Systems, devices, and methods for using a hot plug detect (HPD) signal to reduce turn on time of a backlight of a display are disclosed. The backlight controller may pre-charge the backlight based at least in part on receiving the HPD signal prior to receiving a BL_EN signal to turn on the backlight. The HPD signal may be a multipurpose signal used by components of a system in addition to the backlight driver. The backlight driver may turn on the pre-charged backlight immediately upon receiving the BL_EN signal. The backlight controller may maintain the pre-charge of the backlight while the device is in a sleep state to reduce the turn on time of the backlight from the sleep state. Embodiments of the HPD signal may also power down the display and backlight.