TCL Roku TV Has Sound But No Picture? (Don’t Panic, Easy Fix!)
Wondering what causes the TCL Roku TV has sound but no picture issue? We can help!
The sudden disappearance of the TCL Roku TV’s picture is often an indication of source issues, power insufficiency, or potentially, a backlight problem.
We’ve discovered the most effective solutions for the issue:
For a complete breakdown of the solutions from above, proceed with our professional guide!
Best Solutions for TCL Roku TV Has Sound But No Picture!
Tip: Have you checked if the TV responds to the presses of other buttons?
1. Try to Change the TCL TV’s Source
The first step in finding out the cause for the blank screen is attempting to switch the TCL Roku TV’s input source.
Since you’re unable to navigate using the TV’s screen, your only alternative is to use the built-in “Source” button, found right under the TV’s logo.
So, ensure that the TV is plugged in and powered on before proceeding with the source change instructions.
Also, ensure the TV can still play audio before pressing any of the in-built buttons.
- To access the input menu on the TCL Roku TV, hold the “Source” button for at least 10–15 seconds and do not release the key early to try and show the menu.
If there’s no button on the underside of your TCL Roku TV, try pressing “Home” on the remote and input the following sequence:
- Press the “UP” arrow once, press the “Right” arrow 3 times, and then press “OK.”
Note: If your TV is still unresponsive, try selecting a different input from the source menu using the TCL Roku TV’s remote control.
2. Discharge the TCL Roku TV Hardware
The power cycle is another standard, but greatly effective solution for any type of fault with the TCL Roku TV.
It takes less than 60 seconds for all of the TV’s power to drain, eliminating any potential issues with the hardware or the system services.
Follow these steps to properly discharge the TCL Roku TV:
- Hold the Power button on the remote for 10–15 seconds.
- Disconnect the TV’s power cable from the electrical outlet.
- Unplug the other end from the back of the TCL Roku TV.
- Wait for 30–40 seconds while the TV unit is discharging.
- Reseat the power cable on both ends and test your Roku.
How to Fix TCL TV Power Supply Issues?
If the TCL Roku TV experiences unusual behavior, such as rebooting, powering, or sudden outages of the screen, try the following:
- Check if the TV’s power cable is securely connected.
- Connect the TCL Roku TV to a different power outlet.
- Inspect the TV’s power port for obstructions or debris.
- Examine the TV power adapter for hardware damage.
Note: If the adapter is not in proper condition or appears damaged, consider a replacement.
3. Test the Backlight of the TCL Roku TV
In some cases, a reduced brightness or defective backlight panel could cause the TCL Roku TV’s screen to go black, while the sound is still there.
There is a clever way to test if your TV’s brightness has been set to a minimum or find out if the backlight is defective by using your smartphone’s flashlight.
To test the TV’s display using your flashlight, press the “Power” button on the remote control and shine the flashlight on the display.
For best testing effects, ensure you’ve cut off the room’s lightning entirely and use the strongest setting of your phone’s flashlight.
Gently go from end to end on the TV and look for silhouettes.
How To Turn Up TCL Roku TV’s Brightness?
If you’re able to navigate through the TV’s menu using a flashlight, follow these steps to turn up the brightness:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote control.
- Scroll to “Settings” and go to “TV Picture Settings.”
- Select “TV Brightness” from the on-screen section.
- Select a constant brightness level or use “Auto.”
Setting the TCL Roku TV’s brightness to “Auto” allows for automatic regulation of the backlight by the TV.
- The TV’s brightness will increase if it’s too sunny in the room and lower if it’s too dark.
4. Activate a Firmware Update (Key Combinations)
If the TCL Roku TV no picture issue persists, but the audio is still there, chances are that you would still be able to navigate through the TV’s settings.
In that regard, applying a firmware update should eliminate underlying issues with the OS and hopefully resolve the black screen of the TV.
Here’s which buttons to press and in what order to update the TV:
- Press the “Power” button until the audio of the TV stops.
- Wait for 5 seconds and turn on the TCL Roku TV again.
- Press the “Down” button 7 times and then press “OK.”
- Next, press the “Right” arrow button once to proceed.
- Press the “Down” button 12 times and then hit the “OK.”
- Press the “Down” button 8 times and press “OK” again.
- Press “OK” and press “OK” again to check for updates.
- Wait for at least 20–30 seconds and hit the “OK” again.
Note: If you’ve executed the combination correctly, the TCL Roku TV should automatically check for updates and prompt you with the latest version if it’s available.
5. Uninstall Any Third-Party Equipment
In some cases, the presence of unidentified third-party devices in the setup of your TCL Roku TV can be a cause for the black screen.
So, in this step, your task is to disconnect all devices that can potentially interfere with the functionality of your TCL Roku TV and check the picture.
Ensure none of the following devices are in contact with the TV:
- HDMI devices: Gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and other players.
- Audio devices: Devices connected over AUX, HDMI, or components.
- Coaxial devices: Set-top boxes, satellite antennas, or satellite receivers.
Note: Before testing the display, the only wire that must remain connected is the power adapter!
6. Restore the Roku TV to Factory Defaults
If TCL Roku TV has sound but no picture, perhaps you can trigger a factory reset without being able to see anything.
Well, we’ve prepared exact instructions to navigate to the reset option and select it, using your remote control, without the need to see the menus or settings.
Here’s how to factory reset TCL Roku TV without seeing the menu:
- Power on the TV and press the “Left” arrow button.
- Press the remote’s “Down” arrow button 9 times.
- Press “OK” and then select the “UP” remote button.
- Press “OK” and press the “Down” arrow 10 times.
- Press “OK,” hit the “Down” arrow, and “OK” again.
- Now, press “Right” twice and hit the “OK” button.
- Press “Left” once and “Down” 3 times, then “OK.”
- Press “Left” and “Up” arrow then hit the “OK” again.
- Next, press “UP” once, “Right” twice, and then “OK.”
- For initiation, press “Left,” 3 times “Down” and “OK.”
The steps above should be universal for all types of TCL Roku TVs.
It is important to ensure there’s an at least 1-second delay between each press, to avoid messing up the key sequence.
Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.