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Dell S2721QSA Monitor Usage and Troubleshooting Guide

Summary: This article provides information about how to set up and use the Dell S2721QSA monitor. Learn how to troubleshoot common display or video issues with the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

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Instructions

Dell S2721QSA

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Getting Started with your Dell S2721QSA Monitor Dell S2721QSA Monitor Setup, Specifications and Service Manual Dell Drivers & Downloads Warranty and Support Services Frequently Asked Questions
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The key features of the Dell S2721QSA monitor are:

  • 68.47 cm (27 in.) viewable area (measured diagonally).
    3840 x 2160 (16:9) resolution, plus full-screen support for lower resolutions.
  • Supports AMD FreeSync, with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a rapid response time of 4 ms gray to gray in Extreme mode.
  • Color gamut of 99% sRGB.
  • Digital connectivity with DisplayPort and HDMI.
  • S2721Q: Tilt capability.
  • S2721QS/S2721QSA: Tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment capabilities.
  • Dual built-in speakers.
  • Removable stand and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)
    100 mm mounting holes for flexible mounting solutions.
  • Plug and play capability if supported by your system.
  • On-Screen Display (OSD) adjustments for ease of set-up and screen optimization.
  • Supports Picture by Picture (PBP) and Picture in Picture (PIP) Select mode.
  • Power and OSD buttons lock.
  • Security lock slot.
  • <= 0.3 W in Standby Mode.
  • Optimize eye comfort with a flicker-free screen and low blue light feature.
  • The Monitor uses Low Blue Light panel and is compliant with TÜV Rheinland (Hardware Solution) at factory reset or default setting. This built-in low blue light solution reduces hazardous blue light emissions by adjusting display parameters, without sacrificing true-to-life colors.
WARNING: The possible long-term effects of blue light emission from the monitor may damage your eyes, including eye fatigue or digital eye strain. The ComfortView feature is designed to reduce the amount of blue light that is emitted from the monitor to optimize eye comfort.
WARNING: Do not mount this monitor in vertical orientation due to the risk of damaging the monitor.

This section provides some technical specifications of the Dell S2721QSA monitor. For more information, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

Table 1: Technical specifications of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.
Ports and connectors
  • 1 x DisplayPort version 1.2
  • 2 x HDMI ports version 2.0
  • 1 x audio line-out port

For the best viewing experience, assemble the monitor stand, connect and organize the cables, and set up the monitor ergonomically.

Attaching the stand

The standard monitor stand is detached when the monitor is shipped from the factory. To learn how to attach the standard monitor stand, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

To learn how to set up any other monitor stand or monitor arm, see the setup guide of the product.

CAUTION: Do not remove the monitor from the packaging box before attaching the stand.
NOTE: The Dell S2721QSA monitor is very heavy, handle with extreme care. It is recommended to have two people lift or move this monitor.

Ergonomics

Where you put your monitor is almost as important as what model you buy.

  • The monitor should be directly in front of you, at an arm’s length away (between 20-40 inches from your eyes).
  • The top edge of the screen should be set at eye level when you are sitting comfortably. Adjust your chair height or the height of the monitor to achieve this.

Connecting your monitor to the computer

To connect your Dell S2721QSA monitor to your computer:

WARNING: Read and follow Safety Precautions When Working with Electronic and Electrical Equipment.
NOTE: Dell S2721QSA supports display over USB-C port with Alternate mode DP 1.4. Ensure that the USB-C port on your computer supports Alternate mode DP 1.2 or above.
  1. Turn off the computer.
  2. Connect the power cable to the monitor.
  3. Connect the video cable (USB-C, DisplayPort, or HDMI) between the computer and the monitor.
    NOTE: Setting up the monitor with a Dell docking station? Learn How to Connect and Set Up a Docking Station With a Dell Laptop.
    NOTE: Setting up more than one monitor? Learn How to Set up Multiple Monitors or see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.
  4. Connect the USB upstream cable between the monitor and computer (if available).
  5. Turn on the monitor.
  6. Turn on the computer.

