Samsung TV Red Light Blinking 6 Times? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When the red LED light on your Samsung TV blinks 6 times, and the TV doesn’t come on, you are pretty sure that there is trouble in paradise. Some other brands of TVs have extensive error code systems. Not so Samsung, so if your Samsung TV blinks the red LED 6 times, you only get a general idea of what is wrong.
If your Samsung TV starts blinking a red light, typically, you have a problem with the power supply board inside the TV or the LED backlighting behind the screen. You may also have a software problem or a conflict with the devices plugged into your HDMI ports. Other issues may cause a blinking LED but require a technician to interpret.
Power supply problems and backlighting on your Samsung HD Smart TV screen are the usual causes of a blinking red LED light. However, don’t be too quick to call for a service technician. Sometimes, there are other issues that you can diagnose and correct. You should eliminate these possible problems before you schedule a service technician.
Related Guide: Samsung TV Blinking Red Light?
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How to Diagnose the Problem of a Red Light that Blinks 6 Times
Samsung TVs are usually reliable without many problems. Your Samsung TV is driven by a computer, operating software, and needs the correct power for all its components. You can perform some simple diagnostics yourself that may solve the problem without the cost of a repair visit from a service technician. These steps should help.
Step 1: Try a Reset on your Samsung TV
Your Samsung TV might be suffering from a computer software glitch. The easiest way to solve these software problems is to perform a power reset on your Samsung TV. This is an easy step to perform and only takes a few minutes.
- Use your Samsung remote to power off your Samsung TV. You can also use the on/off button on your Samsung TV to turn the TV off.
- Unplug your Samsung TV power cord from the outlet on the wall. Take this chance to check the outlet and the plug for any damage or signs of overheating. A power problem could be the culprit for your misbehaving Samsung TV.
- Wait for at least one minute. Waiting this long gives the electronic components inside your Samsung TV time to dissipate any residual electrical power they may have stored. This waiting period will also reset the software in your Samsung TV.
- Plug your Samsung TV back into the outlet.
- Use your remote or the on/off button on your Samsung TV to turn the TV on. In some cases, this will restore your TV to its normal operational state.
Step 2: Do a Full Power Recycle on your Samsung TV
Occasionally, a simple reset doesn’t work. The next option is to do a full power reset on your Samsung HD TV. A full power reset is different than a simple reset. This process takes longer and involves more actions.
- Turn off your Samsung TV using the remote control or the on/off button on the TV.
- Unplug your Samsung TV from the outlet on the wall. If you have not done so, check the plug and the outlet for signs of damage or overheating.
- If your Samsung TV is plugged into a surge protector, unplug the TV power cord from the surge protector as well.
- Let the TV sit for at least 15 minutes with no power connected.
- After 15 minutes, press the power button on the TV for about 60 seconds
- After one minute and while still holding the power button, plug the Samsung TV power cord back into the outlet. Bypass your surge protector, if you use one, for the time being.
- Release the power button and then press the button again. If the reset successfully fixed the problem, your Samsung TV should come on and operate normally.
Step 3: Perform a Software Reset
If your Samsung TV persists in blinking the red LED light 6 times, one more reset is available. This is a soft reset and is performed using the buttons on the TV and not the remote control.
- Locate the MENU and VOLUME DOWN buttons. Press these two buttons at the same time and hold them down. Press the POWER button while holding the MENU and VOLUME DOWN buttons.
- Watch for the blue LED light to come on and stay on.
- Hold the MENU button and the VOLUME DOWN button for at least 10 more seconds after the blue LED light comes on.
- Release the MENU button and the VOLUME DOWN button after 10 seconds.
- If this works, your Samsung TV should start displaying images within 30 seconds.
Step 4: Eliminate any HDMI Conflicts
Occasionally, a conflict between devices plugged into the HDMI ports on your Samsung TV can interfere with the firmware that controls the TV. This can cause the red LED light to blink 6 times. To diagnose a problem with the HDMI ports and your accessory devices, a process of elimination is in order.
- Turn off your Samsung TV using the remote control or the on/off button on the TV.
- Unplug all your accessory devices.
- Turn the TV on using the remote control or the on/off button.
If there is a problem with the HDMI ports or your accessory devices, the TV should come on and work normally. If so, by plugging each device in separately, you can determine which HDMI port or device is causing the problems. Begin by plugging in one device and checking the Samsung TV operation. Plugin another device and cable and repeat the process.
When the Simple Fixes Don’t Work, and the Red Light Keeps Blinking
If the first set of diagnostic steps above don’t resolve your blinking red LED problem, you have more serious internal issues with your Samsung TV. At this point, your best option may be to call a trained Samsung service technician to repair your TV. However, if you are comfortable working on electronics, you may diagnose and fix your Samsung TV.
A Bad or Damaged Power Supply Board
The most common cause of a blinking red LED indicator light on your Samsung TV is a problem with the power supply board. You can repair or replace the power supply board relatively easily if you have the required skills and tools. If your Samsung TV is still under warranty, you should contact Samsung about a warranty claim before you attempt any kind of repairs.
Repairing a Samsung Power Supply BoardBefore working on the power supply board in your Samsung TV, make sure it is disconnected from the power outlet. You should also wait at least 15 minutes after unplugging the power. Capacitors can hold a serious electrical charge that can be dangerous.
Samsung power supplies are known for blowing capacitors. It is possible to replace the capacitors on a Samsung power supply board if you are familiar with electronic parts and have some skills in soldering. Bad capacitors on the power supply board will bulge or look burned. If you need to replace the power supply capacitors, experts suggest using capacitors rated at 450 volts 100 Uf.
Replacing a Samsung Power Supply BoardReplacing the power supply board in your Samsung TV is much easier than making a repair. Replacement power supply boards are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. There are some things to remember about replacing a power supply board.
- Make sure your Samsung TV is unplugged and has had time for the capacitors on the power supply board to discharge fully.
- Make sure that your replacement power supply board is an exact match to the damaged board in your Samsung TV. To locate the correct power supply board, you will need the make and model of your Samsung TV. In some cases, the serial number is also needed to ensure you get the right part.
- Take a picture of the damaged power supply board still installed in the Samsung TV with all the wires and cables attached. This gives you a clear reference of where things go as you install the new power supply board.
- Remove the old power supply board and unplug all the wires and cables.
- Carefully replace the wires and cables onto the new power supply board. Refer to the picture you took earlier to ensure everything is correct.
- Install the new power supply board back onto the chassis of your Samsung TV.
- Close the case, plug in the power supply, and turn on your Samsung TV.
Issues with the Backlight LED’s on your Samsung TV Screen
The second most common cause of the red LED blinking 6 times are issues with the LEDs behind the screen of your Samsung TV. Replacing or repairing these LED lights requires removing the LED screen itself from the chassis and mounts.
Removing and handling the screen from your Samsung TV is a delicate operation. If the screen is not handled properly, it can crack, making it unusable. This can be a much more expensive repair than fixing the backlight LEDs.
We recommend that homeowners not try to make repairs to the backlight LEDs themselves. Samsung service technicians have the tools and knowledge to perform this task easily without damaging the screen.
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Stopping the Blinking
More than likely, a power supply to backlight issue is the cause of the blinking red LED on your Samsung TV. However, taking a few minutes to perform some simple diagnostics and resets yourself may save you the cost of a visit from a service technician. Remember to always work safely when you are dealing with electricity.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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