TCL Roku TVs are the result of a partnership between Roku and TCL. In 2014, both companies agreed to create TCL TVs that have Roku as their operating system. A TCL Roku TV, in short, is a smart TV that runs Roku OS.
But in all likelihood, you’re here because your TCL Roku TV has a black screen issue.
The solution to this can either be very simple or highly technical, depending on the root cause. If a power cycle or reset doesn’t work, then it could be due to a hardware problem.
Fix TCL Roku TV Black Screen – Basic Troubleshooting
TCL TV owners might ask, ‘why is my TCL Roku TV not showing picture?’, or if you’re in a hurry, you could search, ‘how do you fix a black screen on a TCL Roku TV?’
When trying to fix a TV problem, it’s best to start with simple things you can do that won’t eat up too much of your time. You can try the process of elimination first, starting with the power cord, wall outlet, cable connections, and a soft TV reset.
*Note that some of these solutions will seem obvious to a tech-savvy reader. Skip over a section if you need to — we are here to help everybody, both the tech-savvy and those that forget to plug in their toasters.
Step 1. Check the Power Source
A TCL Roku TV black screen with no sound can mean that it’s not turned on yet. You might be pressing the power button on your remote but your TCL TV is not responding.
Check and see if your smart TV is plugged into the wall outlet. You can also verify if the wall outlet is ‘live’, or delivering power to the device or appliance that’s plugged into it. The TV should turn on, or at least have its stand-by LED turn white if you haven’t turned it on yet.
If your TCL smart TV is connected to an extension cord or UPS, try and see if there’s a manual switch for them (there usually is) and press the power button on your remote. You can eliminate the possibility of a busted power supply by plugging your TV directly into a wall outlet.
Step 2. See If the Power Cord is Plugged In Properly
TCL TVs have power cords that plug into the back of the unit. If for some reason they become loose or are faulty, then there won’t be any power to turn on your appliance.
Locate, then test the power cord’s connection to your smart TV – is it loose or not at all connected? Gently yet decisively affix the power cord and plug it into the back of the TCL TV. You’ll know you’ve done it right if you see the base panel LED go from blank to white (which means the TV is in standby mode).
Go ahead and manually turn the TV on (which can be found underneath the TCL logo) or use the included remote.
Step 3. Do a Power Reset
Sometimes a TCL Roku TV black screen can be fixed with a power reset. This method also applies to other smart TV make or models, especially those that have chips or processors.
The process is really easy, but you’ll have to be careful when plugging and unplugging the power cord. With the TV turned off, unplug the cord from the wall outlet and wait around 1-2 minutes. Then, plug it back in, wait 15 seconds then either press the power button on the TV itself or the remote.
The LED at the front should flash white, and blink when you turn the TV on. However, if there’s still a black screen we recommend you go to the next step.
Step 4. Check the Cable Connection and Input
Most TCL TV owners will understandably be confused when they hear audio coming from their smart TV, yet the picture still isn’t working (and thus the screen is black). So, why does my Roku TV have sound but no picture?
The phenomenon wherein a TCL Roku TV screen is black but the sound still works is most likely a cable or input connection issue. HDMI cables can become faulty over time, and you might need to replace them to restore picture to your TV.
Alternatively, you should unplug and replug any USB flash drives that contain videos, or check and see if the cable or antenna is properly plugged into its respective slot. Have someone stand in front of the TV while you do these things – if they say that the picture goes in and out, then it’s definitely a loose connection or a faulty cable.
Also, a smart TV will have several HDMI inputs, and you might be seeing a black screen because you’ve chosen the wrong input or channel. Try to cycle through them using your remote, or go back to your home screen by pressing the remote’s home button, which has a house icon on it. The black screen should turn on and lead you to the home menu.
How to Fix Roku TV Black Screen – Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps to fix TCL Roku TV black screen didn’t work, then it’s time to dig in and find out what’s causing the issue. Here are some steps you can take to get your smart TV up and running again (hopefully).
Step 1. Try the Physical Power Button, Check the Remote
Have you been using the TCL remote exclusively to try and turn on your TV? Inspect the front panel of the TV and check if there’s a white light near the base. Then, point the remote towards the sensor and press the power button. Is there a response?
Provide two fresh AAA batteries, then try to power on your TCL TV again. Alternatively, you can locate the physical power button that should be located right at the bottom of the TCL logo. Press it and see if the black screen disappears.
Step 2. Restart and Update Your TCL Roku TV
Maybe you’ve power-cycled your TCL smart TV by unplugging and plugging it back again. This time, we’ll be doing a hard reset, or what’s otherwise called a factory reset.
Your TV could have corrupted settings, such as having the brightness set too low. Or, you may have turned on a setting that’s not supported by your unit. In any case, you’ll find it very difficult to undo what’s done because there isn’t a visual menu to guide you.
