LG TV Won't Turn On: Here’s How I Finally Fixed It

It was the middle of last week when I was looking forward to unwinding after a long tiring day at work by watching Friends on my LG Smart TV.

After I turned the power switch on, the status LED on my TV turned on but nothing showed up on the screen.

I pressed the power button on the remote as well as on the TV but it still didn’t turn on.

I turned to discussion threads and solution articles online hoping to get some information about how to fix the issue.

Spending over an hour on research, I discovered that many people had to get their LG TV panels replaced through an authorized repair service as it wasn’t turning on.

However, I finally found the easiest solution that’s most likely to get your TV up and running again in no time:

If LG TV won’t turn on, power cycle your TV. Unplug it from the wall socket and wait for at least 60 seconds. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Plug the TV back in.

Power Cycle Your LG TV

One of the most effective solutions to get your LG TV back on is simply power cycling it.

A power cycle removes any excess charge build-up over time that may prevent your TV from turning on.

It also removes any corrupt cache files and closes background processes before safely restarting your TV.

This is also what I did when I found my LG TV not connecting to Wi-Fi.

Follow these instructions to power cycle your LG TV:

Unplug your LG TV from the power socket
Wait for at least 60 seconds (don’t rush on this step)
Meanwhile, press and hold the power button on your TV for 30 seconds (the power button can be located at the bottom or either side of your TV based on the model)
Finally, plug the TV back in and it should work normally now

Diagnose Your TV Remote

If the status LED in front of your LG TV is on, it’s possible that the issue might be related to the TV remote.

Perform these simple checks to diagnose any issues related to the TV remote:

Make sure that the batteries are tightly inserted into the battery compartment of remote
Check if the + sign of the battery is connected to the + sign of the remote and vice versa
In case you’re using a universal TV remote, check if it’s configured properly with your LG TV. You may also need a correct universal remote code to pair your LG TV with the remote.

Remove or Replace Remote Batteries

If your LG TV still didn’t turn on after performing the above checks, try removing the batteries and power cycling your remote as well.

Here’s how:

Take both batteries out of the TV remote
Press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds
Insert the batteries back in and make sure that they’re properly inserted
Check if the TV turns on via the remote now

Select the Correct Input Source

If your LG TV is turned on but an incorrect input source is selected, it may appear as if the TV isn’t on at all.

In that case, you’ll have to switch and select the correct input source for your TV to start working properly again.

This can be done in two different ways: With the TV Remote and without the TV remote

Select input source on the LG TV via remote:

Ensure that the power switch is turned on
Now press the source button on your TV remote
If the input list appears on the screen, select the desired source
Your TV should start working now

Select input source without remote:

Turn on your LG TV
Now locate the TV buttons (either on the bottom or right side of the TV)
Press the Menu button on the TV and use the volume buttons to navigate to the correct input source
Click the Menu button again to select the desired input source

Try an Alternative Power Outlet

A faulty power outlet can cause your LG TV to not turn on.

In case the status LED doesn’t turn on even when the power switch is on, it’s likely that the power outlet isn’t working.

Try using a different electronic device in the TV’s power outlet to check if it turns on or not.

You can also use a different power outlet if available and check if the TV turns on.

Reseat the Power Cord

Some models of LG TVs have detachable power cords. Ensure that it is firmly inserted at the back of your TV.

I’d recommend plugging the power cord out and waiting for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.

While plugging the power cord in, make sure the connection is tight.

This ensures that the TV receives stable power. Finally, try turning on your TV again.

Check other Cable Connections and Ports

Except for the power cord, there are various cables attached to your LG TV such as HDMI, RCA, or coaxial cables.

A faulty or damaged HDMI or any other cable can be the cause of your TV not turning on.

Check if all cable connections are inserted firmly in their respective ports
You can also unplug all connections and wait for a few seconds before plugging them all back in
Before plugging them in, check all cables for any type of physical defect
If you’re using a streaming device or gaming console, you can even try to switch or use a different HDMI port if available
Finally, you can also go for a new premium and certified HDMI cable if that helps get your TV to turn on properly

Replace the Surge Protector (If in Use)

Power-related issues can prevent your LG TV from turning on.

If the status LED is on but the TV won’t start, it’s likely because the TV isn’t getting enough voltage.

This may be due to a faulty surge protector if you’re using one.

In this case, you can try connecting your TV directly to the wall outlet.

If you’re not using a surge protector, then the issue may be related to any internal component.

As this is a hardware issue, you may need to go for an authorized repair service.

Check if the LG TV Backlight is Broken

Your LG TV might be on, but it would appear as if it’s not if the backlight is broken.

This is a cause of the black screen issue for several TV brands.

A flashlight test is the best way to verify in case your TV backlight is broken or defective.

Follow these steps to perform a flashlight test on your LG TV:

Ensure that your LG TV is plugged in properly and the power button is turned on
Now closely point a flashlight at your TV screen
If you notice dull images appearing on the screen, it indicates that your TV backlight is broken

If you’re able to notice your reflection clearly during the flashlight test, you’re in luck because it indicates that the backlight of your TV is in working condition.

