Your Samsung TV won’t turn on because the cache is overloaded which is preventing your device from booting up. You can fix your Samsung TV by power cycling it. First, unplug your TV’s power cord from your outlet and wait 45 to 60 seconds. Waiting the appropriate amount of time is important as it allows your TV to fully reset. Next, plug your power cable back into the outlet and try turning the TV on. If this doesn’t work, double-check that all your cables are securely plugged in and test your power outlet with another device.
1. Power Cycle Your Samsung TV
When you turn your Samsung 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 fairly common troubleshooting method that can be used on most devices.
It can help fix your Samsung 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, the next potential culprit is your remote.
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 once more.
Hopefully, your TV will turn on.
3. Turn Your Samsung TV on Using the Power Button
Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung TV’s Power Indicator Light
Samsung Red Standby Light is on
As long as your TV is plugged in and receiving power, it is completely normal for the red standby light to be lit if it is turned off.
If your TV still won’t turn on, the remaining thing to rule out is the remote.
Samsung Red Standby Light is off
The red light turns off anytime the TV is powered on.
If you don’t see the standby light, either the TV is on but the screen is black, or it does not have power.
Samsung Red Standby Light is blinking/flashing
- Leave the TV unplugged for 30 minutes.
- Find a working outlet to plug the TV into. Be sure to plug it directly into the wall and not into a surge protector to prevent damage if the power strip doesn’t provide your TV with the necessary voltage.
- If the red standby light comes on without blinking or flashing, your TV will likely turn on now because it is receiving power. This means the issue was with the surge protector or outlet you were using previously.
- If the TV still isn’t turning on despite the red light being on, troubleshoot following the section covering the red standby light being on.
- Get your TV serviced if the light is still blinking because the problem is with your TV.
8. Factory Reset Your Samsung TV
If your TV is not turning on, check the back of it to see if there is a factory reset button.
Some models have a reset button that has to be engaged by pushing it with a pin.
If you manage to get the TV to turn on, it might not be a bad idea to go through the factory reset process if you have been having a lot of problems with the TV lately.
Factory resetting your Samsung TV is pretty easy, just follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Settings menu and select General.
- From there, select Reset and enter the PIN. By default, it is 0000. Then select Reset.
- In order to complete the reset, select OK. Your TV will automatically reset.
- If these steps don’t match your model of Samsung TV, you will navigate to Settings, then select Support. From there, you will find Reset in the Self Diagnosis Your user manual will also have specific instructions you can follow for the model you own.
9. Contact Samsung Support and File a Warranty Claim
If you believe your Samsung TV may be eligible for warranty service for damage that was outside your control, like lightning damage from recent storms, you may be able to file a claim for covered repairs.
For more information about what types of damage are covered by warranty, contact support online or at 1-800-726-7864.
All Samsung TVs come with a 3-year warranty.
If your Samsung TV isn’t eligible for warranty service, you still have two options for service.
You may be able to exchange the Samsung TV at the point of sale, though this will depend on the policies of the retailer.
Additionally, there may be a local TV repair service that can repair your item for an affordable price.
In Summary
Samsung is known for being one of the top names in TVs on the market, so it makes perfect sense that they would make it relatively easy to troubleshoot and reset their TVs as well.
Make sure you pay attention to the status light and the blinking activity that could indicate a deeper problem.
Once you can reset your Samsung TV and power it back on, you’ll be enjoying your favorite content in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would cause a Samsung TV not to turn on?
Several issues could cause your Samsung TV to not turn on.
You may be having a problem with the remote, outlet, cable, or even the TV itself.
The red standby light can be a big help in troubleshooting the issue.
In normal use, the light should be on when the TV is off and the light is off if the TV is on.
Why won’t my TV turn on but red light is on Samsung?
If your TV’s firmware has not been updated and it is not turning on even with the red light being on, you may be experiencing software issues.
If this is not the case, there may be a problem with the TV itself.
