Sony TV won’t Turn on? (Here’s What to Do)

This is a quite common issue for smart TV users; their TV suddenly stops turning on or won’t turn on at all!

Sometimes, a simple power reset fixes this pesky issue, but often more complicated troubleshooting is required.

In this article, I will break down the reasons why your Sony TV won’t turn on and what you have to do to get your TV working again.

Here we go! Let’s dive into it…

How to troubleshoot a Sony TV that isn’t Turning On?

In short: To troubleshoot a Sony TV that isn’t turning on, check the power cord, power button, and remote control. If these are all functioning properly, factory reset the TV.

Step 1: Troubleshoot related things first

Typically, a faulty power outlet, damaged power cable, or malfunctioning remote control is the main when a Sony TV stops turning on.

Therefore, checking these components before examining the TV is essential.

♦ Check the power cable

inspecting tv's power cord for damage

To ensure your TV turns on properly, first, check that the power cord is securely plugged into both the TV and the wall outlet.

If the cord appears loose or damaged, it may not provide sufficient power to the TV.

In this case, unplug the cable from the TV and wall outlet, then plug it back in firmly.

♦ Checking the power strip

Sony tv power strip not working

If the power cord is securely plugged in, next check the power outlet to ensure that it is not controlled by a switch or timer and provides enough power to other devices.

You can test this by plugging in a lamp or another device to see if it turns on. If the outlet does not have power, connect your TV to another outlet.

♦ Checking the remote control

Checking tv's remote if it's working

If you have checked that the power cord and outlet are functioning correctly, the next step is to verify that the remote control is working properly.

Ensure that the batteries are not damaged and have sufficient charge.

If the remote control has a power button, try pressing it to see if the TV will respond. If the TV does not respond, try using the power button on the TV itself to see if it will turn on.

Note: Consider replacing the batteries at this point (just to be sure)

Step 2: Troubleshoot the TV

If the power cord, power strip, and remote control are all functioning correctly, but your TV still will not turn on, there may be a problem with the TV itself.

This could be due to corrupted firmware, damage to the main board, or a software glitch.

♦ Resolving the software issue

power cycling sony tv

Sony TVs are prone to damage during power outages or sudden shocks.

If this occurs, a power cycle can help clear any issues from the TV’s memory without losing your downloaded content or settings.

Here’s how:

  • Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
  • Then, for about 30 seconds, press and hold the TV’s power button.
  • Wait another ten minutes without turning on the TV.
  • Replug the TV.

Now, try turning the TV on using the power button on the remote or the TV itself. If it does not work, proceed to the next step.

Related: 5 Reasons TV is still dominating today’s Media Landscape!

♦ Checking the power button

checking the power button if it's stuck

It is possible that the power button on your TV is either stuck or broken, preventing it from turning on. If the button is damaged, there is nothing you can do to fix it yourself.

However, if the button is stuck due to dirt or dust, you can take the following steps to try and unstuck it:

  • First, check to see if the button is physically stuck. If it is, try gently pushing it in and out to see if it will become unstuck.
  • If the button is still stuck, try using a toothpick or other small object to push it in and out carefully.

Remember to be gentle and cautious when attempting to unstuck the button, as you don’t want to cause any further damage.

♦ Updating the TV’s firmware

usb firmware upgrade your Sony TV

As mentioned earlier, If your TV’s firmware is outdated or corrupted, it may not be able to function correctly or even stop working altogether.

Sony releases new monthly updates to improve its system’s performance and fix minor bugs.

However, if you update your TV, there is a chance that your problem may be fixed. To do that,

  • Download the latest firmware update for your TV model from the Sony website.
  • Right-click the downloaded firmware file, then select “Send To,” “Extract” (or “Zip“), and the extraction program loads onto the screen.
  • Connect a USB drive to your computer and copy the downloaded firmware file to the drive.
  • Click “Start,” “(My) Computer,” then right-click the removable device icon and select “Eject.” (Disconnect the USB flash drive from the USB port on the computer once the icon disappears.)
  • Now, insert the USB drive into a USB port on your TV and then power the TV on.

If your TV’s hardware is functioning properly, inserting a USB flash drive into it will initiate the transfer of data to the TV.

After the data has been successfully transferred, a notification will appear on the screen instructing you to remove the flash drive from the TV.

♦ Restoring the default firmware

factory resetting your sony smart tv

A factory reset is always recommended to fix any internal software-related error. There are two methods to do that, but we will use the manual method as we cannot access the TV’s settings.

Remember that this will erase everything, including your data and settings.

Here’s how to do that:

  • First, unplug the TV from the power outlet.
  • While the TV is unplugged, locate the “Power” and “Volume Down (-)” buttons on your TV and then press and hold both of them.
  • At the same time while these buttons are pressed, replug your TV back in a power outlet.

Warning: Do not release the power and volume down buttons on the TV until it is plugged into the power outlet. Otherwise, it will not get reset correctly.

Continue holding down the power and volume buttons until the LED light on the device changes color. This can either be green or white, depending on the model you are using.

The length of time that you will need to wait for the reset to fully complete can vary, with some models taking anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds.

However, once the LED light has changed color, you can release the buttons, as this indicates that the reset has been successfully completed.

Step 3: Nothing has worked so far. What next?

If the previous methods did not work and your Sony TV is still not turning on, there may be another potential cause.

♦ Cooling down the TV

your sony tv is overheated

TVs generate a lot of heat, mainly if used for extended periods. However, it may overheat if your TV is in a small space with poor ventilation.

If the circuit board has not sustained any internal damage, the TV will not turn back on until it has cooled down. To fix this issue, allow the TV to rest overnight and clean any debris from the surrounding vents.

♦ Checking the backlight

Sony tv isn't turning on because backlight is damaged

It’s also possible that your TV’s backlight is burned out due to a power outage or bad electric flow. Turn on your TV and hold a flashlight near the screen to check if this is the issue.

When you flash the light, carefully observe whether there is any image on the screen. If you see a faint picture, the backlight must be replaced.

♦ Contacting a repairer

If the backlight of your TV is functioning properly, it is possible that there is an issue with one of the internal components of the TV. If you are not skilled at DIY repairs, it is best to contact a professional repairer to diagnose and fix the issue.

Attempting to repair the TV yourself without the proper knowledge and expertise could potentially cause further damage.

A professional repairer will have the necessary tools and experience to properly diagnose and fix any issues with your TV.


F.A.Q.s

Q. Sony TV won’t Turn On, Just Clicking

It appears that there may be an issue with the power supply. If your TV is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, it is recommended to be serviced or replaced.

Another possible cause of the vibrations could be the internal cabinet expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature. However, you can read our complete guide if you face any sound issues from that link.

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