It is quite common for Sony TVs to not turn on, show a black screen with a blinking red light, or even not turn on at all.
My guide will show you how to troubleshoot your Sony TV that won’t turn on, so you can get it working very quickly!
Whatever the case may be:
- Red light appears on your TV but it won’t turn on
- There are only a few blinks of the red LED light
- On your TV, you can hear sound but not see any picture
It doesn’t matter what your specific situation is, I can help you fix this issue!
In the first part of this article, we’ll briefly discuss some of the most common causes of this. The next part of this article will show you how to fix it in no time!.
We’d love to get started with you if that’s what you’re looking for!
Also, read Sony TV red Light Blinking 6 Times?
Why Sony TV Won’t Turn On

In addition to a bad power supply, a faulty power cable, an unresponsive remote controller, a damaged HDMI cable, a defective TV backlight, and a faulty power board, Sony TVs sometimes fail to turn on for a variety of reasons.
Consequently, let’s start with the simplest (but most effective) fixes, then move on to more technical ones.
How to Fix Sony TV Not Turning On
Various methods will help you fix your Sony TV that won’t turn on, including power cycling your TV, resetting your remote controller, checking your power cable, trying another power outlet, checking the HDMI cable and port, or resetting the TV without a remote.
Taking each one one at a time, let’s see how to do it.
1. Check the power supply in the wall socket
Rather than a problem with your TV, the most common reasons why it doesn’t turn on are due to a problem with your household electricity.
In the first place, make sure your wall socket is providing enough power, and that the power is not being interrupted in any way.
You can use the following methods:
- Remove the wall plug from your Sony TV.
- Make sure your wall socket is connected directly to the outlet by removing any surge interrupters or smart plugs.
- You can check that the new device works as normal by plugging in another large device that you know works in the same socket. (To confirm the socket is working properly, you should make sure the device draws about as much power as your TV).
- Reconnect your TV to this socket after removing the other device.
- Use the physical power button found somewhere on your TV’s case to turn it on (usually beneath the Sony logo.
- If your TV shows any lights, check it out. Afterwards, you can move on to the next step since your TV has power.
- Restart your TV if you don’t receive any response after trying another wall socket to make sure it’s not an issue with your household electricity supply.
Also, read Where Are Sony TVs Made And Who Makes Them?
2. Power Cycle Your TV
Even though power cycling your TV may seem like a simple solution, it is often the best way to solve the problem of your Sony TV not turning on.
The main board will be reset without losing any personal settings when you reset your TV. This will fix any non-permanent memory issues.
You will not lose any of your saved settings by doing this. It is fast and easy.
- Unplug and switch off your TV.
- Ensure that the physical power button on the TV is pressed for at least 15 seconds.
On most televisions, you’ll find the power button under or next to the Sony logo
- Allow the TV’s capacitors to drain for at least 2 minutes before turning it on (they are capable of storing power for several minutes).
- Connect your TV back to the wall and turn it on again. If you have been successful, a red light should appear.
Don’t forget to wait 2 minutes after resetting your TV before plugging it back in – you’d be surprised how long the components in your TV can hold their charge.
In most cases, a simple soft reset will resolve most problems, even though it may seem like a very basic step.
In most cases, you should now be able to turn on your Sony TV. However, if your TV won’t turn on after resetting, we’ll try a few more basic fixes before we get into the hardware.
3. Check the HDMI Cables
In this instance, it is likely that a poorly seated cable is switching inputs on your TV, but because it isn’t connected fully, it can’t provide a signal, and so it appears that your TV is not working.
Either of the following is possible:
- There is a break in the HDMI cable
- Broken HDMI pins on damaged HDMI port
- Connector and cable are not fully making contact in a poor HDMI connection
The following steps can be taken to check your HDMI cables:
- Turn off the television.
- Disconnect any HDMI cable or other physical cable connected to your TV’s back.
- You can use compressed air to clean the contacts in the cable and the connector on the TV. Blowing gently on them will suffice if there is no compressed air available.
- Ensure that the cables are firmly inserted into the TV’s slots. Activate your TV again by switching it back on.
After you’ve tried that, try using another HDMI input if it hasn’t fixed the problem. It is common for TVs to have 3 or 4 HDMI ports.
The best one to try is the one that’s on the other side of the TV, since it should have a separate connection to its main board.
Use the Input or Source button on your TV remote or the Input or Menu button on your TV itself to choose this HDMI input. Plug your HDMI cable into the new port and note the number below it.
The TV can also be powered only by its power cable if all external devices, including Bluetooth and coaxial cables, have been disconnected.
You will not be able to see anything on your TV screen when you turn it on since no picture is being received, making it very difficult to check if it really works.
On the screen, you should see a menu. Seeing this means your external connections are the problem, and the damaged HDMI cable needs to be replaced, so you should reseat your HDMI cables one by one.
Also, read RCA Universal Remote Codes for Sony TV
4. Straighten Out the Power Cord
You should now confirm that the power cord itself is not damaged if you failed to check when changing the wall socket you plugged in your TV.
Be mindful of kinks and knots in the power cable, which can cause mechanical damage as well as electrical damage by increasing resistance, which generates heat and can cause damage that is not always visible.
When you can, use a new power cable, if you have or can borrow one, as there may be damage within the cable that you can’t see due to its protective sheath.
You should also carefully examine the power connector on your TV, if it is available, to make sure it is clean, dirt-free, and corrosion-free.
5. Test Your Sony Remote
There is a chance that your remote is not working if you see that your Sony TV is getting power – perhaps you can see a white light on, or a red light flashing – but the TV won’t turn on.
