TCL Roku TV Dark Screen/Picture Dark/Dimming

A few days ago, I published an article on troubleshooting the black screen issue on a TCL Roku TV.

However, in the comment section of that article, I received a significant number of comments asking for solutions to the dim/dark screen issue.

Look at what this user says:

“Mine is turning on normally, but the picture is very dark. It looks like the screen went black. But when I close all my windows and doors, then I can see the picture. I tried checking the brightness, but it seems to be okay. What could be the issue?”

Well, in this article, I will break down the reasons for this issue and what you need to do to get your TV back to its normal state.

Let’s dive into it…

Understanding why TCL Roku TV’s picture is dark

Typically, the dark screen issue on a TCL Roku TV can be caused by various factors, including technical malfunctions, firmware problems, or incorrect picture settings. Aside from this, issues with the TV’s Internal LED backlight can also be responsible.

Look at this table:

TCL Roku TV Dark Picture—How to Troubleshoot?

In short: to troubleshoot the TCL Roku TV’s dark screen/picture issue, try changing the picture mode or disabling the ECO mode. However, if you don’t want to go through these hassles, factory reset the TV.

Method 1: Resolving issue with the system or settings

By ‘resolving the system’, I mean removing temporary glitches. And by ‘settings’, I mean disabling ECO mode or changing the picture mode.

♦Removing the glitches

You may have heard the saying, “Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.” Well, this quote rings true when it comes to fixing the TCL Roku TV’s dark screen issue.

Before writing this guide, I checked the Roku community forum, where a user named Maliha (a TCL TV user) said,

“A power cycle has been a lifesaver for me.”

Almost 67 users upvoted this comment. This means that power cycling works in many cases, and hopefully, it will work for you too!

Here’s how:

• Turn off and disconnect the TV from the power outlet.
• Wait for about 5 minutes.
• During this time, press and hold the TV’s power button for about 30 seconds.
• Once done, plug the power cord back in

Now turn on the TV and check if the screen lights up properly.

♦ Adjusting the settings

It’s quite possible that the brightness, contrast, or gamma settings on your TV are incorrect due to a mistake made by you or a family member.

Although this is a rare occurrence, it is worth checking to see if this help!

Here’s how:

• Play a video.
• Press the (*) button on the remote.
• You’ll see several settings there.
• Adjust the picture mode to something more appropriate for what you’re watching. You might choose “Movie” for a film or “Sports” for a game.
• Try Increasing the backlight level.

Dive into the ‘advanced settings‘ option to fine-tune the gamma, contrast, and other elements until you find the perfect balance.

Method 2: Resolving issues with the Software or hardware

If adjusting the settings and performing a power reset does not resolve this issue, the problem may be with the software (Firmware) or the hardware (LED backlight).

♦ Resolving the software issue

Sometimes, the core file inside the TV can get corrupted due to malware attacks or other viruses. When this happens, the TV behaves strangely, like not turning on or not responding to the remote. This issue is common as well.

Go to the settings and check if there is any latest update available. If not, reset the TV to the default settings.

Check out my previous guide on how to reset TCL Roku TV from this link.

♦ Backlight issue

TV displays pictures brightly with the help of LED backlight. However, the backlight strip can often get damaged due to sudden power outages or other technical malfunctions.

If that’s the case, hand over the TV to an experienced technician. Or contact TCL customer care and submit a warranty claim.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Why is my TCL Roku TV Picture so dark?

There could be a few reasons why your TCL Roku TV picture is dark, such as incorrect picture settings, a faulty backlight, or an issue with the power supply.

Q: Can a faulty backlight cause this issue?

Yes, a faulty backlight can cause a dark screen on your TCL Roku TV. If this is the case, you may need to replace the backlight or have it repaired by a professional.

Q: How do I know if the dark screen issue on my TV is due to a faulty panel?

If you see black lines or spots on the screen, or the picture is completely distorted, it could be a sign of a faulty panel.

Q: Why is my TCL Roku TV screen dark only in certain parts of the image?

This could be a sign of a localized backlight issue. Try adjusting the picture settings or contacting TCL customer support for further assistance.