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Key Takeaways
- Check TV cables for damage and fraying to ensure the power supply is uninterrupted. Purchase a new cable if needed.
- Disconnect and reconnect the TV to a power source to resolve minor issues. Check the wall socket for damage or debris.
- Reset the circuit breaker box if it tripped to restore the power supply. Avoid trying to fix internal TV components on your own.
You try to turn on your TV in the hopes of streaming your favorite show, only to be greeted by a blank screen that won’t come to life. Understandably, you’re upset, but before you panic, try these fixes.
1 Check Your Cables
The first step to troubleshooting a TV that won’t turn on is to check its cables for any signs of damage or wear. A damaged cable can cause interruptions to the power supply, which might be the reason for your TV not turning on. If there are no visible signs of damage, run your fingers along the length of the cable to feel for bulges, minor cuts, or irregularities. If you see or feel any signs of wear or damage, you’ll need to replace the cable.
If the main cable is not damaged and does not show signs of fraying, ensure that it is securely plugged into the power outlet on the wall and your TV. While you’re at it, check the ports on the TV for signs of damage as well. If any ports are damaged, you might have to get them repaired through an authorized service center.
2 Disconnect and Reconnect to the Power Source
Disconnecting the main cable from the power source and reconnecting it can resolve minor software or hardware issues. When you unplug your TV from the power source, be sure to inspect the wall socket to ensure there is no damage or debris that might be affecting your TV’s performance.
If you don’t spot any issues, plug the cord back into the power source after a couple of minutes and try turning it on. If this doesn’t work, plug another device into the same power outlet to check whether the problem lies with the outlet and not the appliance that is plugged into it. If the other device doesn’t turn on, you know what the issue is.
3 Check the Circuit Breaker Box
The breaker box is one of the primary electrical hubs in your home. If one or more of the circuit breakers trip, this could cut off electricity to certain parts of the house or to certain appliances, like your TV.
Circuit breakers trip for a variety of reasons, but a trip usually happens because of an overloaded circuit. So, for instance, if you have multiple appliances, like your TV, robot vacuum, and heater, running on the same circuit, they end up drawing more power than the outlet can handle, which then leads to tripping.
To determine if a trip is causing power interruptions that result in your TV not turning on, locate the breaker box and look for any switches that are tripped to the “off” position. If you spot any such switches, reset them by turning them back on.
4 Check if the Backlight Is Defective
If you’ve not been able to spot any issues with the TV’s hardware or the power distribution system in your home, there’s a chance your TV is not turning on because of a defective backlight. If the backlight is damaged, your TV’s screen will not illuminate. To test if the backlight is defective, turn off all the lights and make sure the room is entirely dark.
Turn on the TV, shine a flashlight on the screen, and look for images or text. If you see anything, even faintly, it indicates that the backlight is not working. You’ll need to contact an authorized service center to have the backlight repaired.
Keep in mind that repairing a TV’s backlight can get expensive, so be sure to get a quote for the repair and evaluate whether it makes sense to repair the TV or replace it with a new model.
5 Replace Your Remote
If you’re using a physical remote to turn your TV on, check whether the batteries are functioning properly. Replace the existing batteries with new ones and try to turn on the TV. If nothing happens, be sure to check whether the remote is damaged or faulty.
You can confirm if the fault lies with the remote by using the physical power button on the TV to turn it on. If that doesn’t work or isn’t an option, download a TV remote app onto your phone and use it in place of a regular remote.
6 Reset the TV
If none of the above-mentioned tips have worked, your last resort is to attempt a factory reset. While factory resets resolve a number of issues, they restore the TV’s settings back to their default modes. This means you’ll have to set your TV up again and adjust the settings to your preferences.
The steps to reset your TV will vary; for instance, if you own a Samsung smart TV, you’ll need to follow a specific set of steps to reset it, which might be different from other brands.
Since your TV’s screen isn’t powering on, you’ll need to look for the physical reset button, which you’re likely to find on the connector panel or the back of the TV. Press the reset button with either a paper clip or a pen, and hold it down for around 15 seconds. Release the button and try to turn on the TV to confirm if the factory reset helped fix the issue.
7 Call a Professional
If your TV still isn’t switching on, there’s a possibility the issue lies with the mainboard, the internal power supply, or another component. In this case, it’s best to get in touch with the authorized service center for your TV’s brand. They can diagnose the issue, provide a quote, and repair the problem if it can be fixed.
The above-mentioned fixes help you diagnose and fix relatively simple issues that might be causing your TV’s screen to not switch on. If these don’t work, avoid trying to fix or replace any internal components on your own, since it can be risky, might void your warranty, and cause damage that is more expensive to fix.