If your TCL Roku TV is stuck in recovery mode, then you are not alone. Even if the software update is completed wireless or via USB, the Roku TV restarts only to go back into the recovery mode loop. This issue is most prominent on TCL Roku TVs, but also happens on Hisense and Onn Roku TVs.
After spending a lot hours online looking for ways to fix this, I found 7 proven ways to fix a Roku TV stuck in recovery mode which I will show you in this guide.
Also, if you have been dealing with this issue for a while, you might have come across one or two of the things I will mention in this guide. That’s okay, if they didn’t work for you, they have (and will) for others. So, just make sure you try everything first.
Without any further ado, let’s dive right in!
Roku TV Stuck in Recovery Mode
If your Roku TV won’t get out of recovery mode, follow the step-by-step troubleshooting guide below to resolve it.
1. Power Cycle Wireless Router & TV
If your Roku TV is stuck in recovery mode, the first thing you should do is power cycle your wireless router and TV. In fact, this was also recommended by a Roku support staff and some users have found success by doing this.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Unplug your TV from the power outlet
- Turn off and unplug your wireless router from the power outlet
- Plug back devices back in and turn them on
- Allow both devices to reboot
If that fixes the issue for you, great! Otherwise, move on to the next step.
2. Tap and Hold the Reset Button
This is one of the methods which fixed the Roku TV recovery mode issue the most.
Here’s how to get out of recovery mode on TCL Roku TV (works on other brands too):
- First, make sure the TV is plugged in and turned on
- Locate the reset button at the back of your Roku TV. Once located, you will need a pointed object like a pen or pin.
- Press the reset button 5-7 consecutive times really fast, and on the last press, hold the button for 5-10 seconds. You can release the button once the TV turns back on.
- Once it reboots, the recovery mode screen (purple screen) should be gone and your Roku TV should start the software update (only this time, not on the recovery mode screen)
- Once the update is complete, you are good to go!
NOTE:
- As you click the reset button, the LED light should be flashing on each click
- If it doesn’t work for you on first try, try it multiple times. Some users had to try it over and over before they finally got around it.
If your Roku TV is still stuck in recovery mode after multiple tries, move to the next method.
3. Power Cycle While Holding Reset Button
Another way to fix an Hisense, Onn or TCL Roku TV stuck in recovery mode is to power cycle it while holding the reset button. This is a bit different from the previous method and a lot of people also got their TVs using this simple trick.
You may need a second person to help you with this depending on how far the TV is from the power outlet.
Here’s what I mean:
- Again, make sure the Roku TV is on at first.
- Press and hold the reset button on the TV, then unplug the TV directly from the power outlet while still holding the reset button.
- While still holding the reset button, plug the TV back into the power outlet. Once the TV is on, let go of the reset button.
- Your Roku TV should boot up and be out of recovery mode.
If your Roku TV is still stuck in recovery mode after multiple tries, try the next method.
4. Reset & Hold the Power Button
This is another method to fix a Roku TV that is stuck in recovery mode. It is a bit similar to the second method, except you will also be using the power button here. The power button is located just around the LED light indicator in front of the TV.
That said, here’s what you need to do to get your Roku TV out of recovery mode:
- Again, your Roku TV should be on at first
- Press the reset the button at the back of the TV repeatedly until the power indicator gives you a constant solid white light (not the blinking ones you see on each press, this one will be hold for a bit longer).
- Once you see this, release the reset button. Then, press and hold the power button on your Roku TV. Your TV should restart once or twice showing the Roku logo, but keep holding the power button until you see the home dashboard
- Then, you are good to go!
You can see a visual demonstration below:
5. Leave It Unplugged For Hours
Another way to fix the Roku TV recovery mode loop issue is to actually leave it unplugged for hours. This could be from morning till evening, or just overnight. This is like an extended power cycle, and I’ve seen a few users who reported that the issue just disappeared after this.
After leaving it unplugged for hours, plug it back in and turn it on. From what I’ve seen, one of two things will happen next:
- Your Roku TV will turn on and just go straight to the home dashboard
- You will see a while light above the power button. Hold the power button until the TV turns on and goes to the home dashboard
Just like that, your Roku TV is out of recovery mode!
6. Replace the Main Board
If your Hisense, Onn or TCL Roku TV is stuck on recovery mode and you have tried everything I explained earlier to no avail, then you need to replace the main board. Also, do this only if your Roku TV is already out of warranty, otherwise just contact Roku for a fix under warranty.
That said, a lot of users who had this issue have found that replacing the main board is a permanent fix, and the main board costs around $25 on eBay.
I cannot link to the product page, because the main board is different for each brand and even model. To find the model you need to order, there are 3-4 different numbers printed on the board when you open up your TV. All three numbers have to match the board you order on eBay, otherwise it will not work for your TV.
Therefore, if you are comfortable with some technical repairs, you can under the main board, fix it under an hour and your Roku TV will be out of recovery mode. If you are not comfortable with that, you can get someone to repair it for you for a few extra bucks.
7. Contact Roku Support
The last thing on the list is to contact Roku support team to help you fix the issue. If your device is still under warranty, even better.
Depending on the brand of Roku device you use, you can contact their support team with the phone numbers below.
Roku TCL: 1-877-300-8837
Hisense Roku TV: 1-888-935-8880
Sharp Roku TV: 1-888-935-8880
LG Roku TV: 1-800-243-0000
Insignia Roku TV: 1-877-467-4289
Philips Roku TV: 1-866-309-5962
By following all the methods I have shown in this guide, your Roku TV no longer be stuck in recovery mode. Let me know which of these methods fixed the issue for you in the comment section below.
Or maybe TCL could do their job and issue an update that fixes this. If an update won’t work, then send me a fixed motherboard replacement!
#2 worked for me. Took a couple tries. Thank you.
You are welcome Karin, and thanks for your feedback.
#2 worked for me. 43” TCL Roku. Had to do it several times. Interestingly if light stays on it’s a complete reset and you log in again. If not it just goes to the regular channel select menu and works from there.
Glad to hear that, thanks for the feedback and contribution.
The issue on my TV is when I switch on, I can see the red screen briefly for less than 1 second and then display goes off. I can hear the sound though when I click on the remote but no display. Any idea what might be the issue?
That sounds like you are experiencing the TCL TV black screen issue. Follow the link for the troubleshooting guide.
It worked but after 10 minutes again stuck… and now .. nothing works
Wish I had donor sets for these that fail the above mentioned items and the main board has to be replaced. The boards can be repaired easily.
#4 worked for me!! Thanks so much. I was so stressed I’d have to buy another TV after so many other unexpected expenses. Lifesavers!
Glad you found it helpful.