Do HDMI Cables Go Bad | 5 Signs of a Bad HDMI Cable

Do you feel that your gadgets become slow and sluggish after a while? It is the dark truth of technology that no matter how good a gadget or device is, it is meant to deteriorate with time. Be it a laptop, a mobile phone, a TV, or just a cable, they all get damaged over time. Today, let us try to analyze Do HDMI Cables go bad?

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the type of cable meant to transmit both audio and video simultaneously from a source. HDMI cables are usually meant to be paired with computers, TV, Laptops, and projectors. These cable interfaces make a port to send high-resolution video and audio data.

The need for an HDMI cable in today’s entertainment-filled era is so important. We need these cables for streaming our favorite movies and shows and to fulfill our entertainment needs. Although HDMI cables come with most TV and other devices these days, the question here is, Do HDMI cables go ba? If they do, then how long do they last?

DO HDMI Cables go Bad?

Yes, HDMI cables go bad. The durability of an HDMI cable is not infinite, but a good HDMI cable might last for a good amount of time. HDMI cables deteriorate over time, and you may need to buy a new one after a while.

If proper care is taken of things, they last longer, and the same goes for cables too. If handled with care and kept in a cable-friendly environment, away from dust and moisture, the HDMI cables will last longer for sure.

5 Signs of a Bad HDMI Cable

Signs and symptoms of a bad HDMI cable; Do HDMI cables go bad

Now we have the answer to the question Do HDMI cables go bad? But there is no hard and fast rule to check for a bad HDMI cable; here are basic signs that will let you know that your HDMI cable has turned bad.

1. Physically Damaged

Damaged HDMI cable; do HDMI cables go bad

This is one of the most obvious signs that your HDMI cable has turned bad. If you notice any damage to your cable that is physically visible, then it must be kept in mind that the cable has turned bad and need a replacement.

2. Blurry Images

If you see a low-resolution picture on your screen that is blurry or fuzzy, then this can also be a sign that your HDMI cable has turned bad. The image could be overexposed, faded, or distorted and might be making your whole experience bad.

3. Sparkling in Picture

This is probably the most widely accepted characteristic of a faulty HDMI cable. The appearance of white sparkles with noise on the screen is due to a faulty HDMI cable. They might look like mild interferences, also.

4. Sound Loss

person trying to hear; do HDMI cables go bad

An intermittent sound or no sound at all is also one of the signs of a damaged HDMI cable. If you cannot hear the sound properly while watching a video, then your HDMI cable must be faulty and need a repair or replacement.

5. No Image

Having no or intermittent image of the screen, with or without sound, also means a faulty HDMI cable. The image is not displayed on the screen at all, or just for a few moments, might go blank and come back again. This is also due to a bad HDMI cable.

How Long HDMI Cables Last?

HDMI cable;do HDMI cables go bad

The HDMI cables shall usually last for a decade, but this depends on other factors too. We don’t have to wonder anymore about do HDMI cables go bad because they do. The first thing that should be considered here is whether the cable is of standard quality or poor quality.

A standard quality HDMI cable is supposed to last you for years, but the same cannot be said for poor-quality cables. The next important thing to be considered while considering the durability of HDMI cables is the conditions in which the cables are used. If proper care is taken of a cable, it will obviously last longer than usual.

Wrapping Up

The market is flooded with newer versions of HDMI cables, and it is not important to change your HDMI cable every time a newer version comes out.  Proper care should be taken off the cable and handled carefully to avoid damage to your HDMI cable. If you feel that your HDMI cable is also damaged, then you can either get it repaired or buy a new one.

Hope this article answers your query about Do HDMI Cables go bad. Kindly comment below to let us know what else you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sizes of HDMI connectors are there?

HDMI connectors are of three types, micro, mini and standard.


What are HDMI Cables made of?

HDMI cables are usually made of copper, like the rest of the electrical cables.

Are HDMI cables used for gaming?

Yes, HDMI cables are used in gaming also.

Smriti Razdan

Smriti started her journey by attaining a degree in computer applications, laying down the foundation of her love for everything AI and tech. Research and bringing the best for her readers is what drives her. Besides work, Smriti loves to indulge in reading undiscovered stories and books keep her going.

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