Many Roku TV users have experienced this issue, and it can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of watching your favorite show or movie. But don’t worry, we’ve diagnosed lot’s of Roku issues, and there are several common causes for this behavior. The good news is they’re pretty easy to address!
If your Roku TV keeps turning off, check the power source and adjust the power settings on the Roku device first. Then, consider if an HDMI-CEC connection is turning the TV off. After that, consider software updates and resets the TV before contacting Roku support.
We’ll talk about these fixes and a few more that can solve this problem for you below, and after that we’ll go into the more advanced troubleshooting and other Roku issues you should watch out for. And don’t worry – it’s not because your device is haunted! Let’s get started!
6 Quick Fixes For a Roku That Turns Off Automatically
First, let’s try to just fix the issue without troubling you with all the gritty details. There will be time and space for that below–and more! And if you fix this only to find you’re now getting a low power issue, check out our related post. But for now, here are the things you should try to fix your Roku TV that keeps turning off:
| Steps | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| 1. Check the power source | Ensure Roku is connected to a secure power outlet. |
| 2. Turn off HDMI-CEC | On your Roku TV, go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) and turn off the feature |
| 3. Adjust the power settings | Go to Settings > System > Power and select “Never”. |
| 4. Check for software updates | Navigate to Settings > System > System update. |
| 5. Reset the TV | Access Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset. |
| 6. Consider Overheating | Move the TV out from the wall a few inches and moving other heat sources away. |
Let’s pause to talk a more about these fixes, but note that you should also see our Advanced Fixes section below if none of this is working. If you have other wonky behavior, like unexpected narration, note that we have other guides for you here. But for now let’s get back to this issue!
Checking the power source
The first step is to verify that your Roku is connected to a reliable power source. Frequently, an unstable power connection or a faulty outlet can result in the Roku turning off automatically.
To resolve this, ensure that the power cable is securely plugged into both the Roku device and the power outlet. Consider trying an alternative outlet or using a different power cable if necessary. A stable power connection is essential for the proper functioning of your Roku TV.
Turning off HDMI-CEC
Another potential cause of automatic shutdowns on Roku TVs is the HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) feature. HDMI-CEC allows devices connected through HDMI to control each other’s functions (more in our full guide here). However, in some cases, this feature can cause compatibility issues and result in unexpected automatic power-offs. For instance, some users report the Chromecast in the HDMI port is causing the power-off.
To disable HDMI-CEC on your Roku TV, go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC) and turn off the feature. Disabling HDMI-CEC might help resolve the issue if it is interfering with the proper functioning of your Roku TV.
You can also ignore the details here and simply swap the connected device to a different HDMI port to see if that clears the issue.
This CEC connection can also complicate the sound from your unit, so if you have sound issues check out our other article handling that.
Adjusting the power settings
If your Roku TV is set to automatically power off after a specific duration of inactivity, adjusting the power settings can prevent the issue. By navigating to Settings > System > Power, you can modify the settings and set the “Auto power off” option to “Never.” This adjustment ensures that your Roku TV remains on until you manually turn it off, eliminating any unexpected automatic shutdowns.
Checking for software updates
Sometimes, software bugs can cause a Roku TV to turn off automatically. It is crucial to ensure that your device is running the latest software version, and by going to Settings > System > System update and selecting “Check now,” you can verify if any updates are available.
If updates are ready, follow the on-screen instructions to install them. Updating the software can resolve underlying software-related issues, including those causing the automatic shutdown problem.
Resetting the TV
If the previous steps fail to resolve the issue, performing a factory reset can be an effective solution. This step will restore your Roku TV to its original settings, potentially eliminating any problematic configurations or software conflicts causing the automatic shutdowns.
To initiate a factory reset, access Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, and carefully follow the on-screen instructions. Keep in mind that a factory reset will erase all your personalized settings and data, so you should plan to log back into everything once you’re back up and running! And note that resetting may cause some brief connectivity issues that we detail here.
Moving the TV
When a TV is placed in a confined space or against a wall, it can restrict the flow of air around the device. This can cause the TV to generate more heat than it can dissipate, which can lead to overheating and damage to the TV’s components.
