A bunch of things might make your Roku TV show a black screen. Here's the scoop on some usual problems that could be messing things up.
- Buggy software
- Loose or improperly connected cables
- Incorrect settings
- Faulty TV hardware
Let's take a closer look at these issues.
Why Is My Roku TV Displaying a Black Screen?
Buggy Software
Buggy Roku TV software can cause a flashing black screen to display on the TV. This can be caused by ordinary one-off software bugs or just simply old firmware that is installed on the TV.
Loose Cables
If you're using a platform like Roku Express or Roku Ultra and they’re connected to the TV via HDMI cables, this could be the cause. This means that the wires aren't properly arranged throughout their ports.
Incorrect Settings
When configuring the TV settings, specifically the picture settings, make sure not to alter too much as these settings control the display of the TV. If you set them to much higher levels than the TV can handle, you may risk experiencing a black screen.
Faulty Hardware
There are different types of Roku hardware. The Roku streaming sticks which slot into the HDMI port and dedicated TVs such as TCL Roku TVs and Sharp Roku TVs.
Faulty hardware is normally the most difficult issue to resolve in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, you may have to contact customer support and ask them to send in a qualified technician. Common faulty hardware issues include faulty Roku sticks, spoilt LED backlights, and buggy display ports.
Effective Troubleshooting Tips
Before you reset your Roku device or call customer support, you can try some of the following effective troubleshooting tips.
1. Check for Loose Connections
If you’re using a streaming device like Roku Express or a Roku stick, the first thing you should do is to check for any loose connections. If the cords are not properly plugged into the HDMI or USB port, it can cause a flashing black screen. So, check if the wires are properly arranged in their respective ports.
2. Power Cycle the Device
Sometimes, switching the device on and off can be the simple solution to whatever problem you are facing with your TV. You can also try powering off both the remote and the TV and see if it solves the problem.
To do this, turn your TV off and unplug it from the wall outlet for about a minute before plugging it back in. Also, remove the batteries from your remote and insert them back in after 15 seconds.
3. Check Your TV’s Hardware
A faulty HDMI cord or port can make your Roku TV flicker and flash or go dark. So, you need to check if there are any damages to the hardware.
First, switch between HDMI input ports to see if there are any issues. Next, replace the HDMI cords with a new one to see if it makes a difference.
4. Change the TV’s Resolution
If your screen is showing all black, this may indicate that your Roku TV is operating at a higher resolution than it's capable of displaying.
To fix this, reduce the resolution. Here’s how you can do this:
- Click on the Home button and select Settings.
- Select Display Type.
- Try every setting starting from the highest one to see which one resolves the flashing black screen.
5. Change Picture Settings
Changing the picture settings on your Roku TV can help resolve a flickering black screen. This fix is especially effective if your TV’s automatic display refresh rate is enabled and your TV is unable to keep up with it. The guide below will show you how to do this.
- Turn your TV on and grab your Roku TV remote.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Using the D-pad on your remote, scroll down and click on Settings.
- Next, select System.
- Under this sub-menu, select Advanced System Settings.
- Next, select Auto-adjust display refresh rate.
- If it is on, disable it by clicking Off.
- You can also solve this problem by changing the Picture Mode option on your Roku TV.
1. While streaming media on your Roku TV, press the * button on the Roku remote.
2. This will open up the Options menu.
3. Scroll down and look for Picture Mode.
4. Under it, you will see several options, including Low Power, Normal, Vivid, Sports, and Movies.
5. Select the Low Power option.
By setting it to the Low Power option, your TV’s display screen should return back to normal.
6. Perform a Reset
You can also resolve your Roku TV’s display issues by performing a soft reset on it. Doing this will clear its cache and potentially stop the screen from flickering.
However, you should note that this method only works if your Roku device is still streaming audio. So, turn the volume up and check if there’s any sound coming from the TV.
In the section below, we will be showing you how to perform a soft reset on your Roku TV.
- First, grab your Roku remote.
- You have to perform the following steps quickly and in the right sequence.
- Hit the Home button five times.
- Hit the Up button once.
- Hit the Rewind button twice.
- Hit the Fast-forward button twice.
- If you do not have a remote, you can also reset it by using the physical reset button at the back of the TV.
- The button’s exact location at the back varies for different models.
- Locate the button at the back and press it for 20 seconds.
- Your screen will go blank and then return to its normal state.
Common Questions Relating to The Roku TV Black Screen
My Roku TV is flashing other colors on the screen, what should I do?
If your Roku TV is flashing several colors, there are three ways you can fix this issue. One way is to perform a soft reset and a power cycle on the TV.
The second option is to disable the automatic display refresh rate on the TV.
Finally, the last option available would be to check the input cables coming into the TV to see if they’re working correctly.
How do I update my Roku TV?
Old firmware can sometimes be the root of this issue. So, even after your TV is back to normal, make sure you update your Roku OS.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. On the Roku home menu, click on Settings.
2. Scroll down to System, then click on System Update.
3. Click on Check now. If there’s an update available, the TV will download and install it.
My Roku TV is producing audio without video, what should I do?
If your Roku TV is producing audio without video, the first thing you should do is power cycle the TV. If that doesn’t work, check all your input cables to see if they are firmly in place.
Finally, as a last resort, you can try performing a hard reset on the TV and see if that solves the issue. If all else fails, consider contacting customer support and have them send in a technician.
The Verdict
A Roku TV showing a flashing black screen is actually more common than you think. Fortunately, you can easily fix this by trying simple steps such as power cycling the TV and checking all the connection ports.
By trying all the methods we have discussed above, you should be able to get back to watching all your favorite TV shows without any interruption. We want you to be equipped with the necessary skills when your TV abruptly malfunctions, which is why knowing what to do when your Roku TV is displaying a black screen is essential.