Forum Discussion

RTVfishes's avatar
RTVfishes
Reel Rookie
2 years ago
Solved

Roku TV starts apps are missing

I'm having an issue with my TV, it booted up normally but when it got to the screen that usually shows all your apps and settings is just a blank background. Not a black screen, it's not the screen saver, the only thing on it is my chosen background, logo in top left and time in top right (the time is not frozen). There's absolutely nothing to click on the screen and attempts to use my remote and Roku remote app do nothing, but the light on the TV indicates that it's receiving the input.

I've tried unplugging it for a few minutes up to a few hours, tuning it on and off again, replacing the batteries in my remote. The only thing I can think to do is to factory reset but I can't get into my TV's settings, and there doesn't appear to be any buttons on the TV itself other than the power button. This morning I tried to turn it on again after being unplugged for a few hours, it didn't even show a loading like it showed previously, just straight to the blank background. The TV is also mounted on a wall making it hard to access anything in the back, I'm currently unable to dismount it from the wall. It's an older TV so I'm thinking its probably an issue with it's software but I can't do anything to reset it? No idea what model or year, TV says TCL Roku.

home screen
  • RokuArjiemar's avatar
    RokuArjiemar
    12 months ago

    Azalbee,

    Thank you for posting in the Roku Community!

    We appreciate you contacting us about the issue you're experiencing with your TCL Roku TV. We understand how important it can be when menus or apps are missing from your home screen, and we're here to help. 

    A system restart is the least invasive reset method. Please use the instructions below to restart the system from the Settings menu.

    1. Press Home on your Roku remote 
       
    2. Scroll and select Settings
    3. Select System
    4. Select Power. If you do not see a Power submenu, skip to the next step.
    5. Select System restart

    In either case, your Roku device will complete a system restart and hopefully return to regular operation after a moment. 

    For detailed information on restarting your system, please check here: How to restart or factory reset your Roku streaming device.

    Thanks,
    Arjiemar

18 Replies

  • iu360's avatar
    iu360
    Streaming Star
    12 months ago

    Hello
    Try this

    Your Roku TV is stuck in a software glitch, especially if you can't access the main menu or any apps. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try before attempting a factory reset:

    Power Cycle the TV: You’ve already unplugged it for a few hours, but try a different approach—unplug the TV, hold the power button (if accessible) for about 15-30 seconds to drain any residual power, then plug it back in after a minute.

    Reset Using the Remote: Try a "soft reset" if your remote is functional. Press the following buttons in sequence:
    Home button 5 times, Up once, Rewind twice, and Fast Forward twice.
    This might force a system reboot without accessing the settings menu.

    Look for a Physical Reset Button: Many TCL Roku TVs have a small reset button on the back or side of the TV. Use a paperclip or a small pointed object to press and hold this button for about 10-20 seconds. This can sometimes reset the TV without requiring the on-screen menu.

    Check HDMI Connections: If you have any devices plugged into the HDMI ports, disconnect them and see if the TV responds differently. Sometimes, a faulty HDMI connection can interfere with the TV’s startup.

    Contact TCL Support: If these steps don’t work, it might be a deeper software issue. Contacting TCL support or checking for troubleshooting guides specific to your model may provide additional options.

    If you can access the reset button or find a way to dismount the TV temporarily, a factory reset might be the next step.

  • makaiguy's avatar
    makaiguy
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    For a Factory Reset, press and hold the physical power button for 30 seconds. 

    [Edited to add...]  Sorry, I meant the physical reset button on the TV.

    • RTVfishes's avatar
      RTVfishes
      Reel Rookie
      2 years ago

      Tried that, the TV just turns off or on. The loading screen has come back though, which says 'Roku 4K HDR' it's a red background.

      • renojim's avatar
        renojim
        Community Streaming Expert
        2 years ago

        RTVfishes, look for a reset button on the back of the TV.  You may need something like a paperclip to press and hold it for 30 seconds.

  • DianeGi's avatar
    DianeGi
    Newbie
    6 months ago

    I had this issue. I turned the TV off. I unplugged  the power cord. Plugged it back in and the TV worked came back on and everything was normal again. Took Abt 2 minutes to resolve. 

    • RokuTakashi's avatar
      RokuTakashi
      Community Moderator
      6 months ago

      Hi, RTVfishes​ 

      Welcome!

      Thanks for sharing the workaround! This will be a great help and will guide other users facing the same issue in this thread. 

      If you have further concerns or inquiries, feel free to reach out anytime.

      Thanks,

      Roku Community Team