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How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell S2718D Monitor

Summary: Learn how to setup and use Dell S2718D monitor. Find troubleshooting instructions for common video or display issues.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Article summary: This article provides information on how to use & troubleshoot your Dell S2718D monitor, key features of Dell S2718D monitor, technical specifications, how to setup your Dell S2718D monitor, how to find the documentation or manuals for Dell S2718D monitor, how to reset the monitor to factory default settings and troubleshooting steps to resolve common issues on Dell S2718D monitor.

Table of Contents

Key Features of Dell S2718D Monitor

The Dell S2718D monitor has an active matrix, Thin-Film transistor (TFT), liquid crystal display (LCD), and LED backlight. The monitor features include:

  • 2560 x 1440 resolution with full-screen support for lower resolutions
  • Mega dynamic contrast ratio (8,000,000:1)
  • Single USB Type-C to supply power to compatible notebook while receiving video signal and USB data
  • Adapted "High Dynamic Range" appropriate for monitor usage
  • Optimize eye comfort with a flicker-free screen and ComfortView feature which minimizes blue light emission
  • Dell display manager software (available on the disc shipped with the monitor)
  • 0.5 W standby power when in the sleep mode
  • Analog backlight dimming control for flicker free display
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Monitor Specifications

This section provides some specifications of the Dell S2718D monitor. For more information about the Dell S2718D monitor, refer to the User Guide at the Dell Manuals website.

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Setting Up Your Dell S2718D Monitor

This section provides information on How to Setup Your Monitor.

  • Attaching the Stand - Refer to the Setting Up The Monitor section in the User's Guide on Connecting the Stand to your Dell S2718D Monitor.
  • Connecting the Monitor - Refer to the knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a Computer?. Alternatively, you can also refer to the Setting Up The Monitor in the User's Guide for your Dell S2718D Monitor.
  • Ports & Connectors - Refer to the User's Guide for your Dell S2718D Monitor for more information on the Ports & Connectors available on your Dell S2718D Monitor.
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Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu

Use the buttons at the bottom of the monitor to access the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu of the monitor. To access the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, press Button 3 at the bottom of the monitor.

For more information on Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu, refer to the Operating Your Monitor section in the User's Guide for Dell S2718D monitor.

SLN305738_en_US__1icon Note: Any changes you make are automatically saved when you move to another menu item, exit the OSD menu, or wait for the OSD menu to automatically close.

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Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines

During the LCD Monitor manufacturing process, it is not uncommon for one or more pixels to become fixed in an unchanging state which are hard to see and do not affect the display quality or usability. For more information, refer to the Dell knowledge-base article Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines.

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Reset to Factory Settings

To reset your Dell S2718D monitor to factory default settings, follow these instructions:

  1. Press Button 3 (Figure 1)on the monitor to enter the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.
  2. Press Button 1 or Button 2 to highlight Others option in the menu and press Button 3 to select.
  3. Press Button 1 or Button 2 to highlight Factory Reset option in the menu and press Button 3 to select.
  4. Press Button 3 to confirm the reset action.
SLN305738_en_US__2I_S2718D_FP_Button_TM_V1
Figure 1: Front Panel Buttons

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How to run the Monitor Self-Test Feature Check?

It is always essential to isolate the monitor while troubleshooting your computer for the following scenarios:

  • No Power - Your computer is not powering ON or showing any signs of power.
  • No POST - Your computer is not showing any indication of activity, the screen might be blank and will not display the Dell logo during start-up.
  • No Video - You are unable to see any display on the screen, able to hear the windows chime but no display is seen.

Your Dell S2718D Monitor provides a self-test feature check that allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly. If the monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps:

  1. Turn off both your computer and the monitor.
  2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove the video cables (VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort) from the back of the computer.
  3. Turn on the monitor.
  4. Turn off your monitor and reconnect the video cable: then turn on both your computer and the monitor.
  5. If your monitor screen remains blank after you use the previous procedure, check your video card (GPU) and computer, because your monitor is functioning properly.
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How to run the Built-In Self Test diagnostics?

Your Dell S2718D monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is a problem with the monitor or with the video card on your computer.

When you notice screen abnormalities like distortion, clarity, horizontal or vertical lines, color fade etc., it is always a good practise to isolate the monitor by running the Built-In Diagnostics.

  1. Make sure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
  2. Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or the monitor. The monitor will now enter self-test mode.
  3. On the front panel, press and hold Button 1 for 5 seconds. A gray screen appears.
  4. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  5. Press Button 1 on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.
  6. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.
  7. Repeat step 5 and step 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white and text screens.
  8. The test is complete when the white screen appears.
  9. Press Button 1 to exit the Built-In Self Test diagnostics.
SLN305738_en_US__1icon Note: If you do not detect any screen abnormalities upon using the built-in diagnostic tool, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card (GPU) and the computer.
If you notice any abnormalities during Built-In Diagnostics, you may get the monitor repaired/replaced if it is under warranty by contacting Dell Technical Support.

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Troubleshooting

This section provides information on troubleshooting steps that can help resolve the most common issues with the Dell S2718D monitor. Click to expand the section to find more information.

