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Fix a TV that has Android TV that will not work

We'll check power, remote, and Wi-Fi—or factory reset when needed.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Android TV remote (or Android TV remote app on phone)
  • TV remote (if different)
Step 1 of 7

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check power and remote, then rule out Wi-Fi issues.

Check power and remote

Goal: Confirm the TV has power and the remote works.

  • Confirm the TV is plugged in and the power indicator is on.
  • Replace the batteries in the Android TV remote. Use the Android TV remote app on your phone if the remote does not respond.
  • Good: TV has power and remote works. The Android TV home screen responds. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—proceed to Check Wi-Fi.

Check Wi-Fi

Goal: Rule out Wi-Fi issues.

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Network). Confirm the TV is connected to your Wi-Fi.
  • Good: Wi-Fi is connected. Android TV streams. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—proceed to Power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset the TV and Android TV.

  • Unplug the TV from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug back in and turn on.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes it. Android TV responds. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—restart from Settings or factory reset.

When to get help

Call a pro if:

  • The TV has no picture on any input—the TV may need repair.

Use an external streaming device or call a pro if:

  • Factory reset and all checks do not fix the Android TV. The TV may need repair.

Verification

  • The TV powers on and shows the Android TV home screen.
  • The remote or Android TV app controls the TV.
  • The TV is connected to Wi-Fi in Settings > Network & Internet.
  • Streaming apps load and play content.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Power Confirm TV is plugged in and powers on.
  2. Remote Replace batteries or use Android TV remote app.
  3. Wi-Fi Check connection in Settings > Network & Internet.
  4. Power-cycle and restart Power-cycle TV; restart from Settings.
  5. Call a pro or use external device TV has no picture—call a technician. Android TV still broken—use external streaming device or call a pro.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Whether TV connects to Wi-Fi
  • Steps already tried

Does the TV power on and show a picture?

No picture—see fix-tv-will-not-turn-on or fix-tv-has-no-signal.

Turn on the TV. Picture: check remote and Wi-Fi. No picture: see fix-tv-will-not-turn-on or fix-tv-has-no-signal.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Does the remote or app control the TV?

Dead batteries or unpaired remote can prevent control.

Replace remote batteries. Use Android TV remote app if needed. Works: check Wi-Fi. No: power-cycle TV, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace batteries and power-cycle

Replace batteries. Power-cycle TV. If remote or app works, done. If not, factory reset.

Done

Is the TV connected to Wi-Fi?

Check Settings > Network & Internet.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet. Confirm connected. Power-cycle if disconnected. Connected: restart from Settings or factory reset. Not connected: connect to Wi-Fi, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connect Wi-Fi and test

Select your Wi-Fi in Settings > Network & Internet. Enter password. If it works, done. If not, factory reset.

Done

Restart or factory reset

Settings > Device Preferences > About > Restart. If still broken, factory reset from Settings > Device Preferences > Reset. Still no: use external streaming device or call a pro.

Done

Call a pro

TV has no picture—see fix-tv-will-not-turn-on or fix-tv-has-no-signal. If those do not apply and TV still has no picture on any input, call a TV repair technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Android TV stop working?
Power loss, Wi-Fi disconnected, remote batteries dead or unpaired, or a firmware glitch. Built-in Android TV is part of the TV—no separate input to select.
Can I fix Android TV that will not work myself?
Yes. Check power, remote, and Wi-Fi. Power-cycle the TV. Factory reset from Settings > Device Preferences > Reset if needed.
When should I call a technician?
If the TV has no picture on any input, or factory reset and all checks do not fix the Android TV. The TV may need repair or you can use an external streaming device.

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