Dell S3221QSA Monitor Usage and Troubleshooting Guide

Summary: This article provides information about how to set up and use the Dell S3221QSA monitor. Learn how to troubleshoot common display or video issues with the Dell S3221QSA monitor.

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Instructions

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The key features of the Dell S3221QSA monitor are:

  • 80 cm (31.5 in.) viewable area display (measured diagonally).
  • 3840 x 2160 (16:9) resolution, with full-screen support for lower resolutions.
  • Supports AMD FreeSync or No Sync, a rapid response time of 4 milliseconds.
  • Supports 40 Hz to 60 Hz (HDMI) and 40 Hz to 60 Hz (DisplayPort) in FreeSync Mode.
  • Supports High Dynamic Range.
  • Supports Picture by Picture (PBP) and Picture in Picture (PIP) modes.
  • Build-in Speaker (5 W) x 2.
  • Supports Audio line out to connect external speaker or sub-woofer.
  • Color gamut of 99% sRGB.
  • Digital connectivity with DP and HDMI.
  • Equipped with one USB upstream port and two USB downstream ports.
  • Plug-and-play capability if supported by your computer.
  • On-Screen Display (OSD) adjustments for ease of setup and screen optimization.
  • Removable stand and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) 100 mm mounting holes for flexible mounting solutions.
  • Tilt and height adjustment capabilities.
  • Security lock slot.
  • ≤0.3 W in Standby Mode.
  • Compatible with Dell Display Manager.
  • The Monitor adopts Flicker-Free technology, which clears the eye visible flicker, brings comfort viewing experience and preventing users suffer from eye strain and fatigue.
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.

This section provides some technical specifications of the Dell S3221QSA monitor. For more information, see the user manual of the Dell S3221QSA monitor.

Table 1: Technical specifications of the Dell S3221QSA monitor.
Screen type
  • Active matrix-TFT LCD
Panel type
  • Vertical Alignment
Maximum resolution
  • 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
Viewing angle
  • Horizontal - 178° (typical)
  • Vertical - 178° (typical)
Contrast ratio
  • 3000 to 1 (typical)
Response time (Gray to Gray
  • Normal mode 8 ms
  • Fast mode 5 ms
  • Extreme mode 4 ms
    NOTE: The 4 ms gray-to-gray mode is achievable in the Extreme mode to reduce visible motion blur and increased image responsiveness. However, this may introduce some slight and noticeable visual artifacts into the image. As every computer setup and every user's needs are different modes to find the setting that is right for them.
Color gamut
  • sRGB CIE 1931 (99%) CIE1976 (98.8%)
  • DCI P3 CIE 1931 (90%) CIE1976 (92.4%)
Color depth
  • 1.07 billion colors
Ports and connectors
  • 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 (3840 x 2160, up to 60 Hz)
  • 2 x HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (3840 x 2160, up to 60 Hz)
  • 1 x USB 3.0 upstream
  • 1 x USB 3.0 downstream
  • 1 x USB 3.0 downstream with BC 1.2 charging
  • 1 x 1 x Audio line out

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 S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor is 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 S3221QSA monitor to your computer:

WARNING: Read and follow Safety Precautions When Working with Electronic and Electrical Equipment.
  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 S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor.

CAUTION: Dell S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor, ensure that the monitor front panel buttons are at the bottom right.

Using the tilt, slant angle, and vertical extension

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, adjust height and slant angle of the monitor for the most comfortable viewing angle.

Tilt and slant on Dell S3221QSA monitor
Figure 1: Using tilt and slant angle on Dell S3221QSA monitor.

The slant angle of this monitor is between -4 degrees and +4 degrees, it does not allow pivot movements.

Dell S3221QSA - vertical extension
Figure 2: Vertical extension on Dell S3221QSA monitor

Wall Mounting (Optional)

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

Wall Mounting (Optional) the Dell S3221QSA monitor
Figure 3: Wall Mounting (Optional) the Dell S3221QSA monitor

See the instructions that come with the VESA-compatible base mounting kit.

