In this guide, we will provide you with Roku troubleshooting no picture fix methods and discuss ways to avoid issues in the future.
Thanks to the many Roku users having this same problem, we were able to gather only proven-to-work solutions.
Keep reading and by the end of this post, you should be able to bring the picture back on screen.
First, check all cables and accessories to verify their functionality. Next, you can try changing the HDMI inputs or try using Roku on another TV. If Roku still doesn’t output a picture, you will learn how to perform a power cycle and reset Roku to its factory settings.
Lastly, we will discuss how to update your Roku’s firmware to avoid related issues in the future.
Before we jump right into the solutions, let’s first take a look at the possible causes for the picture loss on your Roku.
Let’s get started.
Before You Start Roku Troubleshooting No Picture!
It is of great importance to determine whether your Roku still has an audible sound. If you can still hear Roku audio output through your TV, the issue might be easier to solve than you think.
But in case there is no audio or video, we cannot determine the cause yet unless we perform some troubleshooting.
First, launch your TV to see if the red light on your device is glowing red. If the light is on, you will be notified with a startup audio a few seconds later
Can you hear the startup sound?
Either way, it is recommended to perform the troubleshooting methods below but first, let’s check why might your Roku lose its video output.
- Faulty cables & accessories.
- Faulty HDMI Input or cable.
- TV hardware malfunction.
- Corrupted data or inappropriate files.
- Bad resolution output
- Outdated software.
Note:
Before you proceed any further, switch to any other content media or TV channels to identify if your TV screen is working properly so you can exclude it as a possibility.
Roku Troubleshooting No Picture How To Fix?
Now when you are familiar with what might be the origin of the problem, we shall start troubleshooting.
We recommend applying our methods in order, regardless of your case as they are designed to identify and hopefully resolve the issue.
Also, make sure to check your Roku functionality after executing each of the methods to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.
Method #1 Check Roku Wiring
Your first step in the troubleshooting process in case of no picture would be to verify all of the wirings throughout Roku and your TV.
If your HDMI cable isn’t working well there is a great possibility that you would experience a black screen often.
In such cases, you must ensure that all cables are plugged in all the way into the corresponding port.
It would also be appropriate to verify the functionality of an HDMI Splitter if you are using one because those are well-known to experience power outages occasionally.
But if you don’t have pictures as the title suggests, then your HDMI cable might not be working at all. If you have an alternate cable, don’t hesitate to try it as soon as possible.
This way you will determine whether the issue is with the cable, your splitter, or AV receiver.
Method #2 Alter Roku Power Income
Display picture outages are well-known to be sometimes due to a power failure of your Roku device or TV.
This is why our second method would be dedicated to performing a firm power cycle on all devices involved in the workflow.
This method is universal so you can apply it on your TV as well:
- Using the button on the back of Roku, turn off the device and the TV.
- Unplug your Roku and TV’s power cables from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 3-5 minutes with disconnected power cables for the best result.
- Plug all of the cables into the corresponding slots and turn the devices on.
- Check if you have a clear picture of Roku now.
If you are using a divider or strip, make sure to plug all of the power cables into a standalone wall outlet.
We know it may sound challenging, but only this way you will determine whether your strip or divider has a power malfunction.
Method #3 Change HDMI Input
Your next step is to change the HDMI input just in case it doesn’t work any longer.
If your TV has more than one HDMI port, feel free to test all of them to see if they are going to broadcast any picture from Roku.
NOTE: This method will only work if the HDMI cable you are trying this method with is fully functional.
To ensure the HDMI cable’s functionality, you can try plugging it into another TV to see if it is going to work or not.
Method #4 Change Resolution Output Mode
The problem could be coming from incorrect resolution output configuration.
This setting can be found in your TV’s menu and does not require access to your Roku settings.
To change the resolution output mode, open your TV’s menu and select Settings.
Next, go to Display Type and make sure that the mode is selected to be Automatic. If it is not set to auto, make sure to select it and save changes.
Method #5 Apply Key Combo
There is a specific combination of keys on your Roku remote that will internally reboot your device and hopefully solve the no picture issue.
Take your Roku remote (while the device is on) and follow the steps precisely:
- Press the home button, 5 times.
- Hit the up arrow button once.
- Press the rewind/back button twice.
- Lastly, press the fast forward button twice.
Be patient and allow your Roku device to restart. Once back up feel free to test its functionality.
Method #6 Try On Another TV
Our Roku no picture troubleshooting guides continues with identifying if the issue is related to your TV or Roku itself.
After checking if all cables were embedded as intended, here, you will be able to determine whether the issue is with your TV and potentially learn how to fix it.
Take your Roku and try using it on another TV. If the issue appears there as well, then the problem is definitely in your Roku.
It could be the power cable so don’t get discouraged. In case the issue is gone with the new TV, then let’s take a look at how can you troubleshoot the previous one:
- Check if your TV is outdated and make sure to update it to its latest firmware.
- Ensure that your Roku device picture output is compatible with the TV.
- Test if another media is having this exact same issue.
NOTE: There are no preferences for the TV you are going to test this out with, but make sure to at least contain an HDMI port for the cable to go in.
If by now you have identified that the issue is with your TV and not Roku, then there is no point in troubleshooting the device further.
If the problem, however, comes from the Roku device, you might need some additional help.
You can now confidently reach out to Roku customer service and hopefully, they will be able to help in case the issue is now with the hardware.
If hardware is the case, you might want to check if your warranty is still intact.
Read Next: How to Improve Roku Picture Quality?
Bottom Line
Now when you know the Roku troubleshooting no picture, you should be fully capable of resolving the issue by yourself.
Even if the problem still persists, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from a skilled technician to take a look at your Roku or TV device.
If you are interested in more content related to solving Roku issues, feel free to check our tech blog and find a solution to your issue!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.