> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/troubleshoot/tsg-pen-display-turns-on-and-off.md).

# TSG: Pen display turns on and off constantly

## Symptoms

In this situation, when your pen display is plugged in you may see something shown on the screen for a moment, then nothing is shown on the screen for a moment, then it cycles and shows something on the screen again. This cycling will go on forever.

When it is on you may see that the screen is just showing a field of a solid white color. Or you may see a brand logo or some other indication that the display panel is actually working.

I highly recommend you review: [Connecting a pen display](/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display.md)

## Primary causes

### Pen display not getting enough power

Overwhelmingly the primary cause of this cycling seems to be that the pen display is not getting enough power.

If you're connecting through a three-in-one cable, make sure that the power is coming from an AC adapter instead of from a computer. Often computers can't deliver enough power, especially when the pen display is larger than 13 inches.

If you are connecting via a USB-C cable, then try a different port because it may supply enough power. Or you may have to switch to using a 3-in-1 cable.

## Potential but rarer causes

### Ambient heat

I've encountered a situation where someone's pen display performed this power cycling, but it was not due to being underpowered. It was related to how warm the pen display was getting due to the current weather conditions. See: [r/huion - Help: Kamvas 13 turning on and off repeatedly](https://www.reddit.com/r/huion/comments/1fzfihm/help_kamvas_13_turning_on_and_off_repeatedly/).

This is EXTREMELY rare and I suspect linked to a defect in that specific tablet. It is not something to expect from a tablet.