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LG TV won’t turn on – possible causes and how to fix

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Last Updated on January 11, 2024
LG TV won't turn on.
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If your LG TV won’t turn on and you want to fix it, we’ve got you covered.

LG TVs are considered high-end options in the market due to their features, picture quality, and support. However, LG TVs usually come at a premium price and might not appeal to many people. That said, every electronic device is prone to damage or faulty software patches, and LG TVs aren’t an exception. 

If your LG TV isn’t turning on, the cause could be a broken cable, a faulty outlet, or a damaged remote. These are only some of the problems that can result in your LG TV being unresponsive. 

To help you fix this issue, we’ve put together a list of reasons why your LG TV might not be turning, along with the steps you can take to resolve this issue. 

Why isn’t my LG TV turning on 

There could be a handful of reasons as to why your LG TV isn’t turning on. Some of the most common reasons are: 

  • Damaged cables 
  • Faulty power outlet 
  • Software issues
  • Damaged backlight panel
  • Damaged remote 
  • Sensors being blocked
  • Remote batteries needing replacement

How to fix an LG TV that won’t turn on

Step

1

Check the remote batteries

Before doing anything else, check your remote batteries, as they could be out of juice or poorly placed. This can cause your remote to not work properly and send the signal to your TV to turn on. 

To see if the batteries are correctly placed, match the “+” and “-” signs with the signs on the remote. If they are aligned and your TV isn’t turning on, consider replacing them with a fresh pair. 

If even replacing them doesn’t solve the issue, try turning another LG TV on with your remote, as in most cases, they are compatible. If the other TV doesn’t turn on, then it is highly likely that you need a new TV remote.

Step

2

Check the sensors

At times, we don’t even think about checking the sensors, but if they are blocked or damaged, then it could mean that your TV isn’t getting the signal to turn on. So, check the sensor on your TV and your remote for damage and remove any objects that could obstruct the TV sensor. The next step might help fix this issue if this doesn’t work.

Step

3

Check the cords and TV for damage

A primary cause for your TV not turning on could be cable or TV damage. If you’re using a power strip to connect multiple electronics or even just plugging the TV directly into a power outlet, it’s best to thoroughly check all the wires for cuts, bends, and any other damage that could impact their working.

Other than that, carefully inspect your TV for any damage, as any bumps or drops could cause internal components to become loose or damaged. While that may seem highly unlikely to happen if your TV is wall-mounted, if you have it placed on a table, then it isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Step

4

Change the power outlet

This sounds like a no-brainer, but a faulty outlet could be why your LG TV isn’t turning on, as it isn’t getting any power. To check whether this is the cause, you just need to plug your TV into another power outlet and try turning it on. If it works, congratulations, you can enjoy your movies and TV shows now and call someone in to fix the faulty outlet.

Step

5

Check the surge protector

A surge protector does exactly what the name suggests: it protects your electronics from electricity surges that can damage or completely fry their components. However, since the power is coming through the surge protector to the TV, a faulty surge protector could mean the TV isn’t getting any juice.

So, remove the surge protector, connect your TV directly to an outlet, and turn it on. If the surge protector was causing the issue, your TV should turn on now.

Step

6

Select the right input source

Your LG TV might be turning on, but it might show you a black or blank screen, making it seem like it isn’t turning on. This could be because the correct input source hasn’t been selected. Thankfully, this is an easy fix – simply follow the steps below: 

  • Make sure that your LG TV is plugged in and turned on
  • Look for the source button on your LG TV remote and press it 
  • It should display some options like “HDMI 1, HDMI 2” etc 
  • Select the input source with which your LG TV is connected
  • If you don’t know which source that is, you can try all of them one by one or look at the back of your TV
  • After selecting the proper input source, your LG TV should work perfectly fine

Step

7

Check the backlight of your TV

Like the previous fix, a broken backlight can make it seem like your LG TV isn’t working, but it is turning on. Since there is no backlight to brighten or illuminate the images properly – you can’t see them – giving the impression of a broken TV that doesn’t turn on. To check whether this is the cause, you just need a dark room and a flashlight. 

  • Take a flashlight; even your mobile will work
  • Turn on your LG TV 
  • Shine is close to the display, and try different angles
  • Carefully look for faint images such as menu controls or application logos
  • If you can see the images, then your TV needs a backlight replacement
  • If it’s completely black, then the backlight isn’t an issue, and something else is wrong with the TV

In case you can see the images, it’s recommended to check whether the TV is still under warranty and whether the warranty covers this issue or not.

Step

8

Relocate the TV to a cooler place

Electronics are prone to overheating, which can cause them not to work optimally. So, if your locality has a high ambient temperature, it could cause your LG TV not to turn on. In this case, consider moving your TV away from direct sunlight and into a relatively cooler room. If overheating was the issue, this should resolve it, and your LG TV should turn on and work as normal. 

Step

9

Reset the TV

If none of these fixes helped resolve your LG TV issue, then the cause could be a software glitch or a corrupt firmware update. Such problems can be handled with a factory reset, but remember that this removes all your settings, and you will have to customize your TV again from scratch. To do a manual factory reset, follow the steps below: 

  • Unplug your TV 
  • Press and hold the power button for 10-20 seconds
  • This should drain the capacitors and reset your TV 
  • Leave your TV for a couple of minutes 
  • Plug your TV back into a working power outlet
  • Turn it on using the button on the TV

Step

10

Contact LG support for further assistance

If your LG TV still isn’t turning on, the issue might be severe, like a damaged mainboard or other important components. In this case, it’s best to contact LG support for assistance.

FAQs: 

What is the cost of fixing a TV that won’t turn on? 

The answer to this question varies depending on the issue. For example, if the problem is a damaged cable, it could cost you $10 or $20. However, if the issue is a broken backlight, then getting that replaced might cost you $100 or even $200. Keep in mind that these values can fluctuate depending on your region and the level of service you want to get. 

Conclusion

If your LG TV isn’t turning on, then there could be a handful of causes, such as a faulty power outlet, surge protector, damaged cables, drained remote batteries, and more. Checking for these issues is relatively easy; you simply need to replace components like damaged cables, batteries, and surge protectors. However, the fix could be as simple as changing the power outlet or as severe as a damaged mainboard. That said, it’s best to give these methods a shot, and if nothing works, contacting LG support should take care of any minor or major issues. 

However, if you find yourself looking for a replacement, we’ve rounded up some of the best LG TV options available to help you make an informed decision.

Ussamah works as a content writer and editor at BGFG. He is experienced in tech, hardware, gaming, and marketing.