Connect the Wacom Companion 2 to a computer but has no signal to display; this is a common issue most users face.

This device is pretty expensive, and It gets really frustrating if it suddenly acts up.The no signal message on the screen indicates that the monitor isn’t getting any input from the computer.

Having no image in your Wacom Companion cab be caused by many reasons, including an unstable connection, your monitor is corrupted, the bad hardware condition, etc.

If you’re running into the monitor no signal issue on your Wacom Companion, you’ve come to the right place!

Don’t worry. You’re not alone! You can resolve this issue easily with the 6 effective fixes we listed in this post!

What is a Wacom Companion 2?

Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 is a high-performance mobile computer that supports both pen and touch input, which is very nimble, portable and great for using on the go.

It is a full blown laptop running Windows 8.1 and therefore full versions of PhotoShop or your favorite desktop graphics program.

It has a 13.3-inch 2K IPS screen with 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity as well as tilt sensitivity, and a nice compliment of Expresskeys and touch rings on the sides.

There’s several settings (CPU, RAM and Storage) to pick from. These devices are specifically designed to work with graphics and stuff so it can be an enjoyable experience.

Can Wacom Companion 2 Connect to Another Computer as a drawing tablet?

yes, The Wacom Cintiq companion 2 operates in two different modes: plugged into your computer, or as a completely mobile, battery-powered device.

The Desktop Mode is enabled when the Cintiq Companion 2 is connected to your computer with the 2-in-1 cable, and the Wacom driver software for PC or Mac operation has been installed.

The driver for Desktop Mode can be installed and updated from the General settings tab of Wacom Center.

The Cintiq is in Mobile Mode when it is not connected to your computer with the 2-in-1 cable. When in Mobile Mode, the Cintiq will function as a Windows tablet with pen and touch input capability. The operating system used in Mobile Mode is pre-installed on your Cintiq.

Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 no signal? 7 Fixes

If your Wacom Companion 2 is showing “no signal,” there could be a few possible reasons for this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Fix 1: Check the cable connections

Wacom Companion 2 uses a 2-to-1 cable, make sure all the ends are connected. The HDMI is for video signal, black USB-A is for data.

If you’re seeing the no signal message on your Companion screen, the first thing you should check is whether your compatible video cable is firmly connected or not.

A loose connection between your Wacom Companion and your computer will trigger the monitor’s no-signal issue. In this case, Unplug and connect the cable again to your computer.

If using adapters, please be sure to test with a direct connection if possible, or at least a different adapter as this is very often a point of failure in signal flow.

Fix 2. Check the power

Wacom Companion require its own power source to operate. If there’s no power, “no signal” label may not even show up.

Wacom Companion 2 has its built-in battery, But if the battery is exhausted or even broken, please connect your Wacom Companion to power directly.

If Windows or MacOS display settings can detect the Companion 2 device, but the Companion 2 display is not showing anything, it could be a power issue. Make sure you provide enough power to the Companion 2 tablet.

Fix 3: Check the HDMI Port

If you don’t select the correct input source for your monitor, you’ll also get the no signal issue.

Make sure the HDMI port that the device is plugged into is working properly. When there is a problem with the HDMI interface, it will cause the screen to display no signal.

If possible, You can use the VGA cable or change a computer to test whether the HDMI interface is a problem.

If yopu have a video card, use the HDMI slot of it, not the one from your motherboard.

If your discrete graphics card has two HDMI ports, try both as one could be HDMI IN and the other HDMI OUT. The HDMI cable has to be plugged in the “HDMI out”, not in the “HDMI in”

You can try connecting the tablet directly to a HDMI port of the computer, rather than using a hub or extension.

Sometimes It is not very likely, but you could check if there is any dust in the HDMI port of your graphics card (and also look in the plug, a possible dust lint may have been pushed from the socket into the plug).

Fix 4. Check The Cables Itself

After you tried all the troubleshooting steps above, it may mean the cable is faulty.

If it is a used or old Wacom Companion 2 tablet, then this probability would be more conceivable. You can replace a HDMI cable to test whether it is a problem with your cable.

If the cable cable is faulty, It’s best to get the original 2-in-1 cable from Wacom.

Since Wacom Companion 2 model is too old and has been discontinued，So it’s hard to find a replacement 2-in-1 cable from wacom.

Luckily, you can get a brand new 3-in-1 cable of Cintiq 16, which also works for Companion 2. In this case, you don’t need to plug in one of the USB-A cables (designed for power).

Fix 5. Check the Related Display Settings

If the Companion is connected to a computer or laptop, check the display settings to ensure the Companion is set as the primary or extended display.

On Windows, Right click on the desktop and select “Display Settings”.

In display settings, set the option for multiple displays to “extend these displays” and click apply.

Once selected if the Cintiq shows under the identified monitors on the top, select the Cintiq and make sure the resolution is set to “Recommended.”

On MacOS, Open system preferences and select displays. A display window should open on each display.

On the main display, un-check the “Mirror these displays.” Next, make sure the resolution for the Cintiq is set to “Best for display.”

Fix 6. Update Graphics Card Driver

Update your graphics cards via Device Manager, OS and tablet driver.

You can update your graphics driver manually by going to the manufacturer’s website and searching for the latest driver for your graphics card.

NOTE: The Wacom Driver is not required to get a video signal on your Wacom Display. You should be able to get an image even if the driver is not installed or outdated.

Fix 7. Hardware Issue

If none of the above solutions work, there could be a hardware malfunction with the device, such as a damaged port, display, or internal component.

For example, The Companion 2 utilizes a video controller chip to switch between the Intel Iris eDP (embedded Displayport) input to the internal display and the external HDMI input, which allows the device to be used as an external Cintiq graphics tablet.

This chip is a 521 pin BGA Package called Athena STDP9320. Due to the design flaw this chip will die and will always die, even when replaced.

In this case, contacting Wacom support or visiting a service center would be the best course of action.

Why is my Wacom Companion Black screen and won’t boot?

In this case, Try the replace the CMOS battery if it’s completely dead it might not launch the firmware or turn on.

Look at your system board. You’ll see a coin battery. Pop it out of the socket and install a fresh battery.

If it still doesn’t work after replacing the CMOS Battery, the device may have an internal component failure. In this case, it is best to have it repaired by a professional.

Are there any alternatives to the Wacom Cintiq Companion 2?

If you still want a standalone drawing tablet that runs on windows OS, The two real “direct competitors” to the wacom Companion are the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and 15.8-inch huion kamvas studio 16.

If You don’t need a desktop OS and their creative apps anymore maybe an apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus Android tablet is the way.

I highly recommend the ipad pro, Long battery life without the weight. Great display, zero pen lag. Among many other apps, You have Procreate, Clip Studio, Adobe Fresco, Affinity Photo / Designer and Sketchbook Pro to choose from.

Conclusion

The Companion 2 can act as a secondary display for a Windows or Mac PC and the cable is included in the box (it plugs into the HDMI port of your PC).

For those who have a powerful desktop computer for their day job but lack a Wacom Cintiq pen display for artwork, this is a useful feature.

Note that only Wacom Companion 2 supports this feature. The original Companion 1 was unable to act as a normal Cintiq display if/when connected to external devices.

The reasons for connect Companion 2 to a computer but has no signal may vary depending on various factors, you need to do a check to find the issues and solve them.

Hopefully one of the fixes above can help you resolve this issue. Please leave your comment below if you have any questions.

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