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LG TV Not Turning On: 9 Ways To Fix It (2023 Guide)

LG TV Not Turning On

Oh, hi there!

Is your LG TV also not working? Perhaps it’s stuck in standby mode?

Geez, I can understand how frustrating it is not to be able to watch your favorite show.

So, let me quickly help you figure things out…

As we resolve this problem together!

That being said…

Continue reading to know:

  • 11 effective ways to fix an LG TV that won’t turn on.
  • 10 simple easy steps to replace the TV capacitors to fix power-related issues.
  • How to diagnose the TV power supply board and mainboard if the unit won’t turn on.
  • And so much more…

Why is my LG TV not turning on?

Your LG TV isn’t turning on due to blown capacitors and a damaged power supply board or mainboard. It’ll also not turn on if the remote control has low batteries or a faulty power button. Obstructions in front of the TV IR sensor, minor glitches, and improper cable connection may also be the reason.


LG TV not turning on: 9 ways to fix it


#1: Remove obstructions in front of the TV IR receiver

If you can’t turn on your LG TV using the remote…

Check first whether there are objects blocking the TV’s IR receiver.

Note: The IR receiver is the small indicator light that glows red or white under the TV screen. It’s usually in the middle or right bottom edge of the TV.

And that object can be anything, such as a:

  • Gadget.
  • Plant leaf.
  • Shelf door.
  • Shelf decor.

The reason:

Your remote communicates with your TV using infrared light.

And although it’s not visible to the human eye… It requires a direct line of sight to travel from the remote to the TV’s IR receiver.

Given that, remove any obstructions in front of the TV’s IR receiver. And keep at least a 3 in (7.62 cm) clearance on its sides.

Otherwise, the TV won’t receive the command signals from the remote. And so, it’ll not turn on.

#2: Change the remote batteries

Change Remote Batteries

“But nothing is blocking the TV’s IR sensor….”

Well then, check if your TV remote is working and has battery power.

Note: A low battery notice will display on your TV screen if you’re using an LG Magic Remote.

So, look out for such notices to know when to change your remote batteries.

Alternatively, you can navigate the TV’s setting page to check its battery status.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Long press the number “9” key on the remote. Until the Quick Help settings appear on the screen.

Step 2: Click Check Items > Check the status of TV > Check Magic Remote.

Step 3: Check the status on the “Remaining Battery” section.

If it says “Low,” replace the remote batteries. For that, you’ll need 2 pieces of AA Alkaline batteries.

#3: Replace the remote

How long have you been using your TV remote?

If it’s more than 7 years already (which is the average lifespan of a remote)…

Chances are high that you can’t turn on your TV using it because of a worn-out power button.

Many things can cause that to happen, but mostly it’s due to:

  • Old age.
  • Excessive use.
  • Physical impact.

“How would I know if my remote power button is worn-out?”

Consider it worn out if its label/icon is already faded or erased. Or if you don’t feel a click when pressing it.

To resolve the problem, you have 2 options:

  • Get a new remote.
  • Replace the remote keypad.

If you have an old spare remote of the same type, remove its keypad. Then, place it on the current one you’re using.

But if you don’t have one, your best solution is to get a remote replacement

Since buying a keypad replacement is nearly impossible.

Learn more: Can I use my smart TV without a remote?

#4: Reseat the power cord

Is your LG TV not powering on?

And is the indicator light not glowing red?

Then, perhaps your unit doesn’t receive a power charge at all.

And that can happen if the power cord is not properly seated on the TV power and port and the outlet.

That being said, make sure to reseat the TV power cord.

To do that:

Step 1: Remove one end of the power cord connected to the outlet.

Step 2: Remove the other end of the power cord from your TV.

Locate the TV port, which is usually at the left backside of the TV. And unplug the other end of the power cord from it.

Step 3: Reinsert one end of the power cord into the TV port.

Step 4: Reinsert the other end into the outlet. 

After that, try to turn on your TV. Either by:

  • Using the remote.
  • Pressing the physical POWER button on the unit.

Note: The physical power button on LG TVs is typically located right under the LG logo.

#5: Power cycle the TV

Suppose your TV isn’t turning on. But its indicator light is flashing red…this one is for you!

A red indicator light means that your TV is in standby mode. Which is similar to a computer’s “sleep mode.”

In normal scenarios, you can activate your TV from standby mode by pressing any keys on your remote.

