Sharp TV Won’t Turn On (Try This Easy Fix!)

By SmartHomeBit Staff •  Updated: 09/11/22 •  7 min read

 

1. Power Cycle Your Sharp TV

When you turn your Sharp TV “off,” it isn’t truly off.

Instead, it enters a low-powered “standby” mode that allows it to start up quickly.

If something goes wrong, your TV can get stuck in standby mode.

Power cycling is a common troubleshooting method that you can use on most devices.

It can help fix your Sharp TV because after continuously using your TV the internal memory (cache) may be overloaded.

Power cycling will clear this memory and allow your TV to run like it’s brand new.

To wake it up, you’ll have to perform a hard reboot of the TV.

Unplug it from the wall outlet and wait for 30 seconds.

This will give time to clear the cache and allow any residual power to drain from the TV.

Then plug it back in and try to turn it on again.

 

2. Replace the Batteries in Your Remote

If power cycling didn’t work, your remote is the next potential culprit.

Open the battery compartment and ensure that the batteries are fully seated.

Then try pressing the power button again.

If nothing happens, replace the batteries, and try the power button again.

Your TV should turn on.

 

3. Turn Your Sharp TV on Using the Power Button

Sharp remotes are pretty durable.

But even the most reliable remotes can break, after prolonged usage.

Walk up to your TV and press and hold the power button on the back or side.

It should power on in a couple of seconds.

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper.

 

4. Check Your Sharp TV’s Cables

The next thing you need to do is check your cables.

Inspect both your HDMI cable and your power cable, and make sure they’re in good condition.

You’ll need a new one if there are any horrendous kinks or missing insulation.

Unplug the cables and plug them back in so you know they’re properly inserted.

Try swapping in a spare cable if that doesn’t fix your problem.

The damage to your cable could be invisible.

In that case, you’d only find out about it by using a different one.

Many Sharp TV models come with a non-polarized power cord, which can malfunction in standard polarized outlets.

Look at your plug prongs and see if they’re the same size.

If they’re identical, you have a non-polarized cord.

You can order a polarized cord for around 10 dollars, and it should solve your problem.

 

5. Double Check Your Input Source

Another common mistake is using the wrong input source.

First, double-check where your device is plugged in.

Make note of which HDMI port it’s connected to (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.).

Next press your remote’s Input button.

If the TV is on, it will switch input sources.

Set it to the correct source, and your problem will be solved.

 

6. Test Your Outlet

So far, you’ve tested many features of your TV.

But what if there’s nothing wrong with your television? Your power outlet may have failed.

Unplug your TV from the outlet, and plug in a device that you know is working.

A cell phone charger is good for this.

Connect your phone to the charger, and see if it draws any current.

If it doesn’t, your outlet isn’t delivering any power.

In most cases, outlets stop working because you’ve tripped a circuit breaker.

Check your breaker box, and see if any breakers have tripped.

If one has, reset it.

But keep in mind that circuit breakers trip for a reason.

You’ve probably overloaded the circuit, so you may need to move some devices around.

If the breaker is intact, there’s a more serious problem with your home’s wiring.

At this point, you should call an electrician and have them diagnose the problem.

In the meantime, you can use an extension cord to plug your TV into a working power outlet.

 

7. Check Your Sharp TV’s Power Indicator Light

Assuming the outlet is working, the next step is to look at your power light.

Examine the color and pattern, and see if it’s doing the following things.

 

Sharp TV Red Light is on

If there’s a solid red light, it means your TV is powered on and should be working.

Press the “Menu” button on your remote and see if anything happens.

You might have accidentally turned your brightness and contrast down to zero.

If you can access the menu, you can fix that.

If the red light remains on, there may be a problem with the main circuit board.

The same is true if your standby light comes on but the TV won’t turn on.

 

Sharp TV Red Light is off

If the TV is plugged in and no light will turn on, you may have a failed power supply.

 

Sharp TV Red Light is blinking/flashing

If the light is blinking red, this typically means there’s an issue with the Optical Picture Control (OPC).

There are many possible solutions.

You’ll need to call customer service at 1-800-BE-SHARP.

Be prepared to describe the exact pattern the light is blinking in.

Different errors will result in different blinking patterns.

 

Sharp TV Blue Light is on

If the light is solid blue, it means the backlight inverter board is damaged.

These are cheap to order, and you can replace them at home.

 

8. Factory Reset Your Sharp TV

If nothing else works, you can factory reset your TV.

Be careful.

You’ll lose all of your settings.

If you’re logged into any streaming apps, you’ll have to re-enter your login information.

If you can access your TV’s menu, do so.

Then choose “Settings,” followed by “System,” followed by “Factory Reset.”

At that point, you’ll receive three confirmation messages asking if you’re sure.

Press the “Play” or “OK” button three times, and the reset will begin.

If you can’t access your TV’s menu, unplug your TV from the outlet.

Press and hold the Channel Down and Input buttons, and have someone else plug the TV in.

It should power up, but you may have to repeat the process.

At this point, you’ll be in Service Mode.

Choose “Factory Reset” from the menu using the channel buttons, and press the Input button.

Your reset should begin.

 

9. Contact Sharp Support and File a Warranty Claim

If you recently had a storm or a power surge, your TV may have been damaged.

You can visit Sharp’s website for support, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP.

The warranty lasts for one to five years, depending on the TV model.

You may also be able to return it to the store you bought it from if you purchased it recently enough.

In the worst-case scenario, you can seek out an electronics repair shop in your area.

 

In Summary

There are many reasons your Sharp TV may not turn on.

By following these steps, you can solve almost any issue.

And if everything goes south, at least you have your warranty to fall back on.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there a reset button on a Sharp TV?

No.

There’s no reset button on a Sharp TV.

However, you can perform a hard reset or factory reset using the processes we outlined.

 

How much does it cost to fix a Sharp TV screen?

It depends on the issue.

A new inverter board can cost as little as $10 and is easy enough for most people to replace.

If you need to replace your display panel, you might be better off buying a new TV.

SmartHomeBit Staff