Roku turns on but the screen stays black
A black screen means the HDMI cable is loose or not fully plugged in. Unplug the cable from both the Roku and TV, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in firmly until it clicks.
Your Roku sends its picture through an HDMI cable to your TV. If the cable is loose, damaged, or plugged into the wrong TV port, the TV stays black. Unplugging and replugging the cable fixes most loose connections. If that doesn't work, trying a different HDMI port on your TV rules out a broken port.
- ✓Locate where your HDMI cable connects to the Roku and TV
- ✓Know which TV input source your Roku is plugged into (HDMI 1, 2, 3, etc.)
- ✓Have your TV remote within reach to change input sources
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the Roku is broken when the problem is a loose HDMI cable.
- Forgetting to check if the TV is on the correct input source — this is a common but easy fix.
- Plugging the cable back in loosely instead of pushing it firmly until it clicks.
Signs you need professional help
- If you've tried multiple HDMI cables, multiple HDMI ports, and checked your TV input source but still see a black screen, give us a call. If you hear audio from the Roku but see no picture on the TV after trying these steps, we can check whether the Roku's video output is working.
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Book your weekend slot and we handle the rest.
Was this guide helpful?
Can't fix it yourself?
Most issues are resolved remotely in 15 minutes. Weekend appointments only, no parts, no in-home visit needed.