For additional product-specific information, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

Dell S2721QSA monitor orientation must always be in landscape mode. This includes any wall-mounted monitors, monitors on a stand, or a monitor arm. In a multiple monitor setup, Dell S2721QSA should not be rotated either to 180° (landscape) or 90° (portrait).

CAUTION: Dell S2721QSA setup must comply with the recommended panel orientation and working angle only. Setting up the monitor in an orientation that is not recommended may damage the monitor and/or cause a safety hazard.

When setting up your Dell S2721QSA monitor, ensure that the monitor front panel buttons are at the bottom right.

Using the tilt, swivel, and vertical extension

WARNING: The monitor should not be rotated 180° (landscape). The monitor should not be orientated at 90° (portrait).
NOTE: This is applicable for a monitor with a stand. When any other stand is bought, see the respective stand setup guide.

With the stand that is attached to the monitor, you can tilt and swivel the monitor for the most comfortable viewing angle.

Using Tilt and Swivel on Dell S2721QSA
Figure 1: Using Tilt and Swivel on Dell S2721QSA monitor.

When mounted on the wall or on a monitor arm, the setup must comply with the recommended panel orientation and working angle.

Orientation of Dell S2721QSA
Figure 2: Orientation of Dell S2721QSA.

Rotateof Dell S2721QSA
Figure 3: Rotate of Dell S2721QSA

Use the buttons on the monitor to access the on-screen display (OSD) menu of the monitor. To access the on-screen display (OSD) menu, press Button 3 (Figure 4) at the bottom of the monitor.

To learn more about navigating through the on-screen display (OSD) menu, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

NOTE: Any changes that you make are automatically saved. Whenever you move to another menu item, exit the OSD menu, or wait for the OSD menu to automatically close.

Dell S2721QSA front panel buttons
Figure 4: Dell S2721QSA front panel buttons.

Table 2: Buttons on the Dell S2721QSA monitor.
Button Function Description
Button 1 Shortcut key/Preset Modes Use this button to choose from a list of preset color modes.
Button 2 Shortcut key/Volume To directly access the Volume adjustment slider.
Button 3 Menu Use the MENU button to launch the On-Screen Display (OSD).
Button 4 Exit Use this button to exit the OSD main menu.
Button 5 Power (with power light indicator) To turn the monitor on or off. Solid white light indicates that the monitor is turned on and functioning normally. Blinking white light indicates that the monitor is in Standby Mode.

Resetting a monitor to factory defaults can help resolve many video or display-related issues. To reset your Dell S2721QSA monitor to factory default settings:

  1. Press Button 3 (Figure 4) to go to OSD Setting.
  2. Go to Others, select Factory Rest
  3. Confirm and the Dell S2721QSA will restore all preset values to factory default.

Dell S2721QSA Factory Reset
Figure 5: Dell S2721QSA Factory Reset

If the Dell monitor has a blank screen, blurry image, flickering, or other screen abnormalities, running a diagnostic test helps determine if the Dell monitor is functioning normally.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, verify that the monitor is working correctly by running a diagnostic test.

  • Your computer does not turn on or shows any sign of power.
  • Your computer does not show any indication of activity, the screen is blank and does not display the Dell logo during start-up.
  • Your computer is stuck at the Dell logo screen or does not respond to any keys during start-up.
  • You cannot see any display on the screen.
  • You can hear the windows chime but no display is seen.

Self-Test Feature Check

Your Dell S2721QSA monitor provides a self-test feature check that allows you to check if 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 following these steps:

  1. Turn off the computer and the monitor.
  2. Unplug the video cable from the back of the computer. To ensure proper self-test operation, disconnect the video cable (VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable) from the back of the computer.
  3. Turn on the monitor. A floating dialog box should appear on-screen (against a black background), if the monitor cannot sense a video signal and is working correctly. While in self-test mode, the power LED remains white. Also, depending upon the selected input, the dialog box will continuously scroll through the screen.
  4. This box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged.
  5. Turn off the monitor and reconnect the video cable.
  6. Turn on the computer and the monitor.

