Samsung TV Red Light Blinking: Common Causes + Solutions (2024)

  • Categories
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Television

Download Article

Learn why your Samsung TV’s standby light is flashing and what to do about it

Explore this Article

IN THIS ARTICLE

1Try plugging the TV into a different outlet.

2Do a power cycle or cold boot.

3Replace the power cord if it’s damaged.

4Check for problems with HDMI input.

5Contact Samsung if you suspect problems with the internal components.

+Show 2 more...

-Show less...

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Co-authored byJocotra Catheyand Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: November 27, 2023Fact Checked

Download Article

When your Samsung TV is working properly, the red standby light is off when the TV is off, and on when the TV is on. But what does it mean when the light blinks but the screen is dark? A blinking standby light usually means there’s an issue with your Samsung TV’s power supply, but it can also be caused by a software issue or even a problem with an HDMI connection. In this article, we’ll talk you through the most common causes for a blinking red light on your Samsung TV and how to fix them.

Things You Should Know

  • You may be able to solve the problem by plugging your TV into another outlet or power strip.
  • Try power cycling the TV by unplugging it, waiting at least 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.
  • Make sure any HDMI input devices are working properly.
  • If these common fixes don’t work, you may need to get your TV repaired professionally.

1

Try plugging the TV into a different outlet.

Download Article

  1. A flashing red light usually indicates a power supply problem. The simplest solution is often to plug your TV into a different power source. Unplug your Samsung TV and wait 30 seconds, then try plugging it into a different outlet that you know is working. Turn the TV back on and see if the problem is solved.[1]

    • If your TV is plugged into a surge protector or power strip, try resetting the power strip. Unplug anything that’s plugged into it and press the reset button on the strip, then plug your TV and other devices back in.
      • If that doesn’t work, try a different power strip or plug your Samsung TV directly into the wall.
    • If other appliances in the room aren’t working, you might have a tripped circuit breaker. You’ll need to find your breaker panel or fuse box and reset the breaker.
  2. Advertisem*nt

2

Do a power cycle or cold boot.

Download Article

  1. Power cycling can fix problems by resetting your TV’s main board. If plugging your Samsung TV into a working outlet doesn’t fix the issue, a cold boot might help. For example, this may help fix problems caused by a glitch in the launch settings or an interrupted software update. To power cycle your TV:[2]

    • With the TV plugged in and turned on, hold down the power button on the remote until the TV turns off, then turns back on.
    • You can also simply unplug your TV from the wall, let it sit for 30 seconds, then plug it back in again. Turn on your TV and see if the issue is resolved.

3

Replace the power cord if it’s damaged.

Download Article

  1. Examine the cord for obvious nicks, kinks, or other damage. Damage to your TV’s power cord could keep it from working properly. If you notice any problems with the cord, you may need to buy a replacement.[3]

    • Even if the cord isn’t obviously damaged, it may be the cause of the problem. Try plugging another device into the same outlet to see if it works. If so, the issue may be with your cord or the internal components of the TV itself.
  2. Advertisem*nt

4

Check for problems with HDMI input.

Download Article

  1. Unplug any devices that are connected to your TV’s HDMI port(s). Sometimes a flashing red standby light can be caused by an HDMI source or connection problem. Try unplugging anything that’s plugged into your TV’s HDMI ports (such as a game console or Blu-ray player) and see if that solves the problem. If your TV turns on normally after you unplug any HDMI devices, try the following troubleshooting tricks to get your input source working correctly:[4]

    • Unplug the HDMI cable from both the device and your TV, then plug both ends back in.
    • Press the power button on the input device to make sure it’s turned on.
    • Make sure you have the right HDMI source selected on your TV. For example, if your device is plugged into HDMI port 1 and you have HDMI 2 selected as the source, the red standby light may flash to indicate that there’s no input from the selected source.
    • Try using a different HDMI cable to connect the device to your TV. It’s possible that you’re using a faulty or damaged cable.

    EXPERT TIP

    Samsung TV Red Light Blinking: Common Causes + Solutions (11)

    Jocotra Cathey

    TV Mounting Service Expert

    Jocotra Cathey is a TV Mounting Service Expert and the business owner of TV Mount Charlotte, a professional TV mounting company operating in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the past 18 years, Jocotra's company has offered premier home theater installation services, specializing in home theater design, wiring and installation, projector and screen installation, wire concealing, and more. He has received certifications in Computer Science and Low-Voltage Certification from Central Piedmont Community College.

    Samsung TV Red Light Blinking: Common Causes + Solutions (12)

    Jocotra Cathey
    TV Mounting Service Expert

    Observing blinking light patterns can provide troubleshooting clues. Most blinking lights on TVs have a pattern — number of blinks or color codes. First step? Observe the blinking pattern. Count the blinks. Then, hit Google. You're likely to find a simple solution or even a YouTube tutorial. This could even point you to the exact replacement part you need.

5

Contact Samsung if you suspect problems with the internal components.

Download Article

  1. There might be a problem with your LED backlights, capacitors, or main board. Unless you’re very handy, you might have a hard time dealing with any of these issues yourself.[5] Visit Samsung’s Repair Services website to request a repair or find a local service center: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/

  2. Advertisem*nt

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      • If the red light on your Samsung TV remote is flashing and you can’t get the TV to respond to remote input, you may need to charge or replace your remote batteries. If that doesn’t work, remove the batteries and hold down the Power button for 8 seconds to reset the remote. Put the batteries back in and try again.[6]

        Thanks

        Helpful19Not Helpful30

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisem*nt

      You Might Also Like

      Simple Troubleshooting Steps for a Samsung TV with the Black Screen of Death4 Easy Ways to Turn Off TV Narration and Audio Descriptions
      Restart an LG TV With or Without a Remote: Easy Reboot TipsHow toDisplay the Secret Menu in LG TVsHow toReset a Samsung TVThe Easiest Way to Clear the Cache on Your Roku DeviceWhy Is My TV Freezing and Pixelating? 12 Easy SolutionsResetting a Vizio RemoteHow to Hook Up a Smart TV to Cable (Setting Up Your Smart TV)The Easiest Way to Install Apps on a Vizio Smart TV4 Ways to Connect a Vizio TV to WiFi without a RemoteHow to Fix a TV With Picture But No Sound4 Easy Ways to Properly Measure Your TV Screen

      Advertisem*nt

      About This Article

      Samsung TV Red Light Blinking: Common Causes + Solutions (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Jocotra Cathey

      TV Mounting Service Expert

      This article was co-authored by Jocotra Cathey and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Jocotra Cathey is a TV Mounting Service Expert and the business owner of TV Mount Charlotte, a professional TV mounting company operating in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the past 18 years, Jocotra's company has offered premier home theater installation services, specializing in home theater design, wiring and installation, projector and screen installation, wire concealing, and more. He has received certifications in Computer Science and Low-Voltage Certification from Central Piedmont Community College. This article has been viewed 197,091 times.

      How helpful is this?

      Co-authors: 4

      Updated: November 27, 2023

      Views:197,091

      Categories: Television

      In other languages

      Portuguese

      Dutch

      French

      Spanish

      Indonesian

      Chinese

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 197,091 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisem*nt

      Samsung TV Red Light Blinking: Common Causes + Solutions (2024)

      References

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Ray Christiansen

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5286

      Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

      Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Ray Christiansen

      Birthday: 1998-05-04

      Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

      Phone: +337636892828

      Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

      Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

      Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.