Make sure your TV has a good line of sight if you are using an IR remote.
Check your remote’s connectivity to the TV if you’re using an RF remote.
Be sure to check the batteries in your remote control, and if you have no way to check them, replace them with brand new ones.
If you have an IR remote, you can use your smartphone’s camera to check if it works.
A red light will appear when you press any button on your remote when you point the IR transmitter at the camera on your phone.
Check with another remote if in doubt, as this may not work with some cameras, including some iPhones.
6. Sony TV Won’t Turn On But White Light is On
You may need to replace the main board or the backlight if the backlight of your Sony TV is not turning on, but the standby light is on.
Although you may need some tools and replacement parts, it is still possible to fix it yourself.
Backlight failures are one of Sony TV’s most common problems.
There is usually no problem with the backlight itself, but rather with the voltage inverter (depending on the specific model) or the power board, which means the backlight will no longer receive electrical power.
A Sony TV without a working backlight but with a working standby light suggests it may have a backlight failure.
To check for backlight failure:
- Switch on your TV according to your usual procedure.
- Put a flashlight or your phone’s light directly on the screen and get close to it.
- Go into the menu or change channels using your remote.
- Your TV screen will appear very faint if the backlight is not functioning.
You’ll need to open up your TV to fix this. Thankfully, it’s an easy fix. You can either get a new television, or take your TV to a repair shop if you’re not confident about that.
To fix a failed backlight:
- Wait at least 30 minutes after unplugging your TV and holding down the power button. Power board capacitors for the backlight can also hold charge for much longer than normal capacitors.
- A large table or workbench is a good place to place your TV face down. You should ensure your work surface doesn’t contain anything that could scratch the screen.
- Ground yourself.
- Unscrew the screws on the back of your TV to open it. A front and a back piece should come apart.
- The circuit boards have been revealed when the back panel has been removed. Check them out.
- T-Con board, power board, and main board are used to translate the signal into a television picture. It is recommended that you disconnect any cables near the edge of the TV.
- Once the screws holding the TV’s bezel are removed, remove the surrounding edge screws.
- By carefully removing the bezel, the panel, and the LED strips underneath, you should reveal the LED backlight underneath.
- Check working TV backlights with a voltmeter and replace any that are not working.
- With your voltmeter or tester, you can check the power board (the obvious power connector) to see if it needs replacing.
It is possible to identify the T-Con board by the ribbon cables that connect it to the TV’s panel, but both their location and exact shapes and sizes will vary by model. As you look at the images below, identify the three main boards.
See how to replace the backlight on your Sony TV in the video below.
The next step is to use your voltmeter to investigate the main board and any other connections you observe. Check to see if power is being supplied to all components.
eBay generally offers a wide selection of relatively cheap power boards and main boards if you need to replace them.
Also, read GE Universal Remote Codes for Sony TV
Sony TV Support & Warranty
For TVs under a year old, Sony customer service should be contacted to replace them under warranty.
You can call Sony directly on:
- 239-245-6354 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 9pm ET, Sat – Sun, 10am – 8pm ET)
Feel free to text them at 239-245-6354, or ask for a callback.
It’s still possible to get a discount if you pester Sony long enough, even if they don’t fix your TV! I have always found this to be worth a shot.
What to Do if Your Sony TV Won’t Turn On
The following steps can be taken to fix your Sony TV if it won’t turn on:
- By testing your wall sockets, you can ensure that your TV is receiving power.
- By holding the power button while unplugging your TV, you can reset it.
- Make sure that all Bluetooth devices and devices that are physically connected are removed.
- Make sure your power cable is not damaged.
- It is important to check that the batteries in your remote are working.
- Ensure that the backlight and all other components are functioning.
It’s most likely that the mainboard has failed if none of the options above work. There is a possibility that these can be replaced, but it might be a good idea to have someone look at them professionally.
You might even be able to get a discount off a new model if you try Sony customer service one last time.
You can follow the instructions in the video below if you want to replace the main board yourself.
Faqs
What should I do if my Sony TV won’t turn on?
First, ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into both the TV and the electrical outlet. Try unplugging the TV for a few minutes, then plugging it back in and attempting to turn it on again. You can also try using a different power cord or remote control. If these solutions don’t work, it may be necessary to call a technician or bring the TV to a repair shop.
How can I tell if the power cord is the problem?
You can try using a different power cord that you know is working with another device to determine if the original power cord is the issue. Additionally, check to ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into both the TV and the electrical outlet.
Can a blown fuse cause my Sony TV to not turn on?
Yes, a blown fuse can prevent the TV from turning on. If you suspect that a blown fuse is the problem, check the fuse and replace it if necessary. It’s important to note that replacing a fuse can be dangerous if you don’t have experience working with electronics, so it may be best to leave this task to a professional.
Is it possible that the circuit board is the problem?
Yes, a damaged or faulty circuit board can prevent the TV from turning on. If you suspect that the circuit board is the issue, it’s best to bring the TV to a repair shop to have it inspected and repaired by a professional technician.
What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your Sony TV still won’t turn on, it may be necessary to call a technician or bring the TV to a repair shop. A professional can diagnose the problem and provide a solution that is safe and effective.
Conclusion
In addition to simple issues such as a non-responsive remote controller, a faulty power outlet or cable, a defective HDMI cable, and more technical issues such as a faulty transformer, blown fuses, or a capacitor, the Sony TV can also be affected by a number of problems.
Also, read
- Sony TV Remote Not Working
- Sony TV Universal Remote codes
- Sanyo TV Won’t Turn On
- RCA Universal Remote Codes For TV