How to Turn on BenQ Monitor | 10 Easy Steps (2026)

Setting up a new monitor should feel exciting, not stressful. Yet for many people, the simple act of turning on a BenQ monitor for the first time can bring a small wave of doubt. Where is the power button? Why is the screen still black? Did I plug everything in correctly?

This guide on how to turn on BenQ monitor walks you through everything you need to know. We will cover the benefits of doing it right, the items you need on hand, and a clear ten-step process to power up your screen.

We will also share common mistakes to avoid and answer the questions people ask most often. Whether you bought your monitor for gaming, work, or creative projects, by the end of this guide you will feel confident every time you press that power button.

What are the Benefits?

Knowing how to turn on your BenQ monitor properly brings more value than you might expect. Here are the main reasons it matters.

You avoid unnecessary worry. Many people panic when their screen stays dark, thinking the monitor is broken. In reality, the issue is often a loose cable or the wrong input source. Understanding the correct steps saves you time and stress.
You protect your equipment. Turning your monitor on and off the right way reduces the risk of electrical issues. Using the proper power source and cables helps your display last longer and perform better.

You get the best picture from the start. When everything is connected and powered correctly, your monitor shows a crisp, clear image right away. You will not waste time fiddling with settings that should have worked from the beginning.
You build useful troubleshooting skills. Once you understand the basic startup process, you can quickly fix small problems on your own. No need to call support or visit a repair shop for simple issues.
You enjoy a smoother daily routine. A monitor that turns on without fuss makes your workday or gaming session start on a positive note. Small wins like this add up over time.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin, gather a few simple items. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and quick.

Your BenQ monitor — fully unboxed and placed on a stable surface such as a desk.
The power cable — usually included in the box. It connects the monitor to a wall outlet or power strip.

A power source — a working wall socket, surge protector, or power strip.
A video cable — this could be HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA, depending on your monitor model.
A connected device — a laptop, desktop computer, gaming console, or similar source.

The user manual — handy for finding your specific model’s button layout, though this guide covers the basics for most models.

That is all. You do not need any tools or technical knowledge. Just these everyday items and a few minutes of your time.

10 Easy Steps on How to Turn on BenQ Monitor

Step 1: Check the Power Cable

Start by locating the power cable that came with your monitor. Inspect it for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent connectors. A healthy cable is essential for a safe connection. Plug one end firmly into the power input port on the back of your BenQ monitor. The port is usually clearly labeled and sits near the bottom of the rear panel. Make sure the connection is snug and does not wobble. A loose cable is one of the most common reasons a monitor fails to power up, so take an extra second to confirm it is fully seated.

Step 2: Connect to a Power Source

Now plug the other end of the power cable into a working wall outlet, surge protector, or power strip. If you are using a surge protector, double-check that it is switched on. Many people forget this small detail and assume their monitor is faulty. If you are unsure whether the outlet works, test it by plugging in another device, like a lamp or phone charger. A surge protector is recommended because it shields your monitor from sudden power spikes, which can damage sensitive electronics over time.

Step 3: Connect the Video Cable

Next, link your monitor to your computer or device using a video cable. BenQ monitors commonly support HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA. Choose the cable that matches both your monitor’s port and your device’s port. Push the connector firmly into place on both ends. If you hear a slight click or feel it lock in, you have a secure connection. Without this cable, your monitor will turn on but display no image, which can be confusing for first-time users. So treat this step as just as important as the power connection.

Step 4: Locate the Power Button

Take a moment to find the power button on your BenQ monitor. On most models, it sits on the lower-right corner of the front bezel or just underneath the bottom edge. Some newer models use a small joystick control instead of traditional buttons. The power button often has a small power symbol, a circle with a line through the top. If you cannot find it, gently run your finger along the bottom edge of the screen. Knowing exactly where this button is makes the rest of the process effortless.

Step 5: Press the Power Button

Now press the power button once. You do not need to hold it down or press hard. A simple, firm tap is enough. When the monitor receives power, an indicator light usually turns on. This light, often found near the button, may glow white, green, or orange depending on your model. If the light comes on, your monitor has power and is starting up. Give it a few seconds to respond, as some models take a brief moment to wake up fully.

Step 6: Watch for the Indicator Light

The indicator light tells you a lot about your monitor’s status. A steady white or green light usually means the monitor is on and active. A blinking or orange light often means the monitor is in standby or sleep mode, waiting for a signal from your device. If the light is off entirely, the monitor may not be receiving power, so revisit Steps 1 and 2. Learning to read this little light helps you understand what your monitor is doing without guesswork.

Step 7: Turn On Your Connected Device

Your monitor needs a signal to display an image. So turn on your computer, laptop, or console now. Press the power button on your device and wait for it to boot up. The monitor and the device work as a team. Even if your monitor is powered on, the screen will stay black until your device sends a video signal through the cable. This is a key point that trips up many beginners, so always make sure both pieces of equipment are switched on.

Step 8: Select the Correct Input Source

If your screen is still black even though both devices are on, the monitor may be set to the wrong input source. Use the menu buttons or joystick to open the on-screen menu. Look for an option called “Input” or “Source.” Then choose the input that matches your video cable, such as HDMI 1, DisplayPort, or USB-C. Selecting the right source tells the monitor where to look for the signal. This simple adjustment solves a black screen problem more often than people expect.

Step 9: Adjust Basic Settings

Once your image appears, take a quick look at the basics. Check that the brightness is comfortable for your eyes and that the picture fills the screen properly. You can open the on-screen menu to tweak brightness, contrast, and color settings. BenQ monitors often include preset modes for gaming, reading, or movies. Picking the right mode improves your viewing experience right away. There is no need to perfect everything now, but a few small tweaks make a big difference.

Step 10: Confirm Everything Works

Finally, confirm that everything runs smoothly. Move your mouse or type on your keyboard to make sure the display responds. Check that the image is sharp and the colors look natural. If everything looks good, you are all set. Your BenQ monitor is now fully powered on and ready to use. Take a moment to enjoy your clear, bright screen. You have completed the setup successfully and gained the skills to do it again with ease.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Avoid forcing the power button. Pressing too hard or repeatedly can damage the button over time. A single gentle tap is always enough.
Avoid using damaged cables. Frayed or bent cables can cause power issues and even safety hazards. Replace any worn cables before use.
Avoid skipping the input source check. A black screen often means the wrong input is selected, not a broken monitor. Always check this before assuming the worst.

Avoid overloading your power strip. Plugging too many devices into one strip can reduce power flow and cause flickering or shutdowns. Give your monitor a stable, dedicated source when possible.
Avoid ignoring the indicator light. This little light gives you valuable clues. Skipping over it means missing an easy way to diagnose problems.

Conclusion

Turning on a BenQ monitor is a simple task once you understand the steps involved. What may have felt confusing at first is really just a matter of connecting the right cables, pressing the power button, and choosing the correct input source. With a little practice, the whole routine becomes second nature.

In this guide on how to turn on BenQ monitor, we covered the benefits of doing it right, the items you need, and a clear ten-step process that takes you from a blank screen to a fully working display. We also shared the common mistakes to avoid and answered the questions people ask most.

The key takeaways are simple: check your cables, watch the indicator light, turn on your device, and select the right input source.