Samsung TV will not turn on, red standby light or clicking noise
A Samsung TV that will not switch on is usually a power or remote problem rather than a broken screen. Work through these simple checks before assuming the worst.
What the red light and clicking can mean
A small red or white light at the bottom of the TV normally means it is in standby, which is perfectly normal. If the light is on but the screen stays dark, the TV is receiving power but is not waking up.
A soft click when you press the power button is also common on many TVs and is not always a fault. A repeated clicking or ticking noise, or a red light that blinks over and over, can point to a power problem inside the TV. If that is happening, skip to the last section.
Simple checks first
- Check the wall socket works by plugging in a lamp or phone charger.
- Make sure the plug is pushed in fully and any extension lead is switched on.
- Try the physical button on the TV itself, not the remote. Its position varies by model, often under the bottom edge, near the middle or at the back corner.
- Replace the remote batteries. A weak remote is the most common reason a TV seems dead.
Do a power reset
- Switch the TV off at the wall and unplug it.
- Press and hold the power button on the TV for about 30 seconds while it is unplugged.
- Leave it unplugged for at least a minute.
- Plug it back in directly to a wall socket and try again.
When to get more help
If the TV still shows no sign of life, the red light blinks repeatedly, or you hear clicking after a power reset, it is likely a hardware fault. Check whether the TV is still under warranty and contact the shop or Samsung. Vision Tech can help you work out what to try first and what to say when you ring them.