Are you having trouble getting your TCL TV to turn on?
In this guide, we’ll show you several options for how to fix the issue of your TCL not turning on.
There are several quick and easy ways you can fix your TCL TV. Unplug the cord from the outlet and wait a bit before plugging it in again. Perform a hard reset on your television using the reset button Remove the remote control batteries and hold the power button for several seconds. Lastly, check if there are loose cables.
Here are some quick and easy troubleshooting ways to help you get your TV picture up and running in no time so you can watch all your favorite channels.
Here Are Some Quick And Easy Ways To Turn On Your TCL TV

TCL TVs are an excellent investment. However, they too can have several problems, which can be frustrating. A TV that won’t turn on its display and play any sound is definitely a no-no. The good news is that there are easy and quick ways to fix the problem so you can go back to enjoying your TV shows and movies.
#1. Unplug And Plug In The TV So It Resets
The first solution that you can try, which is also the simplest and will most likely fix your TCL TV so it switches on, is to unplug your TCL TV power cord from the power outlet. Wait for approximately 60 seconds after unplugging the TV.
It is easy to get impatient with these issues, especially if you’re missing out on your favorite show or movie. Still, it is imperative that you wait the full 60 seconds and then plug the TV back into the wall. Doing this will reset your TV.
It may seem the same as just switching the TV on and off using the TV remote, but it is different because switching the TV on and off using the remote does not reset your TV. Therefore, do this wall plug fix, and viola, your TV should be on afterward.
#2. Perform A Hard Reset On Your TV
On the bottom of your TCL TV, you will find standby lights. This light indicates whether the TV is on or off when properly connected.
Similar to the above solution, you’ll want to unplug your TV from the wall outlet, but this time, you’ll have to locate the power button on the TV and press and hold it for 30 seconds. Ensure that you’re not pressing the power button on the remote. It has to be the power button on the TV itself.
This is a hard reset of the TV, which will drain any lingering power left in your device. Once the full 30 seconds have passed, plug your TV back into the wall outlet and try switching it on to see if the solution worked.
#3. Remove The Remote Batteries And Hold The Power Button
Fear not if the solution mentioned above did not help fix your TV. This next solution might be the one that does it for you. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the cover on the back of your remote control.
- Remove both batteries.
- Once the batteries have been removed, press and hold the power button for exactly 15 seconds. Your finger may start to cramp but keep holding down the power button for the full 15 seconds.
- Place the batteries back into the remote. Ensure that they are facing the correct way.
- Replace the back cover and try to switch on the TV.
Suppose this fixes your problem and the TV switches on, but the same problem happens several days later. In that case, you’ll want to do the next solution to permanently fix the problem.
#4. Perform A Factory Reset
A factory reset may seem daunting because the last thing you want is to worsen the situation. Not to worry, as the steps provided here will guide you so you can confidently carry out the factory reset.
- First, go to the Settings menu to carry out the factory reset.
- Once you’re in the Setting menu, locate the Systems menu.
- Look for Advanced System Setting and click on it.
- Select Factory Reset.
- Now choose Factory Reset Everything.
The steps mentioned above will restore your TV to exactly how it was when you first purchased it and should work like a charm to switch your TV on. A factory reset can also be done without the remote control. There is a factory reset button on the TV itself.
Usually, this factory reset button is on the left side of TCL TVs. However, check all around the TV in case yours is situated elsewhere. You’ll need a toothpick or something similar that you can use to press and hold the button. Hold the button until the TV switches on. This should only take a couple of seconds.
#5. Change The Batteries Of The Remote Control
If your TCL TV still won’t turn on and you’re now considering buying a new one, hang on a second. Have you checked the batteries of your remote control? The solution might be as simple as that.
Often we forget to replace batteries until they give out on us. Naturally, you’ll think that the problem is with the TV when you just need to buy new batteries in reality. Therefore, get yourself a fresh set of new batteries as this may just be all you need to power your TV on.
#6. Plug Your TV In A Different Wall Outlet
If changing your batteries worked, then you’re all set, but if not, here is another fix to try. Sometimes the problem can be the wall outlet. What you’ll need to do is to plug your TV into a different wall outlet.
Wall outlets can be faulty, and moving to a different one, even in a different room temporarily, will ensure that your TV is getting the right power source. Also, ensure that your plugs are fully plugged into the wall outlet. Sometimes we think it’s fully plugged in and that the outlet is the problem, but it may just be that the plug isn’t pushed in all the way.
#7. Check The Power Cables Plugged Into Your TCL TV
Now that you’ve tried all of the above and your TV still won’t switch on, the last thing to try is to check all the cables plugged into your TV. This is to ensure that all the cables are correctly plugged in.
Ensure that none of the power cables have come loose as this can happen, especially if the TV was moved or you have pets and kids that like to tug on things. A loose power cable will lead to the TV not getting the connection that it needs to power on and play volume.
#8. Choose The Correct Input Source
You may be having issues with your TCL TV because you have the wrong input source selected. In order for your TV to work properly, you need to choose the proper input source.
So double check that your TV source or inputs match the number HDMI (or VGA, composite) port being used.
#9. Contact Tech Support To Come Repair The TV
If DIY isn’t yielding any tangible results, the next best thing is getting a professional to help out. Contact tech support, and they will send out someone to come have a look at the TV and repair whatever is wrong. This can be done if you still have a 1-year factory warranty.
#10. Buy A New TV
If none of the above solutions have turned your TCL TV on, it is probably best to buy a new TV. This can be frustrating as although prices of TVs have gone down somewhat in the past couple of years, they still cost a pretty penny.
However, purchasing a new TV as opposed to taking it to be repaired may be better in the long run as the problem can come back, even after it has been repaired.
Why Won’t My TCL TV Switch On?
Here’s why your TCL TV won’t turn on. This will be especially helpful for those who like to know the why of things.
The Problem Is The Power Board
TCL TV may not be switching on because of the power board. One way to find out if this is the problem is if the TV is stuck on the red standby, and the power button flashes when pressed, but the TV does not go on. This means that the power board is faulty somehow, and you may need to get a new power board.
The Problem Is The Main Board
Another reason the TCL TV is not switching on would be if there was a problem with the mainboard. If the TCL TV is stuck on red standby and the power button stays a solid red light with no flashing when you press the power button, then the mainboard is why your TV is not turning on.
The Main Fuse On The Power Board Is Blown
Sometimes we get too lazy to switch off the TV first before unplugging it. If your TCL TV was working just fine, but you happened to unplug the TV without first switching it off, and now it won’t switch on, it could be that the main fuse on the power board is blown.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when your TCL TV refuses to switch on and you can’t watch your favorite channels. Now that you have an idea of why it happens and how you can go about fixing them, you need not worry about staring at a dark screen for long.