But in case you’re able to figure out that the backlight is broken, your TV will need an LED backlight strip replacement.

The replacement process is complex and requires extreme caution.

This is because after removing the back screws, the bezel needs to be disassembled.

If the glass panel of your TV is damaged during this process, you’ll have to spend a high cost for the panel replacement.

Thus, I’d highly recommend going for an authorized repair service for LED backlight strip replacement.

However, except for the potential risks, you may still be willing to try replacing the backlight strip yourself.

If that’s the case, here’s a detailed guide to LED backlight strip replacement:

Ensure that the TV is unplugged
Make sure that all cables are disconnected from the TV including ethernet and HDMI cables
Unscrew the back cover and remove it
Disconnect the ribbon cables from the scan drive boards
Now unscrew the bottom of the TV that holds the bezel in place
Disconnect and remove the speakers to ensure that they do not fall when the TV is flipped
Flip the TV over and remove the bezel carefully
Release the scan drive boards from the tabs
Carefully flip up the scan drive boards and tape them to the panel
Using suction cups, remove the TV panel
Slowly release and remove the four pieces of the panel frame
Tape all of the layers of diffusion on the corners to keep them together
Remove the layers of diffusion and the clear plastic clips on top of the reflector sheet
Remove the reflector sheet
Now using small pliers, remove the small rivets that hold the strips to the chassis
Remove the LED strips from the chassis
It is recommended to use double-sided tape on the back of the strips when you are replacing them, instead of tape on the top of them
Unplug the strips from the power supply cable so they can also be disconnected from each other. Push down on the tabs to release them
The new strips mostly come with adhesive on the back of them to secure them to the chassis
If the adhesive is not present, you can use double-sided tape and attach it to each strip
Align the replacement strips properly and connect them with each other and to the power cable as well
Finally, reinstall and fix all the parts of the TV carefully and plug in all the cable connections
Turn on the power switch and your LG TV should be working perfectly

Reach out to the LG Support Team

If none of the above fixes have been able to get your LG TV back on, you can get in touch with LG experts at the LG Support Page.

Describe your problem in detail via message or over call to an LG-authorized technician to get professional assistance.

Based on your problem description, they would suggest the best possible solution to help get your TV turned on.

In case they suspect it to be a hardware issue, you can also request a repair service online.

Life’s Good & Your TV Too

There may be several reasons why your LG TV won’t turn on including corrupt cache files, excess power, faulty cables, a defective power outlet, etc.

It’s important to check if the status LED on your TV is on or off as the troubleshooting method may vary for both cases.

One of the most effective ways to fix the LG TV not turning on is to simply power cycle it.

A power cycle would not only remove excess charge built over time but also delete corrupt cache files that may cause issues during the TV start-up.

If the status LED is turned on, the problem might be related to the TV remote.

Check it for any defects and also try replacing the old batteries if the remote is not working.

Check all the cable connections on your TV for any defects and even try replacing the HDMI cable if you’ve got a new one available.

Additionally, try using an alternate power outlet and check if the LG TV turns on.

Sometimes, you may notice a black screen on your LG TV even after getting it to turn on. But don’t worry, because it is really easy to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of an LG TV not turning on?

The most common causes of an LG TV not turning on include a faulty power cord or outlet, a malfunctioning remote control, or a problem with the TV’s internal components.

In some cases, a faulty panel was the culprit. A flashlight test can also reveal if there are any issues with the backlight of your LG TV.

How can I troubleshoot an LG TV that won’t turn on?

To troubleshoot an LG TV that won’t turn on, first check to make sure that the power cord is properly plugged into the outlet and the TV.

If the TV still doesn’t turn on, try using a different remote control or manually pressing the power button on the TV.

Ensure that the HDMI cables connected to the TV are working properly.

In case the status LED of your TV is turned on but nothing shows up, the surge protector might be faulty.

If your TV isn’t connected to a surge protector, then, it may be a problem with the TV’s internal components, and needs to be serviced by an authorized professional.

What should I do if my LG TV won’t turn on and the red LED light is flashing?

If your LG TV won’t turn on and the red LED light is flashing, it may indicate a problem with the TV’s power supply.

Unplug the TV from the outlet and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in.

If the red LED light continues to flash, the TV may need to be serviced by a professional.

Can a software update fix an LG TV that won’t turn on?

A software update may fix an LG TV that won’t turn on, but it is not guaranteed.

Software updates can fix bugs and glitches that may be causing the TV not to turn on.

But to update your TV, you’ll need to get it turned on for some time.

This method can be effective in case your TV turns on for some time but goes off again.

To check if there is a software update available for your LG TV, follow these steps:

On the Home screen of your LG TV, go to Settings
Select All Settings and click on General
Now navigate to About TV and select Check for Updates
If an update is available, download and install it

What should I do if my LG TV won’t turn on and I hear a clicking noise?

If your LG TV won’t turn on and you hear a clicking noise, it may indicate a problem with the TV’s power supply.