But due to some glitches, a.k.a an unknown system error, that method can sometimes fail.

To troubleshoot it, you’d have to refresh your unit’s system. And you can do that by power cycling. 

A power cycle refreshes your TV and its functions by completely turning off and on your unit once.

Note: This solution is especially helpful on overheated TVs. Since it helps cool down the unit.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Unplug the TV power cord from the outlet.
  2. Let it sit for about 30 to 60 seconds.
  3. Replug the power cord to the outlet.
  4. Then, turn on your TV.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t resolve anything, redo the power cycling process. 

But on your 2nd try, keep it unplugged longer for 15 to 30 minutes. Or overnight, if needed.

You might also be interested in: 7 Steps To Watch Apple TV On LG TV

#6: Plug the TV into another outlet

Still not working?

Then, test if your power outlet is working.

Why?

If your TV isn’t turning on… 

One of the first few things that you should always check is your unit’s power supply. 

Since an insufficient power supply commonly causes this problem. Or none at all.

Follow these instructions to test your outlet:

Step 1: Unplug the TV from the outlet.

Step 2: Grab a multimeter. And place its range selector at 200 V.

Step 3: Plug its 2 probes into the outlet. 

Step 4: Read the outlet’s voltage power on the multimeter’s display.

If it’s around 120 V, then the outlet is in good condition. But if it falls way below that, consider your outlet faulty.

Note: 120 V is the standard outlet voltage in the US.

Suppose your outlet is faulty; plug your TV into another outlet. 

Do this until you have your outlet fixed by a technician.

#7: Replace the TV capacitors

If nothing above has worked…

Then the problem must be with your TV’s internal system.

One of the things that cause power-related issues on your TV is blown capacitors.

A capacitor is an electrical component that stores energy.

So, once it gets damaged or blown, the circuit system of your TV can fail.

And several things can cause that to happen, including:

  • Short circuit.
  • Power surge.

“How can I fix it?”

If the capacitor is blown, your only option is to replace it. 

Step-by-step guide on replacing the TV capacitors:

Warning: Incorrect procedure can further damage your TV. So, if you’re in doubt whether you can do the steps below, it’s best to call a technician.

Step 1: Unplug the TV from the outlet.

Step 2: Unscrew the back cover of the TV to remove it.

Step 3: Remove the power supply board in the unit.

To do that, carefully disconnect the cables from it.

Step 4: Locate the capacitors on the power supply board.

Look for cylindrical components. Which are usually blue and black.

Step 5: Remove the blown capacitors.

You can do that by melting the leads of the capacitor using a soldering iron. Ensure not to forcibly remove them, as it will damage the power supply board.

Step 6: Place the new capacitors on the correct slots.

Step 7: Use a soldering iron to secure them in place.

Step 8: Remove the excess tips of the capacitor using pliers.

Step 9: Return the power supply board in place. And connect the cables.

Step 10: Screw the TV back cover back in.

#8: Replace the TV power supply board

So, replacing the capacitors didn’t help?

Well then, the power supply board itself must be faulty.

This is the component that regulates and distributes the power supply in the entire unit. 

So, if any of its parts gets damaged or defective…

Your LG TV won’t turn on.

How to diagnose the TV power supply board (and mainboard):

Unless there are visible signs of damage on the power supply board…

Checking the voltage of the cable that connects the PSB to the mainboard is the only way to diagnose it.

To do that:

Step 1: Remove the back cover of the TV.

Step 2: Access the power supply board. It’s usually on the left and has a yellow backing.

Step 3: Locate the cable that connects the PSB to the mainboard.

Step 4: Identity the pins that have a 5-volt standby. Look for a legend on the board.

Step 5: Use a multimeter to check its voltage.

Note: If it has a correct voltage (5 V), proceed to fix #9. But if it’s incorrect, replace the power supply board.

You can also watch this video to learn more about it:

#9: Replace the TV mainboard

Suppose the voltage of the pins you’ve tested is incorrect; replace the mainboard.

Why?

If the testing results display that the TV has a correct 5-volt standby…

It means that the power supply board is fine and working properly.

Which, on the other hand, indicates that the mainboard is faulty.

Note: When getting a PSB or mainboard replacement, make sure to get one compatible with your model.

Check out: Will Smart TVs Become Obsolete? The Harsh Truth & Facts