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Sony TV Not Turning On: 11 Ways To Fix It (2023 Guide)

Sony TV Not Turning On

“Oh no! Is my Sony TV actually dead?”

It’s one thing to deal with audio or video problems.

But when the TV itself isn’t turning on? 

It can be worrisome. 

Fortunately, there are fixes for this issue. 

With our guide, your Sony TV should be up and running in no time. 

Continue reading to find out:

  • What your Sony TV’s light indicators mean.
  • 5 easy steps to perform a modified power cycle.
  • How to find the Power button on your actual TV.
  • How Sony’s Energy Saving Switch can prevent your TV from turning on.
  • And this is just the beginning…

Why is my Sony TV not turning on?

Your Sony TV isn’t turning on because of a faulty power cord or a defective outlet. It’s also possible that the power cord is simply not properly attached. Turning the Energy Saving Switch off can also cause this issue. In addition, your TV may also simply be undergoing software installation.


Sony TV not turning on: 11 ways to fix it


#1: Perform a power cycle 

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we don’t mention this first.

A simple power cycle resolves most, if not all, technical issues. 

Power cycle is essentially just a complete restart of your device. 

Usually, in a power cycle, you’d have to turn off your device first. 

But this is a different scenario. Your TV doesn’t even turn on. 

So simply proceed with the following steps:

  1. Unplug your TV from the power outlet.
  2. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Plug it back in. 
  4. Try to turn your TV on either with the remote or through its own power button.

If it doesn’t work, there’s another way to power cycle. 

#2: Try a modified version of a power cycle

“What exactly is a modified power cycle?”

It’s not much different from the usual one. Except you’ll have to press your TV’s power button for a few seconds as well. 

To do this: 

  1. Unplug your TV from the power outlet.
  2. Press and hold the Power button on the actual TV. Do this for about 15 seconds.
  3. Wait for a minute or 2.
  4. Plug your TV back in.
  5. Try to turn your TV on either with the remote or through its own power button.

“What’s the logic behind pressing the Power button for 15 seconds?”

It helps drain the remaining power in your TV. 

You may check out this video for a demonstration of a slightly-tweaked power cycle:

#3: Make sure the power cord is securely connected

Your TV doesn’t turn on? 

It may simply be a case of an improperly-attached power cord. 

Sony TVs come with a detachable power cord

Make sure that it’s firmly connected to your TV. If it’s loose, push it further into the port.

Same thing with your power outlet. 

Whether you connected your TV to a wall outlet. Or a surge protector… Ensure that it’s plugged in tightly.

#4: Plug your TV into another outlet

Double-check if your outlet isn’t actually the problem. 

Unplug your TV first. Then grab another device. A phone or a laptop, perhaps. And try to plug them into the outlet where your TV’s previously connected.

If your phone or laptop starts charging, then we can rule out an outlet problem. 

If they don’t, then it’s safe to assume that your outlet is defective. You may have to call a technician to repair that.

In the meantime, you may try plugging your TV into another outlet. One that you know works. 

Editor’s choice: Where Are Sony TVs Made? 8 Countries Revealed

#5: Check if the power cord is defective

A defective power cord may also prevent your TV from turning on. 

The good thing with Sony TV’s power cord is it’s easily replaceable. 

Their cords are actually similar to other TV brands. That’s why there are many manufacturers that create non-brand-specific power cords. 

So you won’t have any trouble buying a replacement.

#6: Press the Power Button on your remote

If your TV doesn’t turn on by pressing the remote. Try to do it but longer.

Pres your Sony TV’s remote control for about 15 seconds. 

There is anecdotal evidence in tech forums that this sometimes does the trick. 

Some even press the Power button concurrently with the Menu button. And their TV suddenly turns on.

Of course, you have to make sure that your remote’s batteries are actually working. 

Check if the batteries are still working. Try to place them on another device. 

If they’re no longer working, then you’ll have to replace them. You can always order fresh pairs of batteries online. 

#7: Press the Power Button on the actual TV

Similar to long-pressing the power button on the remote. You may also try to do that with the TV’s power button.

Press the TV’s power button for about 15 seconds. In some cases, this is enough to turn the TV back on.

Of course, the location of the power button on the TV would depend on the model. 

Possible locations of the power button include:

  1. At the back of the TV.
  2. On one of the side panels.

If you’re not able to locate the button. It’s best to refer to your Sony TV’s user manual. 

#8: Turn on the Energy Saving Switch

Energy Saving Switch is a feature that appears in some of the more modern Sony TVs. 

It’s basically a switch. If your TV has one, you can find it at the back. It’s typically located on the lower-right side. 

What it does is reduce power consumption.

Does your Sony TV have an Energy Saving Switch? If it has, make sure to toggle it on.

Perhaps you or someone may have accidentally switched it off. And that’s why your TV’s not turning on.

By design, your Sony TV won’t turn on at all if the Energy Saving Switch is toggled off. 

#9: Check if the lights are blinking

So you’re currently not able to turn on your Sony TV. But have you noticed some blinking lights? 

If you have, then important to know what they mean. 

Sony TVs generally have four main LED light colors:

  • Red.
  • White.
  • Green.
  • Orange or Amber. 

“What do these lights indicate?”

Red LED blinking 

A blinking Red LED light means your TV has detected an issue. 

You have an option to perform a power cycle. But usually, though, red-light issues require actual repair.

Orange or Amber LED blinking 

This could mean 2 things.

  1. Your TV’s timer has been activated.
  2. Your TV is currently receiving a software update. 

If you can’t turn on your TV. And it has an Orange or Amber LED blinking. Just wait it out. Automatic software installation may take time. It should power back on automatically after installation.  

Green or White LED blinking

This is if the TV is in the process of turning on. It should stop once the TV turns on. If it doesn’t, do a power cycle. 

#10: Disconnect all external devices attached to your TV

Do you have external devices connected to your TV? Gaming consoles or streaming devices perhaps? 

If you have, you may want to try to disconnect them as well. Sometimes these devices can cause various issues to your TV. Including the failure to power on. 

#11: Contact Sony for repair

Contact Sony For Repair

“I’ve done all of the troubleshooting steps. My Sony TV still won’t turn on!”

If you’ve exhausted all solutions. And your TV still won’t turn on. Then it’s advisable to contact Sony for further assistance. 

Your TV likely has an internal hardware issue. It’s best to have a technician look into it.

Sony TVs’ warranties range from 1 to 2 years. This will depend on the model. And where it’s purchased. 

If it’s a manufacturer defect. And you’re still under warranty. You should get a repair or replacement for free.

For other causes, you’ll likely have to shell out money for repair. You may contact your local Sony service center for details. 

You might also want to check out: 9 Ways To Fix A TV With No Sound But Picture