Roku TV Screen Black or Flickering (How to Troubleshoot!)

A black or flickering screen can be frustrating if you’re an avid Roku TV user. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! In this blog, we’ll walk you through some steps to get your Roku TV back up and running. We’ve covered you, from checking connections to adjusting picture settings and restarting your TV.

Read on to learn how to resolve this issue and get back to streaming your favorite shows and movies without interruption.

Fix the Roku TV Screen Black or Flickering

If you are facing a flickering screen or black screen on your Roku TV, there are various fixes you can try. It includes solutions like resetting the device, updating software, changing resolution settings, disabling bandwidth savers, power cycling, etc. Each solution is explained in detail with easy-to-follow steps in multiple ways.

Why Is My Roku TV Screen Black or Flickering?

There are several possible reasons why Roku TV screen may be black or flickering, including:

1. Loose Connections: If the cables connecting your TV to the device are not securely plugged in, it can cause a black or flickering screen.
2. Outdated Software: If your Roku TV’s software is outdated, it may cause issues with its functionality, including a black or flickering screen.
3. Power Source: If the TV is not properly connected to a power source or the outlet is not working correctly, it can cause screen issues.
4. Picture Settings: If the picture settings on your TV are not optimized correctly, it can lead to a flickering screen.
5. Faulty Device: Sometimes, the issue can be caused by the device you’re using to stream content rather than the TV itself.

By understanding these potential issues, you can better diagnose the problem and find the appropriate solution to fix the Roku TV screen.

Fixing My Roku TV Screen Black or Flickering

Note: Please note that for some issues, we have provided two different solutions: one for flickering screens and one for black screens. For the black screen fixes, we have included step-by-step instructions with remote button presses to complete the process without seeing the screen. For flickering screens, you will need to be able to see the screen to follow the instructions. Therefore, please select the appropriate solution based on your issue and follow the instructions carefully.

Fix 1: Disconnecting and Reconnecting Your Roku TV

Disconnecting and reconnecting your Roku TV is a simple troubleshooting step that can help resolve various issues. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Unplug the power cable from your Roku TV.
2. Remove the power cable from the power outlet or power strip.
3. Wait for at least 10-15 seconds.
4. Plug the power cable back into the power outlet or power strip.
5. Plug the power cable back into your Roku TV.
6. Turn on your Roku TV and check if the issue has been resolved.

If the issue persists, try other troubleshooting steps, such as updating the software, changing the refresh rate, increasing the resolution settings, or performing a soft reset.

Fix 2: Checking for Loose Connections

Experiencing a black or flickering screen on your Roku TV, it’s essential to quickly inspect all cables for weak or missing connections. Ensure all the wires are correctly and securely inserted into your Roku TV, and if necessary, unplug and plug them back in to ensure proper connection.

It’s also important to check the HDMI and power cables corresponding to your Roku device, as loose wires can easily slip out of their connectors and cause screen issues.

Fix 3: Checking for Damaged Wires

When troubleshooting your Roku TV’s black or flickering screen, you must check for any damaged wires. Follow these steps to identify and fix this issue:

1. Inspect all wires and cables connected to your Roku TV, focusing on the HDMI cord.
2. Look for strange bends, fraying, or wires that can’t stay snug in the outlets.
3. If you identify a damaged wire, try replacing it with a new one. HDMI cables are affordable and readily available at most electronics stores or online.
4. Be sure to replace any other damaged wires you identify during your inspection to prevent future issues.
5. Once you’ve replaced the damaged wires, check if your Roku TV is functioning properly.

Fix 4: Power Cycling Your Roku TV

To fix the black screen issues you’re experiencing, power cycling your Roku TV can be a possible solution. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the TV by pressing the power button on the remote or the TV.
2. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
3. Wait 10-15 seconds to drain any residual power in the TV.
4. Hold down the power button on the side of the TV simultaneously.
5. Plug the TV again into the outlet and power it on.

Power cycling your Roku TV forces the device to reset and can potentially resolve black or flickering black screen issues.

Fix 5: Updating the Software on Your Roku TV

Flickering Screen

To ensure that your Roku TV OS is entirely up to date, follow these steps:

1. Push the home button on the Roku remote to go to the home screen.
2. Navigate to the settings by pressing the up button on the remote and selecting the settings icon.
3. Once in the settings, locate the system menu, and select “System Update“.
4. Check your current Roku version in this menu.
5. The device will automatically check for software updates from this screen.
6. If you need help determining whether your Roku TV needs an update, check the brand’s official website for the version number.
7. If your Roku TV doesn’t have the current version, force the upgrade.

Black Screen

Suppose you are experiencing a black screen issue with your Roku TV, try updating the software externally by following these steps:

1. On your PC or smartphone, go to the official Roku website.
2. Click on the Support tab on the top menu.
3. Scroll down and click on Software Update under the Helpful Resources section.
4. Enter your Roku TV model number and click on Download Software.
5. Save the downloaded file onto a USB flash drive.
6. Insert the USB drive into your Roku TV.
7. Press and hold the power button situated on your TV for 20 seconds to turn it off.
8. Wait a minute or two, then turn the TV back on.
9. The TV will detect the software update on the USB drive and prompt you to install it.

Updating your Roku TV to the latest software version will help ensure it’s fully compatible with your monitor and resolution settings. Following these simple steps, you can easily update your device and avoid potential compatibility issues.

