If your TCL TV won’t turn on, you can fix it 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 TCL 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 TCL TV
When you turn your TCL 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 TCL 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 TCL TV on Using the Power Button
TCL 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 TCL 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 TCL 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 TCL TV’s Status Light
One of the great things about TCL TVs is that they have a white LED status light on the front that can give you insight into what is happening with the TV.
In the event that you cannot see a picture or the TV is not responding, the light can be used to determine what power state the TV is in and how to begin troubleshooting efforts.
TCL White Light is on
When your TCL TV is in standby mode, the white status light would be solid white.
This indicates that the TV has power and is in a low-power state awaiting use.
Once the TV is turned on, the light should turn off.
TCL White Light is off
When the white status light on your TCL TV is off, it should indicate that your TV is on and functional.
To check if your TV is registering input from the remote, you can check that the white light blinks when you press buttons on the report.
The LED should blink each time you press a button.
If the light doesn’t blink, it indicates that troubleshooting may be needed.
TCL White Light is flashing/blinking
If the white light is blinking, it indicates your TCL TV is on and receiving input from the remote control.
Even if the TV is not showing a picture, the white status light indicates that it has power and is responding in some way to the remote’s input.
If the light is continuously flashing or blinking, however, that could be a sign of a problem.
In many cases, a blinking status light means that the TCL TV is stuck in standby mode.
To fix this, you’ll need to reset the TV with the reset button on the back of the unit, which will require a paperclip or similar object.
8. Factory Reset Your TCL TV
The factory reset process for your TCL TV is relatively simple.
You will need a paper clip or ballpoint pen before you start.
Once you have that handy, you will need to:
- Locate the reset button in the TV connector panel
- Use the paperclip or pen to press the button and hold it in for about 12 seconds
- Once the reset happens, the white status LED will dim
- Release the reset button
- Turn on the TV and proceed with the guided setup process
9. Contact TCL Support and File a Warranty Claim
You can also reach out to TCL directly via the TCL support page.
This is where you may be able to begin the warranty claims process as well if your TV qualifies.
Each TCL TV has a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase or 6 months for applications that see commercial use.
If you have recently had severe weather, for example, and you believe that your TCL TV suffered electrical damage during the storm, it may be covered.
For more information about what circumstances may qualify for warranty repair coverage, call the TCL support line at 855-224-4228.
In the event that the repairs aren’t covered, you may still have a couple of options left.
The store that you bought the TCL TV from may allow a return or an exchange for a unit that was defective at the time of purchase.
Finally, you may be able to find a local TV repair service that will be able to provide your TCL TV with affordable repairs outside of warranty coverage.
In Summary
Just because your TCL TV won’t turn on doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
With a little attention and some basic troubleshooting, you may be able to find the fix for your own TCL TV in just a few minutes.
With many simple problems, you can avoid repairs completely with a fast and easy manufacturer reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a reset button on a TCL TV?
There is a reset button on your TCL TV, and it is located in the TV connector panel.
It is a tiny hole with a button recessed inside.
To access the button you will need a straightened-out paperclip or ball-point pen.
Press the tip of either into the space with the recessed button and hold the button down for about 12 seconds, then release.
Why is my Roku TCL TV not turning on?
There are several reasons that your Roku TCL TV may not be turning on.
The remote batteries may be too low to provide adequate input to the TV.
Another common reason is that the TV isn’t receiving enough power, which could be the result of either not being plugged in or the outlet not providing enough power.
Finally, there is the possibility that the TV got stuck in standby mode, and simply needs to be reset.
