Roku players have always proven to be great devices that can help you stream your favorite shows and movies in an instant. And while technology is constantly evolving at an incredible rate, even the latest Roku players experience issues once in a while. So, what causes Roku TV not to turn on, and how can you fix it?
A Roku TV might not power on if the player has overheated, the TV is on the wrong input, or there’s an issue with the cables. If the light on the RokuTV is on, it’s getting power, but the controller may simply have dead batteries and can’t send the “power-on” signal. Use the original power cables.
A Roku TV that fails to turn on can be quite frustrating, but luckily it’s a problem you can quickly resolve through some simple workarounds. Let’s get started so you can get your Roku back up and running as soon as possible.
Why Won’t My Roku TV Turn On But the Red Light Is On?
In most cases, Roku equipped smart-TV (on Amazon) won’t turn on if the streaming player overheats, especially if you’ve placed it in an enclosed space with other electronic equipment, like a cabinet.
Roku players have a warning light at the front of the device that will help you figure out if the device has been turned on correctly. The light can be white, a solid red, or flashing red. Let’s take a comprehensive look at each of these three scenarios:
Solid Red Light
The light in front of your Roku player is white under normal circumstances, but it can turn a solid red when the device has overheated.
You can also tell if your Roku player has overheated through the on-screen warning message.
It’s pretty straightforward, and it usually says “Your device is overheating” in the corner of your screen.
Flashing Red Light
The flashing red light indicates that your Roku player isn’t getting enough power. In this case, you have to check the connections and switch sources if possible.
If your Roku player is connected to a soundbar or an AVR (audio/video receiver) like Denon, you should disconnect it and then connect it directly to the TV. This usually removes any problem with the receiver or soundbar and makes it easier to fix the issue.
You’ll have to power on your TV and press a button on the Roku remote to ensure the device isn’t in screensaver or standby mode.
How Can You Fix a Roku TV That Won’t Turn On?
If your Roku TV doesn’t turn on, you can still fix the issue by applying the steps outlined below:
Connect Your Cables Properly
Make sure the video cable is firmly connected to the back of your Roku device and the HDMI port on your TV. You can also inspect your cables for obvious signs of damage and replace them. If you’re using a Roku Streaming Stick, connect it firmly to the HDMI port of your TV.
Check That You’ve Connected the Right Input
During setup, select the input that matches where you’ve connected your Roku player. The video connector has clear labels like AUX, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, VIDEO IN 1, etc. Press your TV’s Input or Source button to cycle through the different input options available.
Once the TV detects video, navigate through the inputs and assign the one to which you’ve connected the Roku player.
Disconnect the Roku Player and Let It Cool Down
Since your Roku player won’t turn on when overheated, check if there’s a solid red warning light. Next, carefully unplug the power cord and place the Roku player in a cooler location. Let it sit there for 20 minutes, then reconnect it to your TV and test if it will now turn on successfully.
Use the Original Power Adaptor & Try a Different Wall Outlet
Connect the Roku player or Streaming Stick to a working wall outlet using the original power cord that came with the device. Remember, connecting to a power outlet rather than your TV’s USB port ensures the Roku player doesn’t power up slowly when you turn on the TV.
Most Roku devices that you can connect to the USB port on your TV will lose power when the TV enters standby mode. And every time the TV is powered on, the Roku player boots up slowly.
Use an HDMI Extender to Prevent Overheating
Installing an HDMI extender (on Amazon) will help keep your Roku player away from the back of your TV, which quickly fixes the overheating problem.
Moreover, a Roku Streaming Stick+ that’s directly plugged into the TV’s HDMI port can cause interference. This disrupts the connection with your Roku remote, which won’t power on the TV. But you can quickly beef up the performance of your remote by using an HDMI extender.
Connect the Roku Player to a Different USB Port
This goes for Roku players that can be powered from a USB port. If a USB port doesn’t have enough power, your Roku player will indicate the low-power warning and won’t turn on.
Since some USB ports have different power characteristics, try connecting your Roku player or Streaming Stick to a different USB port on your TV.
Reset Your Remote Control
Resetting your Roku remote control often fixes pairing issues, which may prevent your TV from turning on. Here’s how to reset the remote:
- Open the battery compartment of your remote and take out the batteries.
- Restart your Roku device by disconnecting the power and restoring it after 30 seconds.
- Reinsert the remote batteries.
- If you’re using a Roku Enhanced remote, press and hold the pairing button in the battery compartment until the pairing light flashes.
- Wait for the remote to pair with the TV. If the process is successful, you’ll see a pairing dialog box on your TV, which should come on if you press the power button.
Factory Reset Your Roku Device
First, locate the reset button, which may be a more-tactile type or a tiny one in a pinhole. Depending on the version, it’s usually at the back or bottom of your device. If it’s a pinhole button, you’ll need a straightened paper clip or a similar device to press it.
With your Roku player plugged in and connected to your TV, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. The light will flash rapidly as the settings are restored to default. Once the Roku logo appears on your TV, it’s ready for a fresh setup.