Fix 6: Adjusting the Roku TV Resolution

Flickering Screen

If you can hear sound from your TV while it shows a flickering screen, it could indicate a resolution-related issue. Here are the steps to fix it:

1. From the Roku home screen, use the remote to press the Left button and go down to Settings.
2. Once you are in Settings, locate and select Display Type.
3. Inside the Display Type menu, you will see different resolution types. Usually, it will have Auto Detect selected. Still, if it detects the incorrect resolution type, that is where the black screen appears.
4. Select a higher resolution option that is listed. If available, select the option for 4K resolution.
5. If the issue persists, try selecting a lower-resolution option and see if that resolves the problem.

Black Screen

If your screen is black and you want to change the resolution settings on your Roku TV, it might take a few hit-and-miss trials. You can follow these steps:

1. Press the Home button located on your Roku remote three times.
2. Press the Up arrow once to highlight the “Settings” option, then press the Right arrow once to select it.
3. Press the Down arrow once to highlight the “Display type” option, then press the Right arrow once to select it.
4. If the “Auto detect” option is selected, press the Right arrow once to highlight the next resolution option.
5. Continue pressing the Right arrow until you reach a higher resolution than the current one.
6. Press the OK button to select the new resolution.
7. If the screen remains black, wait a few seconds for the TV to adjust to the new resolution. If the screen still doesn’t appear, try selecting a lower resolution.

If none of the resolution options work, consider checking the HDMI connection or resetting the device, as mentioned in the previous steps.

Fix 7: Changing the Refresh Rate in Your TV’s Settings

Flickering Screen

Changing the refresh rate in your TV’s settings may help resolve the problem. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Using the remote, navigate to the Settings menu.
3. In the Settings menu, select Display type.
4. Scroll down to Display mode and select the mode that your TV supports. The available options will depend on the capabilities of your TV.
5. Once you’ve selected the appropriate display mode, please scroll down to Advanced Picture Settings and select it.
6. You’ll see an option for Refresh Rate in the Advanced Picture Settings menu. Select this option.
7. Choose the refresh rate that is appropriate for your TV. Your TV manual should indicate the recommended refresh rate for optimal performance.
8. Once you’ve selected the appropriate refresh rate, exit the settings menu.

Black Screen

If your TV screen is black and you want to change the refresh rate, you can follow these steps using your Roku remote:

1. Push the Home button five times.
2. Press the Up Arrow once.
3. Press the Rewind button two times.
4. Press the Fast Forward button three times.
5. Now press the Down Arrow once and the Up Arrow once to select the Display type.
6. Press the Right Arrow once, then press the Down Arrow to highlight Advanced Picture Settings.
7. Press the Right Arrow to select it.
8. Now press the Down Arrow to highlight the Refresh Rate.
9. Press the Right Arrow to select it, then choose the desired refresh rate from the available options.
10. Press the OK button to save the changes.

Fix 8: Disabling the Bandwidth Saver Feature (Flickering)

Flickering Screen

Disable the Bandwidth Saver feature if you are experiencing a flickering screen issue on your Roku TV. Here are the steps to do so:

1. To access the Roku home screen, press the “Home” button on your Roku remote.
2. Using the directional pad, go to the left and select the Settings option.
3. In the Settings menu, go to the Network option and select it.
4. In the Network menu, go to the Bandwidth Saver option and select it.
5. Select the Off option to disable the Bandwidth Saver feature.

Black Screen

If your screen is black and you can’t see anything, you can still disable the Bandwidth Saver feature on your Roku by following these steps:

1. Push the Home button on your remote control three times.
2. Press the Up arrow once.
3. Press the Right arrow once.
4. Press the Left arrow once.
5. Press the Right arrow once again.
6. Press the Down arrow once.
7. Finally, press the Ok button to select “Disable” and turn off the Bandwidth Saver feature.

Fix 9: Performing a Soft Reset to Clear the Roku Cache

Suppose you have followed the abovementioned steps and still face the black screen issue. Then, you can perform a soft reset on your Roku device, which clears the cache.

Follow these steps to perform a soft reset on your Roku device:

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote five times.
2. Press the Up Arrow once.
3. Press Rewind 2 times.
4. Press Fast Forward once.

Your TV will reset if you correctly enter the buttons in the sequence mentioned above. If nothing happens after a little while, try pressing the buttons again quickly.

Fix 10: Resetting Roku TV

If you’ve tested all the troubleshooting measures and still cannot resolve the issue with your Roku TV, resetting to its factory settings is an option. However, this will delete all your data, including installed channels and personal preferences. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the physical reset button on your Roku device. Typically, this is a small button on the device’s back or bottom.
2. Hold the reset button for approximately 20 seconds using a small object like a paperclip.
3. Let go of the reset button and allow the Roku device to restart. This process may take a few minutes.
4. After restarting the device, check if the screen is still flickering or black.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Roku TV from scratch, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network.

Fix 11: Contacting Customer Support

Suppose you have followed all of the previously mentioned fixes for your Roku TV’s black screen but are still uncertain about the issue. In that case, contacting customer service for assistance is best.

Depending on your TV’s warranty status, they can offer repairs, replacement, or a refund. You may need to purchase a new TV as a final option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Thank you for reading this article on troubleshooting common issues with Roku TV. We hope the solutions provided have helped you resolve any problems you may have encountered while using your Roku TV. If you continue to experience problems, feel free to contact Roku customer support for further assistance. Remember always to follow safety guidelines when handling electronic devices, and keep your TV updated to ensure optimal performance.