to some firmware issues. If this is the case, try going into the settings of your HDMI device and set the resolution to your required setting, whether 1080p or 4K.

Updating your firmware:

In some cases, connectivity problems can occur which can be solved just by updating your HDMI devices. If you haven’t updated your device in a long time, try looking for an update on the internet and update it ASAP.

No HDMI handshake:

The best thing about HDMI is that it is a single solution for both audio and video transfers. However, In order for an HDMI cable to conduct data, the devices at the both ends of the cable should be licensed which is a standard known as HDCP.

There is an HDCP encryption in HDMI signals which allows the files to be transferred through a process called HDMI handshake. However, if any of the two devices don’t trust the HDCP, the transfer won’t occur and there will be no “HDMI handshake”.

There can be several technical reasons behind why any of the devices isn’t administering the HDCP encryption. If this is the case, restart your devices and check for any firmware updates. If you are using a computer or laptop, try rebooting it and it might help you get rid of the error.

Longer Distance:

In most cases, the HDMI doesn’t need to span more than 2-3 meters and both of the devices are located very close. However, if you are using a wall-mounted TV where speakers are located more than 10 meters away, it can be a problem.

The higher the distance of the device from the source, the weaker the signal will be and vice versa. If this is the case, you might be getting a very weak signal or no signal at all. If you are using a premium and high end cable, then your HDMI cable can exceed even 20 meters without any drop in signal. If you are using a substandard HDMI cable, make sure that you keep the distance between the device and the source less than 5 meters.

Conclusion:

HDMI cables may seem like simple cables but they can be more complex than you can imagine. If your HDMI cable isn’t fitting perfectly with your device, you have no other way to connect 2 devices. In this guide, we have explained all of the reasons and solutions of why your HDMI cable isn’t working or connecting, hope it helps.

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Robert Smith

Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.