If the monitor screen remains blank after you use the above procedure, check your video card (GPU) and computer, because your monitor is functioning properly.

Built-In Self-Test or Built-In Diagnostics

Your Dell S2721QSA monitor has an integrated diagnostic tool. It helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is a problem with the monitor or with the video card on your computer.

If you notice any screen abnormalities, it is a good practice to isolate the monitor by running the built-in diagnostics (BID).

  1. Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).
  2. Press and hold Button 4(Figure 4) for about 4 seconds until a pop menu appears.
  3. Use Button 1 or Button 2 to select the diagnostic tool and use Button 3 to confirm. A gray test pattern appears at the beginning of the diagnostic program.
  4. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  5. Press Button 1 again to change the test patterns.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to inspect the display in red, green, blue, black, white, and text screens.
  7. Press Button 1 to end the diagnostic program.

If you do not detect any screen abnormalities in the diagnostics test, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card (GPU) and the computer.

If you notice any abnormalities in the diagnostics test, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options.

During the LCD manufacturing process, it is not uncommon for one or more pixels to become fixed in an unchanging state. Such pixel issues are hard to see and do not affect the display quality or usability. Learn more about Dell LCD Monitor Pixel Guidelines.

The following table contains information about troubleshooting common display-related issues on your Dell S2721QSA monitor.

Alternatively, learn How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor or check our Dell monitor self-help guide.

Table 3: Troubleshooting common display issues on Dell S2721QSA monitor.
Common Problem What User Experiences Possible Solution
No Video - Power LED Off No picture.
  • Ensure that the power cable connecting to the monitor is properly connected and secure.
  • Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly by using any other electrical equipment.
  • Ensure that the power button is pressed fully.
  • Test with a known-good cable and known-good computer if possible.
No Video - Power LED On No picture or no brightness.
Poor Focus Picture is fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting.
Shaky or Jittery Video Wavy picture or fine movement.
Missing Pixels LCD screen has spots.
  • Turn off the monitor and then turn on the monitor after a few minutes.
  • Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
  • Run the built-in diagnostic (BID) test.
Stuck On/Off Pixels LCD screen has bright spot.
Brightness Problems Picture too dim or too bright.
Geometric Distortion Screen not centered correctly.
NOTE: When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Horizontal or Vertical Lines Screen has one or more lines.
NOTE: When using DisplayPort input, the positioning adjustments are not available.
Synchronization Problems Screen is scrambled or appears torn.
Safety-Related Issues Visible signs of smoke or sparks.
Intermittent Problems Monitor malfunctions on and off.
Missing Color Picture does not have color.
  • Run the monitor self-test feature check.
  • Ensure 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.
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.
Screen image is too small. Image is centered on screen, but does not fill entire viewing area.
Image Ghosting Fast moving images leave a trail of shadow images.

On certain videos and applications with fast-moving images, imaging ghosting, which appears as a trailing shadow, may occur.

Change the Response Time to Fast using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu.
No Input Signal when user controls are pressed. No picture, the power LED light is white.
  • Check the signal source. Ensure that the computer is not in power-saving mode by moving the mouse or pressing any key on the keyboard.
  • Ensure that the video cable is connected properly with the monitor and the computer.
  • Restart the computer.
The picture does not fill the entire screen. The picture cannot fill the height or width of the screen.
Monitor has sound icon when Dell S2721QSA is connected to a laptop using HDMI.

Dell S2721QSA does not support audio or sound using HDMI. Speakers or headphones must be connected using the audio connector on the computer.

To resolve the audio icon displaying, update the video or graphics (GPU) driver to the latest version. Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers.

The following table contains information about troubleshooting USB issues on your Dell S2721QSA monitor.

