A TV that won’t switch on isn’t always broken. The problem can be as simple as a faulty plug point or flat remote batteries. Work through these safe checks before you book a repair.
Safety first: Never open a TV yourself. Parts inside a TV can hold a dangerous electrical charge even after it has been unplugged. Only try the checks from the outside of the TV described here.
First, look at the standby light
The small light on the front of the TV can tell you a lot:
- No light at all: no power is reaching the TV’s electronics.
- The light is on, but the TV won’t start: the TV has power but isn’t starting up.
- The light blinks, or the TV clicks: the TV may have detected a fault.
Not every TV keeps a light on in standby, so check your manual if you’re not sure how yours behaves.
Safe checks to try
1. Test the plug point
Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same wall socket. If it doesn’t work, the problem is the socket or your electricity supply, not the TV.
2. Plug the TV straight into the wall
Multiplugs, extension leads and surge protectors can fail. Plug the TV directly into a wall socket that you know works.
3. Check the power cable
If the power cable can be removed from the back of the TV, make sure it is pushed in firmly. Look for damage such as cuts or crushed sections, and don’t use a damaged cable.
4. Use the button on the TV
Press the power button on the TV itself. On many TVs it’s underneath or at the back. If the TV switches on, the problem is the remote.
5. Replace the remote batteries
Put in fresh batteries. To test the remote, point it at your phone’s camera and press a button. On many phones, you’ll see a small light flashing on the screen if the remote is working.
6. Do a full restart
Switch off at the wall, unplug the TV, wait 60 seconds, then plug it in and switch it on again. This can clear a TV that has frozen in standby.
What a blinking standby light can mean
Many TVs blink the standby light in a pattern when a part fails a start-up check. The patterns and their meanings differ between brands and models. Count how many times the light blinks before it pauses, and write it down. The pattern can help a technician narrow down the fault.
If it stopped working after a power outage
If the TV stopped working after a power outage, load shedding or a storm, a power surge may have damaged its power supply. Surge protection can reduce the risk, and unplugging the TV during electrical storms is a sensible precaution.
When to stop and call a technician
- You notice a burning smell, smoke or a buzzing sound.
- There’s visible damage to the TV or its power cable.
- The checks above haven’t helped.
In these cases, unplug the TV at the wall and don’t keep trying to switch it on.
What a technician will look at
Common causes of a TV that won’t switch on include:
- A faulty power supply board.
- A main board fault.
- A backlight fault, where the TV is actually on but the screen looks black. If you can hear sound, read why your TV has sound but no picture.
- A software problem that stops the TV starting up.
Only a technician who inspects the TV can confirm which of these is the cause.
TV still won’t switch on?
Use the Problem Finder for a quick check, or send a repair request with your TV details.