  1. Place the monitor panel on a soft cloth or cushion on a stable flat table.
  2. Remove the stand. To learn how to detach the standard monitor stand, see the user manual of the Dell S3221QSA monitor.
  3. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the plastic cover.
  4. Attach the mounting bracket from the wall mounting kit to the monitor.
  5. Mount the monitor on the wall by following the instructions that came with the base mounting kit.

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 (see 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 S3221QSA 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.

Front panel buttons on Dell S3221QSA monitor
Figure 4: Front panel buttons on Dell S3221QSA monitor

Table 2: Buttons on the Dell S3221QSA monitor.
Button Function Description
Button 1 Shortcut key for Preset Modes Use this button to choose from a list of preset color modes.
Button 2 Shortcut key for adjusting volume Use this button to adjust the volume. Minimum is 0 (-). Maximum is 100 (+).
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 button (with LED indicator) A solid white light indicates that the monitor is On and fully functional. Blinking white light indicates the power save mode.

Resetting a monitor to factory defaults can help resolve many video or display-related issues. To reset your Dell S3221QSA monitor to factory default settings:

  1. Press Button 3 (Figure 5) 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.

Factory Reset in Other Option on Dell S3221QSA OSD Menu
Figure 5: Dell S3221QSA OSD menu shows Factory Reset in Other option

If the Dell monitor has a blank screen, blurry image, flickering, or other screen abnormalities, running a diagnostic test helps determine whether 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 S3221QSA 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 (HDMI or DisplayPort) 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.

No HDMI cable
Figure 6: No HDMI Cable

No DP cable
Figure 7: No DP Cable

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 S3221QSA 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. Unplug the video cables from the back of the computer or the monitor. The monitor will now enter self-test mode.
  3. Press and hold the Exit button for four seconds to enter the OSD lock/unlock menu.

    S3221QSA OSD lock/unlock menu appears when Exit button is pressed for four seconds
    Figure 8: Dell S3221QSA monitor OSD lock/unlock menu

  4. Select the diagnostic icon to run the built-in diagnostics.

    run the built-in diagnostics
    Figure 9: Dell S3221QSA monitor OSD lock/unlock menu

  5. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.
  6. Press the Left button (button 1) again. The color of the screen changes to grey.
  7. Inspect the display for any abnormalities.
  8. Repeat step 6 and 7 to inspect the display in red, green, blue, black, white, and text pattern screens.

The test is complete when the text pattern screen appears. To exit, press the Left button (button 1) again.

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 S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA 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.
Horizontal or Vertical Lines Screen has one or more lines.
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 n Windows Power Options or Mac Energy Saver setting 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.
Video Ghosting Fast moving frames 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.
Cannot adjust the monitor with the buttons on the front panel. OSD does not appear on the screen
  • Turn off the monitor, unplug the monitor power cable, plug it back, and then turn on the monitor.
  • Check if the OSD menu is locked. If yes, press and hold the Exit button (button 4) for four seconds to unlock.
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.

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 11, Windows 10, 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 the desktop and click Screen Resolution.
  3. Click the dropdown list of the Screen Resolution and select 3840 x 2160.
  4. Click OK.

Using Nvidia Control Panel

To change the resolution using the NVIDIA Control Panel:

  1. Right-click 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 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 S3221QSA monitor has two built-in diagnostics that are available:

  • Self-Test Feature Check - The self-test feature check on the Dell S3221QSA monitor allows you to check whether the monitor is functioning properly.

    Built-In Self-Test - The Dell S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor.

The troubleshooting section of this article provides information about troubleshooting common issues with your Dell S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor. For additional product-specific information, see the user manual of the Dell S3221QSA 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 S3221QSA monitor. For additional product-specific information, see the user manual of the Dell S3221QSA monitor.

For information about the supported orientation to set up the Dell S3221QSA monitor, see the monitor orientation section of this article.

 

Affected Products

Dell S3221QSA
Article Properties
Article Number: 000206781
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 25 Jul 2025
Version:  4
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