The good news is that there are two things you can do to restore your TCL Roku TV to factory settings – by finding and pressing the hard reset button (if there’s any), or by inputting specific commands in the TV remote.
To manually reset your TCL smart TV, do the following:
- Turn your TV on
- Check the TV’s side or back panel for a physical reset button
- Use a sharp-pointed object, such as a toothpick to reach it
- Press and hold down the button for 12 to 15 seconds
- Your TV will shut down and turn back on
To use the remote and reset your TCL Roku TV, do the following:
- Press the home button on the remote 5 times
- Press the ‘up’ button one time
- Press the ‘rewind’ button two times
- Press the ‘fast forward’ button twice
In both cases, you should wait at least two minutes to have the TV restart on its own. Once it’s back on, the TCL TV should go through the setup process as if it’s brand new. Follow the prompts on-screen and add your favorite apps to the home menu before you start watching.
It’s worth noting that the TCL Roku TV gets a firmware or software update now and then, and a black screen could indicate a much-needed update. Since the screen isn’t working, it won’t be possible to either update or uninstall the recent firmware update. Instead, your only choice is a factory reset.
With a black screen, you may not be able to navigate through the recommended options. In this case, it’s best to contact TCL support to troubleshoot further.
Alternative Option – Plug a Computer via HDMI
As a last resort, you can try to connect your laptop computer to your TCL Roku TV to try and get a picture. Your smart TV will have several HDMI ports that are located at the back of the panel. Using an HDMI cable, connect one end to your laptop and the other to the TV.
If your TV’s screen is working you’ll get a picture. Your laptop will also recognize the TV as an external display in the Settings menu. Once you have a picture you can either reset to default settings or update the firmware to the latest version.
Complete the fix with a power cycle or a soft reset.
Frequent Software Updates for Your TCL Roku TV
It is important to remember that one of the ways to ensure the proper functioning of your TCL Roku TV is by frequently updating its software. Software updates often carry fixes for known issues that could be causing your black screen problem. If the TV screen works fine, you can navigate through the Settings > System > System Update to check for updates. Ensure your TV is connected to the internet before checking for updates.
Dealing with a TCL Roku TV Black Screen after a Software Update
Sometimes, a black screen can occur after a software update. When this happens, it is often a sign that the update was not completed successfully or that the new software is causing compatibility issues. In such cases, you can try a factory reset or contact TCL support for further assistance.
For the Serious DIY Crowd
Here, we are pushing the limits on what can be covered with a simple “how-to” article. However, we should mention the following items for anybody that is skilled with DIY and isn’t ready to give up on their TCL Roku TV.
In all likelihood, if your issue isn’t fixed by now, your TV probably has a bad power supply or T-Con board. The below video should give a much better explanation than we ever could.
Replacing Power Supply Board
Because you will be voiding the warranty by opening the television, you should proceed at your own risk. However, if your TV is out of warranty and isn’t functioning — what do you really have to lose?
A power supply can be purchased for a relatively inexpensive price. Clearly, you should only purchase this replacement part if you have correctly diagnosed the problem, and if you have the skills to make the repair.
Lastly, please be sure to verify compatibility before purchasing any replacement parts.
Replacing T-Con
As mentioned above, you should be aware that this repair will void your warranty.
A T-Con board can be purchased for a relatively inexpensive price. Clearly, you should only purchase this replacement part if you have correctly diagnosed the problem, and if you have the skills to make the repair.
Lastly, please be sure to verify compatibility before purchasing any replacement parts.
Call TCL Support
A professional TCL support representative can determine whether your smart TV can be fixed or if it needs repair. You can call them directly through the official channel or online via chat. Hardware failure usually warrants a replacement, especially if the unit is relatively new.
Final Thoughts – How to Fix a TCL Roku TV Black Screen
Try the steps listed above to get a picture on your TCL Roku TV. If nothing else works, then it’s most likely a hardware issue, whereas you may need to get your unit repaired or replaced with a new one.
FAQs
How often should I update my TCL Roku TV software?
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to update your TCL Roku TV software whenever a new update is available. These updates often contain important security enhancements and fixes for known issues. They can also introduce new features or improvements to existing ones.
Can I continue using a faulty HDMI cable?
A faulty HDMI cable could be responsible for the black screen issue on your TCL Roku TV. It is recommended to replace faulty cables as they can lead to more serious issues such as hardware damage due to electrical shorts or inadequate power supply.
Is it necessary to contact TCL support if the black screen persists after troubleshooting?
Yes. If the black screen issue persists after following the suggested troubleshooting steps, it is advisable to reach out to TCL Support. The problem might be more technical and might need professional help.