Table 4: Troubleshooting USB issues on Dell S2721QSA monitor.
Troubleshooting USB Issues
Specific Symptoms What User Experiences Possible Solution
USB interface is not working. USB devices are not working.
  • Check that your monitor is turned On.
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB devices (downstream connector).
  • Switch Off and then turn On the monitor again.
  • Reboot the computer.
  • Some USB devices such as an external hard drive require a higher electric current, connect the device directly to the computer.
High-Speed USB 3.0 interface is slow. High-Speed USB 3.0 devices working slowly or not working at all
  • Check that your computer is USB 3.0 capable.
  • Some computers have USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 ports.
  • Ensure that the correct USB port is used.
  • Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer.
  • Reconnect the USB devices (downstream connector).
  • Reboot the computer.
Wireless USB devices stop working when a USB 3.0 device is plugged in. Wireless USB devices responding slowly or only working as the distance between itself and its receiver decreases.
  • Increase the distance between the USB 3.0 devices and the wireless USB receiver.
  • Position your wireless USB receiver as close as possible to the wireless USB devices.
  • Use a USB-extender cable to position the wireless USB receiver as far away as possible from the USB 3.0 port.
USB-C port does not supply power. USB devices cannot be charged.
  • Check that the connected device is compliant with the USB-C specification. The USB-C port supports USB 3.1 with speeds up to 10 Gbps and an output of 90 W.
  • Ensure you use the USB-C cable shipped with your monitor.
USB ports on the monitor do not work when the monitor is connected to a computer using USB-C. If the monitor is powered-off and powered-on too quickly, the laptop will not recognize the system change.
  1. Turn off the monitor.
  2. Wait for 5 seconds.
  3. Turn on the monitor.
Monitor does not wake up using the USB keyboard or mouse that is connected to the monitor. In sleep mode, the monitor does not receive power to the USB 3.0 ports. Wake up the laptop using the built-in keyboard or touchpad

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, click to expand a section below.

NOTE: If you do not see the recommended resolution as an option, update the video card (GPU) driver of your Dell computer from https://www.dell.com/support/drivers or the video card (GPU) manufacturer's website. Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers.

Using Windows Display Settings

In Windows 8 or 8.1, and Windows 7:

  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. If you have more than one monitor connected, ensure that you select S2721QSA.
  4. Click the Screen Resolution dropdown list and select 3840 x 2160.
  5. Click OK.

In Windows 10 and Windows 11:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and click Display settings.
  2. If you have more than one monitor connected, ensure to select S2721QSA.
  3. Click the Display Resolution dropdown list and select 3840 x 2160.
  4. Click Keep changes.

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 3840 x 2160.
  5. Click Apply.

Using AMD Catalyst Control Center

To change the resolution using the AMD Catalyst Control Center:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and click AMD Catalyst Control Center.
  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 3840 x 2160.
  5. Click Apply.

The Dell S2721QSA monitor has two built-in diagnostics that are available:

  • Self-Test Feature Check - The self-test feature check on the Dell S2721QSA monitor allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly.

  • Built-In Self-Test - The Dell S2721QSA 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 such as distortion, clarity, horizontal or vertical lines, color fade. It is always a good practice to isolate the monitor by running the built-in diagnostics.

Learn how to run a diagnostic test on the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

The troubleshooting section of this article provides information about troubleshooting common issues with your Dell S2721QSA monitor.

This 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, and so on.

Learn how to access the on-screen display (OSD) menu on the Dell S2721QSA monitor. For additional product-specific information, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

Information about the monitor such as the model number, firmware version, and Service Tag can be accessed using the on-screen display (OSD) menu of the monitor.

Learn how to access the on-screen display (OSD) menu on the Dell S2721QSA monitor. For additional product-specific information, see the user manual of the Dell S2721QSA monitor.

For information about the supported orientation to set up the Dell S2721QSA monitor, see the monitor orientation section of this article.

Affected Products

Dell S2721QSA
Article Properties
Article Number: 000207068
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2024
Version:  3
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