How to Fix Samsung TV Standby Light Flashing Red?

By Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 15, 2024

Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

When your Samsung TV’s standby light is flashing red, it typically indicates a power issue. This error suggests that the TV is not receiving a stable power supply or is unable to power on due to an internal hardware fault. The most common cause is a malfunctioning power supply board or main board, but it could also be related to other components like the HDMI connection or external devices interfering with the TV’s operation

Samsung TV Won't Turn on issue. — Samsung TV Won’t Turn on issue.

What Prevents the Samsung TV from Turning On?

Here are some potential causes for your Samsung TV not powering on:

- Bad Power Supply: If the TV’s power supply has short-circuited due to an excessive influx of electric current, parts like capacitors and transistors might be damaged. Power surges can place significant stress on the components, which can lead to such damages.
- Incorrect Launch Configurations: Corrupted launch configurations might be preventing the TV from starting up. These configurations help in reducing startup time and saving certain settings when the TV powers down. If corrupted, they can stop the TV from starting up.
- HDMI Glitch: Issues with startup may occur if a gaming console like a PS4 or Xbox was used and turned off without switching the HDMI source. The console might be blocking the TV from powering on.
- Surge Protector: If your TV is connected via a surge protector and is not directly plugged into a power outlet, the protector itself could be at fault. Over time, it might not supply enough voltage for the TV to turn on.
- Source Selection: If the TV isn’t set to the correct input source, it might have issues launching. This common oversight can prevent the TV from receiving the correct signal and turning on.

1. Identify the Issue

It’s important to first identify the cause of the issue by conducting basic checks to determine whether the problem lies with the hardware or software. By determining whether the issue is related to the TV’s hardware—such as a faulty screen or power supply—or its software—like corrupted launch configurations—you can adjust your approach to fixing the problem effectively.

This initial diagnostic step is the key to avoiding unnecessary fixes and directing your efforts where they are most needed.

Make sure that, with the TV on, the standby Light located on the lower right side of the TV is illuminated.
Location of the Standby LED.
If the light is on, press the “Power” button on your remote to turn on the TV and check that the LED turns off.
The power button on the Samsung TV
If the LED goes out, the TV is properly connected to the power supply.
Check whether the screen is receiving power by tapping your finger lightly against the display.
If the screen flashes, it is operating correctly.
If the screen does not flash or the LED does not turn off, there may be a problem with the remote, power supply or the screen. Additionally, there could be a black screen issue with your Samsung TV.

2. Power Cycle the TV

This is more than a simple reboot. It’s similar to giving your TV a fresh start by draining residual power, thus clearing temporary configurations that may be causing the issue. When you power cycle, you’re essentially refreshing the TV’s system components and potentially resolving any minor glitches that have accumulated over time.

Unplug the TV from power and disconnect the cable from the wall outlet.
Unplugging Power from the TV
Hold the Power On button on the TV for at least 15 seconds.
Reconnect the TV to power and switch it on.
Check if the issue persists after powering on your TV.

3. Unplug Extras

Disconnecting external devices from your TV’s HDMI ports can serve as a refresh for the system. This action helps clear any glitches that may be caused by these peripherals interfering with the startup process. By re-establishing the connections one at a time after a successful boot, you can also identify if a specific device is the source of the problem.

Unplug all devices connected to the HDMI ports of your TV, such as a PS4, Xbox, or cable box.
Once all devices are disconnected, attempt to launch the TV and check if it powers on correctly.
If successful, select HDMI 1 as the source, then reconnect the previously unplugged device to the HDMI 2 slot.
Switch to HDMI 2 to view the console’s content, and ensure you swap back to HDMI 1 before switching off the TV next time.
Unplugging cables from the HDMI slots on the Samsung TV

4. Contact Customer Support

If the suggested workarounds fail to resolve your issue, it could indicate a hardware problem. In such a case, contact Samsung’s customer support for assistance and consider servicing your TV. Should your TV still be under warranty, reach out to Samsung’s customer care center to explore your options for a warranty claim.

Remember, handling electronic issues can be complex, and if you’re unsure about any steps or diagnosing the problem, it’s best to seek professional help. Customer support or a qualified technician can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances and the condition of your television.

By Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 15, 2024

Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

Comments

anand nair Jun 22, 2020

Samsung TV red light flicking and there blue light on. the screen also flicking

Shane Warren Author Jun 23, 2020

Have you tried all these methods? if so, then the only thing left is to call the customer support.

Natasha Mar 6, 2021

Did you find out how to fix this? Mine is doing the same thing

AGelbert Jul 12, 2020

My wife says she may have inadvertently sat on the remote control for over two hours. Since then the TV redl ight only flashes. When she tries to change the channel the red light flashes more. The screen does not come on. We tried all the steps – unplug from surge protector, plug into wall, unplug and hold power bottun for 15 secends, etc. We do not have any otehr device hooked up to the tv and therfore cannot use the reimage tool.

Shane Warren Author Jul 13, 2020

I’m thinking that you might have to replace the remote. Have you tried taking it in for service?

Shane Warren Author Jul 16, 2020

I’m sure you will find local service for this TV, try going to a third-party repair shop or something like that because they might be able to fix it for you and you won’t have to buy a new one.

Pete Josephs Jul 26, 2020

Mine turned out to be a faulty remote control which had got stuck in sending mode. Taking out the batteries fixed the flashing red light problem straight away. So just need a new remote control.

