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Is your LG TV not turning on?
You’re not alone! Being unable to watch your favorite movie because your TV has power issues can be super frustrating.
But don’t worry; I’m here to help.
If your LG TV won’t turn on, check the standby light and power connections first. Then, ensure the sensors aren’t blocked, reset the remote and unplug your TV. It’s also important to check the backlight of your TV.
Read on to get your LG TV working again!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and Austin Sharman.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
8 Fixes For An LG TV That Won’t Turn On
Different reasons can explain why your LG TV won’t come on. Luckily, there are various solutions you can try.
#1 Check the Standby Light
When I see an LG TV not turning on, I always check the standby light.
The standby light is typically located on the bottom center or bottom corners. It indicates that the device is receiving power but is currently off.
The color of the standby light can change based on the mode the TV is in. For example, a red light can indicate the device is turned off but plugged in, while a green light could indicate that the TV is on.
However, if the standby light is turned off, it means that your LG TV is not getting power at all. In such cases, you’ll need to check the power connections. Read on to learn how to do it!
Note: Some standby lights blink in patterns if there’s an issue, so please check if yours is blinking.
#2 Check the Connections
If your LG TV is not getting power, you must check the connections to fix the problem.
First, inspect the cables connected to your TV. When checking your cables, keep an eye out for the following:
- Damaged cables. If there are any exposed wires, you must replace them.
- Cables out of the socket. Make sure that you push your cable connections firmly into the main socket. Cables can easily become loose when kids are playing or when you are cleaning.
Once you’ve checked that your cables are inserted correctly, try a different power outlet. Remove the power cable, plug it into another outlet, and test it.
If your LG TV is turning on while connected to a different outlet, then the original outlet you were trying to use is the problem, and you need to call an electrician to fix it.
Is your LG TV plugged into an extension cord? Then your TV is probably struggling to turn on because other devices are connected.
So, please unplug any high electricity-consuming devices from the extension cord. You can also unplug the TV from the extension cord and plug it directly into a wall electricity outlet. Then try to turn the TV on.
It’s also important to check the circuit breaker. Ensure all breakers are in the “On position” and reset them if possible.
If you have tested the cables, but your LG TV still won’t turn on, move on to the next fix.
#3 Consider Ambient Temperature
If your LG TV won’t come on, consider ambient temperature.
You see, heat can cause certain components to overheat, leading to electronic malfunctions and shortened lifespan. I’ve seen TVs malfunction at 90ºF and above.
So, if your TV is near a heat source like a fireplace or direct sunlight, consider moving it to a cooler space.
#4 Press the Power Switch
If your LG TV doesn’t turn on, there’s likely an issue with your remote.
To rule out your remote as our possible culprit, try turning the TV on using the power switch (not on the remote).
From what I’ve seen, the button is in one of the following places:
- On the panel under the LG logo
- On the rear bottom right-hand side
If your TV is not working, then there’s likely an issue with your remote, and you need to reset it. Here’s how to do it:
- Take the back panel off of the remote and remove the batteries.
- Press and hold the power button on the remote for 20 seconds.
- Replace the batteries in the remote control and put the back panel back on. Make sure you’re using fresh batteries.
- Test the remote control with the TV.
However, if you’ve tried pushing the power switch, but nothing happens, or your remote is still not working, read the next fix.
#5 Unblock the Sensors
My usual advice when fixing an LG TV that won’t turn on is to ensure the sensors are not blocked because the ON/OFF function is powered by infrared light rays (IR).
The sensor on most LG TVs is on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Remove any items obstructing the panel around your TV screen to ensure your remote works properly. You should also avoid placing your hand over the top end of the remote while using it.
If you have tried the suggestions above and your TV screen still doesn’t show any signs of life, try the next fix.
#6 Reset the TV
In my experience, performing a reset on an LG TV that won’t turn on is one of the easiest ways to solve the issue.
To manually reset your LG TV, do the following.
- Unplug the TV at the mains.
- Press and hold the power button on the TV (not on the remote) for 20 seconds to reset drain capacitors, which will reset the TV.
- Leave the TV unplugged for a further 2 minutes.
- Plug the TV back in and try to turn it on using the power button on the TV (not on the remote)
#7 Unplug the TV
If you’ve tried the fixes above, but your LG TV is still not turning on, please unplug it from the power source for an hour or more.
Unplugging your LG TV for an extended period can potentially reset any internal glitches and clear the temporary memory (RAM) to help you solve the issue.
Some LG TVs have a detachable power cord on the rear panel. If your TV does, try the following.
- Unplug the detachable power cord and leave it unplugged for an hour.
- Plug the power cord back into the TV.
- Try to turn the TV on using the power button.
#8 Check the Backlight of Your LG TV
If you suspect the screen isn’t displaying any images, but your LG TV is turned on, a flashlight can help you identify the problem.
You see, when the backlight of a TV fails, the display shows images, but they’re impossible to see under regular conditions because there’s no light illuminating them from behind.
The light test involves shining a light directly on the screen to see if any images are visible. Please follow these detailed instructions:
- Turn your TV on and darken the room.
- Hold a flashlight (you can use your phone) close to the screen. Try holding it at an angle.
- Identify any images, such as menu items, or change inputs to confirm that the TV is turning on but the TV’s backlighting system has failed.
When the backlighting system fails, I recommend checking your warranty or consulting a professional before attempting any repairs.
What to Do If Your LG TV Still Won’t Turn On
So you’ve tried all the fixes in this article, but no matter what you do, your TV is still not turning on? Power issues can indicate that there is something more serious going on.
It could be one of the following problems:
- The capacitors are faulty and need replacing
- One of the TV capacitors is leaking electrolyte fluid.
- One of the vents is bulging.
- The power board needs to be replaced.
Replacing and repairing capacitor vents is something best left to professionals. Capacitors can store a charge for years and can be lethal. Not to mention voiding any warranty you have!
So what’s best to do if your LG TV still won’t turn on? Here are some tips.
- Try the fixes in this article.
- Check the warranty on your TV. If you are still within yours, having your TV repaired shouldn’t cost you anything.
- Call a technician and discuss the fixes that you have already tried to save you some time on the line and ensure you do not pay a call-out charge for no reason.
Wrapping Up: Fixing an LG TV That Won’t Turn On
Hopefully, now you know how to fix your LG TV issues.
Remember that if your LG TV won’t turn on, you must check the standby light, inspect the power connections, and reset the TV. Don’t forget to unplug the device for at least an hour to eliminate any glitches and check the backlight.
If this article has helped you, why not check out some of our other free guides? You could even sign up to our email list.
Have a great day!
-Craig