Common Problem What User Experiences Possible Solution
No Video - Power LED Off No picture
  • Make sure that the power cable connecting the monitor is properly connected and secure.
  • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment.
  • Make sure that the power button is depressed fully.
  • Test with known good cable and known good system if possible.
No Video - Power LED On No picture or no brightness.
  • Increase the brightness and contrast of the monitor through On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Reseat both ends of video cable.
  • Try with known good video cable.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
  • Make sure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button.
  • Test monitor with known good system if available.
Poor Focus Picture is fuzzy, blurry or ghosting.
Shaky/Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement.
Missing Pixels LCD screen has spots.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Stuck-On/Off Pixels LCD screen has bright spot.
  • Cycle power on-off.
  • A few permanently bright or dark pixels are considered normal by industry standards. The exact number of pixels allowed varies depending on the monitor. Refer to Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy for more details.
  • Run the built-in diagnostics.
Brightness Problems Picture too dim or too bright.
Geometric Distortion Screen not centered correctly.
SLN305738_en_US__1icon When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Horizontal/Vertical Lines Screen has one or more lines.
SLN305738_en_US__1icon When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Synchronization Problems Screen is scrambled or appears torn.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Perform Auto Adjust via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust Phase and Pixel Clock controls via On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
  • Restart the computer in the power safe mode.
Safety-Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks.
  • Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.
  • Contact Dell Technical Support immediately.
Intermittent Problems Monitor malfunctions on and off.
  • Make sure that the video cable is connected properly with the monitor and the computer.
  • Reset the monitor to the Factory Settings.
  • Run the self-test feature and determine if the intermittent problem occurs in the self-test mode.
Missing Color Picture does not have color.
  • Run the monitor self-test feature check.
  • Make sure that the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly and is secure.
  • Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
Wrong Color Picture color is not good.
  • Change the color-setting mode in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD) to Graphics or Video, depending on the application.
  • Try a different color preset setting in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Adjust the R, G, B value in the Color Settings OSD, if Color Management is turned off.
  • Change the input color format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Color Settings On-Screen Display Menu (OSD).
  • Run the built-in diagnostic tool.
Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the Monitor for a Long Period Faint shadow from the static image appears on the screen.
  • Use the Power Management feature to turn off the monitor when it is not in use.
  • Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver.
  • Use LCD Conditioning feature under Other Settings to eliminate image retention.

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Documentation

To view or download the User's Guide or Manuals for your Dell S2718D monitor, follow these instructions:

  1. Visit the Dell Manuals website.
  2. Click View Products button under Browse for a Product.
  3. Select Monitors & Projectors and then Select Monitors.
  4. From the list, click on Dell S2718D monitor.
  5. Click on PDF next to the required document.
    • Click on More Languages to view the list of available language options.
    • Click on PDF next to the preferred choice of language.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Click the sections below for more information. Alternatively, click on Show all or Hide all, to expand or close all the sections simultaneously.

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Using Windows Display Settings

In Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10:

  1. For Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 only, select the Desktop tile to switch to classic desktop view.
  2. Right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution.
  3. Click the dropdown list of the Screen Resolution and select xxxx.
  4. Click OK

Using Nvidia Control Panel

To change the resolution using the Nvidia Control Panel:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and click Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Click the + symbol next to Display on the left pane.
  3. Select Change Resolution under Display.
  4. In the dropdown menu on the right pane, select the resolution xxxx.
  5. Click Apply.

Using AMD Catalyst Control Center

To change the resolution using the Nvidia Control Panel:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and click Nvidia Control Panel.
  2. Click the + symbol next to Display on the left pane.
  3. Select Change Resolution under Display.
  4. In the dropdown menu on the right pane, select the resolution xxxx.
  5. Click Apply.
SLN305738_en_US__1icon Note: If you do not see the recommended resolution as an option, you may need to update the video card (GPU) driver by visiting the Dell Drivers & Downloads website or the video card (GPU) manufacturers website.

To reset the Dell S2718D Monitor to factory defaults, refer to the Reset to Factory Settings section of this article.

The Dell S2718D monitor has two diagnostics available.

  • Self-Test Feature Check - The self-test feature check on the Dell S2718D monitor allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly.
    Refer to the How to run the monitor Self-Test Feature Check? section of this Dell knowledge-base article.
  • Built-In Self Test - The Dell S2718D monitor has a built-in self test that helps you identify if the screen abnormality is with the monitor or the video card (GPU) on your computer. When you notice screen abnormalities like distortion, clarity, horizontal or vertical lines, color fade etc., it is always a good practise to isolate the monitor by running the Built-In Diagnostics.
    Refer to the How to run the Built-In Self Test diagnostics? section of this Dell knowledge-base article.

The Troubleshooting section of this Dell knowledge-base article provides information on troubleshooting common issues with the Dell S2718D monitor. The section has troubleshooting steps on how to resolve power issues, video issues, color or clarity issues, distortion issues, horizontal or vertical lines, brightness issues or pixel issues etc,.

To navigate the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, use the buttons on the monitor. The monitor control buttons are usually on the right side , either on the side, front or bottom of the monitor. To access the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, press Button 3 on the monitor.
For more information on using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu and different menu options, refer to the Operating Your Monitor section of the User Guide of the Dell S2718D monitor.


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Affected Products

Dell S2718D
Article Properties
Article Number: 000142597
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Feb 2021
Version:  4
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