Roku's black screen article is for a Roku player that powers on but shows no picture, and it puts the cause in a clear order. Step one, check connections: make sure the TV is on, press a button on the Roku remote to confirm the TV is not in standby or a screensaver, connect the player directly to the TV by removing it from any audio video receiver or soundbar, seat any video cable firmly at both ends, seat a Streaming Stick firmly in the HDMI port and try another cable.
The checks in more detail
Step two, check the TV input, which Roku calls the most common issue: use the TV remote's Input, Source or Video button to select the input the player is on, pause ten seconds on each input so the TV can detect video, and if a menu appears select inputs one by one until the Roku home screen appears; try a different HDMI port and, if possible, a different TV to tell whether the problem is the TV or the player.
Step three, power: some players do not get enough power even when the light is on, so use the supplied adaptor, and if you see a flashing red light or a low-power warning, plug directly into a wall outlet with the cable supplied. Final step, reset connections: disconnect and reconnect every cable, including the power cord; for a stick, unplug it from the TV and plug it back in. For a Roku TV with sound but no picture, use Roku's TV power article: try another outlet and factory reset.
Roku's HDCP error article covers a picture blocked by copy protection between devices. If you have a second HDMI device, use it to prove the TV displays an image on that input. A Roku that shows its logo on another TV proves the player works and the fault is the first TV, its port or the cable, which saves an unnecessary replacement. Write down what appears on screen and when, such as a logo, a menu or nothing at all. A Roku that reaches its home screen on another input proves the player works.
Differential
Likely causes of “Roku TV line and players has sound but no picture”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong TV input
What separates it The screen is black because the wrong input is selected on the TV
How to confirm Select the right input and wait ten seconds
- 2
Insufficient power
What separates it The status light flashes red or a warning shows because of insufficient power
How to confirm Use the wall adaptor to power the player, and check the light again
- 3
A receiver or soundbar in the chain
What separates it The screen is blank because a receiver or soundbar in the chain is interfering
How to confirm Connect the player directly to the TV, and not through a receiver or a soundbar
- 4
A TV fault
What separates it A Roku TV shows black with sound, which points to a fault in the TV
How to confirm Follow the TV steps for a Roku TV that has sound but no picture
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether another TV shows a picture
- Whether there is sound while the screen stays black
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the TV is on
ReversibleCheck that the TV is on and not in standby, before you look at anything else.
Select the input
ReversibleSelect the input on the TV, and wait ten seconds on each one, to let the picture appear.
Connect directly
ReversibleConnect the player directly to the TV, with no receiver or soundbar in between, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Try another HDMI port and cable
ReversibleTry another HDMI port and another cable, to isolate which one is causing the problem.
Use the wall adaptor
ReversibleUse the wall adaptor for power, since a weak USB port can cause a black screen.
Reset connections
ReversibleReset the connections by unplugging everything, and then connecting each part again, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Test on another TV
ReversibleTest the player on another TV if possible, to see whether the player is working.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Players
- Sticks plug straight into a TV HDMI port; boxes use a cable.
- TVs
- On a Roku TV the input is the Roku home screen itself.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Roku Ultra 4800/4802, Streaming Stick 4K, Express 4K, Roku Express, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, Roku Pro Series TV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the player shows a picture on another TV, the first TV or its port is at fault
- !If a Roku TV has sound but no picture after a factory reset, contact Roku
- !If the player is dark on every TV, replace it under warranty
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Connections, input and power.
Outlet, GFCI and factory reset.
Status light meanings and power sources.
CEC, ARC and eARC on many TV brands.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How long should I wait on each input?+
Wait about ten seconds on each input, since the picture can take time to appear.
Should I connect through a soundbar?+
Connect the player directly to the TV to test, and then add the soundbar again.
Can low power cause a black screen?+
Yes, low power can cause a black screen, so use the wall adaptor.
Can a cable be at fault?+
Yes, a cable can be at fault, so try another HDMI cable.
Should I try another TV?+
Yes, try another TV, to see whether the player works with a different screen.
What if a Roku TV has sound only?+
If a Roku TV has sound only, use the TV power steps, since the fault is in the TV.
What is HDCP?+
HDCP is copy protection between HDMI devices, and a mismatch can block the picture.
How do I check for updates on a Roku?+
Go to Settings, then System, then System update, and choose Check now, to look for a new version.
How do I find my Roku model number?+
Go to Settings, then System, and then About, where the model and the software version are listed.
What is the Roku mobile app?+
It is an app that works as a remote and lets you use private listening on your phone.
What is Headphone Mode?+
Headphone Mode is private listening through Bluetooth headphones, on the models that support it.