My remote control was stuck in send mode. I took out the batteries and flashing red light stopped. I just need a new remote control.

Mallori Oct 14, 2020

I cannot find an answer for the life of me, because all discussion about a flashing standby light is from people whose TV won’t turn on. The last two Samsung TVs I’ve had (UN32M4500 and currently UN43TU7000), the standby light would blink when the TV was turned off. I had NO ISSUE when turning the TV on and watching TV. The M4500 one seemed to blink at the same interval (ex: 8 seconds on, 4 seconds off), but this 7 series TV flashes at different intervals (10 seconds on, 4 seconds off; 5 seconds on, 4 seconds off; 1 second on, 5 seconds off).

I emailed Samsung when I had the M4500 TV and asked if that was normal and they said yes (wasn’t expecting any different). But I just don’t understand why the standby light is not solid like it is on 99.99% of other TVs when they’re turned off.

I’ve asked this question on other boards and no one has answered me. Does ANYONE know if this is normal behavior?!

Mallori Oct 16, 2020

To answer the reply to me (which doesn’t seem to be approved yet) and to follow up, I did end up chatting with Samsung online. He had me unplug my soundbar and cable box and check. No blinking. I then plugged in my soundbar, no blinking. Took that out and plugged in cable box, and there was the blinking. So it’s something from my cable box that is causing it.I switched out the HDMI cable and it still happened. Then I switched it from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 and now there’s no blinking. So I have no clue what’s causing it and why it only happens in input #1. But I’m leaving it in #2 for now and am living peacefully with no standby light flashing 😀

QWZXR Oct 21, 2020

Hi! For model LE40S81B I solved the issue by pressing the turn on/off button for one minute. It stopped blinking and tv switch on normally.

Ps: Before that, I swithced tv power cable alimentation directly into the wall power outlet. Also I changed hdmi entry to HDMI2.

Super jon Dec 14, 2020

I have a samsung un55nu6900fxza that when you push the power button it just blinks while you push it and stays on when released. I have replace the only board it has and both light strips.

Ken Pappas Feb 23, 2021

My Samsung power light blinks two times then pause then continues to blink two times. I see the backlights come on then off. I am wondering if my power supply board is bad. Nothing ever happened to the panel to make it fail. I tested all the LEDs and they are fine. No picture, No sound. Appreciate the help.

Muhammad Zubyan Author Feb 26, 2021

There are some things that you can try so first of all unplug anything that’s attached to your TV (HDMI, USB, etc)
Now hold down the power button (located at the side of the TV) for approximately 30-40 Seconds. Now plug your HDMI back but not in the same port if it was plugged in HDMI 1 plug it in HDMI 2 vice versa. If that doesn’t work for you there can be multiple things that can be problematic so therefore we can’t pinpoint you in any direction however 2 blinks on Samsung TVs usually indicates a bad power supply but I really suggest you to contact Samsung Support and explain the whole situation to them.

Jose Ramirez Jul 1, 2021

Have a Samsung q50t 32 Inch TV – Today Had a power surge and now the TV won’t turn on but I get the red blinking light on the bottom of the TV. Thought it was the power supply so I took the cord from the 32 inch and placed it on a 43 inch Samsung I have and the 43 inch TV powered up fine. Have tried cycling through – unplugged, pressed and held power button – TV still refuses to turn on.Any thoughts?

Muhammad Zubyan Author Jul 27, 2021

Unfortunately, it seems like that the power surge might have damaged a component inside your TV I suggest you to let a technician resolve this issue.

Isa Sep 9, 2021

I have contacted Samsung with a problem they can’t seem to answer. I wonder if you can. The red led light seems to be the issue. Every time someone walks past the TV or moves near the TV, the TV keeps turning off and on repeatedly and then turns itself off. I did all the checks with Samsung who also connected remotely to the TV. I then covered the led sensor with a piece of tape and, hey presto, the problem disappeared but the remote control still works. What is the cause and if it is fixed with a 1p sticker, do I really need to pay for a repair when the TV is out of warranty?

rogybe Nov 5, 2021

I have 40″ Samsung tv that wont turn on, red light is blinking one time and after back light turns on blinks 4 times, I unplug power and when I plug it again same thing over one blink backlights come on and red light blinks 4 times again, in my thinking one or other board could be bad I purchased main board and power supply board and I got another tv that has same model and boards from it match my tv but all I get is that back light works with all power supply boards but when I plug wires from main board I get 4 red light flashes, I did change different main boards with different power supply board and not much different in one combination I get 4 flashes in a different other I did get 3 and 5 flashes, now I am wondering if there is any expert that can give me his opinion what could be my problem and how to fix my tv. Thank you.

rogybe Nov 12, 2021

I have Samsung UN40-5003, for it I have 3 Main boards and 3 Power supply boards, the initial problem was one LED strip was bad but when I fixed that problem I get red light flashing after back light starts with one main board 3 times and with other main board 5 times, I dont know what to do any more I need help. Thank you

Muhammad Zubyan Author Nov 15, 2021

Unfortunately, I can’t suggest you in this case you will have to hire a professional technician.

Garret Hofman Jan 1, 2022

My TV has worked for awhile but I TRIED to turn it on and I got a blinking red light I play on the first Xbox and a ps3 and tried unplugging it and waiting and I tapped the screen nothing showed up pls help me thanks.