And yes, this will lead to sporadic shutdowns as the unit powers on, heats up during everyday use, and eventually overheats and shuts down automatically. By moving the TV to a more open area with better air circulation, the heat generated by the TV can dissipate more efficiently, reducing the risk of overheating and extending the lifespan of the device.
Why Do Roku’s Turn Off Automatically?
As you can gather form the section above, the five most common reasons a Roku TV will keep turning off unexpectedly are:
- Power Source Issues
- Power Settings
- Software Bugs
- Overheating
We explained the fixes for these above, but it’s worth noting that these are pretty much all of the possible situations. But what about edge cases?
Consider the Remote
Is your remote trapped between some cushions? Maybe it’s just been lost to the abyss and you’re now using the Roku TV without a remote. If your remote is lodged in the cushions just so, you simply shifting your weight may be hitting the power button!
Handling Low Voltage Issues
In some cases, a Roku TV may experience power fluctuations or low voltage issues, resulting in automatic shutdowns. It should show you a plug and an error as shown in the image above (but with a different background). This could be due to electrical wiring problems or an insufficient power supply.
To address this, you may consider using a voltage regulator or consulting an electrician to ensure stable power delivery to your Roku TV. If you have a more or less normal TV using a normal outlet, there probably isn’t an issue here, but if you’re traveling and using an adapter, factor it in.
Disabling the Sleep Timer
If you have enabled the sleep timer feature on your Roku TV, it will automatically turn off after a specific duration of inactivity. However, if you don’t intend to use this feature or find it causing unnecessary automatic shutdowns, you can disable the sleep timer in the settings.
To disable the sleep timer on your Roku TV, follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on your Roku TV remote to go to the home screen.
- Scroll up or down and select “Settings.”
- Select “System.”
- Select “Power.”
- Select “Auto power off.”
- Select “Off.”
Maybe Your Roku Is Simply At End Of Life
Electronic devices have a lifespan, and over time, they may start encountering hardware issues or become outdated. If your Roku TV is considerably old and has been showing signs of declining performance or malfunctioning, it’s possible that it has reached its end of life.
In this case, replacing the device may be the most practical solution. As we’ve noted in a separate article, you should expect your Roku TV to last 6-8 years.
Reaching Out to Roku Support
If you need direct assistance from Roku support, you have a few options. First, you can visit the Roku support website and browse their help resources. You can also contact Roku support directly by submitting a support request on their website, or by calling their support line at 1-816-272-8106.
Other Common Roku TV (and General Roku) Issues
If you’ve made it past this power conundrum, you should know that your Roku could be failing in other ways, some more exotic than others.
Video and Audio Issues
Another common issue with Roku TV is video and audio sync problems. This can be frustrating when watching your favorite shows or movies. We have a full guide on this, but one quick solution is to check the HDMI cable connections. If the cable is loose or damaged, it can cause sync issues.
Try unplugging the HDMI cable and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, try using a different HDMI cable or port. Additionally, make sure the audio settings are properly configured in the Roku TV settings menu. Have a look at our guide above, which focuses on sound issues, and along the way see if your video issues don’t fix themselves when you line out the audio (in our experience this is what happens).
Connectivity Issues
Roku TV users may also experience connectivity issues. If the TV is not connecting to the internet, try checking the wireless connection and ensuring that the router is properly configured. If the problem persists, try resetting the router or contacting your internet service provider.
Additionally, make sure that the Roku TV is up to date with the latest firmware updates. Again, we have a full guide focusing on Roku connectivity issues you can hit up if you need more help.
Restarting Over and Over
If your Roku TV keeps restarting, it’s stuck in a restart loop and you should have a look at our other article on how to solve that here!
Staying Powered On
Experiencing automatic shutdowns on your Roku TV can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can easily resolve the issue. By addressing power source issues, adjusting power settings, checking for software updates, and handling potential overheating, you can ensure that your Roku TV stays on when you want it to. Some Roku TVs stop turning on at all.
With these tips and solutions, you can overcome any obstacles and make the most of your Roku TV experience and keep your Roku TV powered on when you want it to be!