You can trust PC Guide:Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.
If your TCL TV won’t turn on and you want to fix it, worry not because we have got you covered.
While TCL TVs provide excellent value for money with their low pricing and brilliant displays, they can run into a few issues every now and then, as all electronics do. For instance, a common issue among TCL TVs is unresponsiveness, where the TV won’t turn on no matter how much you press the power button.
If you’re facing the same issue, count yourself lucky because we have put together a list of different fixes to resolve this problem.
Why isn’t my TCL TV turning on?
Here are the possible causes that can stop your TCL TV from turning on.
- Remote issues
- Loose or broken cables
- Broken power outlet
- Problems with the surge protector
- Incorrect TV source
- Software glitch
- Tripped breaker
- Overheating
- Hardware issue
How to fix a TCL TV that won’t turn on
Step
1
Check your remote
Before heading into more technical solutions, make sure your remote is functional. You can do this by simply turning on the TV using the power button on the TV itself. If the TV turns on, your remote is probably broken, or its batteries may be out of charge.
This, however, is an inexpensive as replacing the TV remote or it’s batteries shouldn’t cost a lot.
Step
2
Power cycle your TV
Power cycling is like giving your TV a fresh start by turning it off completely and draining all its existing power. It does not harm the TV in any way. It is a helpful trick that can clear any bugs or glitches preventing the TV from turning on. Here’s how you can power cycle your TCL TV:
- First, power on the TV and press the power button.
- After that, remove the power cable directly.
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Plug in the power cord again.
- Try to turn on the TV with the power button.
This should remove all the electricity from the TV. and hopefully it’ll turn on. However, if this method doesn’t work, you can try the next method.
Step
3
Go through all the cables and connections
Another reason why your TCL TV may not turn on is if the cables or connections are broken/loose. To check them out, first, unplug all the cables (including the power cord and HDMI) and thoroughly inspect them for any damage. If you find any cuts or sharp bends on any cable, you’ll have to replace them. This should set you back by a lot as HDMI and other cables are relatively cheap.
After that, ensure the cables are correctly seated in their respective ports. Any loose connections can also affect your TV’s ability to turn on.
Step
4
Try a different power outlet
If the cables and connections are good to go, the power outlet is next to inspect. If your power outlet is not functioning, it will not power the TV. To test the power outlet, follow these steps:
- Unplug the TV from the socket.
- Connect a different device (you can connect your phone’s charger).
- If the other device is also not working, you likely need a new power outlet.
On the other hand, if the other device works but your TV does not turn on, you can try the next method.
Step
5
Remove the surge protector
TVs, in general, are expensive and fragile. That’s why it is recommended that you use a surge protector for them. These devices shield your TV from unexpected voltage spikes and are handy and affordable.
However, if your surge protector fails, it might not deliver power to your TV, which could prevent it from turning on. Try plugging your TV directly into a wall socket to test if the surge protector is the problem. If it turns on, it may be time to get a new surge protector. If not, the issue is elsewhere.
Step
6
Choose the correct input source
Your TCL TV can take input from multiple sources. However, you must also select the proper source from the settings to make it work. Otherwise, the TV will be stuck with a No Input/No Signal error. Here’s how you can choose the correct source:
- Press the Source button on the TCL TV’s remote.
- If there is no Source button, press the Settings/Menu button and navigate to the Source tab.
- From there, cycle through the different sources until one of them works.
If the issue was with an incorrect source, this will fix it. You can also check the following method if your TV is still not turning on.
Step
7
Reset your TV
Like most electronics, TCL TVs can have their software crash or run into bugs/glitches. While a power cycle is a great way to eliminate most of these errors, some don’t go away unless you reset the TV. This does not damage the TV, but it erases all of your settings, returning it to its default configuration.
- Power on your TCL TV.
- Look for the Reset button at the back. It should be a small hole.
- Insert a paperclip or a toothpick in this hole and hold it for around 20 to 30 seconds.
- Take the pin out and try to turn on the TV.
If there were any bugs that were causing your TV to be unresponsive, the reset should fix them.
Step
8
Check for overheating
If your TCL TV suddenly shuts off after being on for a while, it might have overheated. Gently touch it to see if it feels unusually hot.
In case of overheating, you should turn on a fan to cool it down and clean the vents with a cloth to ensure proper air circulation. It is also recommended to change its location if it’s mounted near a window where direct sunlight can hit it.
Step
9
Test your backlight
A common issue with unresponsive TVs is a broken backlight. If the backlight fails, the TV might turn on without displaying anything because the backlight is what lights up the screen to show images. You can check if the backlight is working by following these steps:
- Turn on your TCL TV and then turn off all the lights in the room to make it completely dark.
- Use a flashlight, like your phone’s, and shine it on the TV screen.
- If you see a faint image or text, that means that the backlight in broken and need to be replaced.
- If you can’t see any images or logos, then your backlight is most likely fine, and the issue is with something else.
Step
10
Get assistance from TCL support
If none of these methods has worked for you, your TCL TV likely has a hardware problem. It can be the backlight, main board, power supply, or something else. Either way, check whether the TV is still covered under warranty and contact TCL support for assistance.
FAQs
How long do TCL TVs last?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as how long your TV or any electronic device lasts depends on how and what you use it for. If you’re using your TV 24/7 in a region where the ambient temperature is high, then the chances of it overheating and breaking down are high. However, if your use is occasional and you maintain it properly, then it could last you years. That said, there is no guarantee as to how long a TV will last as the chances of it malfunctioning might be low but never zero.
Conclusion
There are a number of reasons that could be the cause for your TCL TV not turning on. These can include a faulty power outlet, damaged cables, power strip, and surge protector. These issues can be resolved easily as generally, the fix is to replace them as they don’t cost a lot.
However, if your TV still isn’t turning on after trying all the given methods, then the issue is most likely with your hardware, such as a damaged mainboard, which can be expensive to fix. In this case, it’s best to check whether your TV is under warranty and contact TCL support for further assistance.
However, if you find yourself looking for a replacement, we’ve rounded up some of the best TCL TV options available to help you make an informed decision.