TI-84 Graph Not Showing? 5 Fixes That Actually Work

You typed your equation, pressed GRAPH, and got… a blank screen. Don’t panic — a TI-84 graph not showing is almost never a broken calculator. In nearly every case, it’s one of five simple settings. Work through these fixes in order and your graph will be back in under two minutes.

Fix 1: Make Sure the Equation Is Turned On

Press Y= and look at the = sign next to your equation. If it isn’t highlighted, the calculator is skipping that equation entirely. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor onto the = sign and press ENTER to highlight it. Then press GRAPH.

This is the number-one cause. Equations get deselected silently — often after graphing something else in an earlier class — and there’s no warning.

Fix 2: Reset the Window With ZOOM 6

Your graph may be drawing perfectly — just far outside the visible window. Press ZOOM, then 6 (ZStandard). This resets the viewing window to x from -10 to 10 and y from -10 to 10, which fits most classroom functions.

Still blank? Try ZOOM → 0 (ZoomFit). ZoomFit automatically adjusts the y-range to fit your function, which rescues graphs of things like steep exponentials.

Fix 3: Turn Off Stat Plots

Leftover stat plots from a statistics lesson are the sneakiest culprit. They can hijack the graph screen and show nothing — or something bizarre. Press 2ND → Y= (STAT PLOT). If Plot1, Plot2, or Plot3 says “On,” select it, press ENTER, choose Off, and press ENTER again. Turn all three off, then press GRAPH.

Fix 4: Check That MODE Is Set to Func

Press MODE and look at the fourth line. Func should be highlighted — not Par, Pol, or Seq. If you did parametric or sequence work earlier, the calculator stays in that mode and won’t draw regular y= equations. Highlight Func, press ENTER, then press GRAPH.

While you’re in MODE, also confirm the angle setting (Radian vs. Degree) matches what your class uses — it won’t hide a graph, but it will draw trig functions incorrectly.

Fix 5: Exit Menus and Press GRAPH Properly

After editing in the Y= screen, press 2ND → MODE (QUIT) to make sure you’ve exited every menu, then press the GRAPH button on the top row. Some students press ENTER after typing an equation and expect a graph — ENTER only evaluates; GRAPH draws.

Quick Checklist Before You Ask for Help

Run through this 30-second checklist: equation highlighted in Y=, ZStandard window (ZOOM 6), Stat Plots off, MODE set to Func, and GRAPH actually pressed. If all five check out and the screen is still blank, try a RAM reset (2ND → + (MEM) → 7 (Reset) → 1 (All RAM) → 2 (Reset)) — but note this clears unsaved work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Zooming blindly: after ZStandard, use ZOOM → 2 (Zoom In) and ZOOM → 3 (Zoom Out) to adjust gradually instead of guessing window values.
• Typing the equation on the home screen: equations belong in Y=, not on the home screen.
• Forgetting yesterday’s stat plot: always check STAT PLOT first when a graph looks wrong — it’s the cause more often than you’d think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my TI-84 graph blank even though I entered the equation? The most common reasons are a deselected equation in Y=, a window that doesn’t include the graph, or an active Stat Plot. Work through the five fixes above in order — one of them solves it nearly every time.

What does ZOOM 6 do on the TI-84? ZOOM 6 (ZStandard) resets the viewing window to the standard −10 to 10 range on both axes. It’s the fastest way to recover a “lost” graph.

How do I turn off Stat Plot on a TI-84? Press 2ND → Y=, select each plot that says On, choose Off, and press ENTER. Then press GRAPH.

My graph appears but looks wrong. What should I check? Verify MODE is set to Func with the correct angle setting, confirm Stat Plots are off, then adjust the window with the ZOOM menu or the WINDOW button.

Try It Right Now

Practice every fix above on our free online TI-84 Plus CE — no download needed: https://freeti84calculator.com/. For more step-by-step tutorials, visit the guides hub at https://freeti84calculator.com/guides/.