Black Screen on Roku TV? Here's Why and How to Fix It

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Get your Roku TV working again when the picture won't show

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 23, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Why is my Roku TV showing a black screen?
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• Troubleshooting

|Show more |Show less

Is the screen black on your Roku TV? Whether this happens with or without sound, you can usually get it working again after a simple reset. Here's how to reset and fix a Roku TV with a black screen.

Fixes for a Black Screen on Roku

If your TV screen is black when trying to watch on your Roku, you may have a loose cable or a power issue. In most cases, a simple restart can fix this. Unplug your Roku for a few minutes, then plug it back in. Make sure your video output is set to your Roku.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Why is my Roku TV showing a black screen?

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1. 
   A black screen on a Roku can indicate an incorrect setting or cable issue. Double-check that the light is active on your Roku device. If it is, the video isn't being transmitted properly to your TV. This can be due to loose cables or a software bug.
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Restart your Roku. When you can't navigate the menu to do so, you can just unplug the power cable from your device. If it's a Roku streaming stick, unplug it from your TV as well. Wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in.
2. 
   2
   Check the cables. Ensure all cables, such as the HDMI and power cables, are connected properly. If the HDMI cable isn't plugged in all the way, it won't be able to transmit the video signal.

   • If the HDMI is plugged in properly, it could be damaged. Try using a different cable.
3. 
   3
   Check the video output. If you have multiple devices connected to your TV, make sure the video output is set to the Roku device.

   • Use the Source or Input button on your TV's remote. Some TVs have physical buttons that you can use instead.
4. 
   4
   Remove other devices. Consoles or other devices can take away power from your Roku device. Disconnect all other devices aside from your Roku, and then restart your Roku again.
5. 
   5
   Check your internet connection. Sometimes, a black screen can be caused by a loading issue. Make sure your network is stable. If it isn't, you'll need to troubleshoot it.

   • Some Roku devices allow an Ethernet connection.
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   6
   Reset your Roku. Keep in mind this will restore the device to its factory default settings, and you may need to redownload apps and sign into services again.

   • Press and hold the Reset button for about 20 seconds. When the light on the Roku device blinks rapidly, release the button.
7. 
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   If only one app is black, uninstall the app. You can uninstall apps by hovering over an app and pressing the Star button. In the Options menu, select Remove.
8. 
   8
   Try using a different TV. If you have a streaming stick, plug it into an alternate TV (if available). If the Roku device works on the new TV, there's an issue with the other TV.
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