Insignia TV Blinking Red Light? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Emily Carr
by Emily Carr

Why is your Insignia TV blinking red? This is an aggravating circumstance indeed; whether you’re experiencing a minor or major issue, there are a few troubleshooting techniques that you can do at home.

If your Insignia TV has a blinking red light, a lack of internet connectivity is the most common instigator. Other reasons include a hardware bug, broken wiring, a faulty motherboard, and power failure. Make sure your infrared sensors are picking up a signal by moving around obstacles between your remote and the TV.

This article will help you figure out what’s wrong with your Insignia TV, why it’s blinking red, and how to fix the problem!

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Why Is My Insignia TV Blinking a Red Light?

When your Insignia TV stops working and starts blinking, you might wonder if you should call the customer service department for repair. However, sometimes this issue can be solved by you at home.

Check out the following tips to see if there’s a solution that fits your needs.

The top 6 reasons why your Insignia TV has a blinking red light are:

  • Lack of internet connectivity
  • Hardware bug
  • Power failure
  • Damaged cable cords
  • Motherboard is broken
  • Infrared sensor isn’t picking up a signal

When any of these problems arise, follow the recommendations below to save your TV from replacement!

Reason #1: Lack of Internet Connectivity

This is the most customary reason an Insignia TV will exhibit a blinking red light.

An Insignia TV (or any television that offers more than just cable) relies on internet connectivity to function. Streaming or On-Demand platforms rely strictly on WiFi.

If your TV is experiencing difficulties connecting to WiFi, it may be due to the lack of sufficient internet services. This can originate from the internet service provider or be from the aftermath of a storm or other outage.

The Best Solution

An Insignia TV blinking red light is a relatively common error.

The best way to fix this is to power cycle your TV. To do so:

  • Power off your TV.
  • Unplug the cable from the wall outlet.
  • Wait 60 seconds.
  • Re-plug in your TV and turn it back on.

Next, check Insignia TV’s network connections and make sure that they are intact and functional.

If the problem persists, reach out to your ISP to gauge how to solve this or what the timeline is for your power to be restored.

Reason #2: Hardware Bug

An Insignia TV’s red blinking light could also mean the device is in the process of loading, or it could have a lot of content attached to it.

This is a direct result of using your Insignia TV for other functions like gaming or streaming from different platforms. With so many interfering sources, your TV may be overworked and prone to things like a hardware bug.

The Best Solution

If you’re experiencing a persistent, unknown bug with your Insignia TV, try taking it back to the store where you purchased it. They can do a hard reboot from their end and identify where the hardware bug is coming from.

Insignia is known for their excellent customer service that is available in many stores or approved retailers across the country. If possible, also bring your remote control with you so they can rule that out as being a catalyst. The service department can help diagnose what your problem might be and fix it (usually the day of).

If you’d rather call customer service, make sure you have a good grasp on what’s happening in order to regurgitate it over the phone. An online service representative will be able to walk you through some troubleshooting!

Reason #3: Power Failure

If the Insignia TV is blinking red, this could also indicate a power failure. It is recommended that you turn off your television to protect it from any further potential damage.

The Insignia TV is specifically designed to power down when the power source malfunctions. This action prevents an electrical surge from ruining the parts in your television.

The Best Solution

A power failure can be the result of an outage or because your outlet is not functioning.

If it is not due to a power outage, you should check your electrical wiring with a voltage detector to see if that’s the issue. You could also flip a switch on and off to see if it makes any difference in your TV’s power/signal.

If the outlet is to blame, move outlets for now using an extension cord or the nearest alternative. Call in an electrician to take a look.

Reason #4: Damaged Cable Cords

It is possible that an Insignia TV blinking red light is caused by a faulty cable cord.

When Insignia TVs are used for extended periods of time, their parts become worn and fragile. This can cause the television to stop working- especially if the cable cords become frayed or damaged.

The Best Solution

Oftentimes, the reason a cable cord is damaged is that it’s coiled too much. It is recommended that you give your wires adequate space, so they aren’t wrapped around each other or rubbing against one another.

The company also recommends that all Insignia cords be plugged directly into the wall, not into an extension cord, which can disrupt the power source. This highlights the importance of having cables that are long enough but not too long for your space.

If your cable is damaged beyond repair, you can find a new one online!

Reason #5: Motherboard Is Broken

The motherboard (also known as the main board) is responsible for controlling your Insignia TV software. If your television is blinking red, and none of the above solutions do the trick, it’s probably broken.

A broken motherboard can cause a system-wide failure and prevent the Insignia TV from starting up at all. Replacing the motherboard is usually a difficult task, so call on an accredited technician if you are untrained.

The good news is that Insignia TVs have been around for a while, and replacement parts are widely available. They can even be purchased on online marketplaces for much cheaper than retail (just make sure what you’re getting is the real deal).

The Best Solution

If your Insignia TV is not working and blinking red, one of the first things to do is to make sure that you are connected to the internet.

Next, we recommend letting a professional take over. They will be able to provide the appropriate parts and complete the repair process. Replacing the motherboard is a substantial undertaking- not for the faint of heart or inexperienced.

Never attempt to handle an electrical part of your television unless you’re well-versed in the industry. Taking off the back casing of your TV can not only void the warranty, but it can also cause bodily harm like electrocution if mishandled.

Reason #6: Infrared Sensor Isn’t Picking Up a Signal

One problem that can cause an Insignia TV to blink red is the lack of an infrared sensor signal.

The Insignia TV infrared sensors work by using a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is usually the remote, and the receiver is your television. These two devices use IR waves to communicate back and forth.

If either one of these devices experiences signal interference, your TV will stop working.

The Best Solution

A reason you might have blocked infrared sensors on your TV is that there could be objects in the way.

You can point the remote directly at the device to see if you can re-establish a signal. If this doesn’t work, try moving things around to avoid any additional obstructions.

Another way to fix this is to purchase an infrared repeater system that will convert infrared signals to electrical signals, able to be distributed through wiring for high-intensity areas.

However, it may just be that your infrared sensors, either on your remote or TV, are broken. These parts can be replaced by an Insignia service facility.


Related Questions

What can I do if my Insignia TV power cord is broken?

If you have an Insignia TV with a broken power cord, you should simply replace it with a working one.Power wiring is meant to last a long time, but if you have had your TV for longer than 10 years, it’s definitely time for an update.You can purchase a new power cord on Amazon or by visiting the Insignia website. Other approved retailers, like Best Buy, may have cords in stock as well.


How do I reset my Insignia TV remote?

To reset your Insignia TV remote, you need to remove the batteries.The television remote has an open compartment located on the back of the remote where you will find two AAA batteries. To remove the batteries, use a small tool (like a mini screwdriver) to gently pry back the compartment cover and pull out the old batteries.Once you have removed them, replace them with two new AAA batteries by following these steps in reverse!


Why does my Insignia TV have a flashing blue light?

An Insignia TV may flash blue when it is plugged in, even if you didn’t attempt to turn it on.This is because Insignia TVs do this when they’re updating their software, so you may just need to wait for the update to finish.This type of error code could also indicate a problem with the internal parts, like the power supply board. Insignia TVs with a flashing blue light will need to be sent in for service.

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In Summary

Insignia TVs are high-quality devices that work to provide you with the best viewing experience possible.

However, an Insignia TV will start blinking red, indicating a problem when they’re experiencing a lack of internet connectivity or if their hardware is broken.

Follow the troubleshooting tips above to solve your issues, or call Insignia customer service for further help!

Emily Carr
Emily Carr

Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.

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