Sony TV Won’t Turn On – Here’s the Fix

By SmartHomeBit Staff •  Updated: 09/23/22 •  7 min read

 

1. Power Cycle Your Sony TV

When you turn your Sony TV “off,” it isn’t truly off.

It enters a low-powered “standby” mode that allows it to start up quickly.

If something goes wrong, your TV can get stuck in standby mode.

Power cycling is a fairly common troubleshooting method that can be used on most devices.

It can help fix your Sony TV because after continuously using your TV the internal memory (cache) may be overloaded.

Power cycling will clear this memory and allow your TV to run like it’s brand new.

To wake it up, you’ll have to perform a hard reboot of the TV.

Unplug it from the wall outlet and wait for 30 seconds.

This will give time to clear the cache and allow any residual power to drain from the TV.

Then plug it back in and try to turn it on again.

 

2. Replace the Batteries in Your Remote

If power cycling didn’t work, the next potential culprit is your remote.

Open the battery compartment and ensure that the batteries are fully seated.

Then try pressing the power button again.

If nothing happens, replace the batteries, and try the power button once more.

Hopefully, your TV will turn on.

When you do this, make sure your energy-saving switch is on!

 

3. Turn Your Sony TV on Using the Power Button

Sony remotes are pretty durable.

But even the most reliable remotes can break, after prolonged usage.

Walk up to your TV and press and hold the power button on the back or side.

It should power on in a couple of seconds.

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper.

 
Why Won’t My Sony TV Turn On & How to Fix
 

4. Check Your Sony TV’s Cables

The next thing you need to do is check your cables.

Inspect both your HDMI cable and your power cable, and make sure they’re in good condition.

You’ll need a new one if there are any horrendous kinks or missing insulation.

Unplug the cables and plug them back in so you know they’re properly inserted.

Try swapping in a spare cable if that doesn’t fix your problem.

The damage to your cable could be invisible.

In that case, you’d only discover the damage by using a different one.

Many Sony TV models come with a non-polarized power cord, which can malfunction in standard polarized outlets.

Look at your plug prongs and see if they’re the same size.

If they’re identical, you have a non-polarized cord.

You can order a polarized cord for around 10 dollars, and it should solve your problem.

 

5. Double Check Your Input Source

Another common mistake is using the wrong input source.

First, double-check where your device is plugged in.

Note which HDMI port it’s connected to (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.).

Next press your remote’s Input button.

If the TV is on, it will switch input sources.

Set it to the correct source, and you’ll be all set.

 

6. Test Your Outlet

So far, you’ve tested many features of your TV.

But what if there’s nothing wrong with your television? Your power outlet may have failed.

Unplug your TV from the outlet, and plug in a device that you know is working.

A cell phone charger is good for this.

Connect your phone to the charger, and see if it draws any current.

If it doesn’t, your outlet isn’t delivering any power.

In most cases, outlets stop working because you’ve tripped a circuit breaker.

Check your breaker box, and see if any breakers have tripped.

If one has, reset it.

But keep in mind that circuit breakers trip for a reason.

You’ve probably overloaded the circuit, so you may need to move some devices around.

If the breaker is intact, there’s a more serious problem with your home’s wiring.

At this point, you should call an electrician and have them diagnose the problem.

In the meantime, you can use an extension cord to plug your TV into a working power outlet.

 

7. Check Your Sony TV’s Power Indicator Light

Sony TVs have one or more lights on the bottom front edge.

Depending on the status of your television, these lights may blink or change color.

Here are some things to look for.

 

Red Status Light is Blinking

Most of the time, a blinking red light means you have to repair your TV.

But sometimes you can fix it by performing the following procedure:

If that doesn’t work, the internal circuitry is damaged.

 

Orange/Amber Status Light is Blinking

A blinking amber light could mean that the sleep timer is active.

You’ll have to open your settings menu and turn off the timer.

On internet-connected TVs, it could also indicate that your TV is performing a software update.

You won’t be able to use it until the update is complete.

 

Green Status Light is Blinking

Unplug the TV for three minutes, then plug it back in.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to repair your TV.

Sometimes, a blinking green light will be followed by a blinking red light.

In that case, follow the same steps as for a red light.

 

White Status Light is Blinking

A blinking white light will be followed by a blinking red light.

Follow the same steps we outlined for the red light.

 

8. Factory Reset Your Sony TV

Performing a factory reset on your TV is not something you should do lightly.

You’ll lose all of your settings and personal information.

That said, it can solve stubborn problems that other solutions can’t fix.

How this works depends on your model of TV.

Different Sony televisions have different button layouts, which all have unique reset functions.

Sony has an online guide to resetting each variety.

 

9. Contact Sony Support and File a Warranty Claim

If you can’t fix your TV, you might be able to have Sony fix it for you.

Sony backs most of their TVs with a three-year warranty, with a five-year warranty on some BRAVIA models.

You can reach Sony support at (239) 245-6354 by call or text.

Their hours are 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday, and 10 AM through 8 PM on Saturdays.

You can also request a call using their online form.

You may be able to return your TV to the store you bought it from if you didn’t buy it too long ago.

Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on the services of a local repair shop.

 

In Summary

Fixing your Sony TV is usually simple.

You can solve most problems by power cycling it or checking the cables.

But even if you require a more advanced solution, no problem is un-fixable.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there a reset button on a Sony TV?

No.

But you can hard reset your TV with a combination of buttons.

See Sony’s guide for more details.

 

Is there a fuse in a Sony TV?

Yes.

You’ll find it on the power board, which you can access by removing the back of the housing.

SmartHomeBit Staff