Getting stuck on the red screen and not turning on is a common issue for TCL Roku TV users. Sometimes, it can be a nuisance, especially when it disrupts your plans to watch your cherished shows.
However, the primary reason for this is often a system firmware malfunction, and in most cases, a simple power reboot is enough to resolve the issue. But If that doesn’t help, you’ll need to undertake some more complicated troubleshooting steps.
In this article, I will break down the steps you need to take to troubleshoot your TV and get it working again.
Here we go! Let’s dive into it…
Reasons for TCL Roku TV Stuck on Red Screen
The red screen on a TCL Roku TV indicates that the TV is in the booting process, but it has encountered an error that prevents it from fully booting up. This can be due to a software or hardware issue.
Here’s a list of some possible reasons:
- Corrupted firmware.
- Bad system update.
- Malfunctioning hardware.
- Overheating.
- Defective board.
- Malware.
How to Troubleshoot Your TCL Roku TV When It Gets Stuck on the Red Screen?
In short: To troubleshoot your TCL Roku TV if it’s stuck on the red screen, first power cycle it by unplugging it from the outlet and waiting 10–30 seconds before plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, factory reset your TV.
Look at this table:
Reasons for this issue | Solutions |
---|---|
Software Glitch | Reboot your TV |
Outdated Firmware | Update your TV |
Malfunctioning software | Reset your TV |
Step 1: Check the HDMI cable connections
Though the HDMI connection isn’t directly liable for this problem, a bad or defective HDMI connection can create an indirect clash in the TV’s firmware preventing the loading of the startup screen properly.
That’s why checking the HDMI connection is worth a try.
Ensure that the HDMI cable is connected to the correct port and securely connected to the television and the device. Also, make sure that the HDMI cable is not bent or damaged.
Related: Six ways you are shortening the life of your TV
Step 2: Power cycle your TV
Power cycle, commonly known as a “System glitches solver,” is a powerful solution that is highly recommended by technicians as the initial step in troubleshooting.
In fact, 75% of users fixed this issue just by power rebooting their TV.
But wait, simply disconnecting the TV from the power source and replugging it back in will not work. You have to do this in a different way.
Here’s how:
- Turn off the TV.
- Then, disconnect it from the power source.
- Await at least 60 seconds to pass.
- During this time, press and hold the power button for approximately 30 seconds.
- Once done, reconnect the power cord to the wall socket.
- Finally, switch the TV back on.
Now check if your problem is solved or not. If not, proceed to the next step.
Related: Don’t do these things to your TV. You will regret it Later!
Step 3: Reset your TV
Resetting is a compelling method to restore a TV’s firmware file to the default state and remove any type of malware or virus.
However, if power cycling doesn’t fix the issue, reset your TV. Hopefully, this will fix your problem by removing the TV’s infected firmware file.
Remember: resetting will erase everything, including your data and settings.
Here’s how:
- Remove all the cables, excluding the power cord.
- Then turn on your TV.
- Afterward, check your TV’s lower part or back for the reset button.
- Once you locate it, take a ball pen and press and hold the reset button for at least 12 seconds.
The TV will turn off and then on automatically. Once the startup screen comes up, release the reset button. Now check if the problem has been fixed or not.
Step 4: Update your TV software
As I previously mentioned, if your TV’s firmware is outdated or somehow corrupted, it might become stuck on the red screen.
If resetting doesn’t solve the issue, upgrading or downgrading the TV’s firmware via a USB flash drive may help.
However, To update your TCL TV using a USB flash drive:
- First, download the latest firmware version from the TCL website. (Be sure to choose the correct model number for your TV)
- 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.)
- power down the TCL Roku LCD TV, plug the USB flash drive into the USB port on the TV and then power the TV on.
Once you insert a USB flash drive into the TV, it will automatically recognize the device and start uploading the data onto the TV.
When the upload process is done, the TV will display a notification on the screen, reminding you to remove the USB flash drive.
Related: 6 Easy tips to get better picture quality from your TV.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Is there a way to avoid the TCL Roku TV from getting stuck on the red screen?
Yes, regularly updating the software, ensuring proper ventilation for the TV, and avoiding overloading the TV with too many apps can help prevent the TCL Roku TV from getting stuck on the red screen.
Q: Does the red screen issue affect the performance of other connected devices?
No, the red screen issue on the TCL Roku TV should not affect the performance of other connected devices, but it is always a good idea to disconnect them before troubleshooting the TV.
Q: Can a faulty HDMI cable cause my TCL Roku TV to get stuck on the red screen?
Yes, a faulty HDMI cable can cause issues with your TCL Roku TV, including getting stuck on the red screen. Try using a different HDMI cable or disconnecting all cables from your TV and see if the red screen issue persists.
Q: How long does it take for a TCL Roku TV to boot up?
Typically, it should take less than a minute for your TCL Roku TV to boot up and display the home screen. However, if it gets stuck on the red screen, it may take longer or not